What is a Certificate of Good Standing and do I need one?
A DOR Certificate of Good Standing is the answer when individuals, businesses and other organizations need proof they've filed and paid their Massachusetts taxes in order to:
- Sell a business
- Some corporations are required to also obtain a Corporate Tax Lien Waiver.
- Obtain financing
- Renew or transfer a liquor license
- Verify a marijuana license
- Gain employment with the Gaming Commission and other agencies
- Participate in the HireNow Program
- Enter into other business transactions.
DOR does not charge a fee to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing.
How do I apply for a Certificate of Good Standing?
DOR recommends that individuals, businesses and other organizations obtain a Certificate of Good Standing with MassTaxConnect. It's fast, easy and secure.
For individuals and businesses registered with MassTaxConnect
- Log in to MassTaxConnect.
- Click on More
- Under Other Actions, select Request a Certificate of Good Standing
- Under Enter - Application Type,
- Go to the right-hand side, under Required,
- Select from the following dropdown list:
- Certificate of Good Standing (standard)
- Gaming Commission
- Liquor License
- Liquor License Transfer
- Marijuana License Verification
- Professional License Renewal
- Waiver of Corporate Tax Lien.
- Complete application and submit.
Visit the video tutorial How to File for a Certificate of Good Standing When You are Logged In.
For individuals and businesses NOT registered with MassTaxConnect
- Go to the MassTaxConnect homepage.
- Under Individuals, select Request a Certificate of Good Standing.
- Note: Non registered businesses must also choose Individuals.
- Under Enter - Application Type,
- Go to the right-hand side, under Required,
- Select from the following dropdown list:
- Certificate of Good Standing (standard)
- Gaming Commission
- Liquor License
- Liquor License Transfer
- Marijuana License Verification
- Professional License Renewal.
- Complete application and submit.
Please note
- If you must apply by paper, select Request for a Certificate of Good Standing and/or Tax Compliance or Waiver of Corporate Tax Lien.
- Processing of a paper application can take 4 to 6 weeks. DOR strongly recommends filing your request online.
- If approved, the Certificate of Good Standing will be mailed within 24-48 hours.
- Approved certificates can also printed through MassTaxConnect.
- DOR does not charge a fee to obtain Certificate of Good Standing.
What is a Corporate Tax Lien Waiver and do I need one?
A Corporate Tax Lien Waiver (along with a Certificate of Good Standing) is the answer for corporations that are being sold.
DOR does not charge a fee to obtain a Corporate Tax Lien Waiver.
Keep in mind:
- Limit Liability Companies can only obtain a Corporate Tax Lien Waiver if they file and pay corporate returns.
- Non-Profit corporations can not obtain a Corporate Tax Lien Waiver.
- Sole Proprietors can not obtain a Corporate Tax Lien Waiver.
How do I apply for a Corporate Tax Lien Waiver?
DOR recommends that businesses and other organizations obtain a Corporate Tax Lien Waiver with MassTaxConnect. It's fast, easy and secure.
- Log in to MassTaxConnect.
- Select the More tab
- Under the Other Actions, choose Request a Certificate of Good Standing
- Under Enter Application Information
- On the right-hand side, under Required,
- Select Waiver of Corporate Tax Lien from the dropdown list.
- Complete application and submit.
Please note
- If you must apply by paper, select Request for a Certificate of Good Standing and/or Tax Compliance or Waiver of Corporate Tax Lien.
- Processing of a paper application can take 4 to 6 weeks. DOR strongly recommends filing your request online.
- DOR does not charge a fee to obtain a Corporate Tax Lien Waiver.
Keep in mind:
- Limit Liability Companies can only obtain a Corporate Tax Lien Waiver if they file and pay corporate returns.
- Non-Profit corporations can not obtain a Corporate Tax Lien Waiver.
- Sole Proprietors can not obtain a Corporate Tax Lien Waiver.
Why can't I submit my application?
You can't submit an application if you have:
- Outstanding liability
- Unfiled returns or
- Other issues with your accounts.
You must file and pay Massachusetts taxes and remedy any other situations before filing for a Certificate of Good Standing or Corporate Tax Lien Waiver.
Can I print the Certificate of Good Standing or Corporate Tax Lien Waiver?
An approved Certificate of Good Standing or Corporate Tax Lien Waiver will be mailed.
However, if you need your certificate or waiver sooner, both users and non-users of MassTaxConnect can print within 24-48 hours after approval.
For individuals and businesses registered with MassTaxConnect
- Log in to MassTaxConnect
- Go to the Action Center tab and select the View Letters link.
You can filter the list of letters by entering Certificate of Good Standing or Corporate Tax Lien Waiver in the filter bar.
For individuals and businesses NOT registered with MassTaxConnect
When you apply for a Certificate of Good Standing or Corporate Tax Lien Waiver, you will receive an automated email with a confirmation code and number.
It is important to save this email as you will need this information if you choose to print out your certificate or waiver.
To print:
- Go to MassTaxConnect
- On the homepage under Quick Links, select Find a Submission
- Enter the email address used on your application
- Enter the 6 digit confirmation code which you received by email when you applied.
- Submit.
Notice of Non-Renewal of Professional License
Professional licenses are issued by the Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL).
If you owe Massachusetts tax or have not filed state returns, you may not be able to renew your Professional License.
If you received a Notice of Non-Renewal of Professional License, visit DOR's Professional License Renewal page.