Obtaining a Certificate of Status/good standing/compliance

A Certificate of Status allows you to verify the operational status of any corporation across Canada. This certificate indicates whether an existing corporation is in good standing with the Provincial government, the location where the corporation resides and if the corporation is in good standing with Revenue Canada (is up to date on its corporate tax filings). The Certificate of Status typically has three different classifications, which are “active”, “dissolved” or “in default”.

Why is a Certificate of Status required?

• Financial institution may require this for verification purposes
• “Professional corporations” are required to provide a Certificate of Status to their governing body once per year
• If a foreign physical address is being set up for your business
• To ensure an existing corporation is up-to-date with both their Provincial and Federal Governmental requirements.

Please note that Ontario Business Central will not be able to process certificates of status requests for the following types of organizations:

• Banks
• Insurance companies
• Condominium corporations
• Co-operatives (contact the Financial Services Commission of Ontario in order to request it)
• Credit Unions (contact the Financial Services Commission of Ontario in order to request it)

Allow Ontario Business Central to help you obtain a Certificate of Status on your behalf.