Common statuses and what they mean
| Status | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Active | The entity exists and is registered with the state. Some states show "active" even while a report is overdue, so check standing too. |
| Good standing | Active and current on the reports and fees the state requires. Some states call it "in existence", "current" or "active, compliant". |
| Not in good standing | Still exists but has missed a required report, fee or tax, or has no registered agent. Also shown as "delinquent" or "past due". Filing what is missing usually fixes it. |
| Inactive | No longer active on the record. The word covers different things by state, from dissolved to delinquent, so read the full record. |
| Suspended | The state has suspended the entity's powers, often for unpaid taxes or missed reports. It may not be able to do business or defend itself in court until revived. |
| Administratively dissolved | Closed by the state, usually for missed annual reports, fees or a registered agent. Many states allow reinstatement for a period. |
| Dissolved | Closed on purpose by its owners, by filing articles of dissolution. Also "voluntarily dissolved". |
| Revoked | The state revoked the entity's charter or, for a business formed elsewhere, its authority to do business in the state. |
| Forfeited | The entity lost its rights, typically for unpaid state tax. Texas, for example, forfeits entities that do not meet franchise tax requirements; see the Texas Comptroller's franchise tax pages. |
| Void | Used by some states, Delaware among them, for an entity whose charter became void for unpaid taxes or missed reports. See the Delaware Division of Corporations. |
| Cancelled | The registration has ended: an LLC that finished closing, or one cancelled by the state. |
| Withdrawn | A business formed in another state stopped doing business here and withdrew its registration. It may still exist in its home state. |
| Merged | Became part of another entity. Look up the surviving entity instead. |
| Converted | Changed into another kind of entity or moved to another state, usually under a new record. |
| Expired | A fixed term ended, or a name reservation lapsed. |
| Reinstated | Brought back after a dissolution, revocation or suspension. The record shows the earlier status in its history. |
Domestic and foreign
A domestic entity was formed in that state. A foreign entity was formed in another state and registered to do business in this one; its status here can differ from its status at home.
How to fix a bad status
Most bad statuses come from a missed annual report, an unpaid fee or tax, or a missing registered agent. While the business still exists, filing what is missing and paying the fees and penalties usually restores good standing. After an administrative dissolution, revocation or forfeiture, many states allow reinstatement for a period, by filing the missing reports and a reinstatement application. The state's business office publishes its own steps and deadlines.
Proving the status
For a bank, a lender or a contract, the proof is a certificate from the state, called a certificate of good standing, of existence or of status depending on the state. It is ordered from the state's business office, which sets its own fee; every state's name and fee are in our certificate of good standing guide.
Closing a business on purpose
A business that stops trading stays active on the record until it files to dissolve. Letting the state dissolve it instead usually leaves fees and penalties behind; see how to dissolve an LLC.
Each state's own words
Every state defines its statuses in its own law and on its own site, for example the California Secretary of State. Where we have checked a state's list, it is on that state's page here. Pick a state to look up a business and see its status, and see how to check if a business is legit for what else to look at.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Facts checked 2026-10-26 against the official sources linked above; confirm with the state or the IRS before you file. How we check our facts · Report an error