Which certificate must accompany the application to show that the corporation is active?

Which certificate must accompany the application to show that the corporation is active?

• A. Franchise Tax Certificate From the State Comptroller's Office
• B. Articles of Incorporation
• C. Certificate of Good Standing From the Secretary of State
• D. Business License From the City

Answer: (A)

The essential idea is proving the corporation is actively doing business and complies with the state’s tax requirements. The Franchise Tax Certificate from the State Comptroller’s Office shows that the company has filed its franchise tax return and is current (or properly no tax due), which demonstrates active status in state records. Licensing or registration applications often require this specific proof of ongoing activity and tax compliance, not just existence or formation documents. Articles of Incorporation establish that the entity exists but don’t confirm active tax status or ongoing compliance. A Certificate of Good Standing from the Secretary of State indicates the entity is in good standing with the state, but it doesn’t necessarily reflect current franchise tax payment. A local business license confirms permission to operate at the city level, not the state-level activity status. Therefore, the Franchise Tax Certificate is the appropriate document to accompany the application to show the corporation is active.

The essential idea is proving the corporation is actively doing business and complies with the state’s tax requirements. The Franchise Tax Certificate from the State Comptroller’s Office shows that the company has filed its franchise tax return and is current (or properly no tax due), which demonstrates active status in state records. Licensing or registration applications often require this specific proof of ongoing activity and tax compliance, not just existence or formation documents.

Articles of Incorporation establish that the entity exists but don’t confirm active tax status or ongoing compliance. A Certificate of Good Standing from the Secretary of State indicates the entity is in good standing with the state, but it doesn’t necessarily reflect current franchise tax payment. A local business license confirms permission to operate at the city level, not the state-level activity status. Therefore, the Franchise Tax Certificate is the appropriate document to accompany the application to show the corporation is active.