On November 13, 2019, the Pennsylvania Department of State became aware of a partial scam used to lure recently registered businesses into remitting payment to “PA Certificate Services” in order to receive a Certificate of Good Standing.
According to Pennsylvania, PA Certificate Services is not registered to do business in Pennsylvania. It is an entity set up to collect funds from unsuspecting business owners recently registered with the state. Pennsylvania can issue you a Subsistence Certificate or Certificate of Registration, not a Certificate of Good Standing. These forms are only necessary if it is requested by a bank, title company, or another third party.
If you receive a form in the mail titled “2019 Certificate of Good Standing Request Form” or any form from “PA Certificate Services,” ignore it.
If you need assistance in requesting a Subsistence Certificate, Certificate of Registration, or if you have other questions regarding notices received from taxing authorities, please contact Michael Carr at mcarr@troutcpa.com. If you need assistance in setting up a new business, please reach out to us at 717-569-2900 or complete the form below.
