SDAT Certificate of Status System

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State Department of Assessments and Taxation
Certificate of Status System
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What is a Certificate of Status?
How much does it cost to use this system?
What is the difference between an internet certificate and a mailed certificate?
How long will it take to get a paper copy mailed?
How do I install the Adobe Acrobat Reader software?
How do I save an internet certificate to a disk?
Can I get an internet certificate and a mailed certificate?
Can I use American Express, Diner's Club, Discover, or other credit cards?
Why does it say I can't get a Certificate of Status from the system?
How can I get a credit on a failed certificate transaction?
Back to Certificate of Status System

What is a Certificate of Status?: A Certificate of Status, sometimes referred to as a "good standing certificate" is an official document from the State Department of Assessments and Taxation that indicates the status of the entity as of the date on the certificate. If an entity is in good standing, it means the entity is properly registered with the Department, all documents and fees required to be submitted to the Department have been received, and that no other State agency has notified the Department the entity is delinquent in tax payments. Good standing does not mean the business is properly registered with all appropriate local, state, or federal agencies, nor does it mean that complaints have not been filed with consumer protection agencies. If you want that information, you must contact the appropriate agency.
How much does it cost to use this system?: There is a minimum fee of $40 for each transaction. If you would like more than one copy of a certificate printed by the Department mailed to you, there is an additional $1 per copy charge.
How long will it take to get a paper copy mailed?: Paper copies will be mailed on the next business day. For example, a certificate ordered on Friday will be mailed on the following Monday (assuming that is not a holiday). Certificates ordered on a Monday would be mailed on Tuesday. All certificates are mailed first class US Mail from our mailing facility in Baltimore, Maryland. The amount of time it takes the mail to reach you will vary, depending on your distance from Baltimore.
What is the difference between an internet certificate and a mailed certificate?: An internet certificate will appear in your web browser window as an electronic document. A mailed certificate is printed by the Department and mailed to an address you provide. Both are official documents issued by the Department. Each one has a unique identifying number in the lower right hand corner.
How do I install the Adobe Acrobat Reader software?: This is a multi-step process. Go to the Adobe Acrobat page and select the Acrobat product you want. Only the free reader is needed. Follow the instructions to download and install the Acrobat software you have selected. If you would like to verify that you have successfully installed the Acrobat Reader, click here for a Adobe Acrobat Reader test.

If you have installed the Adobe Acrobat Reader software and you still can't access the system, it could be that the software is not properly configured with your browser. Click here for Acrobat Technical Guides. If you continue to experience problems after following the instructions provided, please call (410) 767-4288 for assistance.
How do I save an internet certificate to a disk?: When you have the certificate displayed on your screen, click on the File menu, then select Save As... Save the file on your computer.
Can I get an internet certificate and a mailed certificate?: Not in one transaction. You must do two separate transactions and pay the base fee each time.
Can I use American Express, Diner's Club, Discover, or other credit cards?: At this time we can only accept MasterCard and Visa.
Why does it say I can't get a Certificate of Status from the system?: Some businesses have special tax or other laws that affect them, such as public utilities. Issuing a certificate of status requires manual intervention to ensure that these special requirements are met. Also, the Department issues ID numbers for some things that do not represent an entity, such as a trade name. A certificate of status is not applicable to these accounts.
How can I get a credit on a failed certificate transaction?: Fax your request to the Department and we will investigate your transaction. Provide the date of the transaction, the Department ID #, name of the business entity, the credit card information, your name, telephone number, e-mail address. You may use the form on our website at www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/COScredit.html to fax in your request. If a credit to your credit card is warranted it will be issued within seven business days. You will be notified by e-mail that the credit has been issued.