Reinstating a Business in Delaware: Reinstatement Guide 2024

Embarking on a business venture in Delaware, also known as The First State, comes with many rewards and challenges. Ensuring your business remains in good standing within the state is essential to its success. If your company has faced dissolution or suspension, fear not – this comprehensive guide on reinstating a business in Delaware is here to help you navigate the process and breathe new life into your enterprise.

At LLCBase, we understand that forming a business can be an overwhelming experience, so we are here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re just starting an LLC in Delaware or looking to reinstate an existing business, our expert advice will provide you with the necessary knowledge and resources to get your company back on track and thriving in the vibrant Delaware business landscape.

Reinstate a Business

On this page, you’ll learn about the following:

What Does Reinstating a Business Mean
6 Steps in Reinstating a Business in Delaware
What Does it Mean to Be in Good Standing
Why Would a Company Be Dissolved
FAQs

What Does Reinstating a Business Mean

Reinstating a business in Delaware is reviving a dissolved or suspended company to regain its good standing and legally operate within the state once again. When a business is reinstated, it is given a second chance to meet all the necessary requirements and obligations set forth by the state.

There are several reasons why a business may need to be reinstated. For instance, it may have been involuntarily dissolved or suspended due to failure to comply with state regulations, such as not filing annual reports, not paying taxes or fees, or not maintaining the appropriate licenses and permits. In such cases, reinstatement becomes necessary to rectify these issues and restore the company’s legal status.

6 Steps in Reinstating a Business in Delaware

Allow us to guide you through the 6 essential steps for reinstating a business in Delaware easily and accurately. We have also compiled a list of the best business attorneys in Delaware to assist you with reinstating your business. Feel free to explore their services!

Step 1: Determine All Outstanding Fees

The initial step in reinstating your business in Delaware is to thoroughly assess any outstanding fees, taxes, or penalties that must be paid before you can proceed with the reinstatement process. These outstanding obligations could include but are not limited to $0 because it is not mandatory, $175 minimum, or any late filing fees that may have been incurred.

To accurately determine the amounts due, you should reach out to the Delaware Division of Revenue, responsible for managing and enforcing tax regulations within the state. They can provide a comprehensive overview of any outstanding balances that must be settled before your business can be reinstated. It is crucial to resolve these financial obligations, as leaving them unpaid can result in further penalties and hinder the reinstatement process.

In some cases, you may also need to contact other state agencies responsible for overseeing business operations, such as the Delaware Division of Corporations or the Delaware Department of Labor. These agencies can inform you of any additional fees, penalties, or outstanding requirements that must be met before reinstatement can occur.

Once you have identified all outstanding obligations and clearly understand the amounts due, ensure that you promptly settle these payments. Doing so will allow you to move forward with the reinstatement process and demonstrate your commitment to maintaining good standing and compliance with Delaware regulations.

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Step 2: Accomplish All Necessary Forms

To reinstate your business in Delaware, it is essential to obtain and accurately complete all the necessary forms mandated by the Delaware Secretary of State. The specific forms required for reinstatement may vary based on several factors, including the type of business entity, the reason for dissolution or suspension, and the unique regulations set forth by Delaware.

To acquire the appropriate forms and instructions for your business, visit the Delaware Secretary of State website or contact the office directly. They can guide you through the process and provide you with the most up-to-date forms and requirements for reinstatement. Read the instructions carefully and gather all the necessary information and documentation to complete the forms accurately.

Some common documents that may be required during the reinstatement process include the following:

Application for Reinstatement: This form typically requests basic information about the business, such as its name, address, and reason for dissolution or suspension.
Updated Annual Reports: If your business was dissolved due to failure to file an annual report in Delaware, you might be required to submit any missing reports to bring your business back into compliance.
Tax Clearance Certificate: Depending on the state, you may need to provide evidence that your business has satisfied all outstanding tax obligations before reinstatement can be granted.
Certificate of Good Standing: This document from the Delaware Secretary of State confirms that your business complies with all state requirements and is eligible for reinstatement.

Once you have obtained the necessary forms, allocate sufficient time to complete them accurately and thoroughly, ensuring that all information provided is up-to-date and consistent with your business records. Double-check your work to avoid any errors or inconsistencies that could delay the reinstatement process or result in further penalties.

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Step 3: Audit the Reinstatement Forms

A crucial aspect of the reinstatement process is conducting a thorough audit of the completed forms before submitting them to the appropriate state agencies. Meticulously reviewing your reinstatement forms for any errors or discrepancies will significantly increase the likelihood of a smooth and efficient reinstatement process and minimize the risk of delays or incurring additional fees due to inaccuracies.

Here are some tips to help you audit the reinstatement forms effectively:

Verify all business information: Double-check that all the details provided in the forms, such as the business name, address, and contact information, are accurate and up-to-date. Ensure your information is consistent across all forms and matches your business records.
Review financial information: If your forms require financial information, such as tax payments or fees, ensure that the provided figures accurately reflect your business’s financial obligations. Cross-check the numbers with your financial records to avoid any discrepancies.
Check for completeness: Go through each form and ensure all required fields have been filled out. Only complete forms can ensure the processing or even denial of your reinstatement request.
Proofread for grammar and spelling: While minor grammatical or spelling errors may not significantly impact the reinstatement process, you must present professionally prepared documents that reflect your commitment to maintaining good standing within the state.
Consult with professionals: If you need clarification on the reinstatement forms or need assistance reviewing them, consider consulting with a legal or financial professional familiar with your state’s reinstatement requirements. Their expertise can be invaluable in ensuring that your forms are error-free and compliant with state regulations.

By dedicating time and effort to auditing your reinstatement forms before submission, you can prevent potential issues and expedite the reinstatement process, ultimately allowing your business to return to good standing and resume operations within Delaware more quickly.

Step 4: Submit Completed Reinstatement Forms

After diligently completing and reviewing the reinstatement forms, it’s time to submit them to the relevant state agencies responsible for overseeing business compliance and reinstatement in Delaware. These agencies may include the Delaware Secretary of State, Delaware Division of Corporations, and the Delaware Department of Labor.

To ensure a seamless submission process, adhere to the following guidelines:

Identify the correct submission method: Different state agencies may have varying preferences for submission methods, such as online, mail, or in-person. Please consult the respective agency websites or contact them directly to determine the appropriate submission method for each form.
Follow submission requirements: Pay close attention to the specific requirements outlined by each agency, such as attaching supporting documents or including payment for any applicable fees. Please comply with these requirements to ensure your reinstatement request is completed on time.
Keep track of deadlines: Each state agency may have its own deadlines for submitting reinstatement forms. Ensure you submit your forms on time to avoid late fees or further complications in the reinstatement process.
Maintain copies of submitted forms: Keep copies of all completed forms and supporting documents for your records. This can be helpful in case any issues arise during the reinstatement process or if you need to reference the submitted information in the future.
Request confirmation of receipt: When submitting your forms, requesting confirmation from the respective state agencies may be beneficial. This can provide peace of mind knowing that your forms have been received and are being processed.

By carefully following the submission requirements and guidelines the appropriate state agencies provide, you can increase the likelihood of a successful reinstatement process and get your business back on track in Delaware more efficiently.

Step 5: Pay the Applicable Filing Fee

In addition to submitting your completed reinstatement forms, including the required filing fees as part of your application is essential. These fees can vary depending on factors such as the type of business entity, the specific requirements of Delaware, and the nature of the outstanding obligations that led to the dissolution or suspension of your business.

In Delaware, the reinstatement filing fee of $200 for your business, consult the Delaware Secretary of State website or contact the office directly. They can provide the most up-to-date information on the applicable fees and any additional charges required for the reinstatement process.

When submitting your reinstatement forms and the filing fee}}, ensure that you follow the payment guidelines provided by the Delaware Secretary of State. This may include paying through a check or money order, or an online payment portal. Include any necessary payment references or documentation to ensure your fees are correctly applied to your reinstatement request.

Step 6: Sit Back and Be Officially Reinstated

Once you have submitted all the necessary reinstatement forms and paid the required fees, the state agencies responsible for reviewing reinstatement requests, such as the Delaware Division of Corporations, Delaware Secretary of State, and Delaware Department of Labor, will begin processing your application. During this time, it’s essential to exercise patience as the processing time for reinstatement requests may vary depending on factors such as the agencies’ workload, the complexity of your case, and the specific requirements of Delaware.

While you wait for the official confirmation of your business reinstatement, consider taking the following steps to ensure a smooth transition back to good standing:

Monitor your application status: Keep track of your reinstatement request by periodically checking its status through the state agency websites or contacting them directly. This can provide you with updates on the progress of your application and alert you to any potential issues that may arise.
Prepare for resuming operations: As you await reinstatement, begin preparing to resume your business operations by ensuring that all necessary Delaware business licenses, permits, and insurance policies are up-to-date and in compliance with Delaware regulations.
Develop a compliance plan: To maintain good standing in the future, create a plan to ensure ongoing compliance with state requirements, such as timely filing of annual reports, payment of taxes and fees, and maintaining necessary licenses and permits.
Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with any changes to the state regulations that may affect your business, and be prepared to adapt your operations accordingly.

Once you receive official confirmation that your business has been reinstated in Delaware, you can confidently resume your operations, knowing that your company is in good standing and compliant with all state requirements. Remember to maintain ongoing compliance to avoid future dissolution or suspension, and focus on growing and strengthening your business within Delaware.

What Does it Mean to Be in Good Standing

Being in good standing in Delaware means that your business complies with all state requirements, including timely filing of annual reports, paying taxes and fees, and maintaining necessary licenses and permits. A good-standing business can legally operate in Delaware and is less likely to face penalties or dissolution.

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Why Would a Company Be Dissolved

A company may face dissolution for several reasons, often stemming from non-compliance with state regulations and requirements. When a company is dissolved, its legal existence is effectively terminated, and it must undergo the reinstatement process to resume operations in Delaware. Here are some common reasons for company dissolution:

Failure to file annual reports: Most states require companies to submit annual reports detailing their activities, financial status, and other relevant information. Please file these reports on time or provide accurate information to avoid the dissolution of a company.
Non-payment of taxes or fees: Companies must pay various taxes and fees, such as Delaware sales tax permit, income tax, and franchise tax, depending on the state and the nature of their operations. Non-payment or underpayment of these obligations can result in dissolution.
Non-compliance with licensing or permit requirements: Companies must maintain the necessary licenses and permits to operate within Delaware legally. Failure to obtain or renew these licenses and permits or operating outside the scope of the granted permissions can lead to dissolution.
Legal violations: Companies that engage in fraudulent or illegal activities, or violate state regulations in other ways, can face dissolution.
Voluntary dissolution: Company owners may dissolve business in Delaware for reasons such as retirement, changes in business direction, or financial difficulties. In such cases, specific procedures must be followed to legally end the company’s existence.

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Business owners must remain vigilant and comply with state requirements to prevent dissolution. By actively addressing compliance issues and staying informed about state regulations, companies can maintain good standing within Delaware and operate successfully.

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FAQs

What is the procedure to reinstate my LLC in Delaware?

Firstly, ensure that your LLC is not dissolved too long ago, then file an Application for Reinstatement with the Delaware Department of State’s Division of Corporations.

Is there a deadline for filing an application for reinstatement after dissolution?

Yes, there is a deadline. You must apply within the first five years after dissolution.

Can I apply for reinstatement if my business was involuntarily dissolved by the state of Delaware?

Yes, you can file for reinstatement for an involuntarily dissolved business in Delaware.

What is the penalty for late submission of reinstatement application in Delaware?

There is no penalty for late submission of reinstatement application in Delaware.

How do I know whether my business in Delaware is active or inactive?

You can check the active status of your business in Delaware on the Division of Corporations’ website.

What documents are required to be filed for reinstatement of a business in Delaware?

You must submit an Application for Reinstatement, along with other important documents related to registration and taxes.

Can I choose a different name for my business during the reinstatement process in Delaware?

No, you cannot change the name during the reinstatement application process.

How long does it take for the Division of Corporations to process the reinstatement application in Delaware?

The processing time generally takes around 3-4 weeks in Delaware.

Is there any fee required to be paid for reinstatement of business in Delaware?

Yes, a fee of $200 is required to be paid for reinstatement of your business in Delaware.

What is a Certificate of Good Standing in Delaware?

A certificate of good standing is an official document that states your compliance with Delaware business laws, rules, and regulations.

Is a certificate of good standing required for reinstatement of my business in Delaware?

No, it is not required, but it’s better to obtain one as it is advisable to have a document, proving compliance records for history.

Can I appeal against the denial of my business reinstatement application?

Yes, if your application for reinstatement is denied in Delaware, you have an option for appealing against it.

Does the Division of Corporations perform name availability search while processing the reinstatement application?

No, they do not perform a new name search during reinstatement processing.

Do I still need to file all the backdated Annual Reports when I file for the reinstatement application in Delaware?

Yes, you should file all the outstanding annual reports with th reclaimed.

How can I check the status of my reinstatement application file online in Delaware?

You can check the status of your e-filed reinstatement application at the Division of Corporations website in Delaware.

Will filing for business reinstatement in Delaware waive an accrued penalty or interest?

No, filing for business reinstatement does not usualllu waive interest and or penalty accrued.

Will I need a registered agent for the reinstatement of my business in Delaware?

Yes, you will need a registered agent for resigning your business with the state.

Is it possible to reinstate a Business Corporation in Delaware privately?

No, your reinstatement must be accepted by filing your processed the Application for Reinstatement with the State of Delaware.

To which office of the Delaware Department of State should I send my Application for Reinstatement?

You need to send your Application for Reinstatement to the Division of Corporations.

What is the method of payment for Fee to be attached with the Reinstatement application?

For payment, you can use MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover credit cards in Delaware.

Will I need to file for a new EIN after the reinstatement of my business in Delaware?

No, You don’t need to apply for any new EIN. Your existing EIN stays valid.

Can I request an expedited processing of the reinstatement application in Delaware?

Yes, within reason, you can request expedited service of your delaware reinstatement, fees range from $50-$1000.

What is a tax compliance certificate, and is it required for reinstatement of business in Delaware?

A Tax Compliance Certificate is evidence that your business is current with Delaware’s business taxes, including state income tax, gross receipts tax, or franchise tax in the state of Delaware. It is not generally required for basic reinstatement.

Does the Division of Corporations provide a status update while processing the reinstatement application?

No, generally the division of corporations does not provide a real-time status update during the processing of reinstatement application.

What is the first step in reinstating my LLC in Delaware?

Checking the Division’s website for your company’s signature number, any outstanding fees owed, and the name available streamlining Delaware inclusions.

Can I file my reinstatement application in paper format by mail in Delaware?

Yes, you can file the reinstatement application by mail along with appropriate checks payable to “Delaware Secretary of State.”, followed by express delivery items.

How long will it take to obtain an official copy of the certificate of reinstatement for my company in Delaware?

An official certificate may take 3-5 working days from being approved or processed and overall processing time up to 14 to 18 days.

Which business entity’s dissolution can be reinstated in Delaware?

LLCs, corporations, and partnerships can be reinstated in Delaware if applicable correctly on waiting checks.

Will the payment made with my reinstatement Application be refunded if it is not accepted in Delaware?

Almost none of filing or registration filings by Delaware corporations are refundable, including your application for Indiana reinstatement.

What is the process for reinstating a business in Delaware?

To reinstate a business in Delaware, you must file a reinstatement form with the Delaware Secretary of State.

What is the fee for reinstating a business in Delaware?

The fee for reinstating a business in Delaware varies depending on the type of entity and how long it has been inactive.

Can I reinstate my Delaware business online?

Yes, you can file for reinstatement for a Delaware business online.

What is the Good Standing Certificate required to reinstate a Delaware business?

A Good Standing Certificate is a document from the Delaware Secretary of State that proves that your company is authorized to do business in Delaware.

How long does it take to get a Good Standing Certificate from Delaware?

You can often get a Good Standing Certificate from Delaware within a few business days.

What if my Delaware business has been dissolved for more than two years? Can I still reinstate it?

If your Delaware business has been dissolved for more than two years, you will need to file for reinstatement as a new entity.

What if my Delaware business still owes taxes or fees when I seek to reinstate it?

You will need to pay any outstanding taxes or fees before you can reinstate your Delaware business.

What happens if I fail to file the requisite paperwork in Delaware?

If you fail to file the requisite paperwork in Delaware, your business entity can be dissolved.

Can I reactivate my business name anytime I like?

If you have dissolved your business, another business entity might have claimed your business name. You cannot just reactivate your business name without confirming whether it is still available.

What if I changed the name of my Delaware business after it was dissolved? Do I need to stick with that name?

If you changed the name of your Delaware business after it was dissolved, you can use either name and would only require a “doing business as” amendment.

Suppose my dissolved Delaware business was a corporation — who must sign the reinstatement form?

For Delaware corporations, the Secretary of State requires the signature of each officer serving in the company at the time of dissolution.

Can you backdate your Delaware business’s reinstatement?

No, you cannot have Delaware business reinstating backdated; a reinstatement is valid only for the day it is approved.

When must you file documents with the state once you’ve reinstated your Delaware business?

Once you have reinstated your Delaware business, it is crucial to file any necessary documents with the state right away.

What address should I use when filing Delaware reinstatement paperwork?

The address which your Delaware registered agent normally receives mail is the one for reinstatement filing.

Can I dissolve and then reinstate my Delaware business every few years to void state fees and taxes?

No, you cannot dissolve and reinstate your Delaware business temporally to clear out fees and state taxes.

Are non-US people permitted to perform Delaware reinstatement paperwork online?

Anyone, whether citizen or noncitizen, can file Delaware reinstatement paperwork online or through scrivener.

Can I get to deregister my expired Delaware company license plate without any repercussions?

No, If you possess an expired company license plate in Delaware, you are still responsible for filing your annual report with the state.

Can you reinstate your dissolved Delaware LLC and return to your registered agent before he files any state notifications?

When you reinstate a dissolved Delaware LLC, your registered agent will usually be the first person notified; hence an agent might reach out after notifying the state or secretary.

Could you change your Delaware-produced EIN but apply for a reinstatement?

No, after issuance of a new EIN for your Delaware business, you cannot revoke the issued number and start over – example by W-4 and the Tax assistance IRS would have issued.

Where will my Delaware reinstatement confirmation go after approval, and who receives?

The emailed copy of the Delaware reinstatement certificate approval confirms successful action for your business, traders, state, and primary email address held with the state.

Does it need two names to dissolve a Delaware LLC (one for the certificate date and one for the application)?

In disbanding a LLC Company in Delaware, you needn’t garner two distinct name adresses or form orders. Hence One will suffice—but note, the agency requires most statutory regulations before the certificate dissolution.

How can you know your Delaware LLC is scratched from the past records?

Records from a legal Delaware Agent/ Agency have erased a business entity’s existence upon full completion of efforts in the dissolution action.

If I separated from a partner, Can we dissolve and partner again with the company with subsequent documents and a reinstatement?

Whenever a limited liability company in Delaware endures changes via partners or shareholders, it’s possible to dissolve the enterprise and reform similarly – You’d’ve to complete obligatory requirements.

Can I wait too long to request LLC Delaware reinstatement?

Generally coming back as a dormant/ abandoned LLC from probable suspension/ revoke infers it’s formally banned or legit revoked. Only forming a new business in Delaware on new papers applies if so.

How can non-local licensees revive its extinguishing LLCs in Delaware under impossible agreement legislation established in its home jurisdiction?

State license relying wholly on non-enforceable interment often may conduct domestic residence solely originating from perfect domination-reliedly due to commensurate activity with other legal deeds?

Am I required to make adjustments to my Bylaws when I, after a Delaware business restoration? Or will utilization remain classic?

Even following your Delaware business reinstatement, no guide divulges calling for revisitations to vintages templates of Forms and Corporate precedes still applicable at restoring.

Given its schedule and matter, can restoring registered LLC’s, in co-existence with business division along national and domestic coverage through different licensed vested down level agencies, communicate official exchange with licensed serviced transactors?

A substantiated formal recess, resuming or opening amid different registered licensed deluge zones requires essential control validation along principal documents’ variance annexes changes before on-boarding inception.

Conclusion

Reinstating a business in Delaware is critical in revitalizing your company and ensuring its success. As you navigate the reinstatement process, remember that diligence, attention to detail, and compliance with state regulations is essential to maintaining good standing and avoiding future dissolution. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently bring your business back to life and seize the opportunity to grow and thrive within Delaware. So, don’t hesitate – to take action today, embrace the challenges, and unlock the full potential of your business as you forge ahead on your exciting entrepreneurial journey.

Visit our website today for more resources, guidance, and assistance tailored to your needs. Take the first step towards a brighter future for your company by visiting LLCBase now. Let’s make your business flourish in Delaware!