Corp 911 FAQ

Question 1

What does it mean when a California corporation is suspended?

Accepted Answer

A suspended corporation or LLC has lost its right to conduct business in California. This means the business cannot legally enter into contracts, bring or defend lawsuits, or perform most business activities. Suspension is typically imposed by the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) for unpaid taxes or unfiled returns, or by the Secretary of State (SOS) for failure to file a Statement of Information.

Question 2

How do I know if my California corporation is suspended?

Accepted Answer

You can check your business status on the California Secretary of State website or the Franchise Tax Board website. If your entity status shows "Suspended" or "Forfeited," your business is not in good standing. You may also receive notices from the FTB or SOS, or discover the issue when a bank, vendor, or court flags your status.

Question 3

What is the difference between FTB suspension and SOS suspension?

Accepted Answer

FTB (Franchise Tax Board) suspension occurs when a business fails to file required tax returns, pay franchise taxes, or pay penalties and fees owed to the state. SOS (Secretary of State) suspension occurs when a business fails to file its required Statement of Information on time. A business can be suspended by one or both agencies simultaneously, and each requires separate resolution steps.

Question 4

Can a suspended corporation still do business?

Accepted Answer

No. A suspended California corporation or LLC cannot legally conduct business, enter into contracts, file lawsuits, or defend against lawsuits. Any contracts signed while suspended may be voidable. This is why it is critical to address a suspension as quickly as possible — the longer it continues, the greater the legal and financial risk to the business owner.

Question 5

What happens if I ignore a suspension notice?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring a suspension notice is one of the most costly mistakes a business owner can make. Penalties and interest continue to accrue. The business remains unable to operate legally. Contracts may be unenforceable. In some cases, the state can take further action against the entity. The longer you wait, the more expensive and complicated the reinstatement process becomes.

Question 6

What is the process to reinstate a suspended California corporation?

Accepted Answer

The reinstatement process depends on which agency suspended your business. For FTB suspension, you typically need to file all delinquent tax returns, pay outstanding taxes, penalties, and fees, and obtain a Certificate of Revivor from the FTB. For SOS suspension, you need to file a current Statement of Information and pay any associated fees. If both agencies are involved, the steps must be completed in the correct order — which is one of the most common mistakes business owners make on their own.

Question 7

How long does it take to reinstate a suspended corporation in California?

Accepted Answer

The timeline varies depending on how long the business has been suspended, how many years of delinquent filings are involved, and which agencies are involved. Simple cases can sometimes be resolved in a few weeks. More complex cases involving multiple years of unfiled returns or significant penalties can take longer. Corp 911 works to move your case forward as efficiently as possible.

Question 8

Can I reinstate my corporation myself without help?

Accepted Answer

Technically yes, but many business owners run into problems doing it alone. The most common issue is completing the steps out of order — for example, filing with the SOS before resolving FTB issues, which causes the reinstatement to be rejected. Corp 911 has over 25 years of experience navigating this process and can help ensure everything is done correctly and in the right sequence.

Question 9

What documents are needed to reinstate a suspended California corporation?

Accepted Answer

Required documents typically include delinquent California tax returns, a Statement of Information (if SOS-suspended), payment for outstanding franchise taxes and penalties, and an Application for Certificate of Revivor (FTB 3557). The exact documents depend on your specific situation. Corp 911 helps identify exactly what is needed for your case.

Question 10

What is a Certificate of Revivor?

Accepted Answer

A Certificate of Revivor is a document issued by the California Franchise Tax Board that officially reinstates a suspended corporation or LLC to active status with the FTB. It is one of the key documents required in the reinstatement process. Obtaining it requires resolving all outstanding tax obligations with the FTB.

Question 11

What does Corp 911 do exactly?

Accepted Answer

Corp 911 provides corporate filing, tax, and administrative support services for California business owners dealing with suspended corporations and LLCs. We help identify why your business was suspended, organize and prepare the required documents and filings, and guide you through the reinstatement process step by step. We have been doing this for over 25 years.

Question 12

Is Corp 911 a law firm?

Accepted Answer

No. Corp 911 is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We provide corporate filing, tax, and administrative support services. If you need legal representation or a legal opinion, we recommend consulting a licensed California attorney. For the practical, document-preparation side of the reinstatement process, Corp 911 is here to help.

Question 13

How quickly can Corp 911 help me?

Accepted Answer

We can begin reviewing your case right away. For urgent situations — such as an upcoming contract deadline, a pending lawsuit, or a bank requirement — we offer priority handling to move as fast as possible. Contact us at 818-478-1680 or visit Corp911.com to get started immediately.

Question 14

How do I get started with Corp 911?

Accepted Answer

The fastest way to get started is to call us at 818-478-1680 or visit Corp911.com. You can also stop by our office at 3501 W. Burbank Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505. We will review your situation, identify what needs to be done, and help you move forward quickly.

Question 15

Does Corp 911 handle both LLC and corporation reinstatements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Corp 911 assists with both California LLC and California corporation reinstatements. The process differs slightly between entity types, but we have extensive experience with both. Whether your business is a C-corp, S-corp, or LLC, we can help.

Questions About Suspended Corporations

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