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Educational Resource

Understanding
Status Types

Each registered entity in American Samoa is assigned a status based on its current filings and compliance. The following status types indicate whether an entity is active, restricted, closed, or converted, and whether it is eligible for a Certificate of Good Standing.

Entity Status Types

Understanding the different status designations and what they mean for your business

Active (Good Standing)

Eligible for Certificate

The entity is legally registered in American Samoa and is current on all required filings and fees (e.g., annual reporting, compliance obligations, taxes, licenses, etc.). This is generally the status required to issue a Certificate of Good Standing.

Suspended

Not Eligible for Certificate

The entity still exists on record, but some or all legal privileges have been temporarily restricted; most commonly due to missed filings, unpaid fees/taxes, or failure to maintain required contact/agent information. While suspended, the entity may be limited in its ability to conduct certain legal or business activities until compliance is restored.

Forfeited

Not Eligible for Certificate

The entity has lost its authority to operate due to extended or serious non-compliance. This status is typically more severe than suspension and may require additional filings, payments, and reinstatement steps before returning to active status.

Dissolved / Terminated

Not Eligible for Certificate

The entity has been formally dissolved, either voluntarily (by owners/members) or administratively (by the government due to continued non-compliance). A dissolved/terminated entity generally cannot continue normal operations, except for limited actions necessary to wrap up affairs (such as settling debts and closing obligations). Reinstatement may be possible in some cases, depending on the circumstances and applicable rules.

Converted Out

Not Eligible for Certificate

The entity has changed its legal form or continued into another jurisdiction. For example, an LLC may convert to a corporation (or vice versa), or the entity may continue under another state/territory's legal system. In this case, the original entity record is no longer active in that same form in American Samoa.

Certificate of Good Standing Eligibility

Quick reference for which status types qualify for a Certificate of Good Standing

Eligible

  • Active (Good Standing)

Not Eligible

  • Suspended
  • Forfeited
  • Dissolved / Terminated
  • Converted Out

Entities not in good standing must restore compliance before a certificate can be issued.

Maintaining Good Standing

Key compliance requirements to keep your entity in Active (Good Standing) status

Annual Reporting

All business entities must file annual reports to maintain active status and good standing.

Annually
Suspension or loss of good standing

Taxes & Fees

All applicable taxes and government fees must be paid on time to maintain compliance.

As required
Suspension, forfeiture, or penalties

Licenses

Business licenses must be kept current according to the schedule set by the licensing authority.

Varies by license type
Inability to operate legally

Contact/Agent Info

Every entity must maintain current registered agent and contact information in American Samoa.

Continuous requirement
Suspension of privileges

How to Restore Good Standing

If your entity is suspended or forfeited, follow these steps to restore compliance

1

Identify Issues

Check your entity status to identify what compliance requirements are not being met

2

Gather Documents

Collect all required documents, including overdue reports and financial records

3

File & Pay

Submit all required filings and pay any outstanding fees, taxes, and penalties

4

Verification

Once processed, verify your status has been updated to Active (Good Standing)

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about entity status and compliance

Need Help With Your Entity Status?

Check your current standing status or request a Certificate of Good Standing through our secure online portal.