Collecting A Corporate Debt From A Director/Officer

Many Virginia corporations fail to file their annual reports, pay the annual registration fee or maintain a registered office, causing the State Corporation Commission to terminate the corporation. After such termination directors, officers and agents, acting on behalf of the corporation may be held personally liable for the acts of the corporation. Unlike the Delaware statute, Virginia Code §13.1-754 provides for personal liability during the termination period, even if the corporation is later reinstated.

ADVICE: Do not assume that a corporation is valid! Check with the State Corporation Commission. Holding owners of a corporation liable for its debts can be difficult but not impossible. If you are an officer or director of a corporation, you may want to check the status of the corporation, so you are not exposed.