Key Takeaways:

  • A Texas corporation search verifies business status and registered agent details.

  • Searches can be conducted by business name, file number, or registered agent.

  • Corporate name reservation prevents others from registering your desired name.

  • Different status labels (active, forfeited) affect a business's legal standing.

  • Accurate searches require complete business names and careful review of records.

If you are a business owner, a legal professional, or an investor looking to verify information about a business entity in Texas, then conducting a Texas corporation search is the way to go. This search provides access to important details such as a company’s legal status, registered agent, and filing history, all of which are available within the Texas Secretary of State’s business entity database. Let’s find out more.

What Is a Texas Corporation Search?

A Texas corporation search allows individuals to find information about businesses registered in the state of Texas. This includes information about the business’s legal status, filing history, and more, and it is conducted through the Texas Secretary of State’s business entity database.

There can be many reasons why you might want to conduct a Texas corporation search. For instance, if you want to verify a company's legal status, and that company is registered in Texas, then this method would be a foolproof way to verify the company. 

Similarly, if you want to find information about a registered agent, or if you want to check if a business name is available for registration, then conducting a Texas corporation search would be the fastest way to find the relevant data.

How to Conduct a Texas Business Entity Search on the Texas Secretary of State Website

Conducting a Texas business entity search for the first time might seem a little overwhelming if you have never done it before. Fortunately, you can follow the simple step-by-step guide below to get the information you need from the Texas Secretary of State website.

Step 1: Visit the Texas Secretary of State’s Website 

The first thing you need to do is head over to the Texas Secretary of State website. From there, you can access the database and search for business records of any company registered in the state of Texas.

Step 2: Search by Business Name, File Number, or Registered Agent 

You can conduct the search using the company’s name, its unique file number, or the registered agent’s name. Make sure to enter the information accurately to get the best results.

Step 3: Review the Search Results & Verify Legal Status

The results will display all businesses that match your search criteria. Click on the specific business entity to view more details, including its legal status, registered agent, and filing history.

Check if the business is active, inactive, or forfeited. Understanding these status labels is crucial when verifying a business’s legal standing in Texas. The information provided can be used for legal, financial, or business purposes, such as confirming the company’s legitimacy or preparing for a merger.

Corporate Name Reservation

Reserving a name for your cooperative association, corporation, limited liability company, professional association, limited partnership, or other filing entity falls under regulations in Sections 5.101 to 5.106 of the Texas Business Organizations Code (BOC). You may reserve a name for your entity for up to 120 days. A 30-day grace period applies before the expiration of the registration that you can renew by filing another application.

The application form to register the name is available on the Texas Secretary of State's website. You have to fill out the form and send it with the required $40 filing fee to:

Secretary of State

P.O. Box 13697

Austin, TX 78711-3697

Accessing the Texas Corporation Database Search

Now that you know how to conduct a Texas corporation search, let’s take a closer look at how you can access the corporation database search.

To access the Texas corporation database, follow these instructions:

  1. Navigate to the Texas Secretary of State’s business entity search page The database can be accessed directly from the state’s official website.

  2. The database provides details such as the business entity’s status, registered agent information, company address, and filing history. You can also request copies of certain documents, such as certificates of formation or amendments.

  3. If you need official copies of business records, you can submit a request through the Secretary of State’s website. There may be fees associated with obtaining certified copies.

Why You Might Need to Search for a Corporation in Texas

As we mentioned before, there are several reasons why business owners, investors, legal professionals, or other individuals may need to find a corporation in Texas. For instance, if you are entering into an agreement with a company in Texas, you should perform the due diligence and verify the business is active and in good standing.

This type of verification is a normal procedure when conducting due diligence, especially before acquiring or merging with a business.

Similarly, if you’re planning to start a new business, verifying the availability of your desired business name will help avoid potential conflicts. Business records can also be used for legal proceedings, financial analysis, or other official purposes.

How to Access State of Texas Corporate Records

Accessing corporate records in Texas involves searching through the Texas Secretary of State’s business entity database. The types of records available include:

  • Filing documents: Records such as the certificate of formation, amendments, and dissolution documents.

  • Registration status: Information on whether the business is active, inactive, or forfeited.

  • Tax compliance information: Details about the entity’s compliance with state tax requirements.

You can request copies of these records directly from the Secretary of State’s office for legal, financial, or business purposes. 

LLC Tax and Permit Considerations

All businesses that have employees must file Form SS-4 with the IRS to receive a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). Texas LLCs may also need other permits, licenses, or ID numbers. Specific examples of these include sellers' permits, income tax withholding forms, and unemployment insurance tax forms. Complete the Texas Online Tax Registration Application to learn more about required taxes for your business. 

If you pay employees, you must keep employment tax records for at least four years. Consult the IRS Employer Tax Guide to understand your responsibility to withhold federal tax from employee paychecks. 

Each worker must complete a Form W-4 before starting employment. This is submitted to the IRS for verification. The amount of wages and taxes withheld must be reported to the IRS annually on Form W-2. The due date is January 31 each year. 

As an employer, you must also complete the I-9 for each employee to verify that he or she is eligible for work in the U.S. This must be submitted to the state's New Hire Reporting Program within 20 days of the employee's start date. 

Regulations for permits vary by municipality. Common types of permits used in Texas include: 

  • Alarm permit

  • Building permit

  • Business license

  • Health license

  • Occupational permit

  • Sign permit

  • Zoning permit

Registering a Fictitious Business Name

You may want to register a Doing Business As, or DBA, if you plan to do business under a name other than the legal name of your business. In Texas, this requires completion of the Assumed Name Certificate for every name you plan to use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Conducting a Texas Business Search

While performing a Texas business search, it's important to avoid these common errors:

  1. Searching with incomplete or incorrect business names: Enter the full legal name of the business for accurate results.

  2. Misunderstanding status labels: Terms like "forfeited," "inactive," or "withdrawn" indicate different legal statuses that may affect a business’s standing.

  3. Overlooking important documents: Failing to review all available records could lead to missing key information about the company.

  4. Ignoring registered agent details: The registered agent plays an important role in legal communications, so confirm their information is current.

  5. Failing to follow up on requests for records: If you need certified copies of documents, ensure you submit requests correctly and track the processing time.

Conducting a Texas corporation search is a valuable tool for verifying business information, ensuring compliance, and making informed decisions. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to start a business or a legal professional conducting due diligence, understanding how to navigate the Texas Secretary of State’s database will help you access the information you need.

FAQs

How can I check if a business name is available in Texas?

You can conduct a name availability search on the Texas Secretary of State’s website to verify if your desired business name is already in use.

What information do I need to find a registered agent in Texas?

You can search using the business’s name or file number to locate the registered agent details.

Can I search for businesses by their tax ID or EIN?

No, Texas does not allow business searches by tax ID or EIN. Use the business name or file number instead.

How do I find out if a company is an LLC or corporation in Texas?

The entity’s type will be indicated in the search results on the Texas Secretary of State’s website.

What is the difference between a Texas corporation and a professional corporation?

A professional corporation is formed by licensed professionals (e.g., doctors, lawyers) to provide services, while a standard corporation may engage in various business activities.