Massachusetts Secretary of State Business Search
Free access to Massachusetts's official Secretary of State business entity database (Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth Corporation Records (corp.sec.state.ma.us)). Search corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and verify business entities registered in Massachusetts. Complete step-by-step guide and FAQ included.
Massachusetts Business Database
Direct link to Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth Corporation Records - Free Massachusetts business search
How to Search Massachusetts Business Entities
Step 1: Access the Official Massachusetts Corporation Search Website
Navigate to the official Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth Corporation Search portal at corp.sec.state.ma.us/corpweb/CorpSearch/CorpSearch.aspx. You can also access it through sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/corporations.htm or mass.gov/info-details/the-corporations-book. These are the free, government-operated databases for all Massachusetts business entities.
Step 2: Choose Your Search Method
Select how you want to search: by entity name (most common), individual name, identification number, or filing number. The entity name search allows partial matches and is the most frequently used method for finding Massachusetts businesses. You can also use advanced search options to filter results by entity type.
Step 3: Enter Search Criteria
Type the business name in the search field. Try variations: with and without business suffixes (LLC, Inc, Corp, L.L.C.), partial names if exact match doesn't work, and check for common abbreviations. Massachusetts's search is case-insensitive. Be aware that punctuation and spacing differences may affect search results.
Step 4: Review Search Results
Browse the results list to find your business. Each result shows the entity name, entity type, status, identification number, and filing information. Click on an entity name to view detailed information. Massachusetts's database typically shows multiple results if there are similar business names, so review carefully to find the correct entity.
Step 5: View Detailed Entity Information
The detailed view shows identification number, entity name, entity type (profit corporation, non-profit corporation, LLC, partnership), status (Active, Inactive, Dissolved), formation date, registered agent name and address, principal office address, officers and directors, filing history including annual reports and amendments, and document images. Verify all information matches what you expect for the business you're researching.
Step 6: Verify Business Status and Obtain Certificates
Check that the business status is 'Active' or shows 'Good Standing'. If it shows 'Inactive', 'Dissolved', or 'Revoked', the business may not be in good standing with the state. Active status indicates the business is current with all required filings. Massachusetts requires annual reports for most business entities. You can request Certificates of Good Standing or Legal Existence through the search portal by clicking 'Request a Certificate' after finding the entity.
Official Massachusetts Business Database
The Massachusetts Secretary of State maintains the official business entity database through <strong className="text-white">Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth Corporation Records (corp.sec.state.ma.us)</strong>. This free government database contains information about all business entities registered in Massachusetts.
What's Included in the Database:
- • Corporations: Profit corporations (C-Corps, S-Corps), Non-profit corporations, Professional corporations
- • LLCs: Limited Liability Companies (domestic and foreign), Professional LLCs
- • Partnerships: General partnerships, Limited partnerships, Limited liability partnerships
- • Foreign Entities: Out-of-state businesses registered to do business in Massachusetts
- • Professional Entities: Professional corporations and professional LLCs
- • Business Trusts: Statutory trusts and other business structures
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search for a business in Massachusetts?
To search for a Massachusetts business, visit the official Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth Corporation Search portal at corp.sec.state.ma.us/corpweb/CorpSearch/CorpSearch.aspx. You can also access it through sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/corporations.htm or mass.gov/info-details/the-corporations-book. You can search by entity name, individual name, identification number, or filing number. The database includes corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other business entities registered in Massachusetts.
What is the official Massachusetts Secretary of State business search website?
The official Massachusetts business entity search portal is the Secretary of the Commonwealth Corporation Search, available at corp.sec.state.ma.us/corpweb/CorpSearch/CorpSearch.aspx. You can also access it through sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/corporations.htm or mass.gov/info-details/the-corporations-book. This is the free, government-operated database where you can search for all business entities registered in Massachusetts, including corporations, LLCs, and partnerships.
What information can I find in the Massachusetts Corporation Records database?
The Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth Corporation Records database provides identification number, entity name, entity type (profit corporation, non-profit corporation, LLC, partnership), status (Active, Inactive, Dissolved), formation date, registered agent name and address, principal office address, officers and directors information, filing history including annual reports and amendments, and document images for viewing filed documents.
Is the Massachusetts business search free?
Yes, the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth Corporation Search is completely free. The official search portal (corp.sec.state.ma.us) provides free access to search and view business entity information. Some third-party sites may charge fees, but the official state database is free to use. Note that obtaining official certificates may require a fee.
How do I verify a Massachusetts business is legitimate?
To verify a Massachusetts business, search the Corporation Records database for the business name, check that the status shows 'Active' or 'Good Standing', verify the registered agent and address match what you expect, review recent filing history including annual reports, check the identification number, and cross-reference with business licenses if applicable. Always use the official Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth database for verification.
Can I search Massachusetts businesses by owner name?
The Massachusetts Corporation Records database allows you to search by individual name, which may include business owners, officers, or directors. You can also search by entity name, identification number, or filing number. To find businesses by owner name, use the individual name search function, or check the officers and directors information in the detailed entity view.
What types of business entities are registered in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts registers various business entity types including profit corporations (C-Corps, S-Corps), non-profit corporations, professional corporations, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), partnerships (General, Limited, Limited Liability), and foreign entities registered to do business in Massachusetts. All of these can be searched through the official Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth Corporation Records database.
How do I check if a business name is available in Massachusetts?
To check if a business name is available in Massachusetts, use the official Massachusetts Corporation Search at corp.sec.state.ma.us/corpweb/CorpSearch/CorpSearch.aspx or sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/corporations.htm. Search for the exact name you want to use. If no results appear, the name may be available. However, you should also check for similar names and consult with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth for official name availability confirmation before filing.
Does Massachusetts require annual reports?
Yes, Massachusetts requires annual reports for most business entities including corporations and LLCs. These reports must be filed with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth to maintain active status. Failure to file annual reports can result in the business being marked as 'Inactive' or 'Dissolved'. Check the entity's filing history in the business search database to verify current compliance.
What is an identification number in Massachusetts?
An identification number in Massachusetts is a unique identifier assigned to each business entity when it is registered with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth. You can use this identification number to search for a specific business entity in the Corporation Records database. The identification number appears in search results and detailed entity information.
How do I obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in Massachusetts?
To obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in Massachusetts, search for the corporation in the Corporation Records database at corp.sec.state.ma.us/corpweb/CorpSearch/CorpSearch.aspx, note its identification number, click 'Request a Certificate', and complete the form. Specify the delivery method in the 'Special Instructions' field. Certificates can be picked up at select Registries of Deeds or delivered as specified. There is typically a fee for official certificates.
What is the Corporations Book in Massachusetts?
The Corporations Book is an annual list of corporations subject to taxation in Massachusetts. It is published by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and contains information about corporations that are required to file tax returns in the state. You can access information about the Corporations Book at mass.gov/info-details/the-corporations-book. This is separate from the Corporation Records search database.
About Massachusetts Secretary of State Business Search
What is the Massachusetts SOS Business Search?
The Massachusetts Secretary of State business search is the official government database that contains information about all business entities registered in Massachusetts. This includes corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and other business structures operating in MA.
When you search "secretary of state ma business search," you're looking for this official database to verify business registrations, check entity status, and conduct due diligence on Massachusetts businesses.
What Information Can You Find?
- •Business entity name and type (Corporation, LLC, etc.)
- •Registration date and current status
- •Registered agent information
- •Principal office address
- •Officers and directors (for corporations)
- •Annual report filing status
Why Use the Official Massachusetts SOS Database?
The official Massachusetts Secretary of State database (Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth Corporation Records (corp.sec.state.ma.us)) is the most reliable source for business entity information. It's free, updated in real-time, and provides authoritative data directly from the state government. Unlike third-party services that may charge fees or have outdated information, the official database ensures you're getting accurate, current business entity data for Massachusetts. Always verify business entities through the official MA SOS database before entering into business relationships or financial transactions.
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