Texas Secretary of State Business Search
Free access to Texas's official Secretary of State business entity database (Texas Secretary of State SOSDirect Online Business Service (sos.state.tx.us)). Search corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and verify business entities registered in Texas. Complete step-by-step guide and FAQ included.
Texas Business Database
Direct link to Texas Secretary of State SOSDirect Online Business Service - Free Texas business search
Texas SOSDirect Requirements
Texas uses SOSDirect, which requires account creation and has a $1.00 statutorily authorized fee per search. You can also check franchise tax account status through the Texas Comptroller's office at comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/franchise/account-status/search.
How to Search Texas Business Entities
Step 1: Access the Official Texas SOSDirect Portal
Navigate to the official Texas Secretary of State business entity search portal at sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml. You can also access it through sos.state.tx.us/corp/index.shtml. This is the SOSDirect Online Business Service that provides 24/7 access to up-to-date information on Texas business organizations. Note: There is a $1.00 statutorily authorized fee associated with each search through SOSDirect.
Step 2: Create an Account or Log In
If you don't have an account, you'll need to create one by providing the necessary information. Once logged in, select the 'Business Organizations' tab and choose 'Find Entity'. You can also search through the Texas Comptroller's office at comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/franchise/account-status/search for franchise tax account status information.
Step 3: Enter Search Criteria
Input the business name, file number, or tax ID to locate the desired entity. 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. Texas's search is case-insensitive and supports partial name matching. You can search for corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other business entities.
Step 4: Review Search Results
The system will display entities matching your criteria. Each result shows the business name, entity type, status, and other key information. Texas's database typically shows multiple results if there are similar business names, so review carefully to find the correct entity. Click on the entity name to view detailed information.
Step 5: View Detailed Entity Information
The detailed view provides comprehensive information including entity name, entity type, status, file number, registered agent information, principal office address, filing history, and registered agent details. Verify all information matches what you expect for the business you're researching. You can also obtain certificates of status, certified copies, and other official documents through SOSDirect.
Step 6: Verify Business Status and File Number
Check that the business status shows 'Active' or 'Good Standing'. If it shows 'Inactive', 'Dissolved', 'Merged', 'Withdrawn', or 'Revoked', the business may not be in good standing with the state. Active status indicates the business is current with all required filings and annual reports. Note the file number for future reference. Texas requires annual reports to maintain active status. You can also check franchise tax account status through the Comptroller's office.
Official Texas Business Database
The Texas Secretary of State maintains the official business entity database through <strong className="text-white">Texas Secretary of State SOSDirect Online Business Service (sos.state.tx.us)</strong>. This free government database contains information about all business entities registered in Texas.
What's Included in the Database:
- • Corporations: C-Corps, S-Corps, Non-profit corporations, Professional corporations
- • LLCs: Limited Liability Companies (domestic and foreign), Professional LLCs
- • Partnerships: Limited partnerships, Limited liability partnerships
- • Foreign Entities: Out-of-state businesses registered to do business in Texas
- • 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 Texas?
To search for a Texas business, visit the official Texas Secretary of State SOSDirect portal at sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml. You can also access it through sos.state.tx.us/corp/index.shtml. You'll need to create an account and log in to access the search. You can search by business name, file number, or tax ID. The database includes corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other business entities registered in Texas. Note: There is a $1.00 statutorily authorized fee associated with each search through SOSDirect.
What is the official Texas Secretary of State business search website?
The official Texas Secretary of State business entity search portal is available at sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml (SOSDirect). You can also access it through sos.state.tx.us/corp/index.shtml. This is the SOSDirect Online Business Service that provides 24/7 access to up-to-date information on Texas business organizations. Note: There is a $1.00 statutorily authorized fee associated with each search.
What information can I find in the Texas SOS business database?
The Texas SOS SOSDirect database provides entity name, entity type, status, file number, registered agent information, principal office address, filing history, and access to official records. You can also obtain certificates of status, certified copies, and other official documents through SOSDirect. The system provides 24/7 access to up-to-date information on Texas business organizations.
Is the Texas business search free?
No, the Texas Secretary of State SOSDirect business entity search has a $1.00 statutorily authorized fee associated with each search. This fee supports the ongoing operations and enhancements of SOSDirect. You can also search through the Texas Comptroller's office at comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/franchise/account-status/search for franchise tax account status information. Some third-party sites may charge additional fees.
How do I verify a Texas business is legitimate?
To verify a Texas business, search the SOSDirect database for the business name, file number, or tax ID, check that the status shows 'Active' or 'Good Standing', verify the registered agent and address match what you expect, review the file number and filing date, check the filing history, verify franchise tax account status through the Comptroller's office if needed, and cross-reference with business licenses if applicable. Always use the official Texas Secretary of State database for verification.
Can I search Texas businesses by file number?
Yes, the Texas SOS SOSDirect database allows you to search by file number, which is the unique identifier assigned by the Texas Secretary of State to each business entity. You can also search by business name or tax ID. The file number is useful for finding specific businesses when you have the exact number.
What types of business entities are registered in Texas?
Texas registers various business entity types including corporations (C-Corps, S-Corps, Non-profit), Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, professional entities, and foreign entities registered to do business in Texas. All of these can be searched through the official SOSDirect database at sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml.
How do I check if a business name is available in Texas?
To check if a business name is available in Texas, use the official SOSDirect search at sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml. You'll need to create an account and log in. 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 Texas Secretary of State for official name availability confirmation before filing. Texas requires that business names be distinguishable from existing entities.
What is SOSDirect in Texas?
SOSDirect is the Texas Secretary of State's Online Business Service that provides 24/7 access to up-to-date information on Texas business organizations. It allows users to search for business entities, file new business entities, manage existing entities, update information, file reports, and obtain certificates. There is a $1.00 statutorily authorized fee associated with each search through SOSDirect.
What is a file number in Texas?
A file number is the unique identifier assigned by the Texas Secretary of State to each business entity registered in the state. This number is used for official filings, searches, and record-keeping. You can search for businesses using their file number in the SOSDirect database.
How often do Texas businesses need to file annual reports?
Texas requires most business entities to file annual reports to maintain active status. The filing requirements and deadlines vary by entity type. Corporations and LLCs typically must file annual reports with the Texas Secretary of State. Check the entity's detailed information in the database to see filing history and status. Late filings may result in penalties or administrative dissolution.
Can I check franchise tax account status in Texas?
Yes, you can check franchise tax account status through the Texas Comptroller's office at comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/franchise/account-status/search. This provides information about a business's franchise tax account status, which is separate from the Secretary of State business entity search. You can also access the Comptroller's main site at comptroller.texas.gov/ for additional tax-related information.
Do I need an account to search Texas businesses?
Yes, you need to create an account and log in to access the Texas SOSDirect business entity search. The account is free to create, but there is a $1.00 statutorily authorized fee associated with each search through SOSDirect. Once you have an account, you can access the search 24/7 and manage multiple searches.
About Texas Secretary of State Business Search
What is the Texas SOS Business Search?
The Texas Secretary of State business search is the official government database that contains information about all business entities registered in Texas. This includes corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and other business structures operating in TX.
When you search "secretary of state tx business search," you're looking for this official database to verify business registrations, check entity status, and conduct due diligence on Texas 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 Texas SOS Database?
The official Texas Secretary of State database (Texas Secretary of State SOSDirect Online Business Service (sos.state.tx.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 Texas. Always verify business entities through the official TX SOS database before entering into business relationships or financial transactions.
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