How to Check the Names of Registered Business Entities in Texas

Businesses in Texas must register.

Texas businesses must register with the state or county, and that includes foreign entities that transact business in the state. These records are public, and the public may check names of registered business entities in Texas. They may also check records of entities with a sales tax permit. Where to check the public records depends on the organization of the business and the state of incorporation.

Instructions

1. Check with the secretary of state's office at http://www.sos.state.tx.us for foreign entities registered to do business in Texas. The Texas secretary of state's office maintains records for foreign corporations, foreign limited partnerships, foreign limited liability companies and several other categories of business organizations.

2. Find some of the domestic business records with the secretary of state. Any business operating in Texas that is a corporation, LLC, LLP or operating under an assumed name in any capacity other than sole proprietorship, must file with the secretary of state.

3. Search the county clerk records for the county where the business is located. Sole proprietorships file an assumed name certificate with the county in which they are located, if they use an assumed name.

4. Check sales tax permits issued by week to locate new businesses. Those who make sales in Texas must have a sales tax permit and pay sales tax on in-state sales. This is a source to locate individuals who do not operate under an assumed name.

References

• Search Systems: Public Records by State: Texas
• University of Texas: Engineering Library: Where to Find Business Names
• Texas: Window on State Government: Texas Taxes: New Sales Tax Permits

Resources

• Texas Secretary of State: County Clerks
• Texas Secretary of State: SOS Direct