Conducting a Utah Business Entity Search in Utah allows you to access key information about companies registered to do business in the state. This public database provided by the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code contains records for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other business entities.
Accessing the business entity records can serve several important purposes:
- Checking name availability – Searching the database lets you see if a desired business name is already taken before filing to form your company. This avoids having to rename it later.
- Identifying registered agents – The records list the registered agent designated to accept legal/tax documents on the company’s behalf.
- Researching companies – You can look up details on ownership, status, filings, and more to research businesses you may interact with.
- Validating credentials – Searching for a company’s registration helps verify they are authorized to operate in Utah.
- Tracking changes – Monitoring the database allows you to track updates if a company you’re following makes changes to their status, owners, location, etc.
Overall, the free public Utah Business Entity Search provides transparency into companies operating in Utah. Easily accessing this information supports due diligence and informed business decisions.
Checking Business Name Availability
When starting a business in Utah, one of the first steps is to check that your desired business name is available for registration. Utah, like most states, requires business names to be distinguishable from existing registered names to avoid confusion.
The Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code provides an online search tool to check for name availability. To use it:
- Go to the [Business Name Search page](https://secure.utah.gov/bes/action/search) on the division’s website.
- Enter your desired business name into the search bar. You can enter a full name or just a keyword.
- Select “Business Name” from the drop-down menu next to the search bar.
- Click “Search.”
The search will check the Utah business entity database and let you know if your desired name is already taken. If it is available, the search will say “No records found.”
Keep in mind that even if a name is available as a business entity name, it could still be trademarked. So it’s a good idea to also check for federal trademarks through the USPTO’s [Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS)](https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/search).
If your desired business name is taken, you’ll need to brainstorm alternatives. Make sure to check each new name for availability until you find one that is distinguishable and registerable in Utah.
Searching the Utah Business Entity Database
The Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code maintains an online database for searching business entities registered in the state. This database can be accessed through the division’s website and provides a wealth of information on Utah companies.
The Utah Business Entity Search database contains records on all corporations, LLCs, LPs, and other business structures formed in Utah. You can search for a company by its registered name or its entity number assigned by the state.
Once you locate a business, the database record will provide important details such as:
- The official company name
- The registered agent’s name and address
- The business entity type (Corp, LLC, etc.)
- The status of the company (active, expired, dissolved, etc.)
- The date of formation/incorporation
- The company’s duration or expiration date
- The names of officers, managers, general partners
- Addresses of the principal office and other company locations
The database also allows you to view scanned images of the company’s formation documents, annual reports, amendments, mergers, dissolution, and other filings. This provides a transparent view of a business’s history and current standing with the state.
Checking the state’s business entity database should be one of the first steps when researching a company in Utah. The database can confirm if a business is registered and authorized to operate in the state. It’s an official source for a company’s legal name, status, ownership structure, and history.
Looking Up Registered Agents
Every Utah Business Entity Search formed in Utah must designate a registered agent – an individual or business entity that is authorized to accept service of process and official government correspondence on behalf of the company. This ensures that legal notices and important documents can be delivered to the business.
The registered agent must have a physical street address in Utah, not just a P.O. Box. Their information is listed on the company’s initial Articles of Incorporation/Organization when forming the business.
To look up the registered agent for any company registered in Utah:
- Go to the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code website.
- Click on the Business Search link.
- Enter the company’s exact business name and hit Search.
- In the search results, click on the company’s entry.
- Scroll down to the Registered Agent Information section.
Here you will find the name, address, and contact information for the appointed registered agent. This is useful for verifying the identity of the agent, or obtaining their details in order to serve legal process.
The registered agent can be an individual like the business owner, or a professional service company. The agent’s consent is required before being designated.
It’s important for businesses to keep their registered agent information up-to-date. If the address is invalid, legal notices won’t be properly delivered. Companies can submit a Statement of Change form to update the registered agent’s details.
Finding a Company’s Formation Date
Determining when a Utah business entity was first formed or registered with the state is an important part of researching a company. The formation date can provide insight into how long a business has been operating and its history.
To find a company’s formation or registration date in Utah, you can search for the business on the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code website. This is the official business entity database for the state.
When searching for a company, make sure to try different variations of the business name. The official registered name may be slightly different from what the company calls itself.
Once you locate the business entity record, the formation or registration date will be clearly listed. For corporations, LLCs, and other common business structures, this is the date when the company first filed its registration documents with the Utah state government.
Checking the formation date is more difficult for sole proprietorships and general partnerships since they are not required to officially register with the state in most cases. However, you may be able to find an original business license filing that provides an approximate formation date.
In addition to the official state database, some third-party business information services, such as corporation wiki sites, may include the formation date for Utah companies in their profiles. This can provide quick access but should be verified against the official state records.
Knowing the formation date of a Utah business entity can help reveal key events in the company’s origins and transformations over time. It’s an important data point for fully understanding a business’s background and history.
Checking a Business’s Status
In the Utah Business Entity Search database, one of the key pieces of information you can find is the status of a company. The status indicates whether the business is actively operating or not.
Some of the common status types for Utah companies include:
- Active – The business is currently operating and has stayed compliant with state requirements like filing annual reports. Active status is required to legally conduct business in Utah.
- Inactive – The company has fallen out of compliance by not filing annual reports and other required documents. An inactive status essentially pauses the entity until it becomes compliant again. The business cannot legally operate while inactive.
- Dissolved – A dissolved status means the company has formally closed and ceased operations. Dissolution can be voluntary by the owners or involuntary by the state for non-compliance. Once dissolved, the entity is permanently closed.
- Default – This status indicates the business has failed to take the required action like appointing a registered agent. A default status can lead to involuntary dissolution if not corrected.
- Expired – The company’s duration has reached its expiration date per the original articles of organization. Expired limited liability companies (LLCs) must formally dissolve.
When searching for a company, make sure to check its status. An inactive or dissolved status could indicate the business is closed. The status can also reveal if a company is non-compliant with state requirements. Keeping up with status changes is crucial for those doing business with Utah companies.
Viewing Filings and Documents
The Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code provides access to official business filings and documents through their online business search. This allows you to view important records and paperwork for companies registered in the state.
Some of the key filings and documents you can access include:
- Articles of Incorporation – These list the original corporate purposes and powers of a company upon formation. Articles of incorporation are filed when a corporation is first created.
- Articles of Organization – Similar to articles of incorporation, these are filed upon the creation of a limited liability company (LLC) in Utah. They establish the LLC and its structure.
- Annual Reports – Corporations and LLCs in Utah must file an annual report each year to remain active and in good standing. These list directors, officers, business purposes, and other details.
- Name Reservation Documents – If a business reserves a name before forming in Utah, you can find the name reservation certificate. This shows the name was pre-approved and reserved.
- Mergers, Conversions, Terminations – When a Utah corporation or LLC merges, converts its entity type, or terminates, there will be filings documenting this major change.
- Trademark Registrations – The state database includes trademark registration documents for trademarks registered in Utah.
- Fictitious Name Registrations – Businesses operating under a “DBA” fictitious name must register that name in Utah, and you can look up the fictitious name registration.
- And more – Other documents like amendments, reinstatements, tax liens, judgments, and certificates of existence may also be available.
Accessing and reviewing these official state filings can provide key details about a Utah business, its history, ownership structure, purposes, and more. It’s an essential part of doing due diligence on companies based in the state.
Finding the Business Owner
Knowing who owns a Utah Business Entity Search can be important for a variety of reasons. You may want to verify who you’re doing business with or research a company’s leadership before engaging with them. There are a few ways to find out who owns a business entity in Utah.
The easiest way is to check the company’s filing history on the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code website. This will show the initial filing that formed the business, which should list the original incorporators or organizers. For corporations, this will name the initial directors. For LLCs, it will name the initial members or managers.
You can also view the company’s most recent annual report or reinstatement filing. These periodic filings are required to keep the company active and in good standing and will show the current directors/managers and officers.
For more details, you can request certified copies of the company’s formation documents and annual reports from the state. This will provide the official lists of owners, members, managers, and officers over time.
In some cases, the business owners may not be explicitly listed in state filings, especially if the company is owned by a holding company or other entity. You may need to do some investigative work by looking up the parent companies to ultimately determine who the real owners are.
Online business directory sites like Buzzfile and CorporationWiki can also provide ownership information on Utah companies, compiled from various public records and sources. However, these third-party sites may not always have the most up-to-date or complete data.
With a few searches on the state website and other databases, you can uncover the ownership structure of most registered Utah business entities. This can help provide insight into who you are really engaging with when interacting with a company.
Using Third-Party Search Tools
In addition to the official Utah state business entity database, there are several third-party sites that allow you to search for information on Utah companies. These sites can provide additional details beyond what is in the state’s official records.
Some popular third-party sites for Utah business searches include:
- Bizapedia – This site has an extensive database of over 240 million companies across the country. You can search for both public and private Utah companies here. Bizapedia provides info on company executives, status, finances, and more.
- Buzzfile – This is another large business information database with over 120 million companies. Buzzfile offers Utah business credit reports, executive contact info, and industry data.
- Manta – Manta focuses on small and medium businesses. It has over 90 million business listings in its directory. You can find basic info on Utah companies here like location, contact details, and business descriptions.
- ZoomInfo – ZoomInfo provides in-depth profiles on over 90 million companies. It includes employee names, titles, and contact information. The advanced search filters help find specific Utah businesses.
- Data.com – This sales intelligence tool owned by LinkedIn has data on over 330 million companies globally. It provides employee headcounts, revenue, and other firmographic details on Utah corporations.
Using these third-party business data services can uncover additional details on Utah companies beyond the state’s official filings and documents. They provide supplemental information to aid in business searches.
Importance of Keeping Business Info Updated
Keeping your business entity information updated with the state of Utah is important for several reasons:
- Legal Compliance: Failing to update your business entity records can put you out of compliance with state laws and regulations. This could result in penalties, fines, or even dissolution of your business entity. Keeping your records current helps avoid legal issues.
- Tax Compliance: Having accurate, up-to-date company information on file helps facilitate proper tax filings and payments. The state needs your current business address, ownership structure, etc. to ensure compliance.
- Communication: The state may need to send you important notices or documents related to your business entity. With outdated contact information, you risk missing crucial communications.
- Public Perception: Customers, vendors, and others may check your business entity records. Outdated or inaccurate information could harm your credibility and professional reputation.
- Funding Opportunities: Investors and lenders often verify a company’s legal standing and compliance status before providing financing. Keeping your business entity active and compliant improves funding prospects.
- Business Transactions: Up-to-date company records help facilitate major transactions like mergers, acquisitions, or sales of the business. Buyers will validate legal standing and ownership.
- Protecting Ownership: Filing ownership changes helps protect your stake in the business. Otherwise, your ownership could be diluted or lost if others file conflicting records.
Keeping your Utah business entity information current with the state should be an ongoing priority. Taking the time to file periodic reports and update records can prevent major headaches down the road.
