Lookup Business Entity | Form Corporation | FAQ
Business filers will need to know how to use the Indiana Business Name Database to conduct their searches. You will be able to look for your entity and examine full details about it at any time after you have registered it with the Indiana Secretary of State. When trying to obtain certified copies of any filed articles, you will also have to know how to conduct a simple search.
| Official website: | https://www.in.gov/sos/business/ |
| Address: | 302 W. Washington Street, Room E018, Indianapolis, IN 46204 |
| Telephone: | 1(317) 232-6576 |
| E-mail: | bswindle@sos.IN.gov |
| Hours: | Monday – Friday 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
Indiana Business Search Shortcut
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How To Lookup An Entity In Indiana
Indiana Secretary Of State Business Search By Business Name
Performing a search by business name is the most widely utilized search method available.
- To begin, navigate to the Indiana SOS business search webpage.
- To filter your results, enter a business name in the top left entry field and alter any search criteria in the Advanced Search area. Click “Search”.
- A list of business names registered in Indiana that includes the characters used in your search will be shown to you.
- Scroll through the results until you find the entity you want to look into, and then click on the blue Business ID number to see more information about that company.
- Finally, all of the business facts made public by the Secretary of State will be displayed. The information will contain the main office address, expiration date, filing history, and a variety of other details.
Indiana Secretary Of State Business Search Business ID Or Filing Number
- To conduct this type of search, you must first visit the SOS website.
- Select Business ID or File Number from the drop-down menu and type the ID or filing number into the required field.
- Only the results of the business ID or filing number stated in the previous stage should be presented.
- To go to the next page, click on the blue number.
- On this final page, you will be able to evaluate the company information that the Secretary of State has made public. The information will include the entity’s filing history, expiration date, incorporators’ names, and addresses, and more.
Indiana Secretary Of State Business Search By Name Of The Registered Agent
- Start by going to the SOS website.
- After that, click Search and type a name into the Registered Agent Name field.
- The next page will show you a list of all the entities that have a registered agent with the same name as your query.
- To continue, click the blue Business ID number.
- On this final page, you will be able to evaluate several business-related details. The information will include the names and addresses of the incorporators, as well as the date of expiration, filing history, and a variety of other pertinent details.
Indiana Secretary Of State Business Search By The Name Of The Incorporator Or The Name Of The Principal
- Go to the Indiana SOS business search website to get started.
- In the relevant entry form, type an incorporator or principle name and click Search.
- A list of all entities with an incorporator or principal name that fits your query will be displayed. To continue, click the blue Business ID number.
- Finally, you’ll be able to look at all of the business information that the Secretary of State has made public. The filing history, the names, and addresses of the incorporators, the date of expiration, and other details will be included.
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Steps To Forming A New Corporation In Indiana
1. Select a Business Structure
The sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and S corporation are the four most popular company structures. State law permits the use of a Limited Liability Company (LLC) as a corporate form. The choice of a firm structure takes into account legal and tax factors.
2. Check for name availability
By checking the Indiana business name database, names may be examined for availability. By submitting an Application for Reservation of Name to the Indiana Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Commercial Services, you can reserve a name for six months.
3. Appoint an Indiana Registered Agent
The state of Indiana requires every business to have an agent for legal process serving. If a company is sued, this person or business consents to take court documents on the company’s behalf. An entity with a certificate of power to conduct business in Indiana such as Northwest Registered Agent and GoDaddy, an Indiana resident, an Indiana company, or a foreign entity may serve as a registered agent.
4. File Indiana Articles of Incorporation
The articles must contain the following information: the corporation’s name; its intention; the number of shares it is permitted to issue; the name and address of the agent receiving service of process; the name and address of the resident agent receiving service of process; and the names and addresses of all incorporators.
5. Create bylaws and keep corporate records
The fundamental guidelines for running your organization are outlined in the bylaws, which are internal corporate documents. They are not reported to the government. Corporate bylaws are not legally needed for your company, but you should nonetheless adopt them since they define how your company will operate and demonstrate to lenders, creditors, the IRS, and other parties that your company is genuine.
6. Initial Directors should be appointed
The first corporate directors are chosen by the incorporator and serve on the board up until the inaugural annual shareholder meeting.
7. Organize an organizational meeting
At the first organizational meeting, the directors pick corporate officials, choose a corporate bank, establish the corporation’s fiscal year, approve the issuing of shares of stock, and adopt a formal stock certificate form and official seal.
8. Stock certificates are issued
The number of shares issued should be stated in the company’s annual report. Most firms offer certificates to shareholders stating their shares, even though it is not usually necessary. Stock can be privately or publicly issued. Typically, founders, management, workers, or a small group of investors receive privately issued shares. A public corporation offers some of its equity shares for sale to the general public.
9. Make an application for a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
Obtaining a federal employer identification number (FEIN) is required for your business. For taxation reasons, this identification number serves as the corporation’s Social Security number. Among other things, it enables you to recruit staff and create a company bank account. The IRS website has an online application that you may use to get an EIN. You will require this number for future documents and to file your company’s tax filings, so keep a record of it.
10. Obtain Business Licenses and Permits Maintain Your Corporation with Ongoing Filings
Take time to investigate any necessary permissions or licenses to maintain your new firm on the legal straight and narrow. Depending on the type of company services you offer, the county or city where your firm is situated, and if you employ people, different permissions and licenses may be required.
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Frequently Asked Questions On Indiana Secretary Of State Business Search
What is the best way to find out if my Indiana company name is available?
You’ll need to double-check that the name you want for your company is available. You can do a name search using the Indiana Secretary of State website. This will tell you if the name you’re considering is available and not currently in use by another company.
Where can I obtain an EIN?
You can obtain an EIN from the IRS after founding your company. You can do this online or in person.