Lookup Business Entity | Form Corporation

This business inquiry is frequently used by filers to confirm that the name they want to operate under hasn’t previously been used by another organization. There are a variety of ways to find or analyze the business facts of any Ohio corporation. You may look up people by name, agent, or contact person, through a company search, or by document ID or registration number.

Official website:https://businesssearch.ohiosos.gov/
Address:180 E. Broad Street, Suite 103 (ground floor), Columbus, Ohio 43215
Telephone:1(614) 466-3910
E-mail:business@OhioSoS.gov

Ohio Business Search Shortcut

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How To Lookup An Entity In Ohio

Ohio Secretary Of State Business Search By Entity Name

  • Go to the Ohio SOS business search website for a generic search if you know the precise Ohio business name or if you want to search by a previous name.
Ohio Business Search By Name
  • In any case, the screen will simply ask you to type the name you’re looking for into the search bar before hitting Search.
  • The names that matched the contents of your search will be listed on the next page. Scroll through the list until you find the one that’s right for you.
  • You can proceed by clicking the entity number in the far left-hand column.
  • Following that, the company information will be given, including the whole filing history as well as links to photos of the company.

Ohio Secretary Of Search By Document Or Registration Number

If you search by doc ID or registration number, you can limit your search results to just one option.

  • Simply go to the Ohio SOS business search webpage and fill in one or both of the supplied fields.
  • If you input your number correctly, you should only get one option in the results, as previously stated. The entity number, the type of business, the status, the effective date, and the location will all be displayed.
  • To continue, click the entity number.
  • At this point, the specifics of that company will be relayed, along with the chance to inspect all federal files on file.

>>MORE: Montana Secretary Of State Business Search | Maryland Secretary Of State Business Search | Mississippi Secretary Of State Business Search | Utah Secretary of State Business Search | Hawaii Secretary Of State Business Search


Ohio Secretary Of State Business Search Ohio By Agent Or Contact Name

If you know the name of an agent, registrant, or incorporator, you may use that information to get the same information as if you used one of the preceding methods of inquiry.

  • To get started, go to the Ohio SOS business search webpage, choose the sort of person you’re looking for, then type their name into the space provided.
  • To make the request active, click Search. The result will be different since each official’s name will appear where the organization’s name previously appeared.
  • However, by clicking on the entity number in the left column, you will be able to see the business data.
  • All of the information given in the original formation documents will be included in the business entity details.
  • By clicking on the document ID at the bottom of the page, you may see any filings that have been submitted.

If you know the name, kind, status, or location of the firm at issue, the thorough business search option is the best solution.

  • To begin with, go to the Ohio SOS business search website.
Ohio Detailed Business Search
  • Your results will be shown in a list, similar to any other search, with the opportunity to scroll through the results. To see additional business data than that shown at this time, click on the entity number on the left side of the screen.
  • You can see all of the information on file with the Secretary of State, including all document numbers and a picture of each filed document.

>>MORE: Michigan Secretary of State Business Search | Oregon Secretary of State Business Search | California Secretary of State Business Search | Massachusetts Secretary Of State Business Search | Connecticut Secretary Of State Business Search


Steps to form your New Corporation in Ohio

1. Choose a name

The name of your corporation must include the terms “Incorporated,” “Corporation,” “Company,” or “Limited,” or a short version of one of those phrases. The name of your corporation must be distinct from that of other corporate names that are currently on record with the Ohio Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. By checking the Ohio business name database, names may be examined for availability.

2. Select a Registered Agent in Michigan

The state of Michigan 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 Ohio such as Northwest Registered Agent and GoDaddy, a Ohio resident, a Ohio company, or a foreign entity may serve as a registered agent.

3. Go to the Ohio Secretary of State’s website and register

The state of Ohio requires every business to register thorough the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.

4. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Obtaining a federal employer identification number (EIN) 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.

5. Register with the Ohio Department of Taxation

Note that corporate taxes must be paid separately from shareholder profits taxes. Federal and state governments require the proper returns to be filed annually in order to do this.

6. Obtain the necessary permissions and licenses

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.

7. File annual report

Return the Annual Report Postcard to file an annual report, filing in person, mailing a printed report, or filing online.

8. Find out how you can expand your new business

The Ohio Business Resource Connection is hosted by the Ohio Secretary of State’s office. The Resource Connection is a database of services for all Ohio businesses, including special services for women, minorities, disabled people, and businesses owned by the military or veterans.