Lookup Business Entity | Form Corporation | FAQ
You can use this service to look up information on West Virginia corporations and other types of businesses that file with the Secretary of State. This West Virginia secretary of state business search can be done using the name of the entity or the name of an agent or officer associated with the entity.
| Official website: | https://apps.sos.wv.gov/business/corporations/ |
| Address: | Secretary of State, Bldg. 1, Suite 157-K, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. East, Charleston, WV 25305-0770 |
| Telephone: | 1(304) 558-8000 |
| Fax: | 1(304) 558-0900 |
| E-mail: | www.sos.wv.gov/Pages/contact-business.aspx |
| Office Hours: | Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM |
West Virginia Business Search Shortcut
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How To Lookup An Entity In West Virginia
West Virginia Secretary Of State Business Search By Organization
- To search by organization, go to the West Virginia webpage.
- Type the entity’s name into the relevant form before clicking “Search.”
- All businesses whose names match the terms of your search will appear in a list. On this page, you will see some information about each entity.
- By clicking on the organization’s name, you will be able to access the entity’s business data.
- You will be able to study the organization’s details, the address of the designated offices, the company’s officials, and anything else the Secretary of State has made accessible to the public.
West Virginia Secretary Of State Business Search By Agent Or Officer Name
Searching for an agent or officer by name is straightforward.
- Go to the West Virginia SOS webpage.
- Input the company’s name in the required field and click “Search”.
- A list of commercial organizations that are represented by, or hire, an officer or agent whose name resembles the one supplied in the previous step will be generated.
- To move to the next phase, click on the name of an organization. This page will provide all publicly accessible organization information about the entity at issue.
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Steps To Form A New Corporation In West Virginia
1. Choose a name
Before registering a corporation, use the West Virginia secretary of state’s Business Organization Search service to see if the name is available. The name of your corporation must be distinct from that of other corporate names that are currently on record with the West Virginia Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
2. Appoint a Registered Agent in West Virginia
A registered agent will receive critical government communications on your company’s behalf, such as tax filings, lawsuit notices, or other formal letters. An entity with a certificate of power to conduct business in West Virginia such as Northwest Registered Agent and GoDaddy, a West Virginia resident, a West Virginia company, or a foreign entity may serve as a registered agent.
3. Nominate Directors
All corporations in West Virginia are required to designate at least one director to their board of directors. The directors of your corporation look for the best interests of the company. The board of directors of a corporation will also follow and maintain the company’s bylaws.
4. Incorporate in West Virginia by filing the Articles of Incorporation
Before your firm can start doing business, you must file this document. 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. Establish corporate bylaws
The corporate bylaws of your company are crucial in determining how it will be handled and performed. Although they don’t need to be reported to the West Virginia government, they should be understood by everyone in your firm, and everyone should have a copy.
6. A shareholder agreement should be drafted
You may draft a shareholder agreement after your bylaws are in place. This section describes the connection between the corporation and its stockholders. A shareholder agreement is primarily used to define duties and protect shareholders’ interests. This agreement should be read and signed by all shareholders.
7. Issue Shares of Stock
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.
8. Obtaining the Required Business Permits or 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.
9. Apply for an EIN and look over the tax requirements
You should apply for an Employer Identification Number as a new business. The identification may then be used to recruit staff and conduct financial transactions as a separate organization. Different tax rates apply to various types of enterprises, and rates vary by city. As a result, always check with the city to determine whether any business or occupation taxes apply.
10. Send in your first report as a corporation
The submission of your first annual report is the final step in incorporating your business in West Virginia. This report is required to be submitted every year for your company to stay compliant.
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Frequently asked questions on West Virginia secretary of state business search
Is a business license required in West Virginia?
A general business license is not available in West Virginia. However, you may need to get permits appropriate to your business type as well as a business registration certificate before starting a business in West Virginia.
Who is eligible to submit a West Virginia annual report?
After forming a company in West Virginia, an officer, member, partner, or someone recruited from outside the company can file your annual report on your behalf.