Are you thinking of starting a business? The first step is to determine if your business name is already
taken. A search can help you find the business entity that best suits your needs. This is a useful tool that allows you to confirm the availability of a name, check for duplications, and get a better idea of businesses registered in a specific state. This guide is for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and legal professionals Utah Business Entity
We’ll show you how to search for business entities in Utah and other states. These include California, Delaware Texas, Colorado and Utah. We’ll also cover how to register your business name in Utah. You’ll know how to take action on your business idea by the end of this guide.
Why business entity searches are essential
To avoid legal and financial problems, it is important to perform a search on the business entity before registering your company name. The search can help you:Utah Business Entity
- Make sure your name hasn’t been registered so that you don’t violate existing trademarks.
- Unique business names can help you to stand out on the market.
- You can save time and money by not changing your name once you have registered.
Let’s look closer at the processes in different states.
California Business Entity Search
What Does it Look Like in California?
California offers a simple California Business Search Tool. You can use this tool to search for corporations, LLCs and partnerships.
Steps for Conducting a California Search:
- Visit the official website for the California Secretary State.
- Choose Corporation name, or Name of LP/LLC depending on the type of business.
- Enter the desired business name to see results.
Pro Tip:
California has strict rules regarding the availability of names. Even small variations (like suffixes or abbreviations) can count as a duplicate name.
If you find that your desired name has already been taken, add unique descriptors such as location or niche keywords.
Delaware Business Entity Search
Delaware stands out
the home of many Fortune 500 companies. With the Divison of Corporations’ Entity Search tool, you can check business names in just a few clicks.Utah Business Entity
How to Conduct a Delaware search:
- Visit the Delaware Division of Corporations Website.
- Click on the Entity search Section.
- Find entities using the search for file numbers or search for business names.
Pro Tip:
Registering your business in Delaware can provide tax advantages and legal protection, even if you don’t have a physical presence there. Make sure that all federal requirements are in line with state obligations.
Texas Business Entity Search
All things are bigger (including your business opportunities)
Texas’ economy continues to grow, which makes it a hub for new business. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Search Tool will be your go-to tool.
Steps for a Texas Search:
- Visit the Texas Comptroller website.
- Find the Search Taxable Entity Page.
- Enter your business name and see if it is already registered.
Pro Tip:
Texas is flexible when it comes to approving business names, but you still have to differentiate your name from others in the same field.
Colorado Business Entity Search
The Startup Space is Booming
Colorado’s vibrant economy and business-friendly atmosphere make it a hotspot for entrepreneurs. The Colorado Business Search Tool provides instant information about entity name.
Steps to Conduct a Colorado Search:
- Visit the official website of Colorado Secretary State.
- Choose the Business Name Availability Tool.
- Enter the desired name in the search box.
Pro Tip:
Use variations of your preferred name when registering in Colorado to ensure you have options in the event that it is already taken. (e.g. swapping “LLC .”).
Utah Business Name Search
Utah’s process is simple
The Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code manages the Utah business name search. The interface allows users to search for LLCs, corporations, and DBAs.
How to conduct a Utah search:
- Visit Utah’s Division of Corporations Business Search Portal.
- Enter the name of your business in the search box.
- Check the database for names and entities.
Pro Tip:
Utah is very strict when it comes to unique names. Choose a name that is unique. Names which are too similar to other entities will be flagged.
Utah Business Registration
What to do after your business name search
Register your business name after you have verified it!
How to register a business in Utah:
- Reserve your Business Name Optional: Colorado allows temporary reservations of names while completing paperwork.
- Visit the Utah Online Business Register System.
- Register your business type.
- Do not forget to include your Articles of Organization in the documents you file.
- Please submit the correct filing fees.
Other Considerations
- For tax purposes, you must register for an Employer Identification Number with the IRS.
- Check Utah’s licensing and permits requirements based on your specific industry.
Avoid common mistakes during the process
1. Skip Trademark Checks
It is possible that a trademark could be federally registered even if the name appears in a state registry. Double-check using the USPTO trademark database.
2. The names used are vague or misleading
While state business name regulations vary, many will not approve names that are confusing to customers or misrepresent the business structure of your company (e.g., suggesting you’re a corporate entity when you’re actually an LLC).
3. Neglecting domain name availability
Your website name should match your business name. Search for domain names on platforms such as GoDaddy or Namecheap before registering.
Grow your business with Confidence
A business entity search can be a vital first step in realizing your entrepreneurial dreams. Planning and paying attention to details can save you money and time, and help you achieve long-term success.
Don’t be concerned if you are starting a new business and the process seems overwhelming. Experts and tools are available to help make the process easier. Use professional assistance and state resources to register efficiently.