How can you find out if a business is incorporated?

Answer 1

You can start by visiting the Secretary of State's website. You should check the state in which you believe the business to be located first. I.e., if they are located in California, then check with the California Secretary of State first. However, if they are not registered with the state as a corporation, that doesn't mean that they aren't incorporated. It is entirely legal for a business in one state to be incorporated in another. For example, the California company could be a Nevada Corporation. In this instance, the company's information would be at the Nevada Secretary of State's website, even though the company is located in California. I hope this makes sense.

One other thing to keep in mind is that the 2 most common states for companies to incorporate are Delaware and Nevada.

If you still are unable to find the company, you can check the County Recorder's office for the county in which the business is located. You would search the Fictitious Business name index to see who registered that business name. A person or a corporation can registered such names. In many cases, businesses operate under their Fictitious Business name rather than their legal name.

For quick links to these related search websites, visit RASi's Registered Agent resource center. Click on business entity search and start searching.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Write the state treasurer's office. Articles of incorporation and records of the annual board of directors meetings are kept there in most states.

Answer 3

One easy way is that they almost always have to include "inc." in their formal name. Check a business license, check bbb.com on the internet, etc.