North Carolina (NC) Secretary of State Corporation Search

Discover how to conduct a North Carolina Secretary of State Corporation Search. Easily find information on businesses, verify, and access public records.

Are you about to start a new business in North Carolina? It's essential to secure a unique and legitimate corporate name that speaks to your brand's core identity. But how can you verify that your desired name is available and not already taken by another entity? Allow us to introduce you to the powerful tool provided by the North Carolina Secretary of State (SOS) - the Business Entity Search Function. It offers a comprehensive solution to [check name availability](https://brandsnag.com/), obtain important company information, and much more.

Using the Business Entity Search Function in NC

Using the Business Entity Search Function in NC
At first glance, the entity search function might seem like a simple name-lookup tool. However, it's indeed a multifaceted portal designed to cater to various needs of the business community in North Carolina. Its abilities extend to include search options by corporate name, registered agent, SOS ID, and company official.

Searching by Company Name

Searching by Company Name.png

This method provides a direct way to verify if a chosen corporate name is available for your new venture. You initiate the process by visiting the SOS website here and entering the proposed entity name.
Upon submission, the system generates a list of existing entities with names similar to your input. This list allows you to assess the uniqueness of your chosen name. You may select a company name from the list to reveal a comprehensive view of its business details.
Moreover, this function is not limited to name verification alone. Once logged into your online account, you can purchase a Certificate of Existence for your established business, lending further credibility and legal backing to your operations.

Search by Registered Agent

Search by Registered Agent
Registered agents play a pivotal role in every corporate entity, acting as the primary contact for official communications. This method enables you to search for entities linked to a specific registered agent.
The search is commenced in a manner similar to the entity name search, with the difference being the selection of the registered agent option. After entering the agent's name, the resultant display lists all businesses represented by the agent.
This unique feature presents an opportunity to understand the agent's portfolio, including the number of businesses they represent and the filing history of these entities. This information can be vital when choosing a registered agent for your business.

Search by Company Officials

Search by Company Officials
Much like the registered agent search, you can search for businesses associated with a specific company official. Upon entering the official's name, the system displays a list of linked entities. Clicking on a business name provides further insight into its operations and status.
This feature facilitates a thorough due diligence process, especially when considering potential partnerships or even business acquisitions.

Quick Access: Search by SOS ID

Quick Access: Search by SOS ID

Each business entity registered in North Carolina is assigned a unique SOS ID. The search using this identifier is perhaps the quickest method to locate a specific business.
Inputting the SOS ID yields a single result, directing you straight to the business's details. Apart from reviewing information, users representing the business can file an annual report or request certificates, providing a fast track to essential business management tasks.

How to Start an LLC in North Carolina

How to Start an LLC in North Carolina

As an entrepreneur, navigating through the necessary procedures to establish your business can be an intricate process. The following sections aim to simplify this process by providing a clear and concise roadmap for establishing a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in North Carolina.
The creation of an LLC in North Carolina entails five crucial steps. These include naming your LLC, selecting a registered agent, filing the Articles of Organization, creating an Operating Agreement, and finally, obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Choosing a Unique Name for Your NC LLC

One of the first and most crucial steps in forming an LLC in North Carolina is choosing a name. North Carolina law requires that this name is not only unique, distinguishing it from other registered businesses, but also denotes its status as an LLC through the inclusion of identifiers such as "LLC," "L.C.," "Ltd. Co.," and the like.
If you are not ready to register your LLC immediately after choosing a name, North Carolina offers the option to reserve your chosen name for a period of 120 days, providing you with the security of knowing your perfect business name won't be snatched up while you prepare your paperwork.

Selecting a Registered Agent for Your NC LLC

A Registered Agent plays a pivotal role in your LLC. This individual or entity serves as the official contact point for your business, receiving legal and official documents on your business's behalf. To qualify as a Registered Agent in North Carolina, the person or entity must be over 18 years old, capable of conducting business within the state, and maintain a physical street address within the state.

Filing the Articles of Organization

Articles of Organization must then be submitted to the North Carolina Secretary of State to complete the formation of your limited liability company. This document is foundational, as it lays out the fundamentals of your limited liability company. Listed here are the names and contact information for the LLC's members and registered agent, as well as the physical location of the company's main office. In the month of November 2022, the filing fee for Articles of Organization increased to $125.

Creating an Operating Agreement for Your NC LLC

While not a mandatory requirement in North Carolina, it is highly recommended to create an Operating Agreement. This document is vital for clarifying the internal structure of the LLC, delineating the distribution of profits and losses, and setting out the rights and responsibilities of each member.
Even for a single-member LLC, having an Operating Agreement provides a written record of the business structure and operation, which can be particularly beneficial in the event of legal disputes or changes in membership.

Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

The final step in establishing your LLC is obtaining an EIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This number is essentially a Social Security number for your business, used for tax filing and reporting purposes.
After these steps are completed, and your LLC is officially formed, there are ongoing requirements to maintain the LLC's good standing in North Carolina. This includes filing an annual report by April 15th each year with a $200 filing fee. Non-compliance with this requirement may result in the dissolution or revocation of the LLC.
The journey of forming an LLC can be pursued through various routes, including Do-It-Yourself (DIY), using an LLC formation service, or employing the services of a business attorney.
As a business structure, an LLC sits somewhere between a partnership or sole proprietorship and a corporation. It offers the personal liability protection of a corporation, shielding its owners (or members) from personal liability for business debts and claims while providing the tax benefits of a partnership, allowing for profits to pass through to owners' personal income without facing corporate taxes.

Wrapping Up

The Business Entity Search Function offered by the North Carolina Secretary of State is an indispensable resource for current and aspiring business owners. It empowers you to perform a variety of tasks, from name availability checks and obtaining legal certificates to comprehensive business analysis using multiple search parameters.
Remember, though, to fully utilize these services, activating an online account is required. Do so, and leverage this valuable tool as you navigate the exciting world of business in North Carolina. No matter where you are in your business journey, the Entity Search Function is a resource you will continuously return to, providing clarity in an often complex corporate landscape.

Related Business Search Articles