Texas Business Entity Search
Need to verify a Texas business entity or find its registered agent? Texas utilizes two separate registries to track business standing and tax filings. This guide covers how to use both portals.
Quick Answer
Texas businesses are registered with the Texas Secretary of State (SOS). You can search them using the official SOSDirect database (requires an account and a $1.00 fee per search) or check their tax status for free using the Texas Comptroller Taxable Entity Search tool.
In Texas, the Right to Transact Business can be forfeited if an LLC fails to file its annual Franchise Tax Report or Public Information Report (PIR) with the Comptroller. If suspended, the LLC loses its legal liability protection, making it critical to verify both SOS status and tax account status.
Where to Search
To perform your query, you have two primary official portals:
- Texas Comptroller Taxable Entity Search (Free): Used to search franchise tax account standing, check the registered agent, and view managing members.
Link: TX Comptroller Search (Official link marked for verification). - Texas Secretary of State SOSDirect (Paid - $1.00): Used for formal name availability checks and downloading corporate documents.
Link: TX SOSDirect Portal (Official link marked for verification).
How to Search by Business Name
Using the free Texas Comptroller portal is the fastest way to look up basic LLC details:
- Go to the Comptroller Taxable Entity Search site.
- Enter the entity's name in the "Entity Name" search box.
- Perform the security check/reCAPTCHA.
- Click "Search". A list of matching entities will load showing their taxpayer number, name, and zip code.
- Click on the specific business name to view the detailed entity record.
How to Check if a Texas LLC is Active
On the Comptroller search detail page, locate the field labeled "Right to Transact Business in Texas":
- ACTIVE: The LLC is compliant with state tax reports and is authorized to do business.
- FRANCHISE TAX ENDED: The entity was voluntarily dissolved or merged.
- FORFEITED / SUSPENDED: The entity has been suspended due to tax filing failures.
Can You Find the Registered Agent?
Yes. In the Comptroller search detailed view, scroll to the bottom of the record. You will see the name of the **Registered Agent** and the **Registered Office Street Address**. Texas law requires this agent to have a physical street address within Texas to receive legal notices.
Can You Check Good Standing?
In Texas, instead of a traditional Certificate of Good Standing, businesses typically print out their **Franchise Tax Account Status** from the Comptroller's website. You can generate a free search result page showing "Active" status, which serves as general proof of standing.
For official purposes, you can order a formal **Certificate of Fact - Status** online from the Secretary of State via SOSDirect for a state fee (typically $15).
Before You Form an LLC with that Name
If you are checking name availability before starting a new Texas business:
- Ensure the name contains a required designator (e.g. "Limited Liability Company" or "LLC").
- Do a trademark check through the USPTO and a local state trademark search on the Texas SOS database.
- Secure the corresponding domain name and social media handles.
When you are ready to file, read our comprehensive guide to starting a Texas LLC and our general guide to starting an LLC. You can also view details on applying for an EIN and when you need to draft an operating agreement.