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New York State generally receives between 250,000 and 350,000 business applications every year. In 2023, the state ranked 20th in business applications per capita in the United States. The most current information about the number of new business entities formed in New York State annually may be obtained from the Department of State (DOS) through the Division of Corporations.

Business entity search generally provides people with invaluable information about a business, and there are many good reasons to conduct entity searches in New York. Regardless of the reasons a person has for performing a business entity search in the state, the ultimate goal is to learn more about the business.

Choose Your Search Criteria

  • Entity Name:
    Entity Name:

    Select EntityName in the 'Search By' field and enter the full or partial name of the business entity.

  • DOS ID:
    DOS ID:

    Select DOS ID in the 'Search By' drop-down and provide the entity’s DOS ID.

  • Assumed Name:
    Assumed Name:

    Enter the entity’s assumed name, also known as the DBA name.

  • Assumed Name ID:
    Assumed Name ID:

    Enter the entity’s assumed ID number.

Review Search Results

After entering the available search criteria in the appropriate field and selecting the entity type, click the “Search the Database” tab. The result of the search will typically include a list of entities with information that matches the search criterion. At a glance, you will find the entity’s full name, DOS ID, status, entity type, date of first filing, and the county in which the entity operates.

Access Detailed Information

Generally, you will find the following detailed information once you select the entity of interest from the list of results obtained from a New York entity search:

  • Entity Details: Includes entity name, DOS ID, foreign legal name (if applicable), entity type, entity status, date of initial DOS filing, effective date of initial filing, county, foreign date formation (if applicable), and fictitious name.
  • Entity Display: Names and addresses of the entity’s Chief Executive Office, the registered agent, and the principal executive office address.
  • Name History: History of name changes since the first filing date.
  • Filing History: Details of annual filings, including file date, file number, and document type.
  • Merger History: If applicable, displays details of all mergers the entity has had since incorporation.

Further Assistance

If you need further assistance using the New York Department of State’s Corporation and Business Entity Database to find an entity, you can check the department’s Additional Search Instructions. Alternatively, contact the Division of Corporations at (518) 475-2492 during business hours, typically between 8:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.

How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in New York

Most business entities in New York now maintain an online presence through certain online professional profiles or their websites. You may be able to find these websites or professional profiles with a quick internet search on reliable search engine sites. An entity’s website or any other online profile likely contains certain information about its owners.

Generally, you may have to search the New York Department of State’s Corporation and Business Entity Database for comprehensive information on the owner of a registered business entity in the state. In addition, you may be able to find the owner of a business entity by submitting a public information request at the relevant government agencies’ offices.

Other agencies like those listed below may also provide platforms on which anyone may find the owner of a New York-registered business entity:

  • Local Chamber of Commerce
    Local Chamber of Commerce

    The chamber of commerce in your locality should generally maintain a directory or database of local businesses in that jurisdiction, which may include the names of business owners.

  • Better Business Bureau
    Better Business Bureau

    In addition to publishing customer reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) also publishes some business profiles on its website, which may contain details of the owners of such businesses.

Why Conduct a New York Entity Search?

You may want to conduct a New York entity search for several reasons, some of which are listed below:

  • To find the ownership of an entity and understand its legal structure.
  • To learn more about the business entity, including finding information such as the entity type, full legal name, status, and mailing address.
  • To confirm business and domain name availability if starting a new business in the state.
  • To determine the financial standing of the entity
  • To verify if the entity is officially registered with the New York Department of State.
Consumer Trust + Due Diligence
Consumer Trust + Due Diligence

A business entity search in New York can help you conduct due diligence on a brand or business if you ever consider entering into a contract with the business.

Investor Research
Investor Research

If you plan to invest in a business entity in New York, an entity search may help you determine the business’s financial standing, which can help you make an informed investment decision.

Supplier Verification
Supplier Verification

With an entity search in New York, you may verify any information a supplier shares about itself and determine if it is legitimate or not before signing a contract.

Fraud Prevention
Fraud Prevention

Conducting a business entity search in New York is a crucial step to preventing fraud and avoiding getting scammed if you consider entering a business relationship with an entity.

Who Holds Data for New York Business Entity Search?

Interested persons may be able to find certain data about New York-registered entities with the following agencies:

What Entities Can You Register in New York?

Newyork Entities

You may register the following types of entities in New York:

Business Corporation

In New York, personal liability is limited for shareholders in a business corporation. The corporation generally pays taxes on income and state franchise taxes. Also, every shareholder pays taxes on the income shared as dividends, although with a limited exception for S corporations.

Not-for-Profit Corporation

Personal liability is generally limited to members of a not-for-profit organization. While an entity registered as a not-for-profit corporation in New York may be eligible for tax exemption status under the Internal Revenue Code, they are not automatically exempt from state and federal taxes.

Sole Proprietorship

In a sole proprietorship, the sole proprietor is responsible for all the business’s profits and debts. Business income is generally reported and taxed through their personal tax return.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

Generally, personal liability is limited (for members) under this business structure, and the entity may choose its classification for federal tax purposes. For instance, an LLC with only one member may elect to be disregarded as a separate entity from its owners and be treated as a sole proprietorship structure for federal tax purposes.

General Partnership

In a general partnership, personal liability is generally joint and individual for the general partners who are largely responsible for the partnership's obligations. In New York, any business entity registered as a general partnership is not treated as a separate taxable entity. A general partnership entity’s business income is taxed through the personal tax return of each general partner.

Limited Partnership

In New York, a limited partnership business entity is not treated as a distinct taxable entity. As a result, business income taxes are paid through each partner’s personal tax return. While the general partners in a limited partnership are generally responsible for the partnership’s obligations, limited partners are only liable to the extent of their capital contributions in the business.

How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in New York?

Checking the availability of a business name is one of the most important things you must do when forming a business entity in New York. It generally prevents potentially using a name that has already been taken and registered by another entity. In essence, checking if a business entity's name is already taken when starting a new business in the state will help you avoid the possibility of violating another person’s intellectual property rights.

It is often advised to search several relevant databases to determine the availability of a business entity name when looking to choose one for a new business in New York. Some of the recommended databases include the following:

How Do I Set up A Business Entity in New York?

The first step you must take to do business in New York is to formally establish or set up the business by filing with the Department of State. However, each entity type in the state has its own specific filing requirements.

  1. Organizers of an LLC must file the Articles of Organization.
  2. Corporations must file the Certificate of Incorporation.
  3. Limited partnerships must file a Certificate of Limited Partnership.
  4. General partnerships and sole proprietorships are generally filed in the county of operation.
  5. Conduct a business name search to confirm name availability.
  6. Get your Employer Identification Number (EIN).
  7. Register for sales tax with the Department of Taxation and Finance to obtain a Certificate of Authority.
  8. Apply for any necessary permits or licenses by setting up a NY.Gov ID.

How Much Does It Cost To Start a Business In New York?

The cost of starting a new business in New York varies and is generally determined by the proposed entity structure. Filing fees make up one of the most important expenses required to form a business entity in the state and are listed below for each entity type:

  • Business Corporation, Professional Corporation, and Benefit Corporation:
    Business Corporation, Professional Corporation, and Benefit Corporation:

    Filing fee - $125 for Certificate of Incorporation

  • Not-for-Profit Corporation:
    Not-for-Profit Corporation:

    Filing fee - $75 for Certificate of Incorporation

  • Limited Liability Company (LLC) and Professional Service LLC:
    Limited Liability Company (LLC) and Professional Service LLC:

    Filing fee - $200 for the Articles of Organization

  • Limited Partnership:
    Limited Partnership:

    Filing fee - $200 for Certificate of Limited Partnership

For urgent applications, the expedited processing fee (optional) is $150 for processing within 2 hours, $75 for processing within the same day, or $25 for processing within 24 hours.

Additional Information Available on the New York Department of State’s Website

Newyork Entities

The following information may be found on the New York Department of State’s website:

  • Licensing and Businesses:

    Form a corporation or business, state records, existing corporations, and businesses, licensing, file licensing complaints, uniform commercial code, and administrative hearings.

  • Local Government:

    Service and support, building standards and codes, local laws, county services, training and assistance, and publications.

  • Community Infrastructure:

    Coastal management, smart growth, downtown revitalization, funding and bid opportunities, resilience planning, and local water revitalization.

  • Consumers:

    Consumer protection, address confidentiality, and file a consumer complaint.

FAQs About Business Entity Searches in New York

Listed below are frequently asked questions about business entity searches in New York:

  1. Why would I need to search for a business entity in New York?

    You may need to search for a business entity in New York to determine its legitimacy and learn about the ownership structure.

  2. What types of entities can I search for in New York?

    You may search for general partnerships, business corporations, LLCs, not-for-profit corporations, and limited partnerships in New York using the Department of State’s Corporation and Business Entity Database.

  3. Where can I perform a business entity search in New York?

    A business entity search in New York may be performed using the Department of State’s Corporation and Business Entity Database.

  4. What information do I need to conduct an entity search in New York?

    With the New York Department of State’s Corporation and Business Entity Database, you may conduct a business entity search by entity name, DOS ID, assumed name, and assumed name ID.

  5. How do I find the official name of a New York business?

    Conducting an entity search through the Department of State’s Corporation and Business Entity Database will generally reveal the official and full name of the business entity.

  6. Can I search for foreign entities in New York?

    Yes. Foreign entities in New York, including foreign business corporations, LLCs, limited liability partnerships, limited partnerships, and not-for-profit corporations may be searched using the Department of State’s Corporation and Business Entity Database.

  7. What information can I find in the New York entity search?

    A typical entity search in New York through the Department of State’s Corporation and Business Entity Database will disclose information such as DOS ID, entity status, formation date, filing history, details of registered agent, and owner’s details.

  8. How do I verify if a New York business is in good standing?

    You may verify if a New York business is in good standing by obtaining a Certificate of Status from the Department of State through the Division of Corporations.

  9. Can I search for an entity in New York by its owner’s name?

    Although the Department of State’s Corporation and Business Entity Database makes no provision for searching a business entity by its owner’s name, you may contact the Division of Corporations to look up an entity by the name of its owner.

  10. How often is the New York business entity database updated?

    The New York Department of State’s Corporation and Business Entity Database is generally updated continuously to reflect new business filings, amendments, and other registrations.

  11. Can I obtain copies of business filings in New York?

    Yes. You may obtain copies of business filings in New York by submitting written or online requests to the Department of State’s Division of Corporations.

  12. How do I find out who the registered agent of a New York business is?

    To determine the registered agent of a New York Business, you may conduct an entity search using the Department of State’s Corporation and Business Entity Database.

  13. How can I search for New York businesses by their tax ID number?

    Contact the New York Department of State’s Division of Corporations directly to search for a business by its tax ID number.

  14. What should I do if I can’t find a business entity in the New York search?

    If all efforts to find a New York business entity on the Department of State’s Corporation and Business Entity Database fail, contact the Division of Corporations at (518) 473-2492 or by email.

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