Everything You Need to Know About Illinois Business Entity Search
If you’re looking to start a business in Illinois, you need to understand the Illinois business entity search process. Conducting a thorough business entity search is essential to ensure that your preferred business name is available and not already taken by someone else. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at everything you need to know about Illinois business entity search.
What is Illinois Business Entity Search?
Illinois business entity search is a process of searching for business entities registered with the Illinois Secretary of State. The search helps individuals or companies planning to do business in Illinois ensure that their intended business name is unique and available for use.
Why is Illinois Business Entity Search Important?
Illinois business entity search is important because it helps avoid legal disputes down the line. If you use a business name that is already taken, you could face legal action from the other company. Conducting a thorough Illinois business entity search is an easy way to mitigate this risk.
How to Conduct an Illinois Business Entity Search
Conducting an Illinois business entity search is easy and can be completed online. Follow these simple steps:
1. Visit the Illinois Secretary of State website.
2. Click on the “Business Services” tab.
3. Select “Corporate Name Search.”
4. Enter the name you’re searching for.
5. Click “Search.”
The search results will show all registered business entities with matching names. If there are no matches, your preferred business name is available for use.
Understanding the Search Results
When conducting an Illinois business entity search, it’s important to understand how to interpret the search results. Here’s what you need to know:
– “Active” means that the entity is currently registered and in good standing.
– “Terminated” means that the entity is no longer registered.
– “Not in Good Standing” means that the entity has missed a required filing or payment.
Benefits of Conducting an Illinois Business Entity Search
Conducting an Illinois business entity search offers several benefits, including:
1. Ensuring that your preferred business name is available for use.
2. Avoiding legal disputes down the line.
3. Identifying potential competitors in your industry.
4. Discovering other businesses that may be complementary to your own.
Conclusion
Conducting an Illinois business entity search is an important step to ensure that your business is on solid footing from day one. By following the steps outlined above, you can quickly and easily search for registered business entities in Illinois and determine if your preferred business name is available for use. With this information, you can confidently move forward with starting your business.
