How To Search Georgia Business Entities
- How To Search Georgia Business Entities
- How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Georgia?
- Why Conduct a Georgia Entity Search?
- Who Holds Data for Georgia Business Entity Search?
- What Entities Can You Register in Georgia?
- How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in Georgia?
- How Do I Set Up a Business Entity in Georgia?
- How Much Does It Cost To Start a Business In Georgia?
- Additional Information Available on the Georgia Secretary of the Commonwealth's Website
- FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Georgia
More than 250,000 new business formations are set annually in Georgia. According to the Georgia Secretary of State, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the state recorded huge business formation filings in the years that followed (2020, 2021, and 2022). The all-time record of new business formations in Georgia was set in 2021. That year, 323,669 new business formations were set in the state.
The Corporations Division of the Georgia Secretary of State office not only provides information for prospective entrepreneurs looking to find information on business registration, but it also provides information on the state's business entities.
Choose Your Search Criteria
You may typically search by:
Entity NameProvide part of or the complete name of the business.
Control NumberThe control number is a business registration number assigned to a business when it registers with the State of Georgia.
Registered Agent’s NameThe name of the entity or individual responsible for receiving official documents on behalf of the business.
Officer NameYou may also search using the name of an officer registered to the business entity.
Review Search Results
After choosing your search criteria and providing the relevant information, click the search button to prompt the search system to return a list of matching results. Other than the entity or business name, you may view the business control number name, business type, principal office address, registered or designated agent name, and business status.
Further Assistance
If you need further assistance searching business entities in Georgia, contact the Corporations Division of the Georgia Secretary of State. The Division’s address is:
2 MLK Jr. Drive
Suite 313, Floyd West Tower
Atlanta, Georgia 30334-1530
Phone: (404) 656-2817
How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Georgia?
The Georgia Corporations Division does not provide the names of the owners of business entities via its search feature. However, you may be able to find the name of an entity’s registered agent or officer. You may use this information to query other databases to find the owner of a business entity.
Other resources through which you may find the owner of local Georgia business owners include:
Additional Resources for Business Ownership Info
The Business's WebsiteMany businesses have an "about us" or "leadership" page where a reference may be made to the owner of the business. Note that some businesses may name their owners president, founder, or principal.
Chamber of CommerceYou may be able to obtain business owner information using the information contained within the local Chamber of Commerce database. Such a database is typically available to be searched freely and lists businesses in the community.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)The BBB lists several businesses along with their owner information on its website and some of its reports, especially if the business has applied for BBB accreditation. The Bureau's database is free to search.
Why Conduct a Georgia Entity Search?
People conduct Geogia entity searches for the following reasons:
Potential consumers of a business's product or service may conduct a business search to verify whether a company is registered and authorized to engage in transactions in Georgia. In doing so, they can avoid scams and ensure their dealings are with a reputable or legitimate entity.
Anyone interested in investing in a Georgia entity may conduct a business search to verify that the entity is in good standing with the state to avoid losing money in a bad investment.
A Georgia entity search may help confirm a supplier's registration history and status, reducing the risk of working with unreliable or non-compliant providers.
Conducting a business search is one way to avoid fraud in businesses. By accessing an entity's operational status or a history of name changes, you can quickly identify red flags that may indicate fraudulent activities.
Who Holds Data for Georgia Business Entity Search?
What Entities Can You Register in Georgia?
As you start your business in Georgia, you will have to select a business structure. Common business structures in Georgia are:
LLCs are businesses that provide certain limited personal liability on the owner's part, as obtained in a corporation. They offer the possibility of some "pass-through" tax benefits, such as is available in a partnership setup. Hence, LLCs may be considered a cross between a corporation and a partnership.
A limited partnership comprises limited and general partners. It allows the limited partners to invest in the entity and obtain a share of the accruing profits without becoming personally liable for partnership obligations and debts. No entity-level income or net worth tax is required of a limited partnership. Rather, each partner will be taxed based on their share of the profits.
This is the simplest, least regulated, and the most common type of business entity formed. Here, a single individual is the owner of the business, both for legal and tax purposes. Total control of the business belongs to the sole proprietor and all the personal and business assets of the sole proprietor are at risk. Note that the income taxes are reported on the personal income tax forms of the sole proprietors.
In a corporation entity set up, the business is separate from its shareholders and owners. However, it comprises district groups, such as directors, shareholders, and officers. Per state law, Georgia corporations have limited liability. For-profit Georgia corporations pay tax on earned income and shareholders also pay tax on the dividends received. Debts incurred typically cannot be collected from shareholders, directors, or officers. It is possible to elect to be an S-Corporation when registering as a corporation with the State. This option is usually taken by smaller corporations as it helps a business avoid double taxation since it is taxed more like a partnership.
The DBA, also called the Doing Business As or trade name, allows an entity to operate in Georgia as a business under another name separate from its registered name. While typically used for branding, a DBA is not a business structure and does not offer liability protection. Regardless of the business structure type, an entity may operate under a DBA name. Note that a DBA name in Georgia must be registered with the county where the business is located.
How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in Georgia?
Before forming a business entity in Georgia, you must complete a business name search to confirm that the name for your business is available and has not been taken by some other individual or entity.
The first step in verifying the availability of your chosen business name is to ensure that you follow business naming rules under Georgia guidelines. The guidelines include instructions on naming standards and restricted business or entity names.
Upon verifying that your chosen business name meets Georgia business naming standards, you may visit the Georgia Business Search website to query their database to confirm if the name has been chosen by another business. Provide the business name in the "Business Name" field and select the "search" button to check if the database returns a list of businesses with similar or exact names.
How Do I Set up a Business Entity in Georgia?
Before setting up a business entity in Georgia, the office of the Secretary of State advises that you seek professional advice by leveraging resources from places like the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE mentors, and the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
Afterwards, you may follow these steps to set up the business:
- Create a Business Plan: A business plan may be essential in securing funds or investments from lenders and investors. It charts a roadmap for your operations, growth strategies, and market analysis.
- Select a Business Structure: The state allows businesses to be formed in the following structures: Limited Liability Company, Limited Partnership, Corporation, and Sole Proprietorship. You may consult with an attorney to determine the best structure for you.
- Reserve Your Business Name:Protect your desired business name with the Georgia Secretary of State for 30 days while completing the registration process.
- Register with the Georgia Secretary of State: LLCs, LPs, and corporations must register their entities. Sole proprietorships are exempt but may still register for additional protections.
- Obtain an Employer Identification Number:Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)through the IRS, required for taxes and hiring employees.
- Open a Business Checking Account: This step allows you to keep personal and business finances separate by opening a business account.
- Register with State Agencies: You may need to register with the Georgia Department of Revenue for tax returns and the Georgia Department of Labor for insurance, if applicable.
- Get Business Insurance: Meet legal requirements and protect your assets with insurance like workers' compensation and liability coverage.
- Apply for Permits and Licenses: Determine if your business needs specialized permits or licenses at federal, state, or local levels.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Georgia?
The cost of starting a business in Georgia varies, depending on several factors, such as the type of business structure, licensing requirements, and operational expenses. Typically, these expenses include the following:
Additional Information Available on the Georgia Secretary of State’s Website
FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Georgia
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers regarding business entity searches in Georgia.
- Why would I need to search for a business entity in Georgia?
You may need to search for a business entity to verify their registration with the state and confirm that they remain in good standing with the State of Georgia.
- What types of entities can I search for in Georgia?
You may search for limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, limited partnerships, non-profit corporations, professional corporations, profit corporations, sole proprietorships, and DBA names.
- Where can I perform a business entity search in Georgia?
You may perform a business entity search in Georgia using the business search tool on the Corporations Divisions page of the Secretary of State website.
- What information do I need to conduct an entity search in Georgia?
To perform an entity search in Georgia, you generally need the full or partial name of the business entity, business control number, or the name of the registered agent or officer.
- How do I find the official name of a Georgia business?
The official name of a Georgia business may be found using the business search tool on the Secretary of State’s website. You may provide a partial name of the business (if known), the business’ control number or the name of the agent or officer registered with the business to uncover the official name of the business.
- Can I search for foreign entities in Georgia?
Yes. The business search tool on the Secretary of State’s website allows users to search for domestic and foreign entities registered with the State.
- What information can I find in the Georgia entity search?
You may typically find information such as the business status, control number, registered agent and officer details, business type, business purpose, and business address.
- How do I verify if a Georgia business is in good standing?
The Georgia Secretary of State’s business search tool generally allows you to check a business’s registration status, formation date, annual registration year, and dissolved date (if applicable).
- Can I search for an entity in Georgia by its owner’s name?
Although an entity owner's name is not one of the options offered in the business search tool provided by the state, the tool has options for a registered agent or officer, which may be the owner’s name.
- How often is the Georgia business entity database updated?
The Georgia Secretary of State’s business search database is regularly updated as businesses file new reports or update their information.
- Can I obtain copies of business filings in Georgia?
Yes, you may request copies of business filings by contacting the Corporations Division of the Georgia Secretary of State.
- How do I find out who the registered agent of a Georgia business is?
If you know the name of a business or its State of Georgia-issued control number, you may provide it on the business search tool on the Secretary of State website to obtain information on the registered agent of the business.
- How can I search for Georgia businesses by their tax ID number?
The Georgia Secretary of State does not provide a search by tax ID number feature on its business search tool.
- What should I do if I can’t find a business entity in the Georgia search?
If you are sure that you have the correct business entity name and cannot find it in the Georgia business search database, it is unlikely that the business has been registered in Georgia. Consider checking other states’ databases for the entity.
- How To Search Georgia Business Entities
- How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Georgia?
- Why Conduct a Georgia Entity Search?
- Who Holds Data for Georgia Business Entity Search?
- What Entities Can You Register in Georgia?
- How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in Georgia?
- How Do I Set Up a Business Entity in Georgia?
- How Much Does It Cost To Start a Business In Georgia?
- Additional Information Available on the Georgia Secretary of the Commonwealth's Website
- FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Georgia