How To Search Idaho Business Entities
- How To Search Idaho Business Entities
- How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Idaho?
- Why Conduct a Idaho Entity Search?
- Who Holds Data for Idaho Business Entity Search?
- What Entities Can You Register in Idaho?
- How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in Idaho?
- How Do I Set Up a Business Entity in Idaho?
- How Much Does It Cost To Start a Business In Idaho?
- Additional Information Available on the Idaho Secretary of the Commonwealth's Website
- FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Idaho
More than 50,000 new businesses are registered annually in Idaho, according to the Office of the Secretary of State. In 2023, nearly 53,000 new businesses were created in the state. More than 30,000 of this number were limited liability companies.
Business registrations in Idaho are handled by the Secretary of State. Registration with the Idaho SOS is a prerequisite to operating a business in the state. For limited liability companies and corporations, business names are registered as part of their registrations with the Idaho SOS. However, partnerships and sole proprietorships file a DBA (Doing Business As) name with the SOS.
Choose Your Search Criteria
You may generally search by:
Entity NameProvide part of or the complete name of the business. Use 'Advanced Search Options' to select either 'starts with' or 'contains'.
File NumberA unique identification number assigned by the Secretary of State’s office to a business entity when it is registered.
Registered Agent’s NameActs as the point of contact for service of process and official communications. Searchable under 'Advanced Search Options'.
Review Search Results
After selecting your search criteria and providing the search term, click the blue “search” button to query the database. The database will return a list of matching results under the search tool area. Alongside the names of matching businesses or entities, you may also access the formation type (business structure), file number, status, filing date, and the name of the registered agent of the business.
Further Assistance
For further information on business searches in Idaho, contact the Secretary of State by calling (208) 334-2300 or visit its physical address at:
450 N. 4th Street
Boise, ID 83702
How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Idaho?
Some company websites typically provide information on the ownership of the entity. Generally, such information may be available on the "about us" or "leadership" page of the website. However, if the company website does not provide information on its ownership, a quick search online may lead you to the details about the owner of the business entity.
While the Idaho business search tool does not provide ownership information, it offers the details of the registered agent of the business which you may use to find information on the owner of the business.
In addition, you may find information on Idaho business owners via the following sources:
Better Business Bureau (BBB)The BBB's website and some of its published business reports may provide information on Idaho businesses and ownership details.
Local Chambers of CommerceLocal Idaho Chambers of Commerce sometimes provide information on the ownerships of businesses listed in their directories.
Why Conduct an Idaho Entity Search?
Some reasons why you may conduct an Idaho entity search include for the following purposes:
By verifying a business through an entity search, you can ensure it is registered and in good standing, promoting trust and helping you avoid fraudulent or unlicensed entities before engaging in transactions with them.
Investors can use an Idaho entity search to assess the legitimacy of a company, review its registration details, and confirm compliance with state requirements, minimizing risks in investment decisions.
By verifying suppliers’ registration and good standing, businesses can confirm their legitimacy, ensuring reliable partnerships and reducing the risk of fraud or disruptions in the supply chain.
An Idaho entity search allows individuals and organizations to identify unregistered or illegitimate businesses, safeguarding against scams, fraud, and unethical practices in business transactions.
Who Holds Data for Idaho Business Entity Search?
What Entities Can You Register in Idaho?
The only authorized business entities in Idaho are general partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, and limited partnerships. However, an individual is allowed to create an entity or business under their name as a sole proprietor.
This is the simplest and oldest entity structure type in Idaho. Partners in this business structure share unlimited personal liability for the obligations of the partnership, but the owners are usually taxed just once. Persons who engage in a joint effort to make and share profits in the business are legally termed "partners", regardless of whether they intended to form or enter into a partnership. Note that an existing general partnership is allowed to be converted to an LLP (limited liability partnership).
Section 30-24 of the Idaho Code provides for the establishment of limited partnerships in the state. In this business structure, the entity is required to have one or more general partners and one or more limited partners. Limited partners are not liable for the debts owed by the business and typically may only lose the amounts invested in the partnership. Except if a limited partner actively engages in the management of the entity, they are generally not subject to the personal liabilities for the debts of limited partnerships.
LLPs are formed pursuant to the statutes outlined in Section 30-24 of the Idaho Code and they are usually created to protect partners from personal liabilities. Except in situations connected to the misconduct, wrongful action, or negligence of a partner, a partner in a limited liability partnership will be protected from being personally liable for actions caused by the partnerships and other partners in the LLP. Businesses that choose this structure are taxed like partnerships.
LLCs share certain features with sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations, as stated under Section 30-25 of the Idaho Code. They operate under an operating agreement between the owners, like a general partnership. Businesses that follow this structure typically have members and not shareholders. Members or managers generally exercise day-to-day management. Note that members of LLCs are shielded from personal liability for the actions of the LLCs. LLCs do not impose liability on their members or managers.
There are strict requirements for businesses formed as a corporation in Idaho following Section 30-29 of the Idaho Code. This formation is the original structure for providing personal liability shielding to business owners. An entity established as a corporation in Idaho must have a board of directors and the board may comprise a single individual. An Idaho corporation must maintain certain books and records and hold yearly meetings of shareholders. Note that except where a corporation qualifies as an “S corporation” under IRS rules, a corporation is subject to be taxed once at the corporate level and once more when its income is distributed to shareholders as a dividend.
A sole proprietorship is a business structure where only one individual owns and operates the business. Hence, there is no separation between the business and the owner. It is the most common business structure formed by small business owners.
DBA, also called Assumed Business Name in Idaho, is an alternate name that an entity may use to conduct its business operations. However, a DBA or ABN is unlike a partnership, corporation, or LLC, as it is not a legal business entity. It is only a name that a business may operate under.
How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in Idaho?
Before commencing business operations with a business name or registering your business with the State, you must conduct a business name search to ensure that another business has not taken the name for use. This search may be completed using the Idaho Secretary of State business search tool. Be aware that only sole proprietorships in the state are allowed to use a business name currently in use by another business. Limited Liability Companies and Corporations are required to select unique business names.
In addition, to ensure that your preferred business name has not been trademarked, you may use the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or the Idaho Trademark Name Search to perform a quick search.
How Do I Set up a Business Entity in Idaho?
All entities, including home-based businesses, are required to register their names and entity types with the Secretary of State in Idaho before beginning business operations. The state provides an exception for sole proprietors who may use their full names as part of the business names. Individuals who use their first or last names are required to register with the Idaho Secretary of State. Note that you must be 18 or older to register a business in Idaho.
To set up a business entity in Idaho, you may follow these steps:
- Choose a Business Structure: The Idaho Secretary of State recommends that you consult with an experienced attorney before selecting a business structure (corporation, LLC, partnership), especially if more than a single individual is intended to own the business.
- Register your Business Name and Entity: You must register your business names and structure with the Idaho Secretary of State before starting your operation as a legal entity in the state. Partnerships and sole proprietorships file an Assumed Business Name (or DBA), while a Statement of Partnership Authority is required of partnerships.
- Register with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN): This registration for Idaho businesses became mandatory on January 1, 2024. New businesses were afforded 90 days to complete registration with FinCEN. Existing businesses are required to register by January 1, 2025.
- Register with State Agencies: Idaho requires entities that intend to have employees and engage in retail sales or provide lodging to register with the Idaho Industrial Commission, Idaho State Tax Commission, and Idaho Department of Labor by completing the IBRS form. This should be filled out after registering the business name and structure. Out-of-state employers should contact Idaho State Business for direction.
- Apply for a Business License: Applications must be made to local authorities. Many Idaho cities do not require a business license, but you should contact the city clerk's office where you plan to operate to confirm licensing needs.
For further information on setting up a business or entity in Idaho, see the business registration tutorial provided on the Idaho Secretary of State website.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Idaho?
It costs between $100–$150 to file for the registration of a business with the Idaho Secretary of State, depending on the type of business structure. Note that additional costs may apply, including fees for permits and attorney fees.
Additional Information Available on the Idaho Secretary of State’s Website
FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Idaho
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers regarding business entity searches in Idaho.
- Why would I need to search for a business entity in Idaho?
You may need to search for a business entity in Idaho to verify its registration, confirm good standing, identify ownership, assess compliance, or gather details for legal and financial purposes.
- What types of entities can I search for in Idaho?
You may search for general partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, limited liability companies, corporations, and DBA names.
- Where can I perform a business entity search in Idaho?
You may perform a business entity search in Idaho using the business search tool on the Secretary of State website.
- What information do I need to conduct an entity search in Idaho?
To perform an entity search in Idaho, you typically need the name, file number, or registered agent’s name of the entity.
- How do I find the official name of an Idaho business?
Using the Idaho business search tool by providing the filing number or registered agent’s name in the search field, you may find the official name of an Idaho business.
- Can I search for foreign entities in Idaho?
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 Idaho 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 an Idaho business is in good standing?
A business is in good standing with the State of Idaho if it has an active registration status in the business database. Hence, by performing a business search on the Idaho Secretary of State's website, you may find out if a business is in good standing.
- Can I search for an entity in Idaho by its owner’s name?
If an Idaho business owner is also the registered agent of the entity, you may be able to use the business search tool on the Secretary of State’s website to find the identity of the business owner.
- How often is the Idaho business entity database updated?
New filings and changes to business data in the Idaho business entity database are updated regularly. Updates are made typically between 24–28 hours of changes.
- Can I obtain copies of business filings in Idaho?
Yes, copies of Idaho business filings may be obtained by contacting the Idaho Secretary of State. Alternatively, you may call the Idaho office of the secretary of state at (208) 334-2301.
- How do I find out who the registered agent of an Idaho business is?
You may find the name of the registered agent of an Idaho business if you know the business’ filing number or name. By providing either the filing number or name in the business search tool, you may find the registered agent’s name in the detailed search result.
- How can I search for Idaho businesses by their tax ID number?
The Idaho Secretary of State does not typically provide a tax ID number search feature on its business search tool. For tax-related inquiries, you may contact the Idaho State Tax Commission.
- What should I do if I can’t find a business entity in the Idaho search?
Confirm that you have provided the correct entity search information (name, file number, or registered agent’s name) in the Idaho business search tool. If you have done that and you still cannot find a business entity via the search tool, contact the business services section of the Secretary of State website by calling (208) 334-2301.
- How To Search Idaho Business Entities
- How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Idaho?
- Why Conduct a Idaho Entity Search?
- Who Holds Data for Idaho Business Entity Search?
- What Entities Can You Register in Idaho?
- How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in Idaho?
- How Do I Set Up a Business Entity in Idaho?
- How Much Does It Cost To Start a Business In Idaho?
- Additional Information Available on the Idaho Secretary of the Commonwealth's Website
- FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Idaho