Search Connecticut Business Entities

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How To Search Connecticut Business Entities

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How To Search Connecticut Business Entities
How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Connecticut?
Why Conduct a Connecticut Entity Search?
Who Holds Data for Connecticut Business Entity Search?
What Entities Can You Register in Connecticut?
How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in Connecticut?
How Do I Set Up a Business Entity in Connecticut?
How Much Does It Cost To Start a Business In Connecticut?
Additional Information Available on the Connecticut Secretary of the Commonwealth's Website
FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Connecticut

The Connecticut Secretary of the State Office generally provides accurate and up-to-date information about all registered business entities in the state. The number of businesses registered in Connecticut annually ranges between 35,000 and 50,000.

Generally, anyone may find essential information about any registered business entity in Connecticut. One of the common reasons for conducting a business entity search in the state is checking out a potential business partner to determine if they are legally registered. This largely helps to ensure that you are not entering into a partnership with a business without a legal structure.

Choose Your Search Criteria

Typically, you may search for a Connecticut business entity using any of the following criteria:

Business Name
Enter the entity’s partial or full name.
Principal Name
Enter the last and/or first name of the principal officer. If the principal is a business entity, check the “My principal is a business” box and enter that business name.
Filing Number
Enter the filing number of the business entity if you know it.
Business Address
Enter the business address if known.
Business ALEI
Enter the Authoritative Legal Entity Identifier (ALEI), a unique identifier assigned to a business by the government when formed.
Agent Name
Enter the first and/or last name of the agent if known. If the agent is a business, select the “My principal is a business” box and provide the business name.
Business City
Enter the registered city in which the business entity operates.

Review Search Results

Typically, the Business Record Search page will ask you to enter the business name, filing number, or business ALEI to search. However, you can use the “advanced search” option to search using other criteria, especially if you require something more specific.

Once a search criterion is decided and entered in the appropriate field, click the “Search” tab. The search will return a list of all business entities matching the search criteria/criterion. The listed search results will display the business name, address, agent’s name, principal’s name, ALEI, and the current status of the business at a glance.

Access Detailed Information

When you select a business name from the listed search results, you will generally gain access to its detailed record. This includes the basic info shown in the search result (such as the entity’s name and status) plus more expanded sections like:

General Information – Business name, status, address (including mailing), ALEI, formation date, business type, annual report due date, and date of last report filed
Principal Details – Name, title, and address (residence or business) of the principal officer or business
Agent Details – Name and business, residence, and mailing address of the registered agent
Annual Filing Reports – Filing dates and times for each year the business has submitted a report
Name History – Any historical name changes
Shares – Information about issued shares, if applicable

Further Assistance

You may contact the Secretary of the State Office if you encounter any challenges navigating the Business Records Search page or need further assistance with searching for a registered business entity in Connecticut.

How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Connecticut

An internet search, using one of the reliable search engine sites, for the owner of a business entity in Connecticut should generally return search results containing information about the principal officers of that business. They will largely include the executive and non-executive directors of such a business entity. However, this kind of search is not likely to reveal the true or detailed picture of the entity’s ownership and legal structures. You may need to search a government-run database of registered businesses in the state to access more comprehensive information about their owners.

Generally, looking up a business entity on the Connecticut Secretary of State’s Business Records Search page will provide you with detailed information about the company. Such information will include details about its owners and legal structure. Some other resources, such as the following, may also help reveal the owners of business entities in Connecticut:

Additional Resources for Business Ownership Info

Better Business Bureau
There are instances where the Better Business Bureau (BBB) publishes profiles of business entities and professional profiles of their owners.
Company’s Website
Some business entities may list information about their owners on their websites.
Local Chambers of Commerce
It is usually standard procedure for local chambers of commerce in any state to manage a database of registered businesses in their locality. Databases often include public directories of principal officers of the listed companies.
Department of Revenue Services
The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) generally maintains information on business owners in the state.
Other Public Records
Other publicly available records, such as court records, real estate records, and business licenses, may hold information about business entity ownership.

Why Conduct a Connecticut Entity Search?

Generally, conducting an entity search in Connecticut is important for due diligence and may reveal invaluable and fundamental information about the business. Common reasons for a business entity search include the following:

To determine an entity’s registration status (active, forfeited, withdrawn, or dissolved)
To uncover the connections between a business and certain individuals that may influence business dealings or operations between two different individuals and/or companies
To determine the legal structure, reputation, and financial standing of an entity before going into partnership with them
To have a good understanding of a company’s background

Consumer Trust + Due Diligence

In Connecticut, a business entity search is a big part of due diligence for any individual or business looking to do business with another entity. It can help reveal the company’s reputation and trustworthiness.

Investor Research

With a business entity search, anyone can learn about the ownership structure of a business before making investment decisions.

Supplier Verification

The legitimacy of a supplier may be verified by conducting an entity search. Information obtained from this search will particularly help a business to make an informed decision before entering into a long-term procurement agreement with a supplier.

Fraud Prevention

Verifying the ownership and legitimacy of a business entity in Connecticut can protect an individual or business against potential fraud.

Who Holds Data for Connecticut Business Entity Search?

The government agencies listed below may have certain information about registered Connecticut business entities on their file:

The Connecticut Secretary of the State (SOT)
The Connecticut Insurance Department (CID)
The State of Connecticut Department of Banking (DOB)
The Connecticut State Department of Revenue Services (DRS)
The United States Small Business Administration (Connecticut District)

What Entities Can You Register in Connecticut?

Both domestic and foreign entities may register their businesses in Connecticut. While a domestic entity is one formed under the state’s law, a foreign entity is an entity formed under another state or foreign country's law.

An entity may be registered as any of the following in Connecticut:

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

LLC offers business owners limited liability protections. Owners may choose how they want to be taxed, either as a pass-through entity or as a corporation. In Connecticut, both domestic and foreign entities may register as LLCs.

Corporation Stock

Both domestic and foreign entities can register as a corporation stock in Connecticut. Corporate stock is a business structure in which ownership is generally based on the level (percentage) of shares held in the business.

Benefit Corporation (B Corp)

This business structure is run by shareholders (owners) as a pro-profit organization and is generally motivated by the desire and sense of duty to make a profit. The owners return some of the profit made to themselves as dividends. Only domestic entities may register as B Corps in Connecticut, and they typically pay taxes on their profits.

Corporation Non-Stock

This is a corporation owned by members with an interest in the business rather than shareholders. It is a separate legal entity from the members and provides limited liability protection for members’ personal assets.

Both foreign and domestic entities may register as a corporation non-stock in Connecticut.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

This is a partnership structure in which the liabilities of each partner are limited to the amount they invest in the business. In Connecticut, both domestic and foreign entities may register as LLPs.

Limited Partnership

In a limited liability partnership, there is only one general partner with unlimited liability. Every other partner in the business has limited liability and also tends to enjoy limited control over the business. Both foreign and domestic entities may register this business structure in Connecticut.

General Partnership

Domestic and foreign entities may be registered as a general partnership in Connecticut. In a general partnership, the owners, who are usually partners with equal ownership, manage the business actively together and share in the business’ losses and profits.

Religious Corporation or Society

Entities registered as religious corporations or societies in Connecticut are usually formed for religious purposes and are generally a type of non-profit corporation.

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

When starting a business in Connecticut, it is important to ensure that the proposed business name for the entity is available and unique from other business names. Generally, some legal considerations must be made. For instance, attempting to adopt a name that encroaches on another entity’s copyright may trigger potential legal trouble. Also, a business entity name must comply with state requirements.

Anyone looking to check if a business entity name is taken in Connecticut will have to complete or conduct a business entity search through any of the following federal and state databases:

How Do I Set up a Business Entity in Connecticut?

Setting up a business entity in Connecticut requires some paperwork, money, and time. Generally, anyone may take the following steps to set up a new business entity in the state:

Conduct a business entity search to ensure that the proposed name is available and distinguishable from any other business name.
Decide the type of business structure to run. This will determine the types of paperwork to file.
File Articles of Organization for the type of intended business structure with the Connecticut Secretary of the State.
File a report of Beneficial Owner Information (BOI) with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
Submit a Business Tax Registration Application (if applicable) to obtain a Connecticut Tax Registration Number.
Obtain an employer identification number (EIN), also known as the federal tax identification number.
Register the business entity through myconneCT.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Connecticut?

Starting a business in Connecticut requires filing the correct paperwork for formation, which basically comes with certain fees, depending on the business structure being registered. The formation filing fees for each business structure are listed below:

Limited Liability Company - $120 and an optional $50 expedited fee.
Corporation - $250 for up to 20,000 authorized shares and an optional $50 expedited fee. Certain fees apply for every share over 20,000.
Non-profit Corporation - $50 and an optional expedited fee.

All fees are payable by check to the Secretary of the State. All other fees payable to the Connecticut Secretary of State when starting a business in the state are listed in the Business Service Division fee schedule.

Additional Information Available on the Connecticut Secretary of the State’s Website

Besides business entity search, the Connecticut Secretary of the State website has a lot more information, including the following:

Start Your Business - For individuals who want to start a new business and learn how to find funding for their business
Services - Information on filing annual reports, all business filings, updating business details, and employment services
Taxes - Tax guides, filing and paying taxes, IRS small business tax center, and business tax incentives
Licenses and Permits - Looking up business licenses, renewing business licenses, and environmental compliance
My Industry - Doing business in Connecticut, manufacturing, key industries, and agriculture business assistance
Resources - FAQs, small business administration, and business resources

FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Connecticut

The following questions are often asked about business entity searches in Connecticut:

Why would I need to search for a business entity in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, conducting a business entity search will help you confirm its legal status, understand its structure, and determine the ownership.
What types of entities can I search for in Connecticut?
Anyone may search for BCs, LLCs, LLPs, limited partnerships, general partnerships, corporation stocks, corporation non-stocks, and religious corporations or societies in Connecticut.
Where can I perform a business entity search in Connecticut?
Interested persons may conduct business entity searches in Connecticut by contacting the Secretary of the State’s Office or by using the online Business Records Search tool managed by the office.
What information do I need to conduct an entity search in Connecticut?
Information required to perform an entity search in Connecticut may either be the partial or full business name, filing number, principal name, business ALEI, agent name, business address, or business city.
How do I find the official name of a Connecticut business?
You may find the official name of a Connecticut business by performing an entity search using the Secretary of the State’s Business Records Search portal. Generally, you may use the principal name, filing number, or business ALEI as the search criterion.
Can I search for foreign entities in Connecticut?
Yes, you can search any foreign entity registered in Connecticut using the Business Records Search tool.
What information can I find in the Connecticut entity search?
A typical Connecticut entity search will reveal information such as the principal name, business status (active, dissolved, withdrawn, or forfeited), date formed, name history, agent details, and address.
How do I verify if a Connecticut business is in good standing?
The status of a business entity as revealed by an entity search using the Connecticut Secretary of the State’s Business Records Search portal is an indication of the business’ good standing. Typically, the search result will disclose the date the business last filed an annual report.
Can I search for an entity in Connecticut by its owner’s name?
Yes. The Business Records Search portal managed by the Connecticut Secretary of State generally permits entity search by its principal name.
How often is the Connecticut business entity database updated?
The Connecticut Secretary of the State’s Business Records Search database is updated daily.
Can I obtain copies of business filings in Connecticut?
Yes. Copies of business filings in Connecticut may be obtained by submitting a request by mail or in-person to the Secretary of the State Office. Alternatively, you may obtain copies online by navigating to the View Filing History tab after conducting an entity search using the Business Records Search tool.
How do I find out who the registered agent of a Connecticut business is?
The details of the registered agent of any Connecticut business are typically included in the results obtained from an entity search conducted using the Secretary of the State’s Business Records Search tool.
How can I search for Connecticut businesses by their tax ID number?
You may find a Connecticut business by their Tax ID number by contacting the Secretary of the State.
What should I do if I can’t find a business entity in the Connecticut search?
If you are unable to find a business entity in Connecticut using the Secretary of the State’s Business Records Search tool, double-check the correctness of the search criterion. Alternatively, you may contact the Business Service Division of the Secretary of the State’s Office at (860) 509-6002 or by email for further inquiries.