Texas Secretary of State Business Search
Texas has two official tools: the Secretary of State's SOSDirect (most detailed, but $1 per search and an account is required) and the Texas Comptroller's Taxable Entity Search, which is completely free and needs no account. For a quick name lookup, use the free Comptroller search below. Bastion forms a Texas LLC from anywhere for $550 + state fee.
Search Texas business entities
Official source: Texas Comptroller — Taxable Entity Search (free) — free, no account needed.
How the Comptroller / SOSDirect search works
The free Comptroller Taxable Entity Search lets you check a Texas business by legal name or taxpayer number, see whether it exists, and verify its franchise-tax status — all without an account.
SOSDirect is the Secretary of State's own portal. It shows the most detailed records, including formation documents and registered-agent history, but charges $1 per search and requires an account. Most non-residents start with the free Comptroller tool and only use SOSDirect when they need certified records.
Official records (SOSDirect, $1/search, account): https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml
Checking a name before you form
Texas rejects filings that conflict with an existing entity name. Check both Comptroller and SOSDirect for serious due diligence.
Why people choose Texas
Texas has one of the largest economies in the world, no state income tax, and strong credibility with US banks and customers.
Forming in Texas? Bastion handles the Certificate of Formation for $550 + state fee.
Other state searches
FAQs
Is the Texas business search free?
Yes — the Texas Comptroller's Taxable Entity Search is completely free and needs no account. SOSDirect, the Secretary of State's portal, charges $1 per search and requires an account.
How do I search Texas business entities?
For a free quick check, use the Texas Comptroller Taxable Entity Search at comptroller.texas.gov. For full Secretary of State records, use SOSDirect at sos.state.tx.us.
How do I check if an LLC name is available in Texas?
Search your name on the Comptroller tool first, then confirm with SOSDirect for a binding check. Bastion confirms availability with the Secretary of State before filing your Certificate of Formation.