The Comptroller’s free Taxable Entity Search confirms an entity and its franchise-tax status; SOSDirect holds the full Secretary of State filing record.
Texas Secretary of State | Business Entity Search
In Texas, two systems hold business records. The Comptroller's free Taxable Entity Search is the public way to confirm a company and its franchise-tax standing, while the Secretary of State's SOSDirect has the full filing detail for about $1 per search.
Business Name Availability Check
State of Texas
What the Texas Business Search Covers
The Comptroller tool shows franchise-tax status and registered agent; SOSDirect adds formation date, filing history, and documents.
The Comptroller search is free; SOSDirect charges about $1 per search and needs an account.
How to Search by Business Name
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Start with the free Taxable Entity Search
Open the Comptroller's Franchise Tax Account Status (Taxable Entity Search), or use the direct link below. It is free and needs no account.
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Search by name, number, or ID
Search by entity name, taxpayer number, EIN, or SOS file number.
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Read the franchise-tax status
The result shows the entity's right-to-transact-business status, taxpayer number, SOS file number, and registered agent.
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Use SOSDirect for full filing detail
For formation dates, full filing history, and document images, use the Secretary of State's SOSDirect (an account and about $1 per search apply).
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Confirm registered agent and standing
Both tools show the registered agent; the Comptroller status tells you whether the entity is in good standing for franchise tax.
Ready to try it? Open the free Taxable Entity Search and run your query.
Search Texas businesses ↗All the Ways to Search Texas Records
Entity Name (Comptroller)
Free Taxable Entity Search by name. The best public starting point.
Open this search ↗Taxpayer Number / EIN
Look up an entity by its Texas taxpayer number or federal EIN.
Open this search ↗SOS File Number
Search the Comptroller tool by the Secretary of State file number.
Open this search ↗SOSDirect (paid)
The Secretary of State system with full filing history and documents (~$1 per search).
Open this search ↗Rules That Make Your Search Work
- The Comptroller's Taxable Entity Search is free and needs no account.
- Search by entity name, taxpayer number, EIN, or SOS file number.
- SOSDirect has the full filing detail but charges about $1 per search and needs an account.
- Use the Comptroller tool for tax-account status and SOSDirect for organizational records.
- Texas registered agent details appear on both tools.
- Texas has no annual report; instead, entities file an annual franchise tax report and a Public Information Report by May 15.
Reading the Entity Detail Page
| Field | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Taxpayer Number | The Comptroller's 11-digit taxpayer number for the entity. |
| SOS File Number | The Secretary of State file number assigned at formation or registration. |
| Entity Name | The registered legal name of the business. |
| Right to Transact Business | The Comptroller's franchise-tax status — for example, Active or Forfeited. |
| Entity Type | The structure, such as a Domestic or Foreign LLC, Corporation, or LP. |
| Registered Agent | The name and Texas address of the agent designated to receive legal documents. |
| Formation Date (SOSDirect) | The formation or registration date, available through SOSDirect. |
| Filing History (SOSDirect) | The full filing history and document images, available through SOSDirect. |
Two official references help you go further:
How to View and Download a Company's Filings
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1
Confirm the entity (Comptroller)
Use the free Taxable Entity Search to confirm the entity and its franchise-tax status.
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Open SOSDirect for records
Sign in to SOSDirect for formation dates, full filing history, and document images.
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Order copies if needed
Order certified copies or a certificate of fact through SOSDirect (about $1 per search applies).
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Mind the franchise tax
File the annual franchise tax report and Public Information Report with the Comptroller by May 15.
No annual report — franchise tax instead: Texas has no traditional annual report. Entities file an annual franchise tax report and a Public Information Report with the Comptroller, due May 15.
Texas Business Search - Common Questions
Is there a free Texas business search?
Yes. The Comptroller's Taxable Entity Search (Franchise Tax Account Status) is free and needs no account. The Secretary of State's SOSDirect has fuller detail but charges about $1 per search.
Which tool should I use?
Use the Comptroller tool for tax-account status and to confirm an entity exists; use SOSDirect for formation records, filing history, and document images.
Does Texas require an annual report?
Not a traditional annual report. Texas entities file an annual franchise tax report and a Public Information Report with the Comptroller, due May 15.
What is the "right to transact business" status?
It is the Comptroller's franchise-tax standing. "Forfeited" means the entity is not current on franchise tax obligations.
How do I find a registered agent?
Both the Comptroller tool and SOSDirect show the registered agent name and address.
A name is available in Texas. Does that mean I can use it?
Not necessarily. State availability does not clear a name against federal trademarks. Run a USPTO trademark screen and check domain and social-handle availability before committing.