How to Do a Business Name Search in New York

Selecting the right name is an essential first step for your New York LLC, requiring you to ensure the name’s availability. Searching the NY business entity database is vital to avoid infringing on existing business names and intellectual property rights within the state.

Our New York LLC name search guide offers essential tips on checking LLC name availability in New York, reservation, and registration, helping you secure a unique and compliant business identity efficiently.

How Do I Look Up an LLC in New York?

Summary: To look up an LLC in the state of New York, you can follow these steps:

1. Search the New York Corporation and Business Entity Database.
2. Click on the “Search Corporations” tab on the left-hand side of the page.
3. Select “Entity Name” from the drop-down menu.
4. Enter the name of the LLC you are searching for in the “Entity Name” field. You can search for an exact match or use a partial name search.
5. Click on the “Search Corporations” button.
6. If the LLC is registered in the state of New York, its information should appear in the search results. You can view the entity’s filing date, status, jurisdiction, and other details.
7. If you need additional information or assistance, you can contact the New York State Department of State’s Division of Corporations at (518) 473-2492 or via email at corporations@dos.ny.gov.

New York Secretary of State (Contact)

Mailing Address

New York Department of State
Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code
One Commercial Plaza
99 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY 12231

Physical Address

One Commercial Plaza
99 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY 12231

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:45 a.m.–4:30 p.m. ET

Email: Corpinfo@sos.New York.gov

Phone: (518) 473-2492

What is a New York Business Entity?

A New York business entity is a business that is legally recognized and registered to operate within the state of New York. The formation and regulation of these entities fall under the jurisdiction of the New York Department of State’s Division of Corporations.

Like in most states, there are different types of business entities that can be formed in New York, such as:

1. Sole Proprietorship: This is the simplest type of business entity. It’s owned and operated by a single person, and there is no legal distinction between the owner and the business. All the business’s income and liabilities are considered to be the owner’s personal income and liabilities.
2. Partnership: This is a business entity owned by two or more people who share the profits and losses of the business. There are different types of partnerships, such as general partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships, each with different structures and levels of personal liability for the partners.
3. Corporation: This is a legal entity that is separate and distinct from its owners, who are known as shareholders. Corporations provide the most protection from personal liability but are subject to corporate taxation and have more complex formation and reporting requirements.
4. Limited Liability Company (LLC): This is a business structure that combines the pass-through taxation of a partnership or sole proprietorship with the limited liability of a corporation. The owners of an LLC are known as members, which can be individuals, corporations, other LLCs, or foreign entities.

New York Department of State Entity Name Search

To establish a business entity in New York, the appropriate formation documents must be filed with the New York Department of State, and a filing fee must be paid. The exact process, costs, and documents required depend on the type of entity.

New York LLC Lookup Guide

New York LLC Entity Search: A New York LLC search (also known as a New York Business entity search) is a search that is used to find information about an existing business or to determine if the name you are looking for is available in New York.

The following information is typically what is searched for when searching for information about an existing business:

• It was legal or not?
• Its condition.
• It has a business address
• What is the name of its registered agents?

You should be aware that guidelines exist for choosing a name for a new business. The LLC search will assist you in finding them.

Methods for a New York LLC Search

A New York LLC search can be done by various methods.

You can access the following pages:

Search by name.

• • Make sure you enter your name exactly how you want it to be. A similar variation might not be possible if the original is already taken.

Filter by Status

• • You can select to search all entities, or only active entities by clicking the “Status” button.

Filter by type

• • The “Begins with” filter allows you to search by the name it begins with.
  • Search by partial filtering to find out what words are in a name.
  • You can search for specific parts of words in a name using the Contains filter. This can lead to a lot of results.

Check LLC name availability on the New York Department of State Website. You can do this by reviewing the order forms. This will show you whether your name is available. You can stop the form once you know if it’s available.

You can also take these steps during the name selection process:

Verify URL availability

• • Although you might not have a business website in your immediate plans, it may be something you want to do in the future. A URL that contains your business name is a good idea.

Verify email address availability

• • Similar to the above, an email address for your company should match your business name.

Pros of Starting an LLC

Starting an LLC has many benefits, including:

• Pass-through taxes. An LLC does not require you to file a corporate tax return. LLC owners report profit and loss on the 1040 form. Double taxation is not possible.
• There is no residency requirement. An LLC can be owned by anyone without having to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Legal protection. An LLC provides limited liability for your business debts and obligations.
• Credibility enhancement. An LLC will make suppliers, lenders, and partners more likely to work with your company.

Cons of starting an LLC

There are some disadvantages to starting an LLC:

• The potential for growth is lower To attract investors, stock cannot be issued.
• Lesser uniformity. Different states have different rules regarding LLCs.
• Self-employment tax. This is applicable to LLC earnings.
• You may be subject to tax on appreciated assets. These may apply if you convert a business to an LLC.

How to form an LLC

These steps will help you set up an LLC in New York.

1. Reserve a name and create a new one
2. File Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State.
3. Decide whether managers or members will manage the business.
4. You can decide the number of owners.
5. Register for the required business licenses, and certificates.
6. Filing Form SS-4, or getting your Employer Identification Number (IRS)
7. Any other ID numbers you may need, as they can vary by local jurisdiction. These ID numbers include unemployment tax and disability.

New York LLC Prices

Forming an LLC can cost you:

• New York State fee $200
• A $50 Certificate of Publication Fee
• A Biennial Statement fee of $9 every two years.

New York Business Tips

When it comes to forming an LLC in New York, it’s essential to consider the best LLC services and registered agents in New York. A good LLC service may prevent delays and effect the length of time to form your New York LLC due to filing errors from diy entreprenuers.

To begin, conduct a New York LLC name search to ensure the availability of your desired business name.

Once you’ve confirmed its availability, you can proceed with preparing the essential formation documents, including registering your New York business name and drafting a New York LLC operating agreement, which outlines the internal structure and management of your LLC.

It’s advisable to gather all required information and submit your filings promptly. Furthermore, applying for a business licenses in New York if you are required is something to consider and obtaining a New York Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS is essential for tax purposes if you plan to have employees.

You may want to be your own registered agent in New York, or if you ever want to change your New York registered agent, the options are available for a smooth transition.

In the event that you decide to dissolve an LLC in New York, ensure compliance with the state’s dissolution procedures to avoid any potential legal or financial complications.

Consulting with professional dissolution services like Bizee can provide valuable guidance and assistance throughout the dissolution process, ensuring a smooth conclusion to your LLC’s operations in New York.

Additional Steps to Consider

1. Trademark Search

When searching for a business name, it’s important to note that availability doesn’t necessarily mean the name is free to use if it’s already a registered trademark.

To avoid potential complications down the line, it’s wise to conduct a thorough trademark search using the Trademark Electronic Search System before finalizing a business name.

2. Choose a Registered Agent

After you have chosen an LLC name that is distinctive and unique, you can now choose your LLC’s Registered Agent.

3. Check if the Domain Name is Available

To check if a domain name is available, you can follow these steps:

1. Go to a domain registrar website, such as GoDaddy.com or Namecheap.com.
2. In the search bar on the homepage, type in the domain name you want to check.
3. Click on the search button to see if the domain name is available or not.
4. If the domain name is available, you will be prompted to purchase it. If it’s not available, the registrar will suggest some alternative options or you can try a different domain name.

4. Check if Social Media Name is Available

Check if a social media name is available for a new business name

5. Register New York Business Entity

When you complete the required documents for filing a new business entity, you then register your business and business name with the state. The state of New York will either approve your business name or reject it.

If you hire a good LLC service like Northwest Registered Agent, ZenBusiness or Bizee, these LLC services have business name tools available for you to do a quick search.

6. Register an Employer ID Number (EIN) With the IRS

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify businesses and other entities for tax purposes.

7. Create a Brand Logo

Creating a business logo involves several steps. There are affordable online services that can design a logo for you and assist with the process.

Define your brand: Before you start creating a logo, you need to define your brand’s personality, values, and mission. This will help you create a logo that accurately represents your brand.

8. Write a Business Plan

Writing a business plan involves a comprehensive process that covers various aspects of your business, including the industry, market research, marketing and sales strategies, financial projections, and more.

9. Open a Business Bank Account in New York

A bank account is generally required for a new Limited Liability Company (LLC) or corporation to separate personal finances from business finances and to establish a clear record of business transactions.

Note that the specific requirements for opening a bank account for an LLC may vary depending on the bank and state where you are located. It’s best to contact the bank you plan to use to inquire about their specific requirements.

New York LLC Name Search FAQs

How can I verify if an LLC is being used in New York City?

You can use the New York Corporation or Business Entity Database tool to check if your business name appears.

Can I name my LLC after me?

Although there is no prohibition against naming your LLC after yourself (most experts recommend against it).

An advantage of an LLC is that you can choose a different business name, which can make your business sound more professional.

What words are prohibited in a New York LLC’s name?

It is not possible to include words in business names that suggest that the company is a bank or financial institution, or that it is affiliated with a local or state government agency.

You can also view a lengthy list of prohibited and restricted words in New York on the Department of State Website.

Do I need an LLC name generator?

An LLC name generator is a great tool to help you choose a name for your LLC.

What is a brand?

A brand name is a name that a company gives to a product line or product. It can be the exact same as the company name, or something else.

Do I need to include LLC in the name?

Yes. Yes. in their legal name.

Is it necessary to renew my New York business name?

New York does not require LLCs to renew their names.

Is it possible for my business name to be different from the New York LLC name?

Some companies prefer to operate under a different name than their legal name. It can be called either a “doing business as” (DBA) or an assumed New York name.

LLC assumed names in New York are filed with Department of State.

Do I need a DBA for my LLC?

If your LLC plans to conduct business under another name than its legal name, a DBA is not required.

Brian Wilson Writer and Editor

Brian Wilson is the content manager and founder of LLC Radar. Brian grew up in North Texas, just outside of Dallas, and has a bachelor's degree in business from Southern Methodist University. Since graduating from SMU, Brian has gained over 10 years of experience in business writing for several online publications. Brian resides in Plano, Texas and he can be reached by email:   info@llcradar.com Phone: 972-776-4050

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