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How To Search Colorado Business Entities

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

There are over 694,000 businesses operating in Colorado - thousands of new business entities are reportedly registered every year. This includes sole proprietorships, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and corporations, with small businesses accounting for approximately 99.5% of the state’s business landscape.

The Colorado Secretary of State typically maintains records of business entities that operate in the state and generally serves as the most reliable source for this type of information. Contacting the Secretary of State’s office is usually helpful in performing due diligence, researching potential business partners, and getting important details on business entities in Colorado.

Choose Your Search Criteria

The Business Database Search tool typically allows users to run searches by inputting any of the following information into the search field:

Business name
the entity’s business name.
Trade name
the name that the entity has been authorized to transact business or conduct activities with, per the provisions of Colorado Revised Statutes Section 7-71-101. This is sometimes referred to as a “doing business as” or “assumed” name.
Trademark
any word, name, symbol, (or combination of the aforementioned) that has been adopted by and is used to identify the goods and/or services that the business offers and distinguish it from another business entity’s goods and/or services.
ID or Document number
these are unique numbers assigned to business entities by the Secretary of State’s office used to track the entity and documents that it submits for filing.

Name-based searches may be run by entering either a full or partial name and generally return a list of entities that match or contain the keywords entered into the search field. On the other hand, searching with an ID or document number is typically more specific and usually returns fewer, more targeted results.

The database search tool also offers advanced search options that may be utilized to further narrow down results by filtering the search with several criteria, including:

Filing date range
Exact match (for name and trademark-based searches)
Registered agent, reserved name holder, trade name registrant, and/or trademark registrant
Trademark type, class, and/or status

Review Search Results

After entering your search criteria, click the “search” button to display results. The displayed results usually include key information about the entities listed, such as their name, ID number, document number, status, form, and formation date. You may get additional information on a specific entity by clicking on its ID number.

Access Detailed Information

Selecting a specific business entity from the list of generated results will generally provide access to its detailed record. This record usually includes the information initially displayed in the generated result list (like the entity’s name, status, ID number, and formation date), as well as details like:

The business entity’s jurisdiction
The entity’s principal office street and mailing addresses
The name, street address, and mailing address of the entity’s registered agent
The entity’s filing history

Users may also file forms, obtain certified copies of documents (including a certificate of good standing), subscribe to notifications, and perform other actions from this detailed information page. Note that fees may apply for some of these services.

Further Assistance

You may contact the Colorado Secretary of State’s office at (303) 894-2200 if you need further assistance concerning accessing information on business entities via its Business Database Search tool.

How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Colorado?

Business entities typically provide information on their ownership or management structure on their official websites. However, not all entities publicly disclose this information, and sometimes, the ones that do may not provide comprehensive information. As such, you may need to utilize other resources to get details on the owners or managers of businesses in Colorado, like

Additional Resources for Business Ownership Info

The Colorado Secretary of State’s Office
The Colorado Secretary of State is generally considered one of the best resources for business entity information in the state. This office offers an online tool that you may use to access details on a business’s registered agents, status, and some of its filing documents (including the names associated with these filings). While this information does not typically identify all owners, it may provide key contacts of filings that indicate the company’s leadership/management structure.
Chambers of Commerce
Chambers of commerce in Colorado (state and regional) typically maintain directories of member businesses. These directories sometimes include information about business ownership or key personnel, especially for smaller, locally-owned companies.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
The Colorado chapter of the BBB typically provides detailed reports on businesses. These reports are usually geared towards building customer trust and often include the names of the business’s owners or executives (where available).
County Offices
Local county offices often maintain records of businesses operating within their jurisdictions, which may include ownership information for these entities.
Public Records and Professional/Trade Associations
Business licenses, court records, and other public documents related to businesses in Colorado may contain ownership-related information. Likewise, industry-specific groups and professional associations often maintain directories that include details on their member businesses and may list key personnel in these businesses.

Why Conduct a Colorado Entity Search?

You may conduct a Colorado entity search for a variety of reasons, including:

Confirming that a business has complied with statutory filing requirements and is in good standing
Doing due diligence on a company before entering contracts or partnerships
Gaining insight into a company’s management

Consumer Trust + Due Diligence

Researching a company through a business search is usually a good way to build trust, and transparency, and ensure that you are making an informed decision when dealing with them.

Investor Research

An entity search may be helpful for investors looking to evaluate a company’s ownership or management and its decision-making structure.

Supplier Verification

Businesses negotiating procurement agreements or contracts may conduct an entity search to verify the legitimacy of suppliers or vendors.

Fraud Prevention

Entity searches may also help identify fraudulent businesses, reduce the risk of scams, and obtain relevant information on potential business partners.

Who Holds Data for Colorado Business Entity Search?

Various agencies in Colorado typically hold Colorado business entity data, including:

What Entities Can You Register in Colorado?

Several types of business entities may be registered in Colorado.

Sole Proprietorships

These are typically businesses owned and operated by a single person. Sole proprietorships are usually the preferred form of business entity for new small businesses, as there are generally fewer legal requirements to establish one compared to other business forms.

However, individuals who wish to operate a sole proprietorship under a name different from their own legal name must register a trade name.

Partnerships

Partnerships generally involve at least two individuals (or other business entities) sharing ownership of a business. Several forms of partnerships may be registered in Colorado, such as:

General Partnerships:
here, the partners are typically held personally liable for all of the business’s debts or obligations, regardless of which partner incurred the debt or liability.
Limited Partnerships:
these are a form of partnership where at least one of the partners has limited liability protection, meaning that their risk is typically limited to the extent of their investment in the business. Limited partnerships are generally expected to have at least one general partner, who remains personally liable for all the business’s liabilities and debts.
Limited Liability Partnerships/Limited Liability Limited Partnerships:
here, all the partners typically have limited liability that protects them from the actions or debts incurred by other partners. However, this business form may not be available for all types of business entities.

Corporations

Corporations are generally considered legal entities that exist separately from the people that created it. They are typically owned by shareholders and run/managed by a board of directors, sometimes with the assistance of corporate officers. Corporations in Colorado generally have to adhere to certain formalities, such as adopting bylaws, electing a board of directors, and completely separating personal and business finances.

Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)

Limited liability companies are a type of business form that are somewhat similar to corporations, but different, in that they combine the advantages of corporations with those of partnerships. As such, the owners (usually referred to as “members”) of an LLC are generally protected from personal liability, just like the shareholders of a corporation. However, the entity itself may still retain the flexibility of a partnership and may also choose to be taxed as one.

How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name Is Taken in Colorado?

Before registering a business in Colorado, it is generally advisable to check the availability of your desired business entity name to ensure that it is not currently in use and that it adheres to applicable state laws.

To this end, the Colorado Secretary of State’s office offers a Name Availability Search tool that you may use to check existing business names (in the state). To use this tool, input the exact name you intend to use for your company (including required terms or abbreviations, like "Inc.", "LLC", or "Ltd") and click the search button. If the desired name is available, you may be able to reserve it for up to 120 days (this service usually requires the payment of a fee). The tool also has a “trademark advanced search” option that may be used to check the availability of trademarks.

For additional validation, you may also consider searching trademarks through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Trademark Electronic Search System and domain availability through platforms like the ICANN Registration Data Lookup tool.

How Do I Set up a Business Entity in Colorado?

Establishing a business entity in Colorado generally involves the following steps:

Define your business concept and draft a business plan.
Choose a business name (and check its availability).
Decide on a business structure.
Register your business. This usually involves filing necessary documents with the Colorado Secretary of State.
Comply with necessary tax requirements. This often includes obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS and a wage withholding account number from the Colorado Department of Revenue.
Obtain necessary business or special licenses and permits (these generally depend on the type of business you intend to operate).

You may contact the Colorado Small Business Development Center at (303) 860-5881 or via email for more help with setting up a business in the state.

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

There is usually a $50 fee for filing business registration documents with the Colorado Secretary of State’s office; individuals who wish to also register a trademark are typically charged a separate $30 fee.

Note that there may be other associated costs when starting a business in Colorado, such as licensing fees, local permit fees, and attorney fees, where applicable.

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

The Colorado Secretary of State’s website provides numerous resources that are usually helpful to both new and existing business owners, including:

Search tools to look up information on existing business entities and reserve available names for new ones.
Forms and online filing instructions for various types of business structures.
Fee schedules for filings and registrations.
Answers to commonly asked questions concerning business entities in Colorado.
Resources and tips on starting a business and maintaining good standing, protecting your business, filing complaints about fraudulent business filings, and more.

FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Colorado

Answers to common questions about business entity searches in Colorado are provided below:

Why would I need to search for a business entity in Colorado?
Running a business entity search is usually helpful in confirming a company’s legitimacy, its compliance with state filing requirements, and other due diligence, whether for personal, legal, or investment reasons.
What types of entities can I search for in Colorado?
You can typically search for a variety of business entities in Colorado, including limited liability companies, corporations, and partnerships.
Where can I perform a business entity search in Colorado?
The Colorado Secretary of State’s office provides a Business Database Search tool that may be used to search for business entities registered in the state.
What information do I need to conduct an entity search in Colorado?
You may use either a business name, trademark, trade name, ID, or document number to run an entity search in Colorado.
How do I find the official name of a Colorado business?
You may find the official name of a registered business in Colorado by running a search on the Secretary of State’s search tool using a partial name or keyword.
Can I search for foreign entities in Colorado?
The Secretary of State’s search tool typically provides information on foreign entities that are registered to do business in Colorado.
What information can I find in the Colorado entity search?
A Colorado entity search usually provides details like the entity type/structure (whether it is a corporation, general partnership, foreign corporation, etc.), its date of formation, ID number, principal address, and details on its registered agent.
How do I verify if a Colorado business is in good standing?
The Secretary of State’s search tool usually indicates whether a business is in good standing. However, it should be noted that this status is purely administrative and generally means that the business has fulfilled its statutory filing requirements. Additional research may be needed to evaluate legitimacy, financial stability, and adherence to other regulations.
Can I search for an entity in Colorado by its owner’s name?
The Colorado Secretary of State’s Business Database Search tool does not generally allow searches by a business owner’s name. However, you may find ownership details in publicly available documents generated from searches.
How often is the Colorado business entity database updated?
The Colorado Secretary of State’s database is usually updated promptly after new business filings.
Can I obtain copies of business filings in Colorado?
Yes, you may view and obtain copies of business filings in Colorado through the Secretary of State’s website. Be aware that fees may apply for certain documents.
How do I find out who the registered agent of a Colorado business is?
Search results from the Colorado Secretary of State’s search tool typically include the name and address of the business’s registered agent.
How can I search for Colorado businesses by their tax ID number?
The Secretary of State’s search tool does not typically support searches by tax ID number. However, the Colorado Department of Revenue may assist with tax ID-related inquiries.
What should I do if I can’t find a business entity in the Colorado search?
If your Colorado business entity search does not return the desired results, double-check the details that you entered into the search field or adjust your search criteria. If the issue still persists, contact the Colorado Secretary of State’s office at (303) 894-2200 for assistance.