Texas business lookup
Find a Texas business in our directory, then confirm it with the free Comptroller entity search, the Secretary of State's SOSPortal (which replaced SOSDirect) and TDLR or the plumbing board.
To look up a Texas business for free, use the Texas Comptroller's Franchise Tax Account Status search, often called the comptroller entity search. It shows whether an entity has the right to do business in Texas and its registered agent. For filed documents, use the Secretary of State's SOSPortal, which replaced SOSDirect in September 2026 and charges $1 per search.
Updated October 2026Search our directory first
USA Business Search lists Texas businesses from Foursquare open place data and owner submissions, with phone numbers, websites and addresses. Start at the Texas hub or a metro:
Texas metros sprawl across many suburbs and counties, so a Houston-area business may list Katy, Sugar Land or The Woodlands. Search the service, then check the nearby cities. Owners can claim a listing to fix it. We don't verify, rank or endorse any listed business.
The free option: Comptroller entity search
Texas splits its business records between two agencies. The Comptroller collects franchise tax, and its Franchise Tax Account Status search is free. Search by entity name, Texas taxpayer number, EIN or Secretary of State file number.
The result shows:
- Right to transact business in Texas: Active, or forfeited for failing to file franchise tax reports or pay tax.
- Registered agent and registered office address, as reported to the Secretary of State.
- The SOS file number, state of formation and mailing address.
- Officers and directors listed on the latest Public Information Report.
This is the fastest check of whether a Texas company is in good standing for tax purposes, and you can print the result. The Comptroller also issues a separate Certificate of Account Status, mainly used when an entity ends or reinstates.
The Secretary of State: SOSPortal
Formation documents, amendments and assumed name certificates are filed with the Texas Secretary of State. On September 29, 2026 the office launched SOSPortal, which replaced SOSDirect and SOSUpload, as its news release explains. Users need a new account, and payment is by card or ACH.
- A $1 statutory fee applies to each search. It is waived if you place an order or file from the results. See the SOS online services page.
- A Certificate of Fact showing status costs $15. A long-form certificate listing the filings costs $25. Fees are as of October 2026.
- Guides and bookmarks that still say "SOSDirect" are out of date, though the fee rules carried over.
Assumed names (DBAs) in Texas
LLCs, corporations, LPs, LLPs
They file an assumed name certificate (Form 503) with the Secretary of State for $25. It lasts up to ten years. Since September 1, 2019, these entities no longer also file with the county. See the Form 503 instructions.
Sole proprietors and general partnerships
They file with the county clerk in each county where they keep a business office, or where they do business if they have no Texas office. County fees vary. The SOS name filing FAQ explains the split.
Check a contractor or trade license
Texas has no statewide general contractor or remodeler license. Cities register contractors and issue permits. The state does license key trades:
- Electricians and A/C contractors: the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) licenses electricians, electrical contractors and air conditioning and refrigeration contractors. Use the TDLR license search. In a Texas summer, check the A/C license before anyone touches your system.
- Plumbers: the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners is still a separate agency. It licenses plumbers and offers its own license lookup.
- Local rules: Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin each register contractors and inspect permitted work. Check the city permit office too.
Our plumbers in Texas page is a starting point. Confirm each license with the board before work begins.
Starting a business in Texas
Form an LLC
A Certificate of Formation (Form 205) costs $300, as of October 2026; confirm in the SOS fee schedule linked from the SOS online services page.
Franchise tax and the no-tax-due threshold
Texas has no state income tax, but LLCs and corporations owe franchise tax. For 2026 and 2027 reports, entities with revenue at or below $2.65 million owe no tax and file only a Public Information Report or Ownership Information Report by May 15. Confirm on the Comptroller franchise tax page.
Selling taxable goods or services also requires a Texas sales and use tax permit from the Comptroller.
Texas business lookup FAQs
What is the comptroller entity search?
It is the Texas Comptroller's free Franchise Tax Account Status search. It shows whether a business has the right to transact business in Texas, plus its registered agent and officers from its latest report.
Is SOSDirect still available?
No. The Secretary of State replaced SOSDirect with SOSPortal on September 29, 2026. Searches still cost $1 each unless you place an order.
What does "forfeited" mean on a Texas business?
The Comptroller or Secretary of State forfeited the entity's right to do business, usually for missing franchise tax reports. It can reinstate after it files and pays.
Does Texas license general contractors?
No. Cities handle contractor registration and permits. TDLR licenses electricians and A/C contractors, and the State Board of Plumbing Examiners licenses plumbers.
Where do I find a Texas DBA?
Entity DBAs are on file with the Secretary of State. Sole-proprietor and general partnership DBAs are with the county clerk.
Own a Texas business?
Add your business to USA Business Search free, or claim your existing listing so customers see the right phone, website and service area.