Out of all fifty, Utah is one of the most attractive states for entrepreneurs. Utah has one of the strongest economies in the country and is home to one of the United States’ largest technology centers, the Silicon Slopes.
These characteristics, coupled with a low unemployment rate, has turned the state into a destination for global companies and small businesses starters alike. The state is also well-known for its business friendly taxes, highly skilled workforce, and robust policies encouraging business investment and development.
Filing for a Limited Liability Corporation, or any business entity for that matter, requires that one of the first steps to be taken is to determine if the business name is available is one of the most crucial steps. This can be done through the Utah Business Entity Search, a free online service offered by the state Division of Corporation and Commercial Code.
This guide will be presenting the most crucial steps that are required in performing a Utah Business Entity Search and how to utilize it, including its significance, step-by-step procedures on how to utilize it, and tips on how Bizstartz can assist entrepreneurs in Utah.
What does Utah Business Entity Search Incorporate?
Utah Business Entity Search is a tool on the internet created by the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code, which is under the Department of Commerce, and allows the user to search the Utah’s database of registered entities which include LLC’s, Corporations, Partnerships, and Non-Profits.
These are the actions this tool allows you to perform.
Check Name Availability – Determine if a proposed business name is currently registered to a business, or registered to a business which operates under a similar name.
Verify Business Details – Search for the details of registered entities in the state of Utah which include the business entity type, registration date, and the business status.
Research Competitors – Particularly new entrepreneurs try to find answers to the questions who are under this and that name, and this tool provides the solutions.
Ensure Compliance – Utah Law aims to make certain that the business names and the names of the units are distinguishable, unique, and different, and therefore, provides this search tool as a legal necessity.
All in all, this search provides legal and business protection for people trying to start a business in Utah.
Why is the Utah Business Entity search Important?
Some entrepreneurs tend to forget the conduct a detailed search and its impacts on the filing of their LLC or Corporation. However, this step can save you time, money, and legal problems in the future. This is the reason why the Utah Business Entity search is important.
1. Makes Sure that the Name is Not in Use Before
The most obvious reason to perform the search is to confirm whether your desired business name is available. In in the event that you wish to establish an LLC and name it, Mountain Tech Solutions LLC, the search will illustrate whether there exists another company under that or very similar name.
2. Avoids Name and Legal Disputes
The use of a name that is already in use with or affiliated to another company will automatically embroil you in legal issues and a possible lawsuit or trademark infringement claims. This is the reason you should ensure that your name is as unique as possible in order to shield yourself from untold legal expenses as well as rebranding expenses.
3. Confirms Business Authenticity
Potential investors, partners, and even clients may wish to inquire whether or not a company is registered with the state of Utah. The search provides an effortless way to prove and provides the status of the entity whether in good standing or has been dissolved, expired, or even revoked.
4. Aids in Promotion and Marketing.
Distinctiveness in the name of a business always contributes to its brand identity. If your name is too close to the name of another business, your customers may become confused and you may face marketing issues
5. Assists in Trademark Applications
In the case you wish to trademark your name or logo, the first inquiry you should make is whether the business name is registered or trademarked in the state of Utah. This will save you from spending time and money on a name and brand you will be unable to protect.
Procedure to Perform a Utah Business Entity Search
While a search is relatively simple, particular care should be exercised to avoid the search from being erronneous.
Step 1: Utah Division of Corporations Website
Access the official page of The Utah Department of Commerce – Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. This will provide you with the state entry point to file for business registration as well as conduct business-related searches.
Step 2: Locate the Business Entity Search Tab
In the initial page, select business entity search as one of the options. This will take you to a page where databases can be accessed.
Step 3: Provide Your Search Parameters
You can perform the search using the following methods:
- By Entity Name – This is the easiest method. Just type the name of the business in question, and you will get the results.”
- By Entity Number – If you’ve been assigned an allocation number company number and would like to register a company, you can search using the allocation number.
- By Executive Name – This search allows you to use the names of company executives, like directors, managers, or registered agents.
Step 4: Check Results of the Search
The system will show you businesses based on the search criteria you provide. Each business displayed will have the following:
- Name of the business
- Type of legal entity i.e., LLC, Corporation, Nonprofit, etc.
- Date of registration
- Current status of the business, Active, Expired, Dissolved, etc.
- Principal office address
Step 5: Choose a Name
If the business name you wish to use does not appear in your search results, the name is probably available. However, as per the requirements of the State of Utah, business names must be sufficiently differentiable on record, and even slight differences will not be enough. For example, “Mountain Tech LLC” and “Mountain Technologies LLC” would be considered very similar.
Guidelines for Selecting a Business Name in Utah
Choosing a business name is not simply a matter of stamping a value on an entity to register; it is probably one of the more critical acts of marketing and branding. Some suggestion that ought to be considered include:
Be Innovative and Original
Identify a name that sets you aside from the competitors in your market. If your name is too generic, your potential customers will find it nearly impossible to locate you online.
Use the Correct Business Designators
LLCs must include the legally designated terms: “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” and Corporations must include in their legal business name “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” “Company,” or “Limited.”
Avoid The Use of Sensitive Words
For example, use of the word “Bank,” “Insurance,” “University,” and “Attorney,” can trigger more special approvals in the licensing process.
Conduct a Name Search and Check the Trademarks
After doing a name search on the Utah data base, also check with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office (USPTO) to find out if the name is federally trademarked.
Establish a Business Online
It is important that you secure the domain name and relevant social media accounts pertaining to your business name. This is important so that you can further strengthens your brand.
What Next After The Name Search: Steps Forward in Utah
Obtain a Reservation Permit for Your Business Name: If you wish to open an LLC or a Corporation in Utah and have not yet filed the required documents, you can reserve a name for a period not exceeding 120 days.
Obtain a Certificate of Organization: Colorado LLC’s have to obtain a Certificate of Organization along with the Articles of Incorporation that are filed with the Division of Corporations of your choice.
Obtain an Employer Identification Number: This is needed in order to open a business bank account, pay business taxes, or employ staff
Select a Registered Agent: This is a legal requirement in Utah, and each business is expected to appoint a registered agent for all legal papers and taxes.
Submit Reports of Beneficial Ownership Information: As a new requirement comes into effect in 2024, a majority of companies are expected to submit BOI to FinCEN for regulatory compliance, so be ready.
Open a US Business Bank Account: This is an important step needed to handle all the business finances especially for business owners who are not based in the USA.
Register and Protect Your Brand with a Trademark: These will serve as its first and most important step to protect your trademark at the state or federal level.
How Bizstartz Can Help You
We assist clients, provding an streamlined onboarding process for setting up companies for international and u.s.-based clients. By undertaking all the entrepreneurial headaches, we allow you to focus to focus on your firm’s growth and expansion.
Let us outline the various services that we extend to our clients:
- Conducting a Utah Business Entity Search to determine the availability of a company a name.
- For the clients our company is willing to denominate an LLC, or incorporate a company with the Utah Division of Corporations.
- Provide assistance in the proper and timely application of an EIN with the IRS.
- Registered agent service.
- Filing reports of beneficial ownership of the company.
- Administering assistance in the incorporation of a business bank account in the USA and business payment systems.
- Bookkeeping and compliance assistance.
- Assisting clients to trademark a business to defend the name and image.
With us helping you, You do not have to worry about the ultra-legal and time consuming process of filing complicated forms. We promise that you business in Utah is redily operational and its filings are in order.
Final Thoughts
For companies that are establishing a business, the first Utah Business Entity Search, is of extreme importance. Not utalizing your business name can result in unwanted and expensive business name conflicts, thus, providing a strong foundation for the business.
Few states in America are as entrepreneurial as Utah, its flourishing economy, technology markets, and low barriers to doing business all provide an unparalleled atmosphere for business practice innovation. Whether you are forming an LLC, a Corporation, or any other type of entity, permitting all registralls as an unabashed preference of business practice rests at the very tenet of success.
With the assistance of Bizstartz, the Utah business you envisioned will be successful in every aspect, even those that require great registration and compliance.
