Iowa Secretary of State

The Iowa Secretary of State was established by the United States Congress. The Office of the Secretary of State (SOS) is considered a service center for corporations. 

During working days, the Office is quite busy. In addition, only in 2011, the Office received about 200 telephone calls and emails with questions regarding their corporations.

The Secretary of State also plays an important role when it comes to country boards and commissions in this state. Importantly, this department also maintains essential documents. Some of them are the Acts of the General Assembly and the Constitution of this province.

How Do You Check if a Business is Registered in Iowa?

There are several steps to looking up a company entity in Iowa (IA). Firstly, you should visit the IA Secretary of State's official website. Afterward, a page will open up. Then, click on “Business Entity Search.”

Here you should type the desired entity name. In addition, you have another option as well. You can also search for the entity by entering the filing number or the business number. After filling in the information, you should click on “Search.” After finding the entity title, click on “View.” In this way, you can access more information.

Requirements of Business Registration

If you want your corporation to function legally in IA, you must enlist it. Here, you have two options for the entity type. Those are:

• Sole Partnership
• LLC

In the case of Sole Partnership, you may enlist with the recorder’s office of your county. Moreover, if you want to submit your LLC, the applicants should enlist with the Office.

How Do I Register a Company Name in Iowa?

The Iowa Secretary of State will help you enlist a company title. Additionally, after completing the entity search, you should check the availability of the title. If it is available, you are free to enlist your LLC.

What is a Certificate of Organization in Iowa?

The dorm certificate of organization is necessary when one wants to set up an LLC. You need to complete and submit the document to the country.

The document should include the name of the company and contact information. Note that the form may require other details as well. Moreover, you need to pay a $50 fee to fill out the certificate of organization form.

Business Name Reservation

In Iowa, you have the opportunity to reserve a name for your company. If you want to register the name later, you should reserve the name beforehand.

You should submit the application form for reservation of the title with the Secretary of State. Specifically, the name will be kept for 120 days. However, if you want to enter the name at that right moment, you do not need to reserve it.

Is a Registered Agent Required to Register a Startup in Iowa?

The chosen registered agent can be an IA resident, a profit or non-profit organization. What is more, it is also possible for a registered agent to be a foreign-profit or non-profit corporation that has a qualification to function as a corporation in IA.

Note that it is a requirement for most corporations functioning in IA to have a registered agent.

Where Can I Find Information on Iowa Business License?

There are no “general business” licenses provided in IA. The requirements regarding licensure depend on the nature of the company. You can find information on the legal requirements of corporations by visiting the local Department of Revenue.

How Do You Find Out Who Owns a Business in Iowa?

You can access any information regarding registered companies in IA. There are several ways to do so. Those are:

• Search the IA corporation registry
• Conduct a multi-state search ($25 fee per day for unlimited searches)
• Nationwide free search

How Do I Find an EIN for a Business in Iowa?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is generally used to determine a legal entity. In most cases, any corporation needs EIN.

You can apply to obtain an EIN through an online system. It is possible to get the EIN for free and receive it directly.

Can I Look up my Corporation’s EIN Number?

No. It is not possible to look up your EIN number, as the IRS is not providing a public database. However, you can still find your number by checking the EIN confirmation letter. You may also check other places where this number might be recorded.

Information on Business License Fees

You do not need to pay any taxes or fees to obtain a sales license and use a tax permit. However, make sure to follow all the instructions to successfully obtain an Iowa business license.

How Do I Contact the Secretary of State?

The Office of the Secretary of State of IA works from Monday to Friday.

Working hours- 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

General Gmail Address - [email protected]