Glossary & Knowledge Base
Resources
Understand business entity search terms, LLC formation rules, and public records terminology.
A
Annual Report (Business Compliance)
An Annual Report is a mandatory filing required by most state governments to keep your LLC or corporation's contact and ownership information up to date.
Articles of Organization
Articles of Organization is the official legal document filed with the state to create and register a new Limited Liability Company (LLC).
C
Certificate of Formation
A Certificate of Formation is the official legal document filed with a state government to create and register a Limited Liability Company (LLC).
Corporation
A Corporation is a legal business entity completely separate from its owners, offering the highest level of personal liability protection and the ability to issue stock.
D
Dissolved Entity
A Dissolved Entity is a business that has been legally formally closed, meaning it no longer has the authority to operate, and its corporate liability shield is removed.
Domestic Entity
A Domestic Entity is a business (such as an LLC or corporation) operating in the same state where it was originally formed and registered.
E
Entity ID
An Entity ID is a unique identification number assigned to a business by the state government when the company is officially formed or registered.
F
Foreign Entity
A Foreign Entity is a business (like an LLC or corporation) that is registered to legally operate in a state other than the one where it was originally formed.
G
Good Standing
Good Standing is a legal status indicating that a business entity is active, up to date on all state filings and franchise taxes, and legally authorized to operate in a state.
L
LLC (Limited Liability Company)
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a U.S. business structure that combines the pass-through taxation of a sole proprietorship or partnership with the limited liability of a corporation.
N
Nonprofit Corporation
A Nonprofit Corporation is a legal entity formed to pursue a public or mutual benefit mission rather than to distribute profits to owners or shareholders.
O
Operating Agreement
An Operating Agreement is an internal legal document that outlines the ownership structure, financial rules, and operating procedures of an LLC.
R
Registered Agent
A Registered Agent is a designated individual or third-party service authorized to receive official government correspondence, tax notices, and legal documents on behalf of a business.
S
SOS ID
An SOS ID is a unique tracking number assigned to a business by the Secretary of State. It is functionally identical to a state Entity ID or Document Number.