Frequently Asked Questions For Business
Find answers to common questions about starting, managing, and maintaining your business in Idaho. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our Business Office is here to help.
(208) 334-2301
Starting A Business
How do I register a business in Idaho?
You can register your business online through SOSBiz.
Before you begin, you’ll need:
- A business name
- A registered agent in Idaho
- A business structure (such as an LLC or corporation)
Ready to file?
Need help getting started?
If you’re not sure what type of business to form or what requirements apply to you, start with these resources:
- Business Wizard
Answer a few questions to understand the requirements for your business. - Resource Wizard
Find funding, training, and support resources tailored to your business needs. - Get Step-By-Step Guidance
What business type should I choose?
Choosing a business structure is an important decision that can affect your taxes, liability, and how your business operates.
If you’re not sure which option is right for you, start with the Business Wizard, which will walk you through common business structures and help you understand what may fit your situation.
Common business structures include:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Partnership
- Sole Proprietorship
- Corporation
Use the Business Wizard
You can also review our Business Entities page for a high-level overview of each business type.
Once you’ve chosen a business structure, you’ll need to register it with the Idaho Secretary of State before conducting business activities.
Business registrations are public records. Information included on your registration, including your name and address, may be available to the public.
What is a name reservation?
A name reservation allows you to reserve a business name before you are ready to register your business.
Once approved, the name is reserved for 4 months, giving you time to prepare your filing without someone else registering the name.
To reserve a name, file an Application for Reservation of Legal Entity Name with the Secretary of State.
How do I register an out-of-state business in Idaho?
If your business was formed in another state and will be conducting business in Idaho, you must register it with the Idaho Secretary of State before doing business here.
To register, file a Foreign Registration Statement and submit a Certificate of Existence (sometimes called a Certificate of Good Standing) from your home state that is dated within 90 days of filing.
Not sure if your business needs to register in Idaho? Consider consulting a legal or tax professional.
Managing My Business
How do I file an annual report?
Most annual reports can be filed online through SOSBiz.
- Log in to your SOSBiz account.
- Access your business record.
- Select the Annual Report filing option.
- Review and verify your business information.
- Sign and submit your filing.
Need help accessing your business record? See How do I access my business in SOSBiz?
How do I file an amendment?
You can file most business amendments online through SOSBiz.
- Log in to your SOSBiz account.
- Access your business record.
- Select the amendment you want to file.
- Complete the required information.
- Sign and submit your filing.
The type of amendment available will depend on your business entity and the information you need to change.
For detailed steps on filing an amendment in SOSBiz, see How do I file an amendment in SOSBiz?
Need help accessing your business record? See How do I access an existing business in SOSBiz?
What is the current processing time for business filings?
Processing times vary based on filing volume and the type of service selected.
Current processing estimates are available on the SOSBiz Processed Through Date page and are updated as processing times change.
Expedited service is available for certain filings and is typically processed within 8 business hours.
Same-day service requests must be received by 1 p.m. Mountain Time. Requests received after 1 p.m. may not be processed until the next business day.
Why can't I see my business in SOSBiz?
If you don’t see your business in SOSBiz, it may not be associated with your account.
This commonly occurs when:
- A business was originally filed by a third-party service.
- A business changes ownership or leadership.
- A nonprofit organization has changes in board members or officers.
How do I reinstate my business?
If your Idaho business has been forfeited or dissolved, you may be able to reinstate it through the Secretary of State.
To reinstate a business, you must:
- Log in to your SOSBiz account.
- Access your business record.
- Complete the reinstatement filing.
Resolve any outstanding filing requirements, if applicable.
Only Idaho entities may reinstate their business.
Need help accessing your business record? See How do I access an existing business in SOSBiz?
Registered Agents
What is a registered agent?
A registered agent is the person or business designated to receive official documents and legal notices on behalf of your business.
You can:
- Serve as your own registered agent if you have a physical address in Idaho, or
- Hire a registered agent service.
Registered agent services typically charge a fee and must be arranged before filing.
Does my business need a registered agent?
Most business entities registered in Idaho are required to maintain a registered agent.
A registered agent helps ensure your business can receive official notices and legal documents.
Can a registered agent use a P.O. Box?
No. A registered agent must have a physical street address in Idaho. P.O. boxes cannot be used as a registered office address.
The registered agent must be:
- An individual with a physical address in Idaho, or
- A business entity authorized to do business in Idaho with a physical address in the state.
A P.O. box may be used as a mailing address for your business, but not as the registered office address.
SOSBiz Account Help
Having trouble with your SOSBiz account?
Assumed Business Names (DBA/ABN)
What is the difference between a DBA and an ABN?
There is no difference.
DBA (“Doing Business As”) is a common term used to describe an Assumed Business Name (ABN).
An ABN allows a business to operate under a name that is different from its legal business name.
For example, if Smith Enterprises LLC wants to operate as “Mountain Coffee,” it may file an Assumed Business Name for Mountain Coffee.
An ABN does not create a separate legal business entity and is not a business license.
How do I register an assumed business name (ABN)?
You can file most business amendments can be filed online through SOSBiz.
- Log in to your SOSBiz account.
- Select the option to file an Assumed Business Name.
- Complete the required information about your business and the name you wish to use.
- Submit your filing and pay the required fee.
Before filing, make sure the name you want to use is available.
Need help deciding whether you need an ABN? See What is the difference between a DBA and an ABN?
How long does an assumed business name (ABN) remain active?
An Assumed Business Name (ABN) remains active until it is canceled by the owner.
ABNs are no longer subject to renewal requirements and do not expire after a set period of time.
Can I change or cancel an assumed business name (ABN)?
Yes.
You can update information associated with your Assumed Business Name (ABN), including:
- The business name
- Mailing address
- Owner information
- Business type
If you no longer wish to use the ABN, you may cancel it.
Amendments require a filing fee. There is no fee to cancel an ABN when filed online.
When do I need an ABN consent letter?
You may need an ABN consent letter if the Assumed Business Name (ABN) you want to use is not distinguishable from a name that is already registered in Idaho.
In those cases, the business that owns the existing name must provide written consent allowing the name to be used as an ABN.
For example, if an LLC already has a registered name and another filer wants to use the same name as an Assumed Business Name, the LLC must provide a consent letter. If you’re unsure whether a consent letter is required, contact our Business Services team before filing.Â
For consent letter examples, see Do you have examples of an ABN consent letter.
Do you have examples of an ABN consent letter?
Instructions
The consent letter must contain original signature(s), and cannot contain any restrictions, conditions, or stipulations. Any restrictions or conditions must be kept separately between the parties involved. The consent letter must simply state that consent is given to a person to use the same name.
Example 1: Letter from a Corporation
The letter must be signed by an officer of the corporation.
I, [JOHN DOE], [PRESIDENT] of [XYZ, INC.], hereby give consent to [JANE SMITH/COMPANY NAME] to register the name [XYZ] as an assumed business name.
____________________ __________________________________
Dated John Doe, President
For best results when pasting, use a monospace font. Default monospace fonts are:
- Windows: Consolas, Courier New, Lucida Console
- macOS: SF Mono, Menlo, Monaco
- Linux/Android: DejaVu Sans Mono, Roboto Mono
Example 2: Letter from a Limited Liability Company (LLC)
The letter must be signed by the manager – if there is no manager it must be signed by a member.
I, [JOHN DOE], [MANAGER] of [XYZ, LLC.], hereby give consent to [JANE SMITH/COMPANY NAME] to register the name [XYZ] as an assumed business name.
____________________ __________________________________
Dated John Doe, Manager
For best results when pasting, use a monospace font. Default monospace fonts are:
- Windows: Consolas, Courier New, Lucida Console
- macOS: SF Mono, Menlo, Monaco
- Linux/Android: DejaVu Sans Mono, Roboto Mono
Tax & EIN Information
Where can I find tax information for my business?
The Idaho State Tax Commission provides information and assistance for business tax questions, including sales tax, withholding, permits, and employer accounts.
You can also contact the Idaho State Tax Commission:
- (208) 334-7660
- 1-800-972-7660
How do I get an EIN?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and is used to identify your business for federal tax purposes.
You can apply for an EIN directly through the IRS.
Looking for information about Idaho tax accounts and business tax requirements?
- Idaho State Tax Commission – Learn about Idaho tax permits, sales tax, withholding requirements, and employer accounts
- Idaho Business Registration System (Idaho Department of Labor)
- Small Business Development Center Business Taxes Guide
Stock Information
Does the Secretary of State keep records of stock ownership?
No. The Secretary of State does not maintain records of stock ownership or shareholders for Idaho corporations.
Those records are typically maintained by the corporation itself or by a transfer agent working on its behalf.
I found old stock certificates. How do I know if they still have value?
We can’t determine whether stock certificates have value, but there are a few steps you can take to learn more.
Start by searching our business records to see whether the company is still active.
If the company is still operating, contact the company directly or its transfer agent for information about the stock.
If the company is no longer active, you may wish to consult a financial professional for assistance in researching the certificates.
Photo: Barn on the prairie near Rathdrum, Idaho.