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7 Steps in a Free Government Background Search on a Company
Before conducting business with any company, it is a good idea to first conduct a free government Background Search on them. You can use various free public records and government databases to conduct the free government Background Search.
Step 1: Free Government Background Search Using Local Records
When conducting a free government Background Search on a company, it is best to start your search with the local records, especially for smaller companies. Look into county documents or city records. These documents will provide you with information regarding the company, such as company taxes or any complaints pending against the company.
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Step 2: Free Government Background Search Using National Records
After searching the local records, the next step in conducting a free government Background Search is checking the national level. The Chamber of Commerce is a good source of free company information. The Better Business Bureau also has a record of all the complaints that have been filed against a specific company. Other agencies that you may choose to contact when conducting a free government Background Search include the State Corporation Commission and the Department of Professional Regulation.
Step 3: Free Government Background Search Using Company Licenses
When conducting a free government Background Search, you should also verify the company’s professional licenses. Some companies list their license numbers on their calling cards. You can contact the different associations that give out licenses to confirm. For corporations, you should also ask for their Federal Employer Identification Number, or FEIN.
Step 4: Free Government Background Search Using Criminal Records
When conducting a free government Background Search, you should then look into court records in the county and the state, especially those regarding lawsuits, tax liens and bankruptcy filings of the company. Criminal records of any of the company’s employees should also be checked at the county courthouse and various penal institutions.
Step 5: Free Government Background Search By Checking the Company’s Assets
It is also imperative to check on the assets of the company and its principals when conducting a free government Background Search. The most common assets found are usually real estate and automobiles. You can visit the county assessor’s office and search among the public records for property. You can also visit the Department of Motor Vehicles to check for automobile ownership.
Step 6: Free Government Background Search Using Credit Reports
Before going into any business transaction with another company, it is a must that you check the company’s credit score. The company credit report, which may be acquired from any of the three credit bureaus, will reveal any liabilities that the company may have. A number of corporations and other big businesses publish their own annual reports.
Step 7: Free Government Background Search By Checking the Company’s Reputation
Finally, a free government Background Search should also look into the reputation of the company. This can be done by checking the Internet and searching the various online business databases available.
Background Searchs are not only important for individuals; they are also useful for companies and corporations. By conducting a free government Background Search on a company, you can be sure that you are dealing with a legitimate company that will help your business grow.
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