A business record is a document or note that is made up of the regular operations of a company. They can include any number of detailsfrom information about projects or client preferences to who’s responsible for serving dessert at the corporate potluck. Records of business can be requested as part of a legal case or as part of an internal investigation.
Many private and government businesses make a range of business records online. They might also have offices where interested parties can get hard copies of the same information.
Certain states, like Texas maintain an index of all fictitious business name statements that are filed with county clerks. These documents typically include the names and addresses of the owners. These files do not necessarily mean that the companies are involved in illegal activities. They’ve simply not paid their annual fee for registering fake names.
Credit ratings are a second common source of data for business. They can be obtained from many government and private organizations. Dunn & Bradstreet is famous for its DUNS numbers, which it uses to identify millions of companies. Other private services compile business directories, which include details like the company’s address and location, the names of its principal officers, as well as the type of business the company is involved in. These directories are useful in research for competitors or potential clients. They can also give a quick overview of the company’s health and stability.