If you’re setting up a company or reviewing your business records, you may come across a term that seems vague at first: SIC code. SIC codes play a bigger role in your operations than most business owners realize.
From applying for a loan to submitting your annual filings, having the right code attached to your business can influence how you’re categorized, what data you appear in, and how you’re viewed by lenders and agencies.
Still, many entrepreneurs ask the same thing: how do I find out my SIC code? Or more urgently, how can I get a SIC code for my business?
This guide covers everything you need to know. We’ll walk through what a SIC code is, where to find it, how it’s assigned, and what happens if you use the wrong one. Whether you’re launching a new company or reviewing an existing one, understanding your SIC classification is an important step toward maintaining compliance and getting access to resources that match your business profile.
Let’s start with the basics.
What Is an SIC Code for Business?
A SIC code, or Standard Industrial Classification code, is a four-digit number used to identify the primary industry of a business. It helps government agencies, financial institutions, and researchers understand what a business does.
These codes are part of a system originally developed by the U.S. government in the 1930s. Although newer systems like NAICS have emerged, SIC codes are still widely used today, especially in financial and regulatory settings.
Each SIC code is tied to a specific business activity. For example, a retail clothing store may use SIC code 5651, while a software development company might fall under 7371. The code you choose or are assigned depends on your main line of business.
Understanding what is an SIC code for business matters more than it seems. It’s not just an identifier; it impacts how you’re categorized in databases, how you’re analyzed for risk or funding, and how you show up in official records. If your code doesn’t accurately reflect your business activity, it can lead to complications down the road.
Why It’s Important to Have the Correct SIC Code
Getting your SIC code right can affect several aspects of how your business operates and how others view it.
For example, when applying for financing, lenders often review your SIC code to assess risk. Some industries are considered more stable or less risky than others, and your classification can influence loan decisions.
SIC codes also appear in government filings, tax forms, and market research data. If your business is misclassified, you could be grouped with the wrong industry or excluded from certain reports altogether. That may lead to inaccurate data about your business or delays during audits and regulatory checks.
Many business owners also wonder, what happens if I use the wrong SIC code? The answer is: it depends. In some cases, it might just result in bad data.
In others, like when applying for a business loan, it could delay your approval or lead to unnecessary questions about what your business actually does. If your code doesn’t match your business activity, it could trigger red flags with banks or government agencies.
That’s why it’s worth taking the time to make sure you’re using the most accurate classification. Knowing how to get a SIC code for your business—and making sure it reflects what you actually do—is a small but important step toward smooth operations and reliable records.
How Do I Find Out My SIC Code?
If you’re unsure about your current classification, the good news is there are several ways to look it up. The first step is understanding where your business has already been registered or listed.
Your SIC code might already be assigned, especially if you’ve filed official documents or applied for business credit.
Here are a few common places to start:
- Business formation paperwork: If you registered your company with your state or through a formation service, your SIC code may appear in those documents.
- IRS filings: Some tax forms include a section for business classification.
- Business credit reports: Agencies like Dun & Bradstreet or Experian Business often list SIC codes based on your business profile.
- Secretary of State website: In some states, you can look up your business and view classification details.
You can also use an online lookup tool to find the most accurate code. The U.S. Department of Labor and the Securities and Exchange Commission both maintain searchable SIC databases. Just enter a few keywords describing your business activity, and the system will suggest matching codes.
Still wondering how to find your SIC code if nothing seems to match? Try looking at what similar businesses use. Many directories list company classifications, and checking your competitors may point you in the right direction.
The most important thing is to choose the code that best describes your primary business activity, not all the services you offer. When in doubt, consult with a professional or lender to avoid future complications.
Checking Official Documents and Databases
If you still can’t confidently answer where to find your SIC code, the next best step is to search through official records. There are reliable sources both offline and online that can help you pinpoint the correct code for your business.
1. Check Government and Regulatory Platforms
Several U.S. government agencies maintain SIC databases. These tools are free to use and allow you to search by industry keyword or browse entire code lists:
- SEC SIC Code Lookup Tool: The Securities and Exchange Commission allows users to search SIC codes by company name or keyword.
- OSHA SIC Search: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration offers a user-friendly SIC search portal.
- NAICS to SIC Conversion Tools: Many websites help you convert NAICS codes (the newer classification system) to SIC codes if you only know one or the other.
2. Look Into Your Business Credit Report
Business credit bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), Equifax, and Experian assign SIC codes to companies as part of their profiling. If you have a business credit report, your SIC code is likely listed there.
3. Review State or Local Business Registries
Some states list your company’s SIC code in your online business entity profile. Visit your Secretary of State’s website, enter your company name, and review the public listing.
Assigning the Right SIC Code When Starting a Business
If you’re launching a business, you’ll likely ask how to get a SIC code for your business. The process is not complicated, but it does require attention to detail. Instead of applying for one directly, you choose the code that best fits your operations, and that decision can follow your business for years.
When you’re first setting up your business entity, you may be asked to describe your main line of work. That description is what informs the SIC code assignment. Choosing the wrong one can affect how you’re categorized for taxes, compliance, or funding eligibility.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the steps to help you choose the right code from the start:
1. Define Your Primary Business Activity
Think about what your business does most of the time, not just what you offer. Your primary activity is the one that brings in the highest percentage of your revenue. For example, if you run a shop that sells both clothing and cosmetics, but 70% of your sales come from apparel, then you’ll want to choose a SIC code related to clothing retail.
Don’t try to include everything your business does. SIC codes are focused on your main activity, not every service or product you offer.
2. Use a SIC Code Search Tool
There are online tools designed to help you search for the right SIC code. Just enter a few keywords that describe your business, and the tool will return a list of possible codes. For example, if you type “auto repair,” you’ll see several codes that relate to different aspects of the automotive industry.
Some commonly used search tools include:
- The SEC SIC Manual Search
- The OSHA SIC Lookup
- The NAICS Association’s conversion tool (for businesses more familiar with NAICS codes)
Using a search tool is one of the easiest ways to answer “how do I find out my SIC code” when you’re starting from zero.
3. Review Similar Businesses
If you’re unsure which code to choose, look at how similar businesses are classified. Many public company profiles list their SIC codes. You can also search business directories or platforms like Dun & Bradstreet. Comparing your operations to others in your industry can help confirm you’re headed in the right direction.
This step can also reveal slight differences between codes; some are almost identical but target different types of customers or business models.
4. Select the Most Accurate Match
Once you’ve reviewed your options, choose the SIC code that most clearly reflects what your business does every day. Be specific. Avoid picking a general category like “services, not elsewhere classified” unless no other code fits. These catch-all codes may be easier to choose at the moment, but they can create issues later if a lender, regulator, or agency wants to better understand your business model.
If you’re still unsure how to get a SIC code for your business or if your business spans multiple activities, focus on the service or product that generates the highest income. If your operations shift in the future, you can update the classification with the relevant authorities.
Choosing the Right Code for Your Business
Now that you’ve seen how to get a SIC code for your business, the next step is making sure it’s the right one.
Even businesses that offer a wide range of services need to narrow it down. Lenders, insurers, and government agencies use your SIC code to assess the type of work you do.
That’s why it’s important to align your code with the main source of revenue, not every task your business performs.
Here are a few tips to help you choose wisely:
1. Look at Your Business’s Revenue Breakdown
If you operate a business with multiple services, review where your income comes from. For example, if you offer both web design and digital marketing, but 80% of your revenue comes from design work, then your SIC code should reflect the design aspect.
This is especially important when completing applications for funding, as the code gives lenders a quick snapshot of your industry.
2. Avoid Guessing or Choosing General Codes
Some codes are intentionally vague, like “Miscellaneous Services.” It might seem like an easy solution, but it can create confusion later. These general codes can also be flagged during loan or credit evaluations, since they don’t offer a clear picture of your operations.
When someone asks what is the best SIC code for my business, the answer usually depends on how well your business activity aligns with a specific code, not how easy the code is to find.
3. Double-Check Industry Definitions
Each SIC code has a formal definition. Don’t just rely on the keyword; it’s important to read what the code actually covers. Two codes may sound similar, but their scope could be completely different. Take the time to check the detailed descriptions to avoid misclassification.
4. Think About the Long Term
SIC codes don’t change often. Once yours is attached to your business, it may appear on tax forms, applications, and databases for years. That’s why choosing carefully now can save you from having to make corrections later.
Choosing the best match up front also reduces the risk of your business being misrepresented in industry reports or grouped incorrectly with unrelated companies.
Misclassifications and How to Fix Them
Mistakes happen, and SIC codes are no exception. If you’ve discovered that your business is listed under the wrong code, you’re not alone. Many business owners eventually ask: what happens if I use the wrong SIC code? The answer varies depending on where and how the code is used, but it can cause problems.
Why Misclassification Matters
Using the wrong SIC code can result in:
- Delays in loan approvals
- Incorrect risk assessment by lenders or insurers
- Misrepresentation in industry reports or statistics
- Issues with government filings or compliance
For example, a retail business misclassified as manufacturing might be viewed as higher risk. This could lead to less favorable loan terms or insurance premiums.
Inaccurate codes can also affect your business credit file. If a credit agency assigns a SIC code that doesn’t reflect your actual operations, other companies searching for you—or comparing your industry—might get the wrong impression.
How to Correct a Mistake
If you’ve found an incorrect SIC code, the fix depends on where the error exists:
- On state registration or tax documents: Contact the agency that holds your records (such as the Secretary of State or IRS). Some states allow you to amend business filings.
- With credit agencies: You can request updates or corrections through platforms like Dun & Bradstreet. You may need to submit supporting information that better reflects your line of work.
- On financial applications: Let the lender know your correct business description and suggest a more accurate code, especially if you think it will affect approval.
Taking the time to verify your SIC code regularly, especially if your services evolve, is a good business habit. If your operations shift significantly, it might be time to ask again, “how to get a SIC code for my business” that reflects where your business is today.
Accuracy matters. It ensures your business is properly represented in the systems that count.
Frequently Asked Questions About SIC Codes for Businesses
Where can I find a list of SIC codes?
You can find a full list of SIC codes through several official sources. The U.S. Department of Labor, SEC.gov, and OSHA all offer searchable online databases. These resources let you browse codes by keyword or industry category.
What is the best SIC code for my business?
The best SIC code for your business is the one that most closely matches your primary revenue-generating activity. To determine that, review what you spend the most time on and what service or product brings in the majority of your income.
Many business owners also ask how to find my SIC code and compare theirs to similar companies before choosing the most accurate one.
Who assigns SIC codes to businesses?
There isn’t a single agency that assigns SIC codes across all industries. In most cases, business owners choose a SIC code when registering their business. However, agencies like the IRS, SEC, or credit bureaus may assign a code based on the business description you provide.
If you’re unsure how to get a SIC code for your business, start by checking how your business is described in official documents or credit reports.
What happens if I use the wrong SIC code?
Using the wrong SIC code can lead to confusion, misclassification, or delays in loan or credit applications. It might also impact how lenders and government agencies view your business’s risk profile.
If you’ve found an error, it’s important to update it as soon as possible. Reviewing official records and updating your business classification can prevent issues down the line.
Where do I find my SIC code?
You can find your SIC code in several places, depending on how your business is registered and what documents you’ve filed. Start by checking your business registration paperwork, such as your articles of incorporation or formation documents. Your IRS filings and state registration forms may also include it. If you’ve built business credit, agencies like Dun & Bradstreet or Experian may list your code in your profile.
Get Business Support with SMB Compass
Understanding how to get a SIC code for your business is more than just ticking a box during registration. It plays a role in how lenders, agencies, and even industry peers see your company. Using the right classification helps avoid confusion, strengthens your credit profile, and supports a smoother path to funding and compliance.
Still wondering, “How do I find out my SIC code?” or “What is the right SIC code for my business?” You’re not alone. Many business owners revisit these questions as their operations evolve over time.
At SMB Compass, we help small and growing businesses stay on track not just with financing, but with the tools and knowledge needed to support smart decisions. That includes making sure your business classification aligns with your goals.
Need help securing funding or refining your business setup? Learn more about our services and see how we can support you.
