How to Start an LLC in Ohio

Ready to start your Ohio LLC? This guide will show you everything you need to know about filing the Articles of Organization, hiring a statutory agent, and laying down a strong operating foundation to support your new business.

Start Your OH LLC

Create an OH LLC in 5 Steps:

  1. Name Your Ohio LLC
  2. Choose a Registered Agent
  3. File Ohio Articles of Organization
  4. Set Up Business Operations
  5. File BOI Report

Step 1: Name Your Ohio LLC

Choosing a name for your Ohio LLC is the first step in forming your business. You’ll need to decide on a name that follows Ohio’s naming standards before you can complete the Articles of Organization that officially form your LLC. Here are the regulations you’ll need to consider for naming your LLC in Ohio:

What are Ohio’s business name requirements?

  • The Ohio Revised Code (Section 1706.7) on LLC naming regulations state that your LLC name must include an entity identifier, like “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “Ltd Liability Company,” or some other approved version. The LLC name you choose must also be unique, or distinguishable, from any other LLC name registered with the state.

Is the name unique in the state?

Are others using the name online?

  • Once you’ve determined your Ohio LLC name is unique in the state, see if it’s in use as a domain name or social media handle. You will want to create an online presence for your business that uses the same or similar name you have registered with the state.
  • We can help you get your Ohio LLC domain name and website up and running when you hire us to form your LLC. We’ll register your domain for free and give you three free months of email and website services (just $9 /month each after that).

Can you register the name as a trademark?

  • If you’re thinking of trademarking your LLC name, you’ll want to make sure it’s available right away. When you hire us to form your LLC, we can also help you register a trademark at the federal level. Our attorney-led trademark filing service includes a trademark availability search and legal advice if any obstacles to registration are found.

Step 2: Choose an Ohio Registered Agent

According to Ohio Revised LLC Code § 1701.07, every business in the state must have and maintain an Ohio statutory agent (aka registered agent) on state record. Your Ohio registered agent can be:

  • an individual resident of Ohio over the age of 18
  • a domestic or foreign LLC, corporation, or other Ohio registered entity

Both options must have a physical Ohio address where your business’s legal mail is received in person.

What’s the difference between a statutory agent and registered agent?

There is no difference between a statutory agent and a registered agent. They both serve you by receiving important legal notices on your behalf and forwarding them to you promptly. These are just two different names for the same role.

Step 3: File Ohio Articles of Organization

When you’re ready to file the Ohio LLC Articles of Organization by mail or online, you’ll need to submit the $99 state fee and the following information:

1

Business name
Remember, your LLC name must include LLC, L.L.C., Ltd Liability Company, or some other acceptable version.

2

Effective date
Enter the day and time you want your LLC to become active in the state.

3

Business purpose
Write a description of your LLC business activities. This description can be a few words or complete sentences.

4

Statutory agent information
This is the same as registered agent information. Enter the individual’s or entity’s name and physical Ohio mailing address (PO Boxes are not acceptable).

5

Statutory agent acceptance
Your agent must provide their signature to accept this legal appointment.

6

Incorporator (Organizer) signature
All who are completing this LLC application, and therefore approving it for submission to the state, must sign in approval.

How long does it take for an LLC to be approved in Ohio?

The Ohio LLC processing time is 3-7 business days. On top of the $99 state LLC fee, you can add expedited processing fees at the following levels:

  • $199 for three business days
  • $299 for one business day
  • $399 for same-day processing (only available if your LLC application is submitted in person by 1pm EST).

Ready to create your LLC in Ohio?
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Step 4: Set Up Business Operations

Now that your Ohio LLC is formed with the state, it’s time to build your company’s operating foundation with the following tasks:

Create an operating agreement.
Your Ohio LLC operating agreement contains the rules and processes for running your business. How to add new members, establish management structure, and determine percentage of ownership are just a few issues your operating agreement will discuss. Without an operating agreement, your LLC may default to any relevant rules set forth in Ohio Revised Code and the state will be in control of resolving your internal disagreements.

Get an EIN.
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is like your LLC’s social security number. Most banks like to see an EIN before they will open a business bank account with you.

Manage your company’s money.
To keep your Ohio LLC’s limited liability protections, you’ll need to keep your business income separate from your personal income. Opening a business bank account is the most effective way to do this.

Obtain licenses and permits.
Ohio does not require you to have a general business license. However, if the nature of your business or profession requires you to hold special licensing, you can check in with the State of Ohio’s eLicense system or review the state’s Licenses & Permits page.

Step 5: File BOI Report

Most LLCs will need to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report soon after registration. This report asks for information about the company itself, and owners who have substantial control over the company and/or own at least 25% of the business.

The BOI Report is submitted to FinCEN and went into effect in 2024. LLCs formed in 2024 have 90 days from the day of formation/registration to file the BOI. If your LLC is formed in 2025 or later, you’ll have just 30 days to file.

We can take care of the BOI Report filing for you when you hire us to form your Ohio LLC.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is needed to start an LLC in Ohio?

The filing that officially forms, or registers, your LLC in Ohio is the Articles of Organization. To submit this filing, you’ll need a unique Ohio LLC name and an Ohio statutory agent with a physical Ohio office address. The state LLC filing fee is $99 and can be submitted online, by mail, or in person.

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Ohio?

The cost to start an LLC in Ohio is $99 and can be filed online, by mail, or in person at the Business Services Division of the Ohio Secretary of State’s office.

Do LLCs pay taxes in Ohio?

Yes, LLCs need to pay income taxes in Ohio. For more information, visit the Ohio Department of Taxation website, or schedule an appointment with one of their agents in person or by phone.

When is the Ohio Annual Report due?

Great news! There is no Ohio Annual Report requirement for LLCs.

How can I contact the Ohio Secretary of State?

You can contact the Ohio Secretary of state in the following ways:

Phone: 614-466-3910

Mailing address:
P.O. Box 250
Columbus, OH 43216

Physical address:
Business Services Division
180 E. Broad St., 16th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215

 

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