Key Takeaways:

  • An Ohio LLC address change requires notifying federal, state, and local agencies, including the IRS, Ohio Secretary of State, and Department of Revenue.
  • Moving within Ohio necessitates updating business licenses, DBAs, and tax registrations in the new location.
  • Relocating to another state may require registering as a foreign entity or forming a new business.
  • Registered agent information updates must be filed separately with the Ohio Secretary of State.
  • Changing a business name involves filing multiple forms and checking name availability.
  • Business owners should also update address records for bank accounts, business insurance, and legal contracts.

An Ohio business address change is required when you are moving the physical location of your business within the state. You should notify:

  • Federal agencies
  • State agencies
  • Local agencies
  • All governmental departments.

No matter where you plan to move, whether it's in Ohio or to another state, you will need to notify the new agencies in the location you plan to move. On your forms, you can designate if you are just changing your mailing address or if the address where you receive legal matters is also changing.

Moving Your Business Within Ohio

If you move out of your current city or county, you will need to advise the old location of the move and apply for a business license in the new city. You will also need to let the secretary of state know and file a new fictitious name or doing business as (DBA) name in the new county. You will also need to complete IRS Form 8822 for an intrastate move.

You may need to amend your original Articles of Organization for an LLC and Articles of Incorporation for a corporation to reflect the move. Sole proprietorships who have registered their business name in the state should also inform the secretary of state on a change of address. These steps also apply if you plan to move your business out of state. There may be a small fee associated with an address change.

Notify the State Department of Revenue of your new address, so they know where to send updates on:

  • State income taxes
  • Sales taxes
  • Other applicable state taxes.

You will need to notify the old department to cancel your old account, as well as notify the new department so they can set up an account for your business. Don't forget to check the status of other local licenses and permits in your new county, and let the current county know where you are moving to.

Updating Business Licenses, Tax Registrations, and Permits

When moving your business within Ohio, it is crucial to update all relevant government agencies and ensure compliance with licensing, tax, and regulatory requirements. Steps include:

  • Business Licenses & Permits: Check with the new city or county government to determine if additional business licenses or operating permits are required. If you had a license in the previous location, notify that jurisdiction of the change.
  • Tax Registrations: Update your business address with the Ohio Department of Taxation to continue receiving tax-related correspondence and avoid potential penalties. Businesses collecting sales tax must update their vendor’s license address.
  • Ohio Secretary of State: File an amendment if your business's principal place of business is changing. LLCs and corporations may need to update their Articles of Organization or Incorporation.
  • Banking and Financial Records: Notify your business bank, lenders, and payment processors of your new address. This ensures no disruptions in financial transactions.
  • Business Insurance Policies: Update your business address with your insurance provider to ensure coverage remains valid.

Moving Your Business to a New State

If you are moving your business out of Ohio, you will need to register your business as a legal entity in the new state, which is done through that state's secretary of state office. If you have an LLC, you may not have to set up a new business, but simply register as a foreign business in your new state.

Business owners who do not plan to come back to their state at all can, in many cases, let the state registration lapse; others may require you notify them when you are leaving. Double check what the state requirements are before letting your registration lapse, as well as with the new state on what their requirements are.

When you move your business to a new state, you will need to register with the Department of Revenue to collect state sales tax and any other taxes you may owe. You will need to cancel old permits and licenses in your prior state.

Verify what your new state requires in regard to obtaining the same permits and licenses you already had. IRS Form 8822, Change of Address, is what you will send to the IRS. In addition, you may need to submit a change for your Employer ID number (EIN) if you are moving to a different state.

Steps for Registering as a Foreign LLC in Another State

If your business remains registered in Ohio but is moving operations to a new state, you may need to register as a foreign LLC in that state. The process typically involves:

  1. Filing a Foreign Qualification Application with the new state’s Secretary of State.
  2. Maintaining a Registered Agent in the new state.
  3. Paying State Filing Fees, which vary by state.
  4. Updating the IRS if your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is tied to an Ohio address.
  5. Canceling or Maintaining Your Ohio Registration: If you plan to keep business activities in Ohio, you may need to maintain your Ohio LLC registration. Otherwise, you must dissolve the LLC in Ohio following the Ohio Secretary of State’s dissolution process.

Dissolving Your Ohio Business Before Moving

If you do not intend to continue business operations in Ohio, dissolving your business in the state is necessary. The key steps include:

  • Filing a Certificate of Dissolution (Form 561) for corporations or an LLC Certificate of Cancellation (Form 613) with the Ohio Secretary of State.
  • Settling all remaining state tax obligations and closing your tax accounts with the Ohio Department of Taxation.
  • Notifying business creditors and financial institutions of the business closure.
  • Canceling any business licenses or permits issued by local authorities.

Changing an Ohio Business Name

Changing your company's name in Ohio is a relatively simple process. It will cost you more to file the change fee than when you filed your original paperwork, since this involves filing two forms with the secretary of state. Despite the additional cost, it may be worth it if you have found a name that better represents your brand, or research has shown that a different name will be easier to remember. To change your business name:

  • File Form 524, the Name Registration Update form, with the Ohio secretary of state's office.
  • Check off Box four, located at the top of the form, which says “Cancellation of Registration.”
  • Fill out all the requested information on the form and mail it, along with payment of the processing fees, to the listed address.
  • Conduct a search on the Ohio's secretary of state website to verify if your newly chosen name is available.
  • File a registration under the name as if it was a completely new business, which can be done with Form 534A.
  • Be sure to include all the requested information, and send it to the designated address along with the required filing fee.

Additional Considerations for Business Name Changes

When changing your Ohio business name, consider the following:

  • Update Legal Agreements & Contracts: Notify partners, suppliers, and clients of the name change to ensure continuity in business operations.
  • IRS & Ohio Tax Registration: Inform the IRS and the Ohio Department of Taxation of your new business name to avoid discrepancies in tax filings.
  • Website & Branding Updates: Update your business website, social media accounts, and marketing materials to reflect the new name.
  • Notify the Bank & Financial Institutions: Update the name on your business bank accounts, credit cards, and financial agreements.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I change my Ohio LLC address with the IRS?
    File IRS Form 8822-B to update your LLC’s business address with the Internal Revenue Service.
  2. Do I need to notify the Ohio Secretary of State if I move my LLC?
    Yes, if your principal place of business changes, you must file an amendment to update the Secretary of State records.
  3. What happens if I don’t update my Ohio business address?
    Failure to update your address can result in missed tax notices, legal correspondence, and potential penalties for non-compliance.
  4. Can I keep my Ohio LLC if I move to another state?
    Yes, you can maintain your Ohio LLC registration while registering as a foreign LLC in your new state.
  5. How much does it cost to change my business address in Ohio?
    Fees vary by document type, but amendments to Articles of Organization or Incorporation typically cost between $25 and $50.

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