Key Takeaways

  • Forming a cheap LLC in Ohio involves a $99 state filing fee for Articles of Organization, plus optional costs for name reservation, expedited processing, and registered agent services.
  • Ohio LLC names must meet state requirements, including unique wording and inclusion of "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company." Certain words are restricted or prohibited.
  • Preclearance filing can confirm approval likelihood before officially filing.
  • Expedited service offers faster processing for additional fees, from two business days to four hours.
  • Additional costs may include operating agreements, EIN registration, business licenses, and ongoing compliance.
  • Choosing a cost-effective formation approach—such as DIY filing or using minimal services—can help create a cheap LLC in Ohio without sacrificing compliance.

An Ohio LLC filing is affordable and easy to create. However, the state of Ohio sets specific requirements. Any interested parties need to register with the Secretary of State and file the appropriate forms. They also must pay any required fees and meet the formation and naming requirements. Before the registration process begins, it's important for the business to understand what an LLC is, so they can decide if this is the right business structure for them.

In Ohio, LLCs are treated as corporations, so they are subject to all federal income tax classifications. There will be different federal tax responsibilities based on the type of taxation the LLC opts to have. It's important to get acquainted with the state laws when it comes to taxation. The LLC might have other taxes depending on what type of business it conducts.

Naming Your LLC

The most important and first step when forming an LLC is to select a name that fits the brand and industry that represents the company. The naming requirements can get confusing, so the best way to make sure the LLC name gets approved is to make sure it stands out from other LLCs. It's best to check that the preferred name is available before filing with the Secretary of State. The business name also must include one of the following words: 

  • L.L.C.
  • LLC
  • Limited Liability Company

Certain words are restricted, such as "attorney," "bank," and "university," so there will be extra paperwork needed for names which contain these words. Someone who's conducting business as a licensed professional, such as a lawyer or doctor, may also need to include those words as part of the LLC. Certain words are prohibited, such as "Secret Service," "FBI," and "treasury," because the use of these words might mislead the public to believe that the company is a state or federal agency. To check availability, a name search can be done on the State of Ohio's website. 

If the name is available, it should also be reserved. The fee to file a name reservation for up to 180 days is $50, and the name reservation application must be mailed to the Secretary of State. It's best to make sure the name is available before registering a domain name or ordering anything with the company name. The domain name should be reserved, even if the website isn't ready, to make sure the name is secured.

Ohio LLC Filing Fees and Cost Breakdown

When forming a cheap LLC in Ohio, the main mandatory expense is the $99 filing fee for the Articles of Organization with the Ohio Secretary of State. However, depending on your needs, you may encounter additional optional costs, such as:

  • Name Reservation Fee – $50 to reserve a name for up to 180 days.
  • Expedited Filing Fees – $100 for two-day service, $200 for one-day service, or $300 for four-hour service (plus the $99 filing fee).
  • Registered Agent Services – $0 if you act as your own agent, or typically $100–$300/year for a professional service.
  • Operating Agreement Preparation – While not required, drafting one may cost between $0 (DIY) and several hundred dollars with legal help.
  • EIN Application – Free if filed directly with the IRS, but some services charge a fee.
  • Business Licenses and Permits – Costs vary based on industry and location.

For entrepreneurs seeking a cheap LLC in Ohio, the most budget-friendly approach is to file directly online through the Secretary of State’s website, act as your own registered agent, and prepare your own operating agreement.

Pre-Clearance Filing Option

If there is a reason the company thinks the LLC filing won't be accepted, they can send in paperwork for a preclearance filing. This allows the Secretary of State to inform the business if the filing will be accepted. This is a smart option for those who don't have an attorney and are filing this for by themselves for the first time. 

The option of "preclearance filing" should be selected on the form. The fee is $50 for a preclearance filing, and checks should be made payable to the "Secretary of State." It will take one to two days to complete the preclearance.

Required Information for Ohio LLC Formation

To successfully file for an Ohio LLC, you’ll need to provide specific details on the Articles of Organization form, including:

  • LLC Name that meets state naming rules.
  • Statutory Agent Information – name, address, and acceptance of appointment.
  • Business Address – physical address of the LLC (not a P.O. Box).
  • Effective Date – can be immediate or a future date within 90 days of filing.
  • Management Structure – whether the LLC will be member-managed or manager-managed.
  • Signature – of the organizer(s).

Having these details ready before filing can speed up the process and help avoid rejections.

Expedited Service

There are expedited options available if paperwork needs to be processed within two business days. The expedited option is an additional $100 fee on top of the regular $125 filing fee. The envelope should be clearly labeled with "EXPEDITE." For one business day processing, the option for Expedited Service 2 can be selected. 

The fastest and most expensive service option available is Expedited Service 3. For a $300 fee on top of the $125 filing fee, the paperwork will be processed within four hours of receipt, as long as the paperwork is hand-delivered before 1 PM. Paperwork delivered after 1 PM won't be ready until the next business day. 

Both the Expedited Service 2 and Expedited Service 3 options require that paperwork be hand-delivered. The address for hand-delivering the filings is 180 E. Broad St., Suite 103, Columbus, OH, 43215.

Ongoing Ohio LLC Maintenance Costs

Even after formation, maintaining your LLC in Ohio involves certain ongoing expenses. While Ohio does not require an annual report fee for LLCs, you may face other costs, such as:

  • Statutory Agent Renewal – if using a paid service, expect $100–$300 annually.
  • Business Licenses or Permits – renewal costs depend on your industry and local regulations.
  • Amendments to Articles of Organization – $50 for changes like name updates or business purpose adjustments.
  • Foreign Registration Fees – if doing business in other states.

By planning ahead for these expenses, you can keep your LLC compliant while maintaining a low annual budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How much does it cost to start a cheap LLC in Ohio?
    The filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $99. Additional costs may apply for name reservation, expedited processing, or registered agent services.
  2. Can I be my own registered agent in Ohio?
    Yes. Acting as your own agent can save $100–$300 annually, but you must maintain a physical Ohio address and be available during business hours.
  3. Does Ohio require an annual LLC fee?
    No annual report fee is required, but you may have ongoing expenses for licenses, permits, or agent services.
  4. How quickly can I get an Ohio LLC approved?
    Standard processing takes a few business days. Expedited services range from two days to as little as four hours for an extra fee.
  5. Is an operating agreement required for Ohio LLCs?
    No, but it’s strongly recommended to outline ownership, management, and profit distribution—especially for multi-member LLCs.

If you need help with an Ohio LLC filing, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its website. UpCounsel's attorneys come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and have an average of 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.