Key Takeaways

  • You must appoint a statutory agent with a physical Ohio address to form an Ohio LLC.
  • Ohio does not require an operating agreement, but having one is recommended to define internal management.
  • LLCs in Ohio must comply with ongoing requirements such as biennial reports and tax filings.
  • An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is typically necessary for opening a business bank account and hiring employees.
  • You may need local licenses, permits, or special registrations based on your industry or location in Ohio.

Advantages of Forming an Ohio LLC

Ohio LLC registration is a good option for small businesses that want the tax advantages of a corporation without the management and administrative restrictions. You can file with the state online in as little as an hour using the intuitive software system. With an LLC, or limited liability company, your business debts and obligations are separate from your personal assets. This means your personal liability is limited and your home and car cannot be seized to pay for a legal judgment, for example.

Ohio does not require LLCs to hold annual meetings, adhere to complicated rules, or appoint boards of directors. Little paperwork is required, and profits and losses can be reported on your individual tax return.

Steps to Start an LLC in Ohio

  • First, create a name for your LLC that reflects your industry and brand. It must distinguish your company from other businesses registered in Ohio. The name must end with the words Limited Liability Company, LLC, or Ltd. Liability Co.
  • You should check your preferred name for availability with the Secretary of State before registering your LLC. Once you have selected a name, file Name Registration Form 534A, which can be downloaded from the Secretary of State website. This form reserves the name for 180 days and requires a $50 filing fee.
  • File the Articles of Organization to register your LLC. This can be done online or by mail and requires a fee of $125 to file. This form requires the name and address of the LLC, the registered agent's name, address, and signature, the period of duration for the LLC if applicable, and the dissolution date if applicable.
  • An Ohio LLC must have a street address but it does not necessarily need to be in the state. This can be a home address for a home-based business, an office address, or even a PO Box.
  • A registered agent is a person or organization designated to receive official financial and legal correspondence on behalf of the LLC and responsible for filing required reports with the state. Whether the registered agent is the LLC owner, a manager, or a professional service, he or she must have a physical street address in Ohio and be available during regular business hours.
  • The name and address of the registered agent are on public record through the Secretary of State, so you may choose to use a professional service to maintain your privacy. In Ohio, the registered agent is referred to as a statutory agent.

Filing Your Paperwork

Ohio offers new businesses the option of a preclearance filing, which will inform owners about the acceptability of their proposed LLC. The fee for this service is $50 and processing takes two business days. You can mail the paperwork to PO Box 670, Columbus OH 43216, or submit it in person at 180 East Broad Street, Suite 103 in Columbus. 

The filing fee for your LLC registration is $125, payable with a check made out to Secretary of State. Articles of Organization will be processed within three to seven business days if you select regular service, which carries no additional fee. You can receive expedited service for an additional fee of $100 for processing within two business days. Clearly mark your envelope with the word EXPEDITE and mail it to the Business Services Division, PO Box 1390, Columbus OH 43216. 

Same-day processing carries an additional $200 fee and your paperwork must be hand-delivered to the Client Service Center at the address above. This service allows paperwork to be processed within four hours when received before 1 p.m. and by the next morning if delivered after 1 p.m.

Setting up Your Business

Ohio does not require LLCs to file an operating agreement with the Secretary of State, but having one is recommended if your LLC has more than one member. Your operating agreement will be recognized as a legally governing document by the state. This document should detail the division of the LLC's assets and liabilities among members and should list the names and addresses of each member, their rights and responsibilities, procedures for voting and resolving disagreements, member buyout provisions, and management procedures.

Dissolving an Ohio LLC

To voluntarily close your Ohio LLC, you must file a Certificate of Dissolution (Form 616) with the Secretary of State. Before doing so:

  • Ensure all debts and liabilities are resolved
  • File any outstanding tax returns
  • Notify business partners, vendors, and clients

The dissolution filing fee is $50. You can submit the form online or by mail.

Correcting or Amending Your LLC Filing

If you make a mistake in your LLC filing or need to update information, Ohio provides a simple process:

  • Certificate of Correction (Form 612): Use this form to fix minor filing errors. It must be filed with a $50 fee.
  • Certificate of Amendment (Form 611): Use this form to change your LLC’s name, purpose, or other structural details. This also carries a $50 fee.

Both forms can be submitted online via the Secretary of State’s website or mailed in.

Licenses and Permits for Ohio LLCs

While Ohio does not issue a statewide business license, many LLCs will need local or industry-specific permits to legally operate. Depending on your business type and location, you may need:

  • Zoning and Building Permits – Required for physical storefronts or home-based businesses.
  • Health Department Permits – For food preparation, personal care services, or similar businesses.
  • Professional Licenses – Necessary for regulated professions such as legal services, construction, healthcare, or finance.
  • Vendor’s License – Required for businesses selling taxable goods or services in Ohio.

Check with your local city or county government and the Ohio Department of Taxation to determine which permits or licenses apply to your business.

Obtaining an EIN and Opening a Business Bank Account

After your Ohio LLC is formed, you’ll likely need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This nine-digit number functions like a Social Security Number for your business and is necessary to:

  • Open a business bank account
  • Hire employees
  • File federal taxes
  • Apply for certain business licenses

You can apply for an EIN online through the IRS website for free.

Opening a business bank account in your LLC's name helps establish credibility, maintain limited liability protection, and streamline accounting. Most banks will require your Articles of Organization, EIN, and possibly your Operating Agreement.

Ongoing Requirements for Ohio LLCs

Once your Ohio LLC is formed, there are several ongoing compliance requirements to maintain good standing:

  • Statutory Agent Maintenance: Your LLC must continuously maintain a statutory agent with a valid Ohio address.
  • Biennial Reports: While Ohio does not require annual reports, it requires certain filings every two years for some business types, especially foreign LLCs. Always confirm with the Secretary of State.
  • Taxes and Fees: Although Ohio LLCs do not pay a state-level corporate income tax, they may be subject to the Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) if revenue exceeds $150,000. Additional federal and local tax filings may apply depending on your business structure and income.
  • Record Keeping: Maintain business records such as meeting minutes (if applicable), ownership transfers, and financial reports to ensure transparency and facilitate any audits or legal matters.
  • Renew Licenses/Permits: Some local permits or professional licenses require renewal—check with your city or county government to stay compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to form an Ohio LLC? Standard processing takes 3–7 business days. Expedited options are available for an additional fee.

2. Do I need a business license for an Ohio LLC? Ohio does not issue a general license, but local or industry-specific licenses may be required.

3. What taxes does an Ohio LLC pay? LLCs in Ohio may be subject to the Commercial Activity Tax and must also file applicable federal taxes.

4. Can I be my own registered agent in Ohio? Yes, as long as you have a physical address in Ohio and are available during business hours.

5. Is an operating agreement required in Ohio? No, but it is highly recommended to define ownership roles and operational procedures.

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