Follow these 6 easy steps to form an LLC in Ohio in no time!
The name of your LLC must include the words “Limited Liability Company,” “L.L.C.,” “LLC,” or “Limited” at the end. It can’t include words that would confuse it with a government agency, like “FBI” or “Treasury.” You can check to see if your desired name is available by searching the Ohio Business Gateway website.
If it’s available, you can reserve it for 120 days by filing an Application for Name Reservation with the Secretary of State’s office. The reservation costs $50.
Every LLC must designate a registered agent in Ohio. A registered agent is an individual or business entity that has agreed to accept legal documents on behalf of your LLC. The registered agent must have a physical address in Ohio and be available during normal business hours.
You can appoint yourself as a registered agent, but many people choose to appoint a professional service because it can add an extra layer of privacy and protection.
To form your LLC, you’ll need to file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State’s office. The articles must include:
The filing fee for Articles of Organization is $99. You can file online, by mail, or in person at any Secretary of State customer service center.
An operating agreement is not required by Ohio law, but it’s a good idea to create one anyway. This document outlines how your LLC will be governed and sets out each member’s rights and responsibilities. It also helps prevent disagreements down the road by setting expectations from the start.
While there isn’t a standard format for operating agreements, you can find templates online or hire an attorney to draft one for you. Once it’s complete, be sure to keep it in a safe place—preferably with your other important business documents.
An EIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS that identifies your business for tax purposes. You’ll need one if you have employees or plan to open a business bank account. You can apply for an EIN online through the IRS website, by mail, or by fax—applying online is the quickest and easiest. It’s free to get an EIN; you’ll just need to have some basic information about your business on hand, like your business structure and contact information.
Depending on what kind of business you’re running, you may need to obtain other licenses and permits before you can start operating legally in Ohio—particularly if you’re selling goods or services that are subject to state sales tax.
For example, food vendors may need to obtain a Temporary Food Establishment Permit from their local health department before they can sell any food products.
After registering, you’ll also need to file quarterly payroll reports detailing how much tax was withheld from each employee’s paycheck. These reports are due on January 31, April 30, July 31, and October 31. As long as you stay up-to-date on your tax filings and payments, you should have no trouble staying compliant with state regulations.