Form Your LLC in Ohio

An Ohio LLC gives you personal liability protection, flexible pass-through taxation, and very light ongoing filings (Ohio doesn’t require annual or biennial reports for LLCs).

With FormPros, you can file online fast and stay compliant year after year.

Steps to Form an Ohio LLC

1) Choose a Business Name

• Must include “LLC” or “L.L.C.” and be distinguishable in Ohio.
• You can optionally reserve a name before you file (fee shown below).

2) Appoint a Statutory Agent (Registered Agent)

• Required. Must have a physical Ohio address and be available during business hours to accept legal notices.
• Ohio calls this role a “statutory agent.”

3) File Articles of Organization

• File with the Ohio Secretary of State via Ohio Business Central.
• State filing fee: $99 (online or mail).

4) Create an Operating Agreement

• Not filed with the state, but strongly recommended to spell out ownership, voting, and distributions (Ohio doesn’t record operating agreements).

5) Get an EIN

• Obtain a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
• Needed for taxes, employees, and opening a business bank account.

6) Open a Business Bank Account

• Keep finances separate to preserve liability protection.

7) Register for Any State/Local Taxes & Licenses

• If you sell taxable goods/services, get a vendor’s license and collect sales tax (details below).

Ohio LLC Costs & Ongoing Obligations

Line item	Typical cost	When/where	Notes & source
Articles of Organization	$99	File at Ohio Secretary of State (Ohio Business Central)	Creates your LLC.
Annual/Biennial Report	$0	Not required	Ohio LLCs do not file annual or biennial reports.
Statutory (Registered) Agent	•$0 if self •Around $99–$200 per year if service	Ongoing	You must maintain an Ohio statutory agent with a physical address.
Optional Name Reservation	$39	Before filing	Holds your name if you’re not ready to file yet.
Commercial Activity Tax (CAT)	0.26% of Ohio gross receipts over $6M (2025 threshold)	Annually via Ohio Dept. of Taxation/Ohio Business Gateway	Threshold rose to $3M (2024) and $6M (2025).
Sales Tax (Vendor’s License)	$50 one-time (as of Apr 9th, 2025)	Register with county auditor or online (Ohio Business Gateway)	Fee increased from $25 to $50; no annual renewal fee.

Why Choose FormPros?

FormPros makes Ohio LLC formation simple and stress-free. We handle the paperwork, guide you through compliance, and ensure your LLC is set up correctly the first time.

✅ Fast online filing
✅ Expert support
✅ Affordable pricing
✅ Ongoing compliance help

Start your Ohio LLC today with FormPros and focus on building your business—not dealing with state forms.

Form an LLC

---

Form an LLC in Ohio FAQs

• How much does forming an LLC in Ohio cost?
  Filing the Articles of Organization with the Ohio Secretary of State costs $99. Additional fees may apply for expedited processing or amendments.
• What is a series LLC in Ohio?
  Ohio does not currently allow the formation of Series LLCs, which are structures that create separate "series" within a single LLC, each with distinct liabilities and assets.
• What is the difference between an LLC and a corporation in Ohio?
  • LLC: Offers flexibility in management and taxation, with members having limited liability.
  • Corporation: More formal structure, requires a board of directors, and can issue stock. Typically subject to double taxation unless classified as an S Corp.
• What is the difference between C Corp and S Corp in Ohio?
  • C Corp: Pays corporate income tax, and shareholders are taxed on dividends ("double taxation").
  • S Corp: Pass-through taxation where profits and losses flow to shareholders' personal tax returns, avoiding double taxation.
• Can an LLC be a not-for-profit in Ohio?
  No, an LLC in Ohio cannot be formed as a not-for-profit. Only corporations can apply for 501(c)(3) status to become tax-exempt.
• How long does it typically take to form an LLC in Ohio?
  Standard processing takes 5-7 business days. Expedited options are available for an additional fee.
• Can an Ohio LLC Operating Agreement be modified?
  Yes, members can modify the operating agreement at any time, provided all members agree to the changes.
• How do I look up an LLC in Ohio?
  Search the Ohio Secretary of State’s business database using the LLC’s name or registration number.
• Can I register my LLC in Ohio if I don’t live there?
  Yes, non-residents can form an Ohio LLC but must appoint a registered agent with a physical address in Ohio.
• Can a foreigner own an Ohio LLC?
  Yes, there are no residency or citizenship requirements to own an LLC in Ohio.
• Can an LLC own property in Ohio?
  Yes, an Ohio LLC can purchase and hold property in its name.
• Can one person own an LLC in Ohio?
  Yes, Ohio allows single-member LLCs.
• Is an Ohio LLC required to have officers?
  No, LLCs in Ohio are not required to have officers, but they must specify roles and management structure in the operating agreement.
• What is the process for naming an LLC in Ohio?
  The name must be distinguishable from other registered entities and include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” Check name availability through the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.
• Can I convert an existing business into an LLC in Ohio?
  Yes, you can convert a sole proprietorship or partnership into an LLC by filing Articles of Organization and updating tax and business licenses.
• How do I renew an LLC in Ohio?
  Ohio LLCs do not have annual renewal requirements but must file updates (e.g., changing the registered agent) as needed.