How to Form an LLC in Ohio
The midwestern state of Ohio is one of the best places in the U.S. to start a small business with the Ohio Secretary of State. This state was named the second-best place in the country to start a business by Site Selection magazine. Its economy is in the top 10 wealthiest in the U.S., making Ohio an economic powerhouse.
When forming an LLC in the state of Ohio, you must complete the following requirements:
- Select a business name according to requirements
- File articles of organization and submit filing fees
- Fulfill registered agent requirements
- Register your federal tax ID
- Complete annual report
- Establish at least one manager
Let Eco-fyle help you fullfil your business needs.
Select Business Name According to State Requirements
• Name Requirements: Must be unique and cannot be similar to the name of another corporation or LLC in Ohio.
o Must include one of the following:
• “Limited Liability Company”
• “Ltd. Liability Company”
• “Ltd. Liability Co.”
• “LLC”
• “L.L.C.”
o Must not contain:
• Contain profanity, words, or phrases that are generally considered a slur against an ethnic group, religion, gender, or heredity.
• Must receive business name approval from: The superintendent of financial institutions: bank, banker, banking or trust, or words of similar meaning in any other language. This is true even for businesses that do not engage in banking or trust activities. For example, the name West Bank Condominiums for a condominium development company must be approved by the superintendent of financial institutions before it may be registered with the secretary of state.
• Insurance Agencies: All insurance agencies, whether domestic or foreign, must be registered with the Ohio secretary of state’s office.
o Domestic insurance agencies must register with our office prior to obtaining an insurance license from the Ohio department of insurance.
o Foreign insurance agencies must register with our office prior to operating in the State of Ohio.
o A sole proprietor operating an insurance agency under a fictitious (or assumed) name that is not or cannot be registered as a trade name must register the fictitious/assumed name with the Secretary of State.
• Cooperatives:
o The name of any cooperative formed under Chapter 1729 of the Ohio Revised Code must include the word or abbreviation: “cooperative,” “coop,” “co-operative,” “co-op,” “association,” “assn.,” “company,” “co.,” “incorporated,” “inc.,” “corporation,” or “corp.” In addition, no business entity shall use the word or abbreviation “cooperative,” “coop,” “co-operative,” or “co-op” as a part of its business name.
o Unless:
• It is organized under chapter 1729
• It is organized and operating on a cooperative basis under Chapter 1702
• It is organized and operating in accordance with the cooperative laws of another state, the District of Columbia, or the United States
• It is a state or federally chartered credit union.
• Legal Professional Associations
o Legal professional associations or legal clinics, forming a professional corporation under Chapter 1785 of the Ohio Revised Code must follow specific name guidelines set forth in Ohio Supreme Court Rule III.
o The name of a legal professional association or legal clinic must (1) end with “Co.,” or (2) use the words “A Legal Professional Association” directly below the name.
File Articles of Organization and Submit Filing Fees
• Required Documents: the Ohio Articles of Organization
o You will need to record the entity name, statutory agent name and registered office address, effective date and period of existence, and the business purpose.
• Filing Fee: $99
• Processing Time: Standard processing time for filings by mail is 3-7 business days, but this can be expedited for an additional fee.
Fulfill Registered Agent Service Requirements
• If the Registered Agent is an individual person, they must reside in Ohio.
• If the Registered Agent is a business, they must be able to conduct business in Ohio.
• The Registered Agent must have a physical street address in Ohio, not a P.O. Box.
• The Registered Agent must be available in person during normal business hours to sign for any correspondence.
Register Your Federal Tax ID Number
An EIN is required for corporations that will have employees.
Complete Annual Reports
Ohio LLC’s are currently not required to file annual reports.
Establish At Least One LLC Member or Manager
Minimum Requirement: Your LLC must have one or more managers/members.
Request a free consultation
The team at Eco-fyle is eager to meet you and help you pursue your goals of
incorporation. Request a consultation with one of our specialists!