Incorporate in Ohio (OH)
Learn the basic facts about Ohio corporations and Ohio limited liability companies (LLCs). Compare the differences between Ohio corporations and Ohio LLCs and learn about Ohio rules and regulations that relate to forming a corporation or LLC.
Forming a Ohio Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC)
There are a number of business entity types to consider when you are deciding the structure of your Ohio business. The most advantageous entities to form in Ohio are typically corporations or LLCs. Although other entity options are possible, these are the entities that offer the highest level of liability protection in Ohio. As you review the characteristics of incorporating or forming an LLC in Ohio, be sure to keep in mind both the present and future needs of your business. Often, when you start a business it begins as a small organization.
Get Started
If you decide that a Ohio corporation or LLC is the best option for your business, BizFilings will form your company in Ohio, faster than anyone else, without costly legal fees. Our cost-saving offerings include:
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$115 + State Fees |
$250 + State Fees |
$350 + State Fees |
- Preparation and Filing of Formation Documents
- Preliminary Name Check with State
- Free Registered Agent Service for 6 months
- BizComply Online Compliance Tool
- 24/7 Access to Online Corporate Status Center
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- Everything included with the Basic Package
- Expedited Processing Service
- Corporate Kit & Seal
- Corporate Forms CD
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- Everything included with the Standard Package
- Tax ID (EIN) Number Obtainment
- Compliance DVD
- Certified Copy of State Filed Documents
- Overnight Shipping
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State Fees Apply
Each state charges filing fees that apply separately from BizFilings' package pricing. These fees will be reflected when you generate a Fast Quote using any of the links above. You can also view our list of fees by state.
Incorporating in Ohio
Ohio Corporate Name Endings
Ohio Corporation Requirements
Ohio Corporate Taxes and Fees
Ohio Business License Requirements
Ohio Corporate Name Endings
The name shall contain the word "Company," "Corporation," "Incorporated," or the abbreviation "Co.," "Corp.," or "Inc." The name must be distinguishable from the name of another domestic or foreign corporation authorized to do business in the state, or from any trade name. The name shall not contain language implying it is connected with a government agency of the United States.
Ohio Corporation Requirements
Director Information
Minimum Number: Not less than three, unless there are only one or two shareholders of record; then the number of directors may be less than three but not less than the number of shareholders.
Residence Requirements: No provision.
Age Requirements: Must be 18 years old.
Directors are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.
Officer Information
Officers are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.
Stock Information
An increase in the shares may cause an increase in initial filing fees.
Corporate Records
The corporation must keep books and records readily available for inspection. No particular location is required.
Taxes and Fees
Annual Statements
The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.
Taxes
For more information on taxes, visit http://tax.ohio.gov/.
License Requirements
Ohio requires that you obtain a license and pay a fee if operating certain types of businesses in the state. The following is a partial list:
Asbestos abatement
auctioneers
Barbers
Chiropractors
Cosmetologists
Fraternal benefit societies
Hospice care provider
Insurance agents and solicitors
Motor vehicle salespeople
Real estate salespeople
Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.
Form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Ohio
Ohio LLC Name Endings
Ohio LLC Requirements
Ohio LLC Taxes and Fees
Ohio Business License Requirements
LLC Name Endings
The LLC name must end with "Limited Liability Company," "Limited," "Ltd.," "LLC," or "L.L.C."
Ohio LLC Requirements
Member/Manager Information
Minimum Number: one or more
Residence Requirements: no provision
Age Requirements: must be 18 years old
Member/Managers are not required to be listed in the articles of organization
Specific business purpose must be listed on the articles of organization
Ohio Taxes and Fees
Annual Statements
The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.
Taxes
For more information on taxes, visit http://tax.ohio.gov/.
License Requirements
Ohio requires most businesses to obtain a license and pay a fee if operating in the state. Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.
Registered Agents in Ohio
Ohio corporations and LLCs are required to have a registered agent located in Ohio. The Ohio registered agent is responsible for receiving important legal and tax documents including service of process (litigation) documents, franchise tax forms, and annual report forms.
A Ohio registered agent is an individual or company located at a street address in Ohio. Post office boxes are not acceptable addresses for a registered agent in Ohio.
If a company, such as BizFilings, is acting as your registered agent they must be registered as a corporation in Ohio. There are a number of advantages to using a registered agent service provider in Ohio, but the advantages differ between large and small companies.
Large companies in Ohio benefit by having service of process and state documents send to their registered agent's office in Ohio. The registered agent follows delivery instructions to ensure that important documents reach the correct individual. Smaller companies in Ohio benefit by providing a consistent Ohio address.
Another advantage to using another company as your Ohio registered agent is that the information of your Ohio registered agent is public record.
Learn how to select BizFilings as your registered agent in Ohio.
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