Form an LLC in Ohio
How to start an LLC in Ohio.
What the state asks for, what it charges, and what to file after you form. Fees checked against official Ohio sources in .
No annual report to file, and a low flat income tax.
Ohio at a glance
- State filing fee
- $99
- Articles of Organization
- Periodic report
- Not required
- Filed with
- Ohio Secretary of State, Business Services Division
- Operating agreement
- Not required (oral or written allowed)
Forming an LLC in Ohio, step by step.
- 1
Choose a name and check it
Your name needs "LLC" or a similar designator and must be distinguishable from names on record. Search the Ohio business database first.
- 2
Appoint a statutory agent
Someone with a street address in Ohio who accepts legal papers and official notices for the LLC. You can serve yourself or use a registered agent service.
- 3
File the Articles of Organization
File with the Ohio Secretary of State, Business Services Division. The state fee is $99.
- 4
Write an operating agreement
Not required (oral or written allowed). Either way it sets ownership, money, and decisions in writing. See the operating agreement guide.
- 5
Get an EIN
The business's federal tax ID, free from the IRS. Our EIN assistance can prepare it.
- 6
Register for sales tax if you sell taxable items
Ohio issues a Vendor's License through the Ohio Department of Taxation (regular licenses issued through the county auditor). Check local licenses too.
- 7
Stay current
Ohio does not require a periodic report from LLCs, but keep your statutory agent and address current with the state.
General information, not legal or tax advice. State rules and fees change; this page was last checked in October 2026. YaH Brands is not a law firm or an accounting firm.
Forming in Ohio? We prepare and file it, keep track of the follow-ups, and a real person answers when you call.
Services for this step
Every service is available on its own. Add only what your business needs.
- LLC filingPrepare the LLC filing you choose.
- Registered agentKnow who receives official notices for your business.
- EIN application assistanceGet oriented to your business tax ID application.
- Business AddressGive your business an address that fits how it works.
- Business license & permit researchFind out which permissions your business may need.
- Sales tax permit assistanceGet clear on sales tax registration steps.
Keep reading
All LLC guides- Start here8 min read
How to start an LLC
The steps to form an LLC in any state: choose a state and name, appoint a registered agent, file, write an operating agreement, get an EIN, and handle what comes after.
Read the guide - Keep it running5 min read
Annual report
What an LLC annual report is, what it asks for, how often it is due, and what happens if you miss it, including late fees and administrative dissolution.
Read the guide - Set it up6 min read
Foreign vs. domestic LLC
What domestic and foreign LLCs are, when you need to register in another state, how foreign qualification works, and whether to form out of state.
Read the guide
Ohio LLC questions
The state filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $99. Plan for ongoing costs too.
No. Ohio does not require a periodic report from LLCs.
Not required (oral or written allowed). Having one is still a good idea for any LLC, and banks often ask for it.
Yes. Every Ohio LLC must keep a statutory agent with a physical address in the state to accept legal papers and official notices.