How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Ohio?
The cost to start an LLC (limited liability company) online in Ohio is $99. This fee is paid to the Ohio Secretary of State when filing the LLC’s Articles of Organization.
We recommend Northwest ($29 + State Fees) to help form your LLC.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Ohio?
Ohio LLC Online Filing Fee: $99
The main cost to start an LLC in Ohio is the $99 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the Ohio Secretary of State.
For a look at LLC cost in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.
Ohio Commercial Activity Tax: Varies
In Ohio, LLCs with gross receipts exceeding $150,000 per year are required to pay a commercial activity tax. LLCs with less than $150,000 in gross receipts are exempt from this tax.
The following are the Ohio LLC tax brackets and details:
- LLCs with between $150,000 and $1 million in gross receipts pay $150.
- LLCs with more than $1 million in gross receipts file and pay returns on a quarterly basis.
- If you form an LLC during the second half of the year, your first year's CAT is $75.
- If your taxable gross receipts total more than $1 million but less than $2 million, you pay an $800 minimum tax.
- If your taxable gross receipts total more than $2 million but less than $4 million, you pay a $2,100 minimum tax.
- If your taxable gross receipts exceed $4 million, you pay a $2,600 minimum tax.
You also pay a 0.26% tax rate on all gross receipts beyond $1 million
0.26% x (Taxable Gross Receipts - $1 million)
A late filing incurs a penalty of $50 or 10% of the tax due, whichever is greater. Interest may be assessed on unpaid taxes.
LLCs can file their commercial activity tax online or by mail.
Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Ohio
If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Ohio, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Ohio.
The cost for registering an Ohio foreign LLC is $99. You can register a foreign LLC in Ohio by filing a Registration of a Foreign Limited Liability Company (Form 617) online or by mail.
Optional LLC Formation Costs
There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:
LLC Name Reservation
Reserve your name for up to 180 days prior to LLC formation by filing a Name Reservation / Transfer / Cancellation form (Form 534B) and paying the $39 fee.
Trade Name
File a Name Registration (Form 534A) and pay the $39 filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name.
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Ohio LLC Ongoing Fees
When establishing and operating a limited liability company (LLC) in Ohio, it's important to be aware of the ongoing costs involved in maintaining your LLC's compliance and legal status.
Understanding these expenses will help you effectively plan your LLC's budget and ensure its financial stability.
Here are the primary ongoing fees for an Ohio LLC:
- Commercial Activity Tax: The CAT is an annual tax based on the gross receipts of your LLC. The specific fee for the CAT will depend on your LLC's commercial activity and gross receipts. The minimum fee for the CAT is $150.
- Trade Name Renewal: If your LLC uses a trade name, you will need to renew it every five years for a filing fee of $25.
- Statutory Agent Fee: Ohio requires every LLC to have a statutory agent, also known as a registered agent, to accept legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of the LLC. Fees will vary depending on who you choose as your agent (e.g., yourself, another individual, a registered agent service, etc.).
How to Register an Ohio LLC Yourself
Forming an LLC in Ohio is easy. Simply follow the steps outlined on this page.
Recommended: Using an LLC formation service like Northwest ($29 + State Fees) saves time and ensures compliance. Besides the low cost, we like their streamlined approach and excellent customer service
Ohio LLC Cost FAQ
In Ohio, it costs $99 to file the Articles of Organization, a necessary step to form an LLC. It's important to note that this fee doesn't cover additional costs, such as hiring a statutory agent or registering a trade name.
To establish your LLC in Ohio, you must file the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. This can be done online or by mail, and the filing fee is $99.
Yes, all LLCs in Ohio are required to have a statutory agent. This agent is responsible for receiving legal documents and important communications from the state on behalf of your LLC. The statutory agent must consent to their role by either physically or electronically signing the formation document.
Yes, an LLC in Ohio can operate under a different name, known as a trade name. This can be advantageous for your company's branding or for aligning your business name with the products or services you offer.
In Ohio, businesses, including LLCs, are subject to a Commercial Activity Tax. This tax applies to businesses with Ohio taxable gross receipts of more than $150,000 per year. The minimum tax is $150.
Using an LLC formation service in Ohio can be extremely beneficial. They handle the paperwork, ensure state compliance, and even offer statutory agent services. These services can save you time, allowing you to concentrate on other important areas of starting and managing your business.
In Ohio, you can verify the availability of your chosen LLC name using the state's Business Search tool. This step is crucial to ensure that your desired name is not already in use by another business entity in the state.
A Certificate of Good Standing in Ohio is a document that validates that your LLC has been legally formed and is in compliance with all state requirements. This certificate is often required when applying for loans, entering into contracts, or registering your business in other states.
Article Sources
Ohio Business Gateway
https://gateway.ohio.gov/home
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers
Ohio Secretary of State
https://www.ohiosos.gov/
Small Business Administration
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits
Chamber of Commerce
https://www.officialusa.com/stateguides/chambers/Ohio.html