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.
Ready to Start Your Ohio LLC?
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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
Creating your own LLC in Ohio is easy. Just follow the six steps below to register your Ohio LLC.
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.
Six Basic Steps to Start an LLC in Ohio
Step 1: Name Your Ohio LLC
Step 2: Choose a Statutory Agent
Step 3: File the Articles of Organization
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 5: Get an EIN
Step 6: Keep Your Company Compliant
Step 1: Name Your Ohio LLC
When you name your Ohio LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:
- Is available for use in the state of Ohio
- Meets Ohio naming requirements
- Is available as a web domain
Recommended: Visit our Start an LLC in Ohio guide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in Ohio.
Not sure what to name your business? Check out our How to Name a Business guide and free LLC Name Generator.
We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.
Step 2: Choose a Statutory Agent
All LLCs in Ohio must appoint a statutory agent. A statutory agent primarily acts as your LLC’s main point of contact with the state. But most importantly, they are responsible for accepting service of process in the event your business is sued.
Your Ohio statutory agent must be:
- At least 18 years or older
- Have a physical address in Ohio
- Available during normal business hours to accept service of process
In Ohio, your statutory agent must consent to their appointment by signing the Articles of Organization.
Recommended: Get a free year of registered agent services when you hire Northwest to form your LLC. $29 (plus state fees).
Step 3: File the Articles of Organization
Ohio Form 610 - Articles of Organization is a document that is filed with the Ohio Secretary of State to form an LLC. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $99 online and by mail.
For detailed instructions for completing the Articles of Organization, visit our How to File the Ohio Articles of Organization guide.
OPTION 1: File Online With the Ohio Secretary of State
- OR -
OPTION 2: File Form 610 by Mail
State Filing Cost: $99, payable to the Secretary of State
Mailing Address:
Ohio Secretary of State
P.O. Box 670
Columbus, OH 43216
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement isn't required for Ohio LLCs, but it's a good practice to have one.
What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.
Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.
For more information on operating agreements, read our Ohio LLC operating agreement guide.
Step 5: Get an EIN
What is an EIN? An EIN or Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue System (IRS) to identify a business for tax reporting purposes. An EIN is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.
Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number is required for the following:
- Opening a business bank account
- Hiring employees
Free EIN: You can get an EIN from the IRS website (free of charge) after forming your business.
Step 6: Keep Your Company Compliant
To keep your Ohio LLC compliant, you must ensure all business licenses and permits are in order, maintain current taxes, and follow appropriate hiring practices. Here's a summary:
- Acquire the necessary business licenses and permits. These requirements will depend on your business type.
- Keep up to date with state and federal LLC tax requirements. These will depend on your business activities and income. If you sell physical goods, register for a seller's permit. If you have employees, register for Unemployment Insurance Tax and Employee Withholding Tax. If your gross receipts exceed $150,000 per year, you'll also need to pay the Commercial Activity Tax (CAT).
- Ohio's individual income tax rates are based on a graduated structure, and the rate can range from 0% to 4.797%. Federal income tax should be reported using Form 1065 (multi-member LLC) or Form 1040 Schedule C (single-member LLC).
- If you plan to hire employees:
- Verify their eligibility to work in the US.
- Report them as "new hires" to the state.
- Provide workers' compensation insurance.
- Withhold employee taxes.
- Display workplace compliance posters in your workspace.
Steps After LLC Formation
Read all the steps you’ll need to maintain your LLC’s personal liability protection, open a business bank account, get business insurance, and stay up to date with state reporting requirements.
Visit our After Forming an LLC guide to learn more.
Ohio LLC Cost FAQ
What are the costs associated with forming an LLC in Ohio?
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.
How do I file the Articles of Organization in Ohio?
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.
Does my Ohio LLC need a statutory agent?
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.
Can my LLC operate under a different name in Ohio?
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.
What is the Commercial Activity Tax in Ohio?
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.
How can an LLC formation service be beneficial in Ohio?
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.
How can I ensure my desired LLC name is available in Ohio?
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.
What is a Certificate of Good Standing in Ohio, and why might my LLC need one?
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