Ohio LLC Filing Fees and Requirements
Bizee breaks down the Ohio LLC filing fee, Articles of Organization requirements, processing times, and ongoing compliance costs so you know exactly what to expect before you file.
Bizee Editorial Staff
Editorial Team
Ohio LLC filing fees at a glance
Filing fee: $99 (Articles of Organization, filed with the Ohio Secretary of State)
Processing time: 3–7 business days standard; expedited options available for an additional fee
State agency: Ohio Secretary of State
Annual report due: Not required — Ohio does not require LLCs to file annual reports
State tax rate: Ohio does not impose a state income tax on LLCs; the Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) may apply depending on gross receipts
Ohio LLC filing fees and requirements
Forming an LLC in Ohio costs $99 to file Articles of Organization with the Ohio Secretary of State. That's the core fee every new Ohio LLC pays. Beyond that, you'll need a registered agent, a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), and any business licenses your industry or location requires. Ohio skips the annual report requirement, which keeps ongoing costs lower than many other states.
Articles of Organization: the formation filing
To form an LLC in Ohio, you file Articles of Organization (Form 610) with the Ohio Secretary of State and pay the $99 state filing fee. You can file online through the Secretary of State's business portal, by mail, or in person. Standard processing runs 3–7 business days. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee if you need approval faster.
Your Articles of Organization need to include your LLC's name, the name and address of your registered agent, and the signature of an authorized organizer. Ohio's name rules require your LLC name to include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." and be distinguishable from other registered businesses in the state.
Registered agent requirement
Every Ohio LLC must designate a registered agent — a person or business with a physical Ohio address who can receive legal documents and official state correspondence on your behalf. You can serve as your own registered agent, but many business owners use a registered agent service to keep their personal address off public records and make sure nothing gets missed.
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to identify your business for tax purposes. You'll need one to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes. The IRS issues EINs at no cost — you can apply online at irs.gov and get your number the same day.
Single-member LLCs with no employees are not always required to get an EIN, but getting one anyway keeps your Social Security number off business documents and makes opening a business bank account straightforward.
Annual report requirements
Ohio does not require LLCs to file annual reports. That's one of the more business-friendly aspects of forming an LLC here — no recurring state filing fee just to stay in good standing. You still need to keep your registered agent information current with the Secretary of State and meet any applicable tax filing requirements.
Ohio state taxes for LLCs
Ohio does not impose a state income tax directly on LLCs. Instead, LLC income passes through to members, who report it on their personal Ohio income tax returns. If your LLC's gross receipts exceed $150,000 per year, the Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) may apply. If your business sells taxable goods or services, you'll also need to register with the Ohio Department of Taxation for sales tax purposes.
Foreign LLC registration in Ohio
If your LLC is formed in another state but does business in Ohio, you need to register as a foreign LLC with the Ohio Secretary of State. This requires filing a Foreign Registration Statement and paying a separate state fee. You'll also need a registered agent with an Ohio address. A tax professional can help you figure out whether your level of activity in Ohio triggers this requirement.
Business licenses and permits
Ohio doesn't issue a single general business license, but your LLC may need licenses or permits at the state, county, or city level depending on what you do and where you operate. Industries like food service, construction, healthcare, and childcare have their own licensing requirements. Some fees are one-time; others renew annually. Check with your local municipality and the Ohio Business Gateway to find what applies to your business.
Operating agreement
Ohio does not require LLCs to have an operating agreement, but having one is worth the effort. An operating agreement sets out how your LLC is owned, how decisions get made, and how profits are divided. Without one, Ohio's default LLC statutes govern those questions — and the defaults don't always match what members actually want. There's no state filing fee for an operating agreement; it's an internal document.
Other potential fees
- Name reservation: You can reserve your LLC name with the Ohio Secretary of State before filing for a small fee, typically $39
- Certified copies: If you need certified copies of your formation documents, the Secretary of State charges a per-page fee
- Amendments: Changing your LLC's name, registered agent, or other formation details requires filing an amendment and paying a state fee
- Reinstatement: If your LLC is administratively cancelled, reinstating it requires a filing fee plus any outstanding fees
FAQ
The Ohio LLC filing fee is $99, paid to the Ohio Secretary of State when you file your Articles of Organization. That's the required state fee every new Ohio LLC pays. If you want expedited processing, there's an additional fee on top of the $99. An EIN from the IRS is free. Business licenses vary by industry and location.
No. Ohio requires a $99 state filing fee to form an LLC — there's no way to waive it. What you can do is have a formation platform handle the paperwork for $0 in service fees, so you only pay the required $99 state fee. The EIN you'll need from the IRS is also free.
It depends on how you file. Standard processing through the Ohio Secretary of State generally takes 3–7 business days. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee if you need approval faster. Online filings tend to move through the queue more quickly than mail filings, so filing through the Secretary of State's online portal is usually the faster path.
No. Ohio does not require LLCs to file annual reports or pay an annual report fee. This is one of the ways Ohio keeps ongoing compliance costs low for LLC owners. You still need to keep your registered agent information current and meet any applicable state and federal tax filing requirements.
The Ohio Secretary of State charges $99 to file Articles of Organization for a new LLC. This fee is paid at the time of filing and is non-refundable. If you need to make changes to your formation documents later — like updating your registered agent or amending your LLC name — those amendments require a separate filing fee.
Yes. Ohio requires every LLC to designate a registered agent with a physical Ohio address. The registered agent receives legal documents and official state mail on your LLC's behalf. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have an Ohio address, or you can use a registered agent service — which keeps your personal address off public records.
It depends on your industry and location. Ohio doesn't issue a single statewide business license, so requirements vary by what you do and where you operate. Start with the Ohio Business Gateway for state-level licenses, then check with your county and city for local permits. Industries like food service, healthcare, and construction have their own licensing requirements with separate fees.
We collect the $99 Ohio state filing fee at cost and pay it directly to the Ohio Secretary of State on your behalf when we file your formation paperwork. You're not paying a markup — the fee goes straight to the state. Our formation service itself is $0; you only pay what Ohio requires.
