Best LLC Services in Ohio

Ready to join the Buckeye State's booming business scene? Get it right from the start with these top-rated LLC services in Ohio.

Columbus, OH might be a popular hub for big companies like JPMorgan, Amazon, and Cardinal Health.

But given the state's business-friendly environment, it's not surprising that many other cities in Ohio are also attracting significant business investment.

If you're looking to start an LLC in the Buckeye State, you're in the right place. Below, you'll find the best LLC services to streamline the process and get your business up and running.

Northwest Registered Agent

Best for: LLCs that value privacy and local presence

Northwest Registered Agent is one of the few national LLC services with an actual office in Ohio—located in North Canton. That makes them a strong choice for Ohio business owners who want a reliable registered agent with a physical presence in the state.

Additionally, if you operate your LLC from home or prefer to keep your personal address off public records, you can use Northwest's North Canton address in your formation documents. This helps you stay compliant with Ohio's local street address requirements while maintaining your privacy.

Established in 1998, Northwest Registered Agent is one of the country's oldest LLC services. It is best known for its enhanced privacy features, transparent pricing, and in-house customer service.

LLC Formation Service - $39 + State Fees

Click Here to Get Deal

• Files all paperwork with the state
• 1 year registered agent included
• Privacy by Default (use their address instead of yours)
• Free LLC Operating Agreement
• Never sells your data. Ever.

Core services and fees:
Northwest Registered Agent offers just one LLC formation package, with add-on services:

• Filing Services: $39 + state fees^[1]
  Aside from preparing and filing your documents, you also get one year of free registered agent service, an operating agreement, and 90 days of free website, email, and phone.

• Registered Agent Services: $125/year^[2]
  Get same-day scans, instant notifications, a business address, free mail forwarding, and more.

• Annual Report: $100/year + state fees^[3]
  Most states require LLCs to submit an annual report. It contains updated information about your business, including a new address, contact number, or member. Northwest files this report yearly, so you don't have to worry about due dates.

• Identity Services: $9+/monthly^[4]
  Northwest's business identity services are free for 90 days. Identity services include a website domain name, a customizable website, up to 10 business email addresses, and an Internet-accessible phone line (unlimited calls and texts).

Pros + Cons:

LegalZoom

Best for: Comprehensive business permit & license report

In Ohio, LLCs don't need a general business license at the state level. However, depending on the type and location of your business, you might need specific business permits and licenses.

For example, businesses that sell tangible goods or taxable services must have an Ohio Vendor's License to legally collect and remit sales tax to the Ohio Department of Taxation. Missing even one required license can stall your opening—or worse, get you fined.

Not sure which ones you need? Don't worry, you don't have to do all the research. Leave it to LegalZoom.

Its business license report and management service helps you save time finding the permits and licenses you need. You'll get a customized summary of the documents required for your business and ongoing notifications, so you don't miss renewals or deadlines.

Since 2001, LegalZoom has helped entrepreneurs with business formation needs over 4 million times.^[5] It's accredited by the Better Business Bureau and receives mostly positive reviews from verified customers.^[6]

Form Your LLC at $0 + State Filing Fees

Form your business at $0, just pay the state filing fees, with the Basic package. The Basic package includes:

• Articles of organization
• Name check service
• Digital welcome packet
• Customizable website

Click Here to Form Your LLC

Core services and fees:^[7]
LegalZoom has three LLC formation packages to choose from:

• Basic: $0 + state fees
  With LegalZoom's free plan, you get a business name availability check and of course, preparation and filing of formation documents. You only pay for the state filing fees.

• Pro: $249 + state fees
  Pro comes with everything from Basic and a few helpful features, like an operating agreement and EIN. You might also appreciate the free year of e-signature services, bookkeeping tools, and editor access to customizable forms.

• Premium: $299 + state fees
  With Premium, you get everything in the first two plans, plus a 30-day subscription for legal guidance services, copyright registration service, and LLC amendments with rush filing.

Pros + Cons:

Bizee

Best for: Free LLC formation w/ registered agent services

Filing your Ohio LLC's Articles of Organization alone costs $99.^[8] Add to that the cost of business licenses, permits, a registered agent, and other startup must-haves—and suddenly, your "small" business isn't so small when it comes to expenses.

Hiring an LLC service to help with your paperwork usually means adding even more to that total. But with Bizee, you won't take on extra costs to get expert help. Its free LLC formation package covers the basics—like preparing and filing your Articles of Organization—without charging service fees. You just pay the required state fees.

Plus, Bizee's free LLC formation package includes a full year of registered agent services. That alone can save you around $100, freeing up cash for the licenses and permits you'll still need to handle separately.

Bizee, previously known as Incfile, is an affordable online formation company that helps entrepreneurs start businesses in any state. It's one of the first to offer free LLC formation with a free year of registered agent services.

Plans and Pricing:
Bizee has three formation packages, each designed to fit different business needs. Here's what to expect from each plan:

• Basic: $0 + state fees^[9]
  Bizee's free plan prepares and files your documents with the state, and also includes unlimited business name search and one year of free registered agent. You'll also get lifetime compliance alerts, electronic delivery of LLC formation documents, and business tax consultation.

• Standard: $199 + state fees^[10]
  The Standard plan offers helpful extras like an operating agreement, EIN, and banking resolutions. It also provides unlimited phone and email support.

• Premium: $299 + state fees^[11]
  Premium is ideal if you want comprehensive business formation services in one plan. You get all the features of the first two plans plus business document templates, a website with a domain name, a business email, and express delivery of physical documents.

Aside from business formation, you can pay for a la carte services like business license research, DBA filing, and annual report services.

Pros + Cons:

Tailor Brands

Best for: LLC formation with branding services

These days, having a great business idea isn't enough, especially if you're in a competitive market. Whether you're selling workout gear, offering virtual fitness classes, or running an online business in Ohio, standing out takes more than just drive—you also need a strong brand.

Tailor Brands can make that easier. They offer valuable branding tools that can help your newly opened LLC expand its reach much faster. Create a business website, design your logo and business card, and even make custom merch to establish a professional and recognizable brand from day one.

Founded in 2014, Tailor Brands is an online business formation company specializing in LLC and branding services. As a one-stop service for all your business needs, it also offers add-ons like business insurance, invoices and bookkeeping, and registered agent services.

Start Your LLC for $0 - Just Pay State Fees

Click Here to Get Deal

• Check business name availability
• Lifetime compliance alerts
• Lifetime support via email and phone
• LLC filing + optional tools to build your brand

Pricing and packages:
Tailor Brands offers three types of LLC formation packages:

• Lite: $0 + state fees
  With Tailor Brands' cheapest plan, you only need to pay the state filing fees, then you'll get formation services like name availability research and preparation and filing of the Articles of Organization.

• Essential: $199/yr + state fees
  For an annual fee, the Essential plan also includes an operating agreement and annual compliance services. You're also entitled to expedited filing within two business days after payment.

• Elite: $249/yr + state fees
  Only Tailor Brands' most expensive plan comes with business branding tools. It includes extras like a 1-year free website domain, DIY website or e-commerce store, complimentary logos, business card tools, and a social media post tool.

Tailor Brands also offers add-ons like registered agents, business license and permit reports, and other business branding services.

Pros + Cons:

Rocket Lawyer

Best for: On-call business tax and legal services

Most LLCs don't pay separate state and federal income taxes because all profits and losses pass through the owner's tax returns. However, some businesses may need to pay other taxes.

For example, businesses with more than $6 million in Ohio-based gross receipts must register and file for commercial activity tax.^[12] You may also have to pay sales or employer payroll taxes.

If you need help with all this tax work, consider Rocket Lawyer. With its tax services, a professional will prepare your returns, find additional tax benefits, and give you tax-related advice. It can help you stay compliant while maximizing potential tax savings.

Founded in 2008, Rocket Lawyer is an online legal services technology company with an A BBB rating.^[13] Its extensive network of on-call professional attorneys can assist with business registration, business contracts, trademarks, and more.

Plans and Pricing:^[14]
Rocket Lawyer offers two membership plans:

• Rocket Legal: $39.99/mo
  
• Rocket Legal+: $19.99/mo or $239.88/yr

Both plans offer the same benefits, including unlimited custom legal documents, Document Defense® in case of contract dispute, and access to an experienced lawyer for any legal questions.

The difference? Rocket Legal+ is billed annually and offers up to 50% discount on most a la carte services:

Pros + Cons:

Methodology

To identify the best LLC services in Ohio, we evaluated five key criteria: pricing and formation packages, turnaround time, registered agent, compliance assistance, and customer support.

We reviewed each service's pricing structures and formation packages, ensuring cost transparency and valuable features—such as operating agreements, EIN, and expedited turnaround time.

Next, the cost and availability of registered agent services and compliance assistance were assessed. These services help businesses stay in good standing with the state.

Finally, customer support was evaluated based on office hours and response times. These two factors allowed us to identify the most dependable and user-friendly LLC services in Ohio.

How to Choose the Best LLC Service

There are a lot of LLC services out there. Choosing the best one can be tough, especially if this is your first time using one.

Here are a few tips to help you decide:

• Compare the included features
  LLC formation services don't include the same features in their packages. Compare each to see which package has the services you need at the price you're willing to pay.

• Read customer reviews
  You want an LLC service that provides high-quality customer support, even after placing your order. Check customer reviews to see how well they handle concerns and inquiries.

• Consider their specialty
  LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer are better choices if you need legal assistance. But Bizee and Northwest Registered Agent are better if you need more startup business-oriented services, like registered agent services or annual compliance assistance.

		BizeeZenBusinessTailor Brands
Setup Fee	Starts at $0 + state fees (Basic)	Starts at $0 + state fees (Basic)	$39 + state fees
Registered Agent	$249/year	Free for the 1st year then renews at $119/year	$125/year
Order Processing Time	1 to 2 weeks	Within 1 business day	Within 1 business day
Expedited Processing	Available with extra costs	Available with extra costs	Available with extra costs
Cancellation	60-day money-back guarantee; State fees are refundable until paid to the state	Refundable until payment is forwarded; Minus $30 cancellation fee + other incurred expenses	90-day money-back guarantee; State fees are non-refundable
Customer Service	Phone: (888) 379-0854 Monday - Friday: 5AM - 7PM PT Weekends: 7AM - 4PM PT Online chat	Phone: (844) 830-8267 Fax: 877-919-2613 Monday - Friday: 9AM - 6PM CST Web form	24/7 Phone: 509-768-2249 Online chat Web form

DIY vs. Hire LLC Services in Ohio

The decision to DIY or hire an LLC service depends on your comfort level, budget, and priorities. Here are points to consider:

• Cost
  Filing business formation documents on your own is cheaper as you only pay state filing fees. Alternatively, subscribe to free LLC formation services like those offered by Tailor Brands and Bizee. Just be prepared for the upsells of other services.

• Time and convenience
  You can DIY if you have time to research the requirements, prepare the documents, file them with the state, and track its status. Otherwise, hire an LLC service to do the job.

• Expertise
  Use LLC services if you’re unsure about legal jargon or don’t want to risk making mistakes. Alternatively, take time to learn them before filing documents with the state.

• Registered agent services
  You can be the LLC's registered agent as long as you qualify. But if you aren't ready to shoulder this responsibility, appoint someone else or an LLC service as the registered agent.

• Compliance requirements
  Most states have annual LLC requirements, including annual fees and reports. If you want someone else to manage these, hire an LLC service.

• Control
  You hire LLC services because they can do the heavy lifting. However, that also means you rely on them to do everything correctly. That said, DIY is ideal if you want complete control over the process.

Generally, DIY is easy if your LLC is simple, like a single-member LLC with no special tax needs.

Why Form an LLC in Ohio?

Forming an LLC in Ohio has several benefits. For one, the Buckeye State is one of the few states with no corporate income tax and no franchise tax. You pay fewer taxes and keep more of your LLC's hard-earned profits.

Additionally, Ohio offers several tax credits for businesses, reducing the tax you owe. Some may apply to your LLC, like the Research and Development Tax Credit or the Job Creation Tax Credit.

How to Form an LLC in Ohio

Starting an LLC in Ohio is easy enough. You can even do it yourself in six steps:

1. Choose a name
   Your LLC name must be unique and distinguishable from other businesses registered in Ohio. It must also have Limited Liability Company, LLC, or similar at the end.

2. Appoint a registered agent
   A registered agent receives legal documents on behalf of your LLC. They must have a physical address in the state where the LLC does business.

3. File the Articles of Organization
   Next, submit the Articles of Organization and the filing fee to the Ohio Secretary of State. This form usually includes details like the LLC name, registered agent, and business purpose.

4. Create an operating agreement
   An LLC operating agreement contains information like the roles and responsibilities of each member, how new or departing members will be treated, and how business profits and losses will be divided.

5. Get an EIN
   Any LLC with more than one member or with employees must have an EIN, regardless of how it's taxed. This is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify a business entity for tax-related purposes.

6. Get business permits and licenses
   Depending on your business, you may need additional licenses or permits. For example, you need a sales tax permit if you sell consumable goods. Research state-specific requirements and local rules that apply to your LLC.

Once your LLC is up and running, comply with ongoing requirements like filing a DBA registration (optional) and renewing business permits and licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the best LLC service in Ohio?

  The best LLC service in Ohio depends on the types of services you want and need. For example, LegalZoom is great for LLCs with multiple business permits and licenses, while Northwest Registered Agent's North Canton office address makes it convenient for nearby LLCs.

• Is Ohio a good state for LLC?

  Yes, Ohio can be a good state for an LLC. It doesn't have a lot of requirements, like submitting an annual report.

• How much are LLC fees in Ohio?

  It costs $99 to file the Articles of Organization with the Ohio Secretary of State.^[15] You can also pay the $39 name reservation fee if you aren't ready to form an LLC but want to reserve your desired business name.^[15]

• Can I file my own LLC in Ohio?

  Yes, you can file the Articles of Organization with the Ohio Secretary of State on your own. Just fill up the state form, pay the filing fee, and submit it online, by mail, or in person.

• Do you have to renew your LLC every year in Ohio?

  No, the Ohio Secretary of State does not require LLCs to submit an annual report. However, you must maintain a good standing to keep doing business in the state. Renew any business permits and licenses, pay your taxes, and designate a qualified registered agent.

Bottom Line

LegalZoom, Bizee, and Northwest Registered Agent are the best LLC services in Ohio because they do more than just filing and preparing business documents.

From registered agents to ongoing compliance, their comprehensive services can help your business thrive in the competitive Ohio market.

Carefully compare their offers, pricing, and customer reviews to select the perfect partner for your business needs.

References