How Much Does an LLC Cost in Ohio
The filing fee for starting an LLC in Ohio is $99. But there may be other expenses to consider. Read on for the full list.
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Here are the following fees to consider:
- Domestic LLC Formation Filing Fee: $99
- Foreign LLC Formation Filing Fee: $99
- State Vendor's License Fee: $25
- Business Permit and License Fees: $0 to $200+
- Commercial Activity Tax: $0 or 0.26%
- Optional LLC Fees: $0 to $1,000+
If you want to start an LLC in Ohio but worry that it's going to be expensive, you're not alone.
Many people don't start businesses because they're scared of not being prepared for the expenses.
But the fact that you're asking the right question is one step closer to that dream business.
So, how much does an LLC cost in Ohio? Keep reading to find out.
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Estimated Total Cost of an LLC in Ohio
Starting an LLC in Ohio is not as complicated compared to other states. It's also not as expensive. At a minimum, you'll need to pay $99 for the Ohio LLC filing fee.[1]
Here's the full list at a glance:
| Ohio LLC One-Time Fees | |
|---|---|
| Ohio Domestic LLC Formation Filing Fee | $99 |
| Ohio Foreign LLC Formation Filing Fee | $99 |
| State Vendor's License Fee | $25 |
| Ohio LLC Annual Fees | |
| Business Permit and License Fees | $0 - $200+ |
| Commercial Activity Tax | $0 or 0.26% |
| Ohio LLC Optional Fees | |
| Statutory Agent Fee | $0 - $400 |
| Operating Agreement Fee | $0 - $1,000 |
| Employer Identification Number (EIN) | FREE |
| Name Reservation Fee | $39 |
| Doing Business As (DBA) Name Fee | $39 |
| Expedited Services Fee | $100 - $300 |
| Certified Copies of Business Documents Fee | $5 |
| Certificate of Good Standing Fee | $5 |
| Certificate of Correction Fee | $50 |
| Certificate of Amendment Fee | $50 |
| Statement of Change of Statutory Agent Fee | $25 |
| Business Website Domain Fee | $20 - $30 |
| Business Insurance Premiums | $ - $$$ |
The LLC formation filing fee in Ohio is $99. On top of that, the state vendor's license costs $25. Other add-on fees could increase the total cost of forming an LLC to over $1,000.
You might not have to pay for every item on this list. But there are those that are required to start the LLC.
Mandatory Fees for LLCs in Ohio
You must pay the following fees to the government to establish your Limited Liability Company (LLC).
They are essential for your LLC to be officially recognized in Ohio and allowed to do business legally.
No. All LLCs in Ohio must pay the $99 filing fee.
Ohio Domestic LLC Formation Filing Fee
Cost: $99
An Articles of Organization is a formal legal document required to establish a limited liability company (LLC) at the state level. To get one, you must pay the $99 filing fee to the Ohio Secretary of State.[1]
The Articles of Organization should contain:
- Business name (with "LLC" at the end)
- Statutory agent's full name and Ohio address
- Full names of the LLC's members/managers
- Business purpose
The Ohio Secretary of State usually takes one week to process the Articles of Organization after submission of details and filing fee. You can use a credit or debit card to pay the fee if you file online.
Ohio offers expedited filing services of the Articles of Organization for an additional fee of $100 to $300, depending on how quickly you want it done. Your Articles of Organization will be processed within two days after it's received.
Ohio Foreign LLC Formation Filing Fee
Cost: $99
If your LLC is registered in a different state and you want to do business in Ohio, you must register it as a foreign LLC. This process, known as obtaining Ohio Foreign Qualification, allows your LLC to operate legally in the state.
Before proceeding, verify with the Secretary of State in your home state if there are documents required to expand your LLC to Ohio.
No. Ohio LLCs and corporations do not need to file an annual report. This means you will not have to worry about annual report filing fees.
Ohio State Vendor's License Fee
Cost: $25
In Ohio, any business that generates sales needs to get a vendor's license.[2] It's a license to collect and remit sales tax to the state. You can apply for this through the Ohio Department of Taxation or your local County Auditor.
If your business has fixed locations in multiple counties, you need to obtain a vendor's license for each of those counties.
Depending on the nature of your business, you might need to get other licenses as well. Industries regulated by state or federal agencies will likely need to acquire the necessary state or federal licenses and pay any related fees.
Mail and in-person applications for a vendor's license can take up to six weeks to be processed. We recommend applying online instead.
Ohio State Business Permits Fee
Cost: $0 to $200+
Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain a specific business license. For example, acquiring a mobile food vending license for a mobile food truck in Columbus costs $180.[3]
You can typically get these licenses and permits from the city or county clerk's office in your area.
A local business permit allows you to operate a business in that locality. It covers local regulations like zoning and safety. On the other hand, a vendor's license is for businesses that sell goods and need to collect sales tax. It's about tax collection rather than local operational rules.
Ohio Commercial Activity Tax
Cost: $0 or 0.26% of taxable gross receipts over $3 million
In Ohio, if your LLC's yearly gross receipts are over $3 million in 2024, you must pay a commercial activity tax (CAT). LLCs earning $3 million or less annually are not subject to this tax.
The CAT is calculated yearly and is based on your LLC's total gross receipts. The fee varies depending on your LLC's business volume and income. Taxable gross receipts exceeding $3 million in 2024 and $6 million in 2025 and thereafter will be subject to a tax rate of 0.26%.[4]
This will be either $50 or 10% of the unpaid tax, depending on which amount is higher.[5] Additionally, interest can be charged on any overdue taxes.
Optional Fees for LLCs in Ohio
Aside from the LLC mandatory fees, there may be other fees you need to budget for depending on your business needs.
Services like hiring a registered agent, creating a website, and getting business insurance can add up to the cost of starting an LLC. Here's how much optional services can cost you.
No. Ohio used to have a franchise tax, but this was eliminated for most taxpayers in 2010. Consult with a tax lawyer or accountant to understand the additional federal and state taxes your LLC may need to pay.
Ohio Statutory Agent Fee
Cost: $0 to $400
Every LLC in Ohio must appoint a statutory agent, also known as a registered agent. This agent is responsible for receiving legal papers and official mail for the LLC.
An LLC can't act as its own registered agent. However, you or another member/manager of the LLC can take on this role, which can help reduce yearly expenses.
Consider hiring a statutory agent service if you:
- Don't have an Ohio address
- Wish to keep your address private
- Prefer someone else to handle the registered agent duties so you can focus on managing the business
In Ohio, the person you choose as the LLC's statutory agent must agree to their role by signing the Articles of Organization.
Ohio Operating Agreement
Cost: $0 to $1,000
LLCs in Ohio are not required to have an operating agreement. However, creating one is strongly recommended.
An Operating Agreement is a governing document that provides:
- The roles and duties of each member or manager
- Ownership percentages for each member
- How profits and losses are shared
- A plan for what happens if an owner leaves the business
It's a legally binding document that is designed to prevent and settle future disputes.
The costs associated with the operating agreement arise from creating the document. You can draft it yourself using free templates available online. However, the cost might go up to about $1,000 if you choose to hire an attorney.
Ohio Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Cost: FREE
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS for tax reporting purposes.
If you own a single-member LLC with no employees, you are not required to have an EIN. You can use your SSN instead.
However, your LLC in Ohio might still need an EIN for:
- Hiring employees
- Expanding operations into another state
- Opening a business bank account
Yes. Separating your LLC's finances from your personal assets is a requirement of liability shielding. Use a separate bank account for accepting payments and paying business expenses to prevent piercing the corporate veil.
Ohio Name Reservation Fee
Cost: $39
Choosing a name for your LLC in Ohio is free. The name is approved without any additional charge when the state approves your Articles of Organization.
If you're not ready to submit your Articles of Organization, you can reserve your desired business name. Paying the $39 reservation fee will prevent others from using that name for 180 days.
In Ohio, your LLC's name must be different from other names already registered with the state. The Secretary of State keeps a list of all registered business names.[6]
They will reserve the name of your proposed entity for a year. This ensures you have enough time to correct your application without worrying about someone else using your chosen business name.
Ohio Fictitious Name Filing Fee
Cost: $39
A fictitious name (Doing Business As or DBA) allows your LLC to operate under a name different from its legal name registered with the state.
Some LLCs in Ohio use a DBA for branding and marketing. It allows for a more appealing name for the target market.
It usually takes three to seven days to process a DBA. If you need your application processed more quickly, you can pay an additional fee for expedited services.
Yes. If your LLC uses a fictitious name in Ohio, you will need to renew it every five years for a filing fee of $25.
Ohio Expedited Services Fee
Cost: $100 to $300
In Ohio, most of your LLC documents can be expedited for a fee. This includes the Articles of Organization and the Fictitious Name Registration. The cost depends on how quickly you need the documents to be processed:[1]
- $100: within 2 business days
- $200: within 1 business day
- $300: within 4 hours (if application is received by 1 PM)
Ohio Certified Copies of Documents Fee
Cost: $5
Certified Copies of Ohio business documents validate that the documents are true and correct.
You often need certified copies to open new bank accounts, apply for loans, or demonstrate to investors that your LLC is legitimate and properly managed.
Ohio Certificate of Good Standing Fee
Cost: $5
In Ohio, a Certificate of Good Standing verifies that your business meets all state regulations. And that it is legally authorized to conduct business with the state.
You may need this certificate if you're expanding your business to another state, opening a bank account, or seeking a loan.
Orders for the certificate made online or in person are processed immediately. However, requests sent by mail may take up to two days to process. Additional time is also needed to mail the certificate back to you.
Ohio Certificate of Correction Fee
Cost: $50
After your Ohio LLC application is approved, get a copy of the approved Articles of Organization and review all the details carefully.
If there are errors, like a misspelled business name or incorrect address, correct them as soon as possible by filing a Certificate of Correction.
Ohio Certificate of Amendment Fee
Cost: $50
Your Ohio LLC's Articles of Organization contains specific details about your business. Should these details change, you must submit a Certificate of Amendment to the Ohio Secretary of State.
File a Certificate of Amendment if you:
- Add, remove, or change an LLC member or manager
- Update your LLC's business address
- Modify your LLC's stated business activities
A Certificate of Correction is for fixing mistakes in initial filings. A Certificate of Amendment is for updating or changing key details as the LLC evolves.
Ohio Change of Statutory Agent Fee
Cost: $25
You must file a Statement of Change of Statutory Agent if you want to update your LLC's statutory agent information.
Use it to change the individual or company responsible for receiving the LLC's legal documents. It's also used to update the statutory agent's address.
A Certificate of Amendment is used to change the business name, business purpose, and other details. The Statement of Change is focused solely on changes regarding the statutory agent.
Ohio Business Website Domain Fee
Cost: $20 to $30
A website provides a dedicated online space for your business. It's essential for marketing, customer engagement, and brand visibility in today's digital world.
Even if you're not planning to build a business website now, it's a good idea to at least buy the domain name. This prevents others from using your LLC's name as a web address.
Domain squatters often monitor newly registered LLC names. They purchase corresponding website domains and then resell them at significantly higher prices.
Ohio Business Insurance Premiums
Cost: $ - $$$
If your LLC in Ohio has at least one employee, state law mandates you get workers' compensation insurance. Failing to have this insurance can lead to fines or even your business being shut down.
Ohio has a "monopolistic insurance fund." This means you must get insurance through the state's Bureau of Workers' Compensation, not private insurers.[7]
The cost depends on factors like the number of employees, the risk level of your industry, and your past insurance claims.
Bottom Line
Setting up an LLC in Ohio is relatively affordable. And now that you've finished reading, you should feel more prepared and less worried about unexpected costs.
At a minimum, you'll need to pay the $99 filing fee. And if your LLC sells products, a $25 vendor's license fee.
While other fees may not be required, it's always a good idea to seek professional help if you need it.
References
- ^ Ohio Secretary of State. Filing Forms & Fee Schedule, Retrieved 01/10/2024
- ^ Ohio Department of Taxation. License Filing Requirements, Retrieved 01/24/2024
- ^ The City of Columbus. License Section: Mobile Food Vending (MFV), Retrieved 01/24/2024
- ^ Ohio Department of Taxation. Changes to Ohio's Commercial Activity Tax, Retrieved 01/24/2024
- ^ Ohio Laws & Administrative Rules. Section 5751.06 | Penalty for late filing or delinquent payment., Retrieved 01/24/2024
- ^ Ohio Secretary of State. Guide to Name Availability, Retrieved 01/06/24
- ^ Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation. Ohio Workers' Compensation and You, Retrieved 01/10/2024
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