Most business owners use a service like ours to keep their business compliant as the requirements can be difficult to manage. If you choose to do it on your own, you can visit the Ohio Secretary of State office business filing service which can be found at ohiosos.gov. You can also go to ohiobusinesscentral.gov. An Annual Report (also called renewing your business, or a business renewal. This needs to be done every year for all LLCs in the state of Ohio.

Forming an Ohio LLC comes with numerous advantages that can significantly benefit your business. Here are some compelling reasons to consider:

Flexible Management Structure

Ohio LLCs offer flexibility in management and operation. Unlike corporations, which require a board of directors and formal meetings, LLCs can be managed by the members or appointed managers, allowing for a more streamlined and adaptable approach.

Protection of Personal Assets

By forming an LLC in Ohio, your personal assets are protected from business liabilities. This means that your home, car, and personal savings are shielded from any business debts or legal actions against your company.

Tax Benefits

One of the most significant benefits of starting an Ohio LLC is the tax advantages. LLCs enjoy pass-through taxation, meaning the profits and losses are reported on your personal tax return, avoiding the double taxation that corporations face. Additionally, Ohio LLCs can choose to be taxed as an S-Corp or C-Corp, providing even more tax planning options.

Simplified Compliance

Maintaining an Ohio LLC is straightforward. With fewer ongoing compliance requirements compared to corporations, you can focus more on growing your business. Filing an annual report with the Ohio Secretary of State and ensuring compliance through ohiosos.gov is manageable and less time-consuming.

Enhanced Credibility

Establishing your business as an LLC in Ohio instantly boosts its credibility. Potential clients, investors, and partners are more likely to trust and engage with a business that is recognized as a formal legal entity.

Access to Ohio’s Market

Starting an Ohio LLC allows you to tap into this vast market, providing numerous opportunities for growth and expansion.

Attractive to Investors

Investors often prefer to invest in LLCs due to their flexible structure and liability protection. By forming an Ohio LLC, you can attract potential investors who are looking for reliable and well-structured investment opportunities.

By understanding and leveraging these benefits, you can ensure your Ohio LLC not only thrives but also reaps the rewards of being part of one of the most dynamic and economically powerful states in the country. Start your journey today and take full advantage of everything that an Ohio LLC has to offer.

Choose a Business Name: Ensure the name is unique and meets the Ohio Secretary of State’s LLC naming requirements, which can be challenging at times.

What are the Naming Requirements for an Ohio LLC?

LLCs need to have one of the following suffixes: Limited Liability Company, L.L.C., or LLC. Additionally, “Limited” can be abbreviated to “Ltd.” and “Company” can be abbreviated to “Co.”. The name cannot be deceptively similar and must be distinguishable from other existing business names registered with the Ohio Secretary of State. Names cannot be misleading to the public. Examples of this include but are not limited to names that imply a government affiliation (examples include “Agency”, “Bureau”, “Commission”, “Board”, “Division”, “Municipal”), the false implication of a professional corporation or false implication that the business is an insurer.

Appoint a Registered Agent: A registered agent is required in Ohio and the address is published on the Secretary of State’s website at ohiobusinesscentral.gov It is a person or entity designated by a business to receive official legal and tax documents on behalf of the company. This role is crucial for ensuring that important communications are handled properly and in a timely manner. A Registered Agent is required to have a physical address in the state of Ohio and be available to accept documents during normal business hours (9:00am to 5:00pm). For privacy, many business owners opt to have a company, like New Business Filing, be their registered agent.

File Articles of Organization: This is an official filing with the state of Ohio to form the business entity. It includes information about the business, such as name, address, Registered Agent, and members. After completing the Articles of Organization, New Business Filing will file a Statement of Information to be in compliance with Ohio law. To see the status of your business, you can visit ohiosos.gov, once your business has been registered. You can use a service like our sister company, Firstep Business Solutions, to file your articles.

Create an Operating Agreement: An operating agreement outlines the ownership and operating procedures of the LLC. It helps prevent future conflicts among members. A basic operating agreement can be created using a service like New Business Filing. However, for more complex agreements, it may be advisable to consult a lawyer. Typically, most start-ups do not require a complex operating agreement.

Get an EIN: An Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS is necessary for tax purposes and to open a business bank account. In addition to name requirements from the State of Ohio, the IRS has its own requirements. Letting New Business Filing handle the formation of your LLC will ensure that all name requirements are met and your business is able to obtain the proper documentation for you to open a business bank account. Keeping your business finances separate from personal finances is crucial for maintaining limited liability protection and staying organized. There is official documentation that your bank will require to be able to deposit money into your business banking account.

Ongoing State & Federal Compliance: Once your business is formed, there are requirements to keep it in compliance with the Ohio Secretary of State such as filing a Statement of Information biennially, even if there have not been any changes to the business. Failure to do so can result in an administrative dissolution and forfeiture of your business name. Additionally, there are federal requirements in regards to BOI reports. A BOI report, also known as a Beneficial Information Report, is a report that refers to identifying information about the individuals who have direct or indirect ownership or control of a company. As of January 1, 2024, it is required for most businesses to file in an effort to combat financial crimes. You must file a new BOI report any time there is a change to the business, business information, or owner’s information (address, name, etc). If you do not file a new report within the required period, it can result in massive fines and penalties. New Business Filing offers comprehensive packages to make sure that you are in compliance and avoid any adverse effects from forgetting to file these necessary documents.

Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits: Depending on your business type and location, you may need various federal, state, and local licenses and permits. Make sure to check the specific requirements for Ohio to ensure full compliance.

By following these steps on how to start an Ohio LLC, you can confidently establish your business and take advantage of the benefits an LLC offers.