How to Form an LLC in Ohio (2026 Guide)
Everything you need to form a Ohio LLC: state filing fee ($99), processing time (3-7 business days), annual compliance, taxes, and the exact 7-step process. Reviewed by IRS Enrolled Agents.
To form an LLC in Ohio, file the Articles of Organization with the Ohio Secretary of State (fee: $99), appoint a registered agent with a Ohio street address, obtain an EIN from the IRS, and adopt an operating agreement. Standard processing takes 3-7 business days. Ohio has no annual report requirement. With Gullia Filing, total first-year cost is $248 (all-inclusive: state fee, registered agent, EIN, operating agreement).
Ohio LLC Cost Breakdown
Total transparent pricing for forming and maintaining a Ohio LLC. No surprise upsells, no hidden fees.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio SoS filing fee | $99 | One-time, paid to the state |
| Expedited processing (optional) | +$100 | Reduces wait to 2 business days |
| Registered agent (year 1) | Included | Included free in every Gullia package |
| EIN (Federal Tax ID) | Included | Filed with the IRS, no extra charge |
| Operating agreement | Included | Attorney-reviewed, state-compliant |
| Gullia Filing Starter service fee | $149 | Flat fee, no upsells |
| Total first-year cost | $248 | All-inclusive, no surprises |
The 7-Step Ohio LLC Formation Process
Every Ohio LLC follows the same core process. Here is exactly what happens, in order, and what Gullia Filing handles on your behalf.
Choose a Ohio LLC name
Pick a name that includes "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and is distinguishable from existing Ohio entities. Our free name check tool verifies availability against the Ohio Secretary of State database in seconds.
Appoint a Ohio registered agent
Ohio requires a registered agent with a physical street address in the state to receive legal and tax notices. Gullia Filing provides this service in every package, protecting your privacy and ensuring you never miss a critical filing.
File the Articles of Organization
Submit formation paperwork to the Ohio Secretary of State with a $99 filing fee. Expedited processing is available for $100 additional. We handle the filing electronically and forward your certified copy within 3-7 business days.
Obtain your EIN (Federal Tax ID)
Apply to the IRS for an Employer Identification Number, required to open a US business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes. Included free in every Gullia Filing package.
Draft an operating agreement
An operating agreement establishes member rights, profit distributions, management structure, and dispute resolution. Even single-member LLCs benefit from having one on file for bank account opening and to reinforce the corporate veil. We provide a state-compliant, attorney-reviewed template in every package.
Register for Ohio taxes and licenses
Register with the Ohio Department of Revenue for state tax IDs, sales tax permits if applicable, and any industry-specific licenses. Our compliance calendar tracks every deadline automatically.
Open a US business bank account
With your EIN, Articles of Organization, and operating agreement, you can open a US business bank account. We provide bank-ready document packages and can introduce you to fintech partners that accept remote onboarding.
Ohio LLC Tax Obligations
State tax summary
No annual report. CAT tax exempts LLCs under $3M Ohio gross receipts. Personal income tax up to 3.5% on pass-through income for Ohio residents.
Franchise tax: No franchise tax. Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) applies to LLCs with over $3 million in Ohio gross receipts.
Federal tax defaults
A single-member Ohio LLC is treated as a disregarded entity federally (income flows to Schedule C or E of the owner's Form 1040). A multi-member LLC defaults to partnership taxation (Form 1065). You may elect S-Corp status (Form 2553) or C-Corp status (Form 8832) if it reduces overall tax.
See tax and accounting servicesWhy form your LLC in Ohio
- No annual report requirement — zero recurring state filing after formation.
- CAT tax exempts LLCs under $3 million in Ohio-sourced gross receipts (most small businesses).
- Central US location with strong logistics infrastructure serving 60% of the US population within a day.
Things to watch for in Ohio
- Ohio has a Commercial Activity Tax registration threshold at $150K — you must register with the Department of Taxation even if you owe $0.
- Some municipalities (Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati) levy their own income taxes on top of state, adding 2-3%.
Top industries for Ohio LLCs
Gullia Filing vs Alternatives (Ohio)
The state filing fee is the same everywhere. What differs is the service fee, what is included, and how transparent the pricing is.
| Provider | Base service fee | Registered agent Y1 | EIN included | Operating agreement | Total first year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gullia Filing (Starter) | $149 | Included | Yes (free) | Yes (attorney-reviewed) | $248 |
| DIY (file yourself) | $0 | $50-150 or self | Self (free) | No (buy separately) | $99+ |
| Bizee (Silver) | $0 + upsells | Free Y1, $119/yr after | Upsell ($70) | Upsell ($99) | $268+ |
| LegalZoom (Basic) | $249 | Upsell ($299/yr) | Upsell ($79) | Upsell ($99) | $825+ |
| Northwest RA | $39 | $125/yr | Upsell ($200) | Yes (template) | $463+ |
| ZenBusiness (Starter) | $0 + $199/yr | Free Y1, $199/yr after | Upsell ($99) | Upsell ($99) | $298+ |
Comparison based on publicly available pricing as of 2026. State filing fee ($99) is paid to Ohio and identical across providers. Verify current pricing directly with each provider before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions about forming an LLC in Ohio, answered by our Enrolled Agents.
Compare Ohio to nearby states
Ready to form your Ohio LLC?
Flat $149 service fee. State fee $99 paid directly to Ohio. EIN, registered agent, and operating agreement included. No upsells, no surprises.