Ohio lesson 4 of 6
Get an EIN and open a bank account
Ohio does not issue its own tax identification number at formation. Your federal EIN, issued free by the IRS, is what most Ohio banks and tax registrations will ask for.
Applying for the EIN
Apply directly through the IRS website at no cost once the Articles of Organization are approved. If the responsible party has a US social security number or ITIN, the number is issued immediately online. Otherwise the application goes in on Form SS-4 by fax or post, which is the usual route for non-resident owners and takes longer.
Opening the account
Bring the certified Articles of Organization, the EIN confirmation letter, your operating agreement, and identification for signers and significant owners. Requirements for non-resident owners vary by bank, so check ahead if nobody on the account lives in the US.
Running personal expenses through the LLC's account, or the reverse, is the fastest way to undermine the liability protection the LLC is meant to provide.
Key takeaways
- The EIN is free and issued by the IRS, not by Ohio.
- Apply after the Articles are approved so details match exactly.
- A dedicated business account keeps the liability shield credible.
Official sources
Or let us file your Ohio LLC for you
Everything above is yours to use for free. If you would rather hand it over, we prepare and file the Articles of Organization (Form 610), act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team