Ohio
LLC, Business License, Incorporation
With the 7th largest population in the United States, Ohio services both large and small businesses. Ohio's major industries include manufacturing, automobiles, and agriculture. Regardless of your industry, we can help you take advantage of Ohio's business services.
Forming a Corporation in Ohio
Each state has its own set of rules for businesses seeking to form a corporation there. If you've decided to incorporate in Ohio, incorporate.com will take care of all the details. We'll research the availability of your company name and help you prepare and file your Articles of Incorporation with the Ohio Secretary of State. We can also assist with many of your follow-up needs such as amendment filings, written consents, and annual report preparation and filing.
Here are some helpful facts about Ohio's incorporation requirements:
Corporate Name Requirements
Ohio requires corporations to have names that can't be confused with any corporate, not-for-profit, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, limited partnership or trade names. When you incorporate with incorporate.com's help, we'll research your company name to make sure it meets Ohio's standards.
Permitted designations: Ohio corporate names may be followed by several approved designations, including:
- Co.
- Company
- Corp.
- Corporation
- Inc.
- Incorporated
- Limited
- Ltd.
Restricted designations: The use of certain words and phrases in corporate names is considered "restricted" in Ohio, meaning they require special approval by the state. These include:
- Bank
- Insurance
Filing Requirements
Remember, when you work with incorporate.com, we'll take care of your incorporation filing for you. This information is presented only for your reference.
Required documents: The state of Ohio requires businesses to file Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of
Turnaround time: In general, turnaround time for incorporating a business in Ohio is 5-10 business days. Expedited filing options, which take 24 and 48 hours, require an additional fee.
Follow-up filings: Not required.
Officers/Directors Information
Minimum number: Corporations are required to have one or more directors as well as a president, secretary and treasurer.
Director qualifications: The Articles of Incorporation or regulations may prescribe the qualifications for directors.
Appearance in articles: Not required. Directors' names and addresses do not have to appear in the Articles of Incorporation.
Written consent: Permitted. Directors may act in writing in lieu of holding a meeting.
Principal office location
Ohio requires that a corporation's principal office be located inside the state.
Annual Reports
Corporations are not required to file annual reports in Ohio.
Forming an LLC in Ohio
Each state has its own set of requirements for businesses that plan on forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) there. If you decide to form an LLC in Ohio, incorporate.com will take care of all the details. We'll research the availability of your company name and help you prepare and file your LLC Organization and Registration with the Ohio Secretary of State. We can also take care of many of your company's follow-up needs, including annual report preparation and filing.
Here are some helpful facts about Ohio's LLC requirements:
LLC Name Requirements
Ohio requires Limited Liability Companies to have names that can't be confused with any limited liability company, or any corporate, limited liability partnership, limited partnership, or trade name. When you form your LLC with incorporate.com's help, we'll research your company name to make sure it meets Ohio's standards.
Permitted designations: Ohio LLC names may be followed by several approved designations, including:
- L.L.C.
- LLC
- LTD.
- Limited
- Limited Liability Company
Filing Requirements
Required documents: Companies that wish to form an LLC in Ohio must file an Organization/Registration of Limited Liability Company. Remember, when you work with incorporate.com, we'll take care of this filing for you.
Turnaround time: In general, turnaround time for forming an LLC in Ohio is 5-10 business days. Expedited filings, which require an additional fee, typically take 24 to 48 hours.
Follow-up filing: Not required.
Managers/Members Information
Minimum number: LLCs are required to have one or more managers/members.
Principal Office Location
Ohio permits an LLC's principal office to be located outside of the state.
Get Ohio Business Licenses
Before your business can legally begin to operate, you must satisfy its license, permit, and tax registration requirements. Almost all state, county, and local governments require businesses to obtain one or more licenses and permits. Additionally, selling taxable goods and services or hiring employees requires that you register with tax authorities. All business license, permit, and tax registration requirements vary by your industry and location.
Examples of possible licenses required in Ohio:
- Contractor's License
- Day Care License
- Accounting License
Too busy to research your licensing requirements? We can help.
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