Filing An Ohio LLC
Entrepreneurs in Ohio could benefit significantly from filing under the LLC structure. First and foremost, the process to do so is relatively straightforward, especially when compared with other filing options. Additionally, LLCs can protect their owners from the company’s liabilities.
Steps To Filing an Ohio LLC
Choose A Name
The first thing you must do to form your Ohio LLC is choose a name. The state of Ohio mandates that all LLCs indicate their company structure in their name. When coming up with a name for your company, you’ll need to include something such as “Limited Liability Company” or “L.L.C.” Additionally, Ohio does not want two companies to have the same name. To ensure your name is unique, be sure to run it through the Name Availability Check Page.
Choose A Statutory Agent
After choosing a name, you’ll need to secure a statutory agent. Statutory agents accept legal correspondence on behalf of an Ohio LLC and pass it along to the appropriate owners. Failure to select a quality statutory agent could jeopardize your operations. As such, you should consider hiring a professional statutory agent company like DoMyLLC to serve in this capacity.
File Articles Of Organization & Pay Filing Fees
Once you’ve secured a name and a trustworthy statutory agent for your Ohio LLC, you can file the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State’s office. To do so, you must pay a $99 filing fee. You could also expedite the filing fee for an additional $100, $200 or $300, depending on how quickly you would like the articles processed. The Articles of Organization will also contain other vital information, such as:
- Will the company be organized as Domestic ‘For Profit or Non Profit’
- Name of company
- Effective date, if desired
- Duration period, if desired
- Purpose of the business
- Statutory agent information, including an acceptance of appointment
- Signatures of the organizers responsible for the document
File Initial Report
NOhio LLC owners do not have to file an Initial Report.
Create An Operating Agreement And Hold Meetings
Business owners will also want to draft an operating agreement, which will declare how the company will operate. Once in place, the company can begin holding meetings.
Obtain Employer Identification Number
Employer Identification Numbers are necessary to file taxes. Additionally, you’ll need an EIN to secure a business bank account.
File State Required Annual Reports
Ohio LLCs do not have to file an Annual Return with the Secretary of State’s office. However, if they were ever to change their corporate structure, companies would need to inform the state of Ohio. They could do so by filing an amendment. Ohio LLC owners should take the time to learn more about Annual Reporting requirements.
Although Annual Reports aren’t required, companies must submit other documents each year. For instance, Ohio LLCs must file taxes and renew business licenses and permits annually.
How DoMyLLC Can Assist With Streamlining The Process
At DoMyLLC, we understand how overwhelming it can be trying to get your business up and running. That’s why we offer services such as:
- Name availability check
- Articles of Organization preparation
- Filing of the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State’s office
- Sample documents, including a sample Operating Agreement, meeting notices, and meeting minutes
- Dedicated account manager
- Unlimited customer support
We have helped hundreds of Ohio LLCs and have considerable experience in the state. We look forward to helping you soon.