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How to start an LLC in Ohio

Last reviewed . General information, not legal or tax advice.

To start an LLC in Ohio, deliver articles of organization to the Secretary of State with the $99 filing fee, using a name that includes "limited liability company" or an abbreviation such as "LLC", and appoint a statutory agent in Ohio who signs an acceptance. If you will make taxable sales, get a $50 vendor's license before you start.

What does Ohio law require to form an LLC?

Ohio's LLC law is in Chapter 1706 of the Ohio Revised Code. To form a limited liability company, one or more persons execute articles of organization and deliver them to the Secretary of State for filing (Ohio Revised Code 1706.16). The filing fee is $99, set in section 111.16 (Ohio Revised Code 111.16). The Department of Taxation's small business guide puts it simply: the first step is contacting the Ohio Secretary of State (2026 Ohio Small Business Tax Guide).

Ohio's statute sets the rules; the Secretary of State's office publishes the current forms and takes filings, so check its business filing page for the form to use and whether you can file online.

What can an Ohio LLC be called?

Under section 1706.07, the name must contain the words "limited liability company" or one of the abbreviations "L.L.C.", "LLC", "limited", "ltd." or "ltd". The Secretary of State will not accept articles whose name is not distinguishable on its records from names already filed (Ohio Revised Code 1706.07).

You can also reserve a name: the applicant gets the exclusive right to use it for 180 days, and the reservation costs $39 under section 111.16. A reservation is useful if you are still arranging your agent or partners but want to start building the brand. For protection beyond Ohio's register, see our guide to business names, DBAs and trademarks.

Who can be an Ohio LLC's statutory agent?

Ohio calls the registered agent a statutory agent. Section 1706.09 requires every LLC to maintain an agent for service of process continuously in Ohio (Ohio Revised Code 1706.09), and the agent must be one of these:

  • an individual who is a resident of Ohio, or
  • a corporation, limited liability company or other entity that has a business address in Ohio

The original articles of organization are not accepted unless they name the agent and come with the agent's signed acceptance of the appointment. Ask your agent to sign before you file, so the filing is not rejected.

Do I need a vendor's license in Ohio?

Yes, if you sell taxable goods or services. Ohio law requires any person or business making taxable sales or providing taxable services to first obtain a vendor's license (Ohio Department of Taxation: Sales and Use Tax). Prospective retailers can get one immediately through OH|TAX eServices, or apply with their county auditor.

  • Fee. New vendor's license applications cost $50, up from $25 on April 9, 2025, for each fixed place of business.
  • More on sales tax. For resale certificates and selling into other states, see our guide to seller's permits and sales tax.

Does a new Ohio LLC owe the Commercial Activity Tax?

Most small businesses do not. As of January 1, 2025, businesses with taxable gross receipts of $6 million or less per calendar year are no longer subject to Ohio's Commercial Activity Tax (CAT), according to the Department of Taxation's 2026 small business guide. Keep an eye on the threshold as you grow.

The state's business portal collects information to help you start, run and grow a business in Ohio, including start-up checklists for many business types. For the steps every state shares, such as getting an EIN and writing an operating agreement, see our general guide on how to start an LLC and how to get an EIN.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Ohio?

Filing articles of organization with the Ohio Secretary of State costs $99, under section 111.16 of the Ohio Revised Code. Reserving a name first is optional and costs $39. If your business makes taxable sales, a vendor's license costs $50 for each fixed place of business, through OH|TAX eServices or your county auditor.

Can I be my own statutory agent in Ohio?

Yes, if you are an Ohio resident. Section 1706.09 allows an individual who lives in Ohio, or an entity with an Ohio business address, to be an LLC's statutory agent. The agent must sign an acceptance of the appointment, which goes in with the original articles of organization, or the Secretary of State will not accept them.

What is the Commercial Activity Tax threshold in Ohio?

Since January 1, 2025, businesses with taxable gross receipts of $6 million or less in a calendar year are no longer subject to the Commercial Activity Tax, according to the Ohio Department of Taxation. A new small LLC below that level does not owe the CAT, though it may still need a vendor's license for sales tax.

Sources

  1. Section 1706.16: Articles of organization, Ohio Legislative Service Commission (Ohio Revised Code). https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-1706.16
  2. Section 111.16: Secretary of State filing fees, Ohio Legislative Service Commission (Ohio Revised Code). https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-111.16
  3. Section 1706.07: Company name, Ohio Legislative Service Commission (Ohio Revised Code). https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-1706.07
  4. Section 1706.09: Agent for service of process, Ohio Legislative Service Commission (Ohio Revised Code). https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-1706.09
  5. Sales and Use Tax, Ohio Department of Taxation. https://tax.ohio.gov/business/sales-and-use-tax
  6. 2026 Ohio Small Business Tax Guide, Ohio Department of Taxation. https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/tax.ohio.gov/documents/Small_Business_Tax_Guide_2026.pdf
  7. Business, State of Ohio. https://ohio.gov/business

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules differ by state and city and change over time, so confirm the details with the official sources above or a licensed professional.