Start a Business in Ohio
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LLC, C-Corp, or S-Corp?
Choose which one is right for you.
Limiting Your Liability
Do you need liability insurance, limited liability protection, or both?
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This guide on starting your business in Ohio provides step-by-step instructions on the paperwork to file formation documents, obtain tax IDs, and set up company records.
Step-By-Step Startup
Below is an overview of the paperwork, cost, and time to form each of the most popular business structures. Simply click on the link for your desired structure to view detailed step-by-step instructions.
- If you have not decided whether you want to form an LLC, corporation, or other business structure, click here.
- If wish to form your business in a different state than Ohio, click here.
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Ohio Limited Liability Company Click for step-by-step instructions |
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Ohio Corporation Click for step-by-step instructions |
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Ohio Nonprofit Click for step-by-step instructions |
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Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Ohio
- If you're in a rush to get started, the Ohio Secretary of State can help. They will process your formation documents in only 4 hours for a $300 expedite fee. Normal processing takes ~1 week.
- All business taxpayers must be registered with the Ohio Department of Taxation. You can register online for commercial activity tax (CAT), sales tax, employer withholding, unemployment compensation, workers' compensation, and municipal income taxes for nearly 500 cities and villages.
- You will undoubtedly come across the terms statutory agent and registered agent. These terms are used interchangeably. This person or business receives delivery of legal documents and government notices for a business.
- Your registered agent must sign the formation documents.
- Most Ohio businesses do not need to file a biennial report with the Ohio Secretary of State. Professional corporations and nonprofit corporations do.
