Start a Business in Ohio
Ohio offers one of the most affordable formation environments in the US, with LLC filing fees of just $99 and no annual report requirement. With a diverse economy spanning manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and agriculture, Ohio is home to over 950,000 small businesses.
Filing Fees
| Entity Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| LLC | $99 |
| Corporation | $99 |
| Nonprofit | $99 |
| DBA / Trade Name | $39 |
| Annual Report | N/A |
No annual report or franchise tax for LLCs; Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) applies if revenue exceeds $150K
Processing Times
- Standard: 3-5 business days
- Expedited: Same day ($100 fee)
- Online: Available via Ohio Business Central
Key Facts
- No annual report requirement — one of the simplest compliance states
- LLC filing fee is only $99
- No franchise tax; Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) only if revenue exceeds $150K
- Statutory agent (registered agent) must be an Ohio resident or authorized entity
- Operating agreement not required but recommended
Compliance Deadlines
| Item | Due | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Biennial Report (Corps only) | Odd-numbered years by anniversary date | Cancellation of articles |
| Commercial Activity Tax | Quarterly if revenue > $150K | Penalties and interest |
| Statutory Agent | Maintain continuously | Cancellation |