Form an LLC in Ohio
We file your Articles of Organization, register an agent, and deliver your formation documents. Total cost from $224 on Standard.
State filing fee
$99
Typical processing
14 days
Annual report
$0 / yr
Ohio LLCs file with the Secretary of State Business Services Division at a $99 filing fee. The defining ongoing feature is the lack of an annual report: Ohio is one of the small group of states (with Arizona, Missouri, New Mexico, South Carolina, Texas) where there is no recurring filing or fee after formation.
Ohio's Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) applies to entities with $150,000+ in Ohio-source gross receipts at 0.26% above $1M, but most small LLCs sit under the threshold. For an in-state operator or an out-of-state founder looking for a low-friction Midwest state, Ohio is a strong, cheap pick.
Best for: Cost-conscious founders; Ohio-resident businesses; Midwest operators.
Cost & compliance breakdown
| State filing fee | $99 |
|---|---|
| Typical processing | 14 days |
| Annual report fee | $0 |
| Annual report due | No annual report required |
| Premium expedited fee | $199 (3-day filing) |
- No annual report, no annual fee - the only ongoing state requirement is keeping the registered agent current.
- Premium plans use the $199 expedited state fee for three-business-day filing.
- The Ohio Commercial Activity Tax applies above $150K Ohio-source gross receipts.
How we file your Ohio LLC
- 1
File the Articles of Organization
We file Articles of Organization with the Ohio Secretary of State Business Services Division. The $99 fee is paid online.
- 2
EIN and operating agreement
EIN obtained and an Ohio operating agreement delivered.
What's included
Articles of Organization
Registered agent
EIN (Federal Tax ID)
Operating Agreement
Frequently asked questions
Does Ohio require an annual report for LLCs?
No. Ohio is one of the handful of states with no annual report requirement for LLCs.
What is the Commercial Activity Tax?
Ohio's CAT applies to entities with $150,000+ in Ohio-source gross receipts. Below $1M is a flat $150; above $1M is 0.26% on the excess.
Can a non-resident own an Ohio LLC?
Yes. There are no residency requirements.
Compare with other states
The states founders most commonly weigh against Ohio.
Ready to form your Ohio LLC?
Total from $224 on Standard. Most founders finish the application in about 15 minutes.