Ohio Company Setup and Registration
Ohio Contractor License Center can assist you with forming an LLC or corporation, registering a business name, or registering an out-of-state company to do business in Ohio. Our team helps prepare the required filing documents and submit them to the Ohio Secretary of State.
Choosing your business structure is an important step that can affect ownership, taxes, operations, and personal liability. Once you select the structure that fits your needs, we can help you move forward with the paperwork.
Ohio Contractor License Center does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your CPA or attorney about entity selection, tax elections, and legal questions.
Create My Company NowWhy Contractors Choose Us for Company Setup
- Business name availability review before filing.
- Preparation and submission of formation or registration documents.
- Tracking your filing through state acceptance.
- Federal EIN application assistance, with your authorization.
- Professional company binder and organizational documents with LLC and corporation formation services.
- Expedited state filing options available for an additional fee.
Choosing the Right Business Structure
We commonly assist with Ohio LLCs, corporations, sole proprietorship business name filings, and foreign entity registrations. For partnerships or more complex ownership arrangements, consult an attorney before proceeding.
| Option | Ohio Filing | Liability Considerations | Tax Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship | No separate entity formation. A trade name or fictitious name filing may be required. | The owner generally remains personally responsible for business debts and obligations. | Business income is generally reported on the owner's individual federal return. |
| Limited Liability Company (LLC) | Articles of Organization filed with the Ohio Secretary of State. | Generally limits liability arising solely from being an owner. Personal guarantees and other exceptions can apply. | Default federal treatment depends on the number of owners. Eligible LLCs may elect corporate tax treatment. |
| Corporation | Articles of Incorporation filed with the Ohio Secretary of State. | Generally limits shareholder liability. Corporate records and other obligations must be maintained. | A C corporation pays federal corporate income tax. Dividends may also be taxed to shareholders. |
| S Corporation Tax Election | A tax election for an eligible corporation or LLC, rather than a separate Ohio entity type. | Liability treatment follows the underlying entity structure. | Generally passes income and losses through to owners for federal tax purposes. Eligibility and payroll rules apply. |
This comparison is general information. An entity does not protect an owner from every type of liability or automatically reduce taxes. Your CPA or attorney can help evaluate your situation.
Ohio Company Name Requirements
Before filing, your proposed entity name should be checked against the Ohio Secretary of State's records. Adding a different entity ending, such as LLC instead of Inc., generally does not make an otherwise identical name distinguishable.
Corporation Names
An Ohio for-profit corporation name generally must include Company, Co., Corporation, Corp., Incorporated, or Inc.
LLC Names
An Ohio LLC name must include Limited Liability Company, L.L.C., LLC, Limited, Ltd., or Ltd. Using LLC can help clearly identify your business structure.
State name acceptance does not resolve trademark rights or confirm that a name meets every licensing requirement.
Check Company Name RequirementsTrade Names, Fictitious Names, and DBAs
If you operate under a name different from your legal entity name, an Ohio trade name registration or fictitious name filing may be needed. These filings are handled by the Ohio Secretary of State.
Trade Name Registration
A registered trade name must meet Ohio's distinguishability requirements and provides exclusive use under Ohio's name registration system. It does not replace a trademark review.
Fictitious Name Filing
A fictitious name does not have to be distinguishable from other names on record and does not provide exclusive name rights.
Ohio trade name registrations and fictitious name filings are effective for five years and must be renewed to remain active. A DBA filing does not create a separate LLC or corporation or provide liability protection.
Sole Proprietorship Setup
A sole proprietorship is a business owned by one individual and does not require Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation. If you use a business name other than your personal name, Ohio generally requires a trade name registration or fictitious name filing.
We can assist with applicable business name paperwork and EIN application assistance. Tax registrations, employer accounts, licenses, and permits depend on your business activities.
Foreign LLC or Corporation Registration
If your LLC or corporation was formed in another state and will transact business in Ohio, it may need to register with the Ohio Secretary of State. This is called foreign entity registration and does not create a new Ohio company.
Our team can help prepare the applicable registration documents and review filing requirements. Ask your attorney if you are unsure whether your planned activities require registration.
Statutory Agents and Ongoing Requirements
Ohio Statutory Agent
Ohio LLCs and ordinary for-profit corporations must appoint and maintain a statutory agent to receive legal documents. The agent must meet Ohio eligibility requirements and have an eligible Ohio street address. A P.O. box alone is not sufficient.
Keeping Your Business Current
Ordinary Ohio LLCs and for-profit corporations generally do not file annual reports with the Secretary of State. You must still maintain your statutory agent, update required filings, and meet applicable tax, employer, licensing, and business name renewal obligations.
Company Formation and Contractor Licensing
Forming or registering a company does not authorize you to perform work that requires a contractor license, local registration, or permit. Review the requirements for your trade and the communities where you will work before accepting projects.
Use consistent legal business information across your formation documents, EIN records, insurance, and applicable licensing applications.
Ready to Set Up Your Ohio Company?
Get help with your Ohio LLC, corporation, business name filing, or foreign entity registration. Start online and let our team help you through the filing process.
Create My Company NowState filing fees, expedited processing, statutory agent services, and other applicable fees are additional to our service fee.