Forming an LLC in Ohio

Forming an LLC in Ohio in 7 easy steps

1. Step one is to pick out an appropriate name for your LLC. You must pick a name that is not already being used by any other LLC and you must of course follow trademark law. When forming an LLC in Ohio, you are not allowed to choose a name that implies that your LLC is a corporation or partnership. You must therefore refrain form using any of the terms "limited partnership", "limited liability partnership", "limited liability limited partnership", "incorporated" and "corporation", as well as abbreviations of these terms.
2. Ohio state law does not require you to use an attorney when forming an LLC, but it can still be a good idea to pay an attorney to check your Operating Agreement before your adopt it. A faulty Operating Agreement can easily cause tax problems for an LLC and paying an attorney can save you a lot of trouble with the IRS in the long run.
3. When you have gotten this far, it is time to pay a visit to the Ohio state filing office where you will file the Articles of Organization and pay the filing fee. In the state of Ohio, the minimum filing fee is $125. (For 25 business days.)
4. Arrange an Organizational Meeting where the Operating Agreement is formally adopted by the members (owners) of the LLC.
5. Get a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) for the LLC.
6. Open a company bank account.
7. Decide in which cities and counties you wish to conduct business and apply for any necessary local business licenses and permits.

Maintaining an LLC in Ohio
The LLC must hand in an annual report by June 30th every even year. The report fee is $25 in Ohio.