Ohio LLC Annual Fees & Formation Costs David Patterson, July 29, 2023July 29, 2023 Welcome to Ohio LLC Annual Fees & Formation Costs, a comprehensive guide to understanding the financial aspects of establishing and maintaining a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the state of Ohio. From formation expenses to yearly fees, this article will equip you with valuable insights to navigate the financial landscape of starting and running an LLC in Ohio. Table of Contents Toggle Forming an Ohio LLC: Costs and StepsFiling the Ohio LLC Articles of OrganizationAppointing a Registered Agent in OhioCreating an Operating Agreement for your LLCUnderstanding Ohio LLC Ongoing FeesOhio Commercial Activity Tax and its VariationsOptional Costs for LLC Formation in OhioReserving a Name for your Ohio LLCObtaining an EIN for your Ohio LLC Forming an Ohio LLC: Costs and Steps Forming an Ohio LLC involves several steps and costs. First, conduct a business name search to ensure availability and uniqueness. Next, file the Articles of Organization with the Ohio Secretary of State, which requires a state filing fee. You will also need a registered agent to receive important documents on behalf of your LLC. Consider using an LLC formation service to simplify the process and ensure accuracy. Once your LLC is formed, you must file an annual report and pay the associated fee. Additionally, Ohio imposes an activity tax based on your gross receipts. Keep these steps and costs in mind to form your Ohio LLC successfully and avoid any unnecessary hassle or pressure. Filing the Ohio LLC Articles of Organization When filing the Ohio LLC Articles of Organization, there are certain costs that you need to consider. The state filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $99. Additionally, there is an annual report fee of $50. If you choose to use a registered agent service, the average cost is around $150 per year. It’s important to keep in mind that these costs can vary depending on the specific details of your LLC. To save time and hassle, consider using a reliable LLC formation service like TRUiC. They can handle all the paperwork and ensure that your LLC is formed correctly. Appointing a Registered Agent in Ohio Appointing a Registered Agent in Ohio is an important step in forming an LLC. The Registered Agent is the person or entity responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of the company. In Ohio, the Secretary of State requires all LLCs to have a Registered Agent who is a resident of Ohio or a business entity authorized to do business in the state. The Registered Agent’s address will be the official address of the LLC for legal purposes. While there is a cost associated with appointing a Registered Agent, it is a necessary expense to ensure compliance with Ohio law and maintain the limited liability protection that LLCs provide. Creating an Operating Agreement for your LLC When creating an operating agreement for your Ohio LLC, it is important to consider the details and steps involved. This document outlines the rules and regulations for your business, including the roles and responsibilities of the members and how the company will operate. It is a crucial step in forming your LLC and ensuring that it operates smoothly and legally. The operating agreement can help protect the limited liability of the members and provide clarity on important matters such as profit distribution and decision-making. While it may seem like an additional cost and paperwork, it is well worth the effort and can bring peace of mind to everyone involved. Understanding Ohio LLC Ongoing Fees Fee Name Description Amount Ohio LLC Annual Report Fee An annual report must be filed with the Ohio Secretary of State’s office to maintain the LLC’s active status. $99 Ohio LLC Biennial Report Fee If the LLC chooses to file a biennial report instead of an annual report, this fee is applicable. $199 Ohio LLC Franchise Tax LLCs with taxable gross receipts exceeding 0,000 in Ohio are subject to this tax. Varies based on taxable gross receipts Registered Agent Fee LLCs in Ohio are required to have a registered agent who receives legal documents on behalf of the company. Varies based on chosen registered agent Professional Services Fee If you choose to hire a professional service provider to handle your LLC’s ongoing compliance, this fee may apply. Varies based on service provider Ohio Commercial Activity Tax and its Variations When forming an Ohio LLC, it’s important to consider the Ohio Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) and its variations. The CAT is a tax imposed on businesses with substantial presence in Ohio. It’s essential to understand the implications and potential costs associated with this tax. Additionally, you’ll need to factor in the annual fees and formation costs of your LLC. These costs can vary depending on factors such as state fees, filing fees, and the services you choose to utilize. To ensure a smooth formation process, consider consulting with a professional or utilizing resources like TRUiC for guidance. By being aware of the Ohio CAT and understanding the associated costs, you can make informed decisions and set up your LLC with confidence. Optional Costs for LLC Formation in Ohio While forming an LLC in Ohio is relatively affordable, there are some optional costs to consider. One important optional cost is the hiring of a registered agent, which can range from $50 to $300 per year. This is someone who will receive legal documents on behalf of your LLC. Another optional cost is obtaining a DBA (Doing Business As) name, which allows you to operate under a different name than your LLC’s legal name. The cost for a DBA in Ohio is around $50. Additionally, if you want to protect your brand and trademarks, you may need to consult with an attorney, which can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Reserving a Name for your Ohio LLC Reserving a Name for your Ohio LLC is an important step in the formation process. By reserving your desired business name, you can ensure that no one else can use it while you complete the necessary paperwork. To reserve a name, you’ll need to submit a Name Reservation Application to the Ohio Secretary of State. The fee for reserving a name is $39. Once approved, the reservation lasts for 180 days. It’s important to note that reserving a name does not automatically create your LLC; it simply reserves the name for your future use. Obtaining an EIN for your Ohio LLC Obtaining an EIN for your Ohio LLC is a crucial step in the formation process. An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is a unique identifier assigned by the IRS to your LLC for tax purposes. To obtain an EIN, you can apply online through the IRS website or by mail or fax using Form SS-4. The EIN is necessary for opening a business bank account, hiring employees, and filing federal tax returns. Keep in mind that there is no cost associated with obtaining an EIN for your LLC. Once you have your EIN, you can proceed with other important tasks such as drafting an LLC operating agreement, obtaining any necessary licenses or permits, and registering with the Ohio Secretary of State. David PattersonWas this article helpful?YesNo LLC Annual Fees