Ohio Certificate of Formation & Business Filings James Fish, June 20, 2023June 20, 2023 Welcome to Ohio’s official guide to the Certificate of Formation & Business Filings! In this article, we will dive into the essential information you need to know about starting and maintaining your business in the great state of Ohio. From the intricacies of the Certificate of Formation to the importance of proper business filings, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s embark on this journey together and unlock the key to success in Ohio’s vibrant business landscape. Table of Contents Toggle Naming Requirements for Ohio LLCsAppointing a Statutory Agent for Your Ohio LLCFiling Ohio Articles of OrganizationCreating an Operating Agreement for Your Ohio LLCApplying for an EIN and Complying with Tax and Regulatory RequirementsOrdering a Certified Copy of Articles of Organization or IncorporationOhio Certificate of Formation & Business FilingsCost and Processing Time for Obtaining Certified Copies in OhioContact Information for Ordering Certified Copies in OhioBenefits of Forming an LLC in OhioTrade Names and Reserving Business Names in OhioDissolving an LLC and Transferring Ownership in Ohio Naming Requirements for Ohio LLCs When forming an LLC in Ohio, it is important to follow the state’s naming requirements. The name of your LLC must include the words “limited liability company” or the abbreviation “LLC.” It cannot include words that imply it is a different type of business entity, such as “corporation” or “incorporated.” Additionally, the name must be distinguishable from other registered businesses in Ohio. You can check the availability of your desired name on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website. Once you have a name that meets these requirements, you can proceed with the Ohio Certificate of Formation and business filings. Appointing a Statutory Agent for Your Ohio LLC When forming an Ohio LLC, one important step is appointing a statutory agent. This agent will act as the LLC’s official point of contact with the state and handle important legal documents. They will receive lawsuits, subpoenas, and other official notices on behalf of the LLC. It is crucial to choose a reliable and trustworthy agent who can fulfill these responsibilities effectively. The agent’s address will be listed on the LLC’s Certificate of Formation. This information will be made available to the public, so it is important to choose an address that you are comfortable with being publicly accessible. Keep in mind that the agent must have a physical address in Ohio and be available during regular business hours. Filing Ohio Articles of Organization When filing Ohio Articles of Organization, it is important to follow the correct process to ensure a smooth business formation. To begin, access the Sabra Ohio LLC portal and navigate to the page for filing the Ohio Certificate of Formation. Fill out the required information, including the LLC’s name, business address, members, and series, if applicable. Once completed, submit the application and pay the necessary fees. The Ohio Secretary of State will review the application and, upon approval, issue the Certificate of Formation. Keep in mind that different rules and fees apply for non-profit organizations. Remember to keep your LLC in good standing by filing necessary reports and renewals in a timely manner. Creating an Operating Agreement for Your Ohio LLC When creating an operating agreement for your Ohio LLC, it’s important to follow the necessary steps to ensure compliance and protect your business. Start by accessing the Sabra Ohio, LLC portal and navigating to the appropriate section for creating an operating agreement. Make sure to include important details such as the company’s name, address, and members. Consider incorporating any additional series within your LLC if applicable. It’s also essential to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of the State of Ohio regarding LLCs. Remember to keep all necessary documentation and forms, such as the form 530a and form 532a, in order to maintain good standing and avoid any potential issues. Applying for an EIN and Complying with Tax and Regulatory Requirements Applying for an EIN and complying with tax and regulatory requirements is an essential step in the Ohio Certificate of Formation & Business Filings process. To obtain an EIN, you can apply directly with the IRS or use a service like ZenBusiness Inc. to streamline the process. Complying with tax and regulatory requirements involves registering for state taxes, obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and filing annual reports. If you are forming an LLC, you will also need to create an operating agreement. It’s important to stay organized and keep track of important documents like your Certificate of Formation and good standing certificates. Ordering a Certified Copy of Articles of Organization or Incorporation Ohio Certificate of Formation & Business Filings To order a certified copy of Articles of Organization or Incorporation in Ohio, please refer to the following table: Item Description Document Type Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation Filing Fee $50 Processing Time Standard: 3-5 business days Expedited: 1-2 business days (additional fee may apply) Online Ordering Available Ordering Options Online: Visit the Ohio Secretary of State website and follow the instructions for ordering a certified copy. By Mail: Fill out the required form, enclose the filing fee in a check or money order payable to the Ohio Secretary of State, and mail it to the address provided on the website. In Person: Visit the Ohio Secretary of State’s office during business hours to submit your request and payment. Additional Information Make sure to include the name of the business entity, the date of formation/incorporation, and any other relevant information when placing your order. Certified copies can be used for various purposes, such as legal filings, banking, and obtaining licenses. For expedited processing, additional fees may apply. Check the Ohio Secretary of State website for current pricing. Cost and Processing Time for Obtaining Certified Copies in Ohio Type of Document Cost Processing Time Certificate of Formation $125 1-2 business days Amendment $50 1-2 business days Merge/Consolidation $125 1-2 business days Assumed Name Registration $39 1-3 business days Withdrawal $50 1-2 business days Annual Report $99 1-3 business days Contact Information for Ordering Certified Copies in Ohio To order certified copies of business filings in Ohio, you can contact the Ohio Secretary of State’s office. They handle all the necessary paperwork and documentation for businesses in the state. You can reach them at their office located at 30 E Broad St, 14th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215. Their phone number is (877) 767-3453 and their website is www.sos.state.oh.us. They can assist with obtaining certified copies of your Ohio Certificate of Formation or any other business filings you may need. Simply provide them with the necessary information, such as your business name and the specific documents you require, and they will guide you through the process. Benefits of Forming an LLC in Ohio 1. Limited Liability Protection: By forming an LLC in Ohio, you can protect your personal assets from business liabilities, limiting your financial risk. 2. Tax Flexibility: Ohio LLCs have the option to choose how they are taxed, offering potential tax advantages and flexibility for business owners. 3. Simplified Business Formation: The process of forming an LLC in Ohio is relatively straightforward, with minimal paperwork and filing requirements compared to other business entities. 4. Enhanced Credibility: Operating as an LLC can add credibility to your business, as it signifies a formal and legally recognized structure. 5. Business Flexibility: Ohio LLCs have the flexibility to be owned and managed by individuals, corporations, or other LLCs, providing various options for business structure. 6. Privacy Protection: Forming an LLC in Ohio allows you to maintain privacy by keeping your personal information separate from your business. 7. Continuity: An LLC in Ohio can continue to exist even if ownership changes or members leave, ensuring the longevity and stability of your business. Remember to consult with a legal professional for specific advice tailored to your business needs. Trade Names and Reserving Business Names in Ohio When starting a business in Ohio, it’s important to consider trade names and reserving your business name. Trade names allow you to operate under a name that is different from your legal business name. Reserving a business name ensures that no one else can use it while you complete the necessary paperwork for your business formation. To reserve a business name in Ohio, you can file an Application for Reservation of Name with the Ohio Secretary of State. This reserves your desired name for 180 days. If you want to use a trade name, you must file a Trade Name Registration with the Secretary of State. By taking these steps, you can protect your business name and ensure that it is available for use. Dissolving an LLC and Transferring Ownership in Ohio When dissolving an LLC and transferring ownership in Ohio, there are specific steps you need to follow. First, you need to file a Certificate of Dissolution with the Ohio Secretary of State. This form can be found on their website and must be completed accurately. It’s important to note that there may be fees associated with this process. Once the Certificate of Dissolution is filed, you will need to transfer ownership of the LLC. This can be done through a written agreement between the current and new owners. It’s advisable to consult with an attorney to ensure all legal requirements are met. Additionally, it’s important to notify all relevant parties, such as creditors, employees, and business partners, about the dissolution and transfer of ownership. Remember, the process of dissolving an LLC and transferring ownership can be complex, so seeking professional guidance is recommended to ensure everything is done correctly and in compliance with Ohio law. James FishWas this article helpful?YesNo LLC Formation Requirements