Starting an LLC in Ohio costs $99 at minimum. That’s the state filing fee for the Articles of Organization, according to the Ohio Secretary of State. If you’re wondering how to start an LLC in Ohio without spending more than that, here’s the short version: file the form yourself, act as your own registered agent, and skip the extras.
A formation service is optional. So is paying anyone to get your EIN. Ohio doesn’t even ask for an annual report.
This guide walks you through each step in order. For the big-picture version, see our 7-step overview.
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Last updated: October 11, 2026
Key Takeaways
- The Ohio state filing fee for an LLC is $99, paid to the Ohio Secretary of State.
- Ohio businesses aren’t required to file annual reports, so there’s no yearly state report fee.
- An EIN is free from the IRS. You never have to pay for one.
- You can be your own registered agent, or use someone you trust or a paid service.
- A formation service is a convenience, not a requirement.
Ohio LLC Costs at a Glance
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (state filing fee) | $99 | Paid to the Ohio Secretary of State |
| Annual report | None required | No fee and no due date, per the Ohio Secretary of State |
| EIN (federal tax ID) | $0 | Free from IRS.gov |
| Formation service (optional) | Varies | Check the provider’s current pricing |
| Registered agent service (optional) | Varies | You can serve as your own agent |
Your minimum cost to form an Ohio LLC is $99, assuming you file directly and act as your own registered agent.
Fees can change. Confirm the current amount on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website before you pay.
How to Start an LLC in Ohio, Step by Step
1. Choose and check your business name
Your LLC needs a name that no other Ohio business is already using. Use the business name search on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website to see what’s taken. Check the same site for naming rules, such as required wording like “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company.”
An LLC (limited liability company) is a business structure that generally separates your personal assets from the business’s debts.
Don’t stop at the state search. Look the name up on the web and social platforms, and see if the matching domain is open. A name can be legally available and still confuse your customers.
2. Appoint a registered agent
A registered agent is the person or company that receives legal papers and official state mail for your LLC. You have three options:
- Yourself, if you meet the state’s address and availability requirements.
- Someone you trust, such as a business partner or family member who agrees to take the role.
- A registered agent service, which charges a fee. It can help if you travel often or don’t want your address on the public record.
Check the Ohio Secretary of State’s website for the exact requirements for registered agents.
3. File the Articles of Organization with the Ohio Secretary of State
This is the document that officially creates your LLC. You file it with the Ohio Secretary of State and pay the $99 fee. The form is on the Secretary of State’s business filing forms page.
You’ll typically provide:
- Your LLC’s name
- Your registered agent’s name and address
- Any other details the form asks for (read the instructions carefully)
Processing times and accepted filing methods can change, so check the Secretary of State’s website for the current details.
Here’s a quick example. Say you’re launching a one-person freelance design business. You search the name, list yourself as registered agent, file the Articles of Organization, and pay $99. That’s your whole state bill.
4. Create an operating agreement
An operating agreement is an internal document that spells out how your LLC runs. It covers who owns it (the members), who makes decisions, and how profits are split.
Check the Ohio Secretary of State’s website to see whether you need to file one with the state. Even if you’re the only owner, a written agreement helps show your business is separate from you personally, and banks sometimes ask for one.
You don’t have to pay for this. Write it yourself. If you have co-owners or significant assets, have an attorney review it.
5. Get your free EIN from the IRS
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a federal tax ID for your business. The IRS says you can get one directly from the agency in minutes, for free, and that you never have to pay a fee for an EIN.
Apply on IRS.gov. If a site asks you to pay for an EIN, you’re paying a middleman for something free.
You’ll generally need your LLC formed first, so do this after your Articles are filed. Deciding how your LLC should be taxed? Our LLC vs. S corp guide explains the options.
6. Open a business bank account
With your Articles and EIN in hand, open an account in the LLC’s name. Run all business income and expenses through it. It’s one of the simplest ways to keep your personal and business money apart.
Banks differ in the documents they ask for, so confirm with yours. Online options include Novo, a digital account some small business owners like. Compare fees and features with a local bank or credit union before you choose.
7. Skip the annual report (Ohio doesn’t require one)
According to the Ohio Secretary of State, Ohio businesses are not required to file annual reports.
That’s a real savings compared with states that charge a yearly fee. See how Ohio stacks up in our LLC filing fees by state comparison.
How to Start an LLC in Ohio Yourself vs. With a Formation Service
DIY route: $99 state fee + $0 EIN = $99 in year one, if you’re your own registered agent.
Service route: $99 state fee + the service’s fee. A service charges its own fee on top of the state fee, so you pay both. Check any provider’s current pricing, because packages vary.
So what do you get for the extra money? A service such as Bizee can prepare and submit the filing for you. It may also bundle extras like a registered agent or document templates. You can read our Bizee walkthrough for a closer look.
A service can be worth it if:
- You want someone else to handle the paperwork.
- You want a registered agent without using your own address.
- You’d like templates and reminders in one place.
If you’re comfortable filling out one state form, you can skip it. To weigh your options, see our guide to choosing an LLC formation service.
Keeping Your Ohio LLC in Good Standing
No annual report means lighter upkeep. It doesn’t mean zero upkeep.
- Keep your registered agent current. If your agent or address changes, check the Ohio Secretary of State’s website for how to update it.
- Keep your records together. Store your Articles of Organization, operating agreement, and EIN confirmation in one place.
- Keep finances separate. Use your business account for business transactions.
- Watch for look-alike mail. The Secretary of State’s important warnings page covers solicitations that can look official. If something asks for payment, verify it on the Secretary of State’s website first.
- Check other obligations. Taxes, licenses, and permits depend on your business and location. Ask the relevant Ohio agencies and the IRS.
Want to avoid costly slip-ups? Read our list of common incorporation mistakes.
FAQ: Starting an LLC in Ohio
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Ohio?
The state filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $99, according to the Ohio Secretary of State. Your EIN is free from the IRS. Any formation or registered agent service is optional and costs extra.
Does Ohio require an annual report for LLCs?
No. The Ohio Secretary of State says Ohio businesses are not required to file annual reports.
Do I have to pay for an EIN?
No. The IRS says you never have to pay a fee for an EIN. Apply through IRS.gov.
Can I be my own registered agent in Ohio?
Generally, yes, if you meet the state’s requirements for an agent’s address and availability. Check the Ohio Secretary of State’s website for the current rules.
Do I need a formation service to start an LLC in Ohio?
No. You can file the Articles of Organization yourself with the Ohio Secretary of State. A service is an optional convenience.
Your Next Step
Ready to file? Run your name through the state’s business search first, then open the Ohio Secretary of State’s filing forms page. After that, use our 7-step overview as your checklist, and compare what an Ohio LLC costs against other states in our LLC filing fees by state guide.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Business formation rules, fees, and deadlines vary by state and change often. Always consult a qualified attorney, CPA, or tax professional before making decisions about your business.
