Best LLC Formation Services in Ohio

Ohio replaced its corporate franchise tax with a Commercial Activity Tax (CAT), which is $0 for businesses grossing $6 million or less as of 2026. Most small LLCs will never owe this tax.

Unlike neighboring Pennsylvania, which charges a $70 annual report fee, or Indiana with its $32 biennial report, Ohio requires no recurring state filings at all. Your LLC stays active indefinitely without additional paperwork.

Ohio allows both anonymous LLCs and Series LLCs. If you want to keep your name off public records, you can use a formation service or attorney as your organizer instead of listing yourself.

You can reserve an LLC name in Ohio for 180 days for $39, which gives you more time than most states. Michigan, by comparison, only holds a name for 6 months at $25.

1. Get an EIN from the IRS. You need this to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes. It is free and takes about 10 minutes online at irs.gov.
2. Appoint and maintain a registered agent. Ohio requires your agent to be an individual residing in Ohio or a business entity authorized to operate in the state, with a physical street address. P.O. boxes are not accepted.
3. Draft an operating agreement. Ohio does not legally require one, but banks and lenders will often ask for it. It also protects your limited liability status if your LLC is ever challenged in court.
4. Obtain a vendor's license if you sell tangible goods or taxable services. Ohio's statewide sales tax rate is 5.75%, and county surcharges can push it higher. You must collect and remit sales tax once licensed.
5. Register for the Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) if your gross receipts exceed $150,000. Even though the tax is $0 for businesses under $6 million, registration is still required once you cross the $150,000 threshold.
6. File your BOI report with FinCEN. LLCs formed in 2024 or later must file a Beneficial Ownership Information report within 90 days of formation. Existing LLCs formed before 2024 have until January 1, 2026.

• No Annual Report Costs - Ohio is one of the few states that charges nothing for ongoing LLC maintenance. There are no annual or biennial report fees.
• Vendor's License Fee - If you sell taxable goods or services, you will need a vendor's license from the Ohio Department of Taxation, which costs $25 in most counties.
• Expedited Filing Adds $100 - Standard processing is already 1-2 business days, so the $100 expedited fee buys you very little extra speed.
• Name Reservation Costs $39 - If you are not ready to file yet, reserving your LLC name for 180 days costs $39, which is higher than many neighboring states.