Updated May 2026 Ohio

Ohio LLC Formation Cost (2026)

Complete breakdown of Ohio LLC costs — from the initial filing fee to annual report fees, publication requirements, and ongoing taxes.

LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed: May 2026

$99

Filing Fee

One-time

None

Annual Report

Recurring

None

Publication Cost

$99+

Est. Year-1 Total

Excl. annual fee

LLC Formation Cost Calculator

Select your state to see filing fees, annual report costs, and formation gotchas.

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Forming an LLC in Ohio: Full Cost Breakdown

To form an LLC in Ohio, you file Articles of Organization (sometimes called a Certificate of Formation or Certificate of Organization) with the Ohio Secretary of State. The state filing fee is $99.

Standard processing time is 3. Expedited processing is available: 1.

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Watch out

Ohio has a Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) for businesses with over $150,000 in annual gross receipts.

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Pro tip

No annual report — free to maintain after the $99 formation fee.

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Don't forget your Operating Agreement

Even though Ohio may not legally require it, an Operating Agreement protects your limited liability status and is essential if you have co-founders or a business bank account.

Source: Ohio Secretary of State ↗

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Registered agent required in Ohio

Every LLC must designate a registered agent with a physical Ohio address to receive legal documents. Using a commercial service ($50–$150/yr) keeps your home address off the public record.

Frequently Asked Questions — Ohio LLC

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Ohio?

Forming an LLC in Ohio costs $99 for the state filing fee. Estimated first-year cost is approximately $99.

What is the LLC filing fee in Ohio?

The Ohio LLC filing fee is $99. This one-time charge is paid to the Ohio Secretary of State to officially register your LLC.

Does Ohio require an annual report for LLCs?

Yes — Ohio LLCs must file an annual report with a fee of $0. The report is required but carries no filing fee.

Does Ohio require LLC publication?

No — Ohio does not require LLC publication. This eliminates a significant additional cost compared to states like New York that mandate it.

What is the Ohio LLC franchise tax?

Ohio does not impose a separate franchise tax on LLCs, keeping ongoing operating costs lower.

How do I form an LLC in Ohio?

To form an LLC in Ohio: (1) choose a unique name including "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company", (2) appoint a registered agent with a Ohio address, (3) file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and pay the $99 fee, (4) create an Operating Agreement, and (5) get a free EIN from the IRS. See our full Ohio LLC formation guide for step-by-step instructions.