Ohio combines a low $99 filing fee, no annual report, and a central Midwestern location within a day's drive of more than half of the U.S. population. Columbus has emerged as one of the country's fastest-growing tech and logistics markets, joining Cleveland and Cincinnati as anchor metros. We guide you through Ohio's straightforward Articles of Organization filing.
Key filing details as of 2026. Fees and processing times are subject to change — verify with Ohio Secretary of State before filing.
Filing Fee
$99
Annual Fee
None — no annual report required
Annual Due Date
N/A
Processing Time
3–7 business days (standard)
Expedited Filing
Available
Filing Agency
Ohio Secretary of State
Annual Report Required
No
Publication Required
No
State Income Tax
Yes
Ohio's $99 Articles of Organization fee is among the lowest in the Midwest, and there is no annual LLC report — keeping ongoing compliance cost-free for most owners.
Columbus is the largest U.S. city by population growth rate in the Midwest, anchored by Ohio State, Intel's $20B semiconductor campus, and a thriving fintech and logistics ecosystem.
Ohio is within a one-day truck haul of about 60% of the U.S. and Canadian population — a major reason fulfillment and distribution operations cluster here.
The Ohio Secretary of State accepts online Articles of Organization via the OSB business portal. Most filings clear within a week of submission.
We guide you through each step — from name selection to getting your EIN.
Your name must include "LLC," "L.L.C.," "Limited Liability Co.," or "Limited" and be distinguishable from existing Ohio records. We confirm availability with the Secretary of State.
Ohio calls the registered agent a "statutory agent." It must be an Ohio resident or a business authorized to do business in Ohio. We coordinate a commercial statutory agent if needed.
We prepare and submit Form 533A (Articles of Organization) online through the Ohio Business Central portal. The $99 fee is paid at submission.
We obtain your federal EIN, draft an Ohio-compliant operating agreement, and walk you through Ohio Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) registration if your gross receipts will exceed $3 million.
Ready to form your LLC in Ohio? We guide you through every step.
Get StartedHonest factors to weigh when deciding whether Ohio is the right state for your LLC.
“Business Therapy & Advisory delivered a true five-star experience from start to finish. They handled my entire business formation and entity structure seamlessly, turning what could have been a complicated process into something clear, organized, and stress-free. We were referred by our accountant, and I couldn't be more grateful for that connection. The team made everything straightforward and efficient while still keeping things personable. They matched my sense of humor (which is no small task) while maintaining the right level of expertise and guidance, making the entire experience comfortable and collaborative. I fully plan to continue working with Business Therapy & Advisory for future needs and will confidently recommend their services to other business owners, as well as friends and family.”
Ian Harvey
Timeless Memorial Care, LLC
Have questions about Ohio LLC formation? We're here to help.
Talk to an AdvisorDisclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance and is current as of 2026. Filing fees, processing times, and requirements are subject to change. We recommend verifying current requirements with the Ohio Secretary of State before filing. This content does not constitute legal or tax advice. Consult with a qualified attorney or tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
Schedule a free consultation and we'll guide you through every step — from choosing your entity type to Ohio compliance.