LLC Formation Cost in Ohio (2026)
Complete guide to Ohio LLC filing fees, annual costs, and requirements
Ohio LLC Cost Calculator
Ohio LLC Costs — Complete Breakdown
| Cost Item | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization filing fee | $99 | One-time |
| Annual report / registration fee | $0 (not required) | N/A |
| Registered agent service | $50–$300 | Annual |
| Operating agreement | $0–$500 | One-time |
| EIN (Employer ID Number) | $0 (free via IRS) | One-time |
| Business bank account | $0–$15/mo | Monthly |
| Special requirement | Varies | Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) on gross receipts over $150,000 |
Forming an LLC in Ohio: What You Need to Know
Ohio charges just $99 to form an LLC and has NO annual report requirement — making ongoing maintenance costs minimal. However, Ohio has a Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) of 0.26% on gross receipts over $150,000.
Money-Saving Tips for Ohio LLC Formation
Ohio's no-annual-report policy and $99 filing fee make it one of the better values for LLC formation. Factor in the CAT if your business anticipates significant gross revenue.
Form Your Ohio LLC Today
Bizee handles all Ohio LLC paperwork for $0 service fee (you only pay the $99 state filing fee) and includes 1 year of free registered agent service — saving you $125 immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Ohio?
Forming an LLC in Ohio requires a $99 state filing fee (Articles of Organization). Add $125/year for a registered agent service and $no annual report fee — total first-year cost is approximately $224. Important additional cost: Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) on gross receipts over $150,000.
Should I form my LLC in Ohio or another state?
If you conduct business primarily in Ohio, form your LLC here. Forming in another state (Wyoming, Delaware, New Mexico) and then operating in Ohio requires paying foreign registration fees in Ohio anyway — you end up paying both states' fees. Wyoming or New Mexico make sense only if you genuinely have no state-specific business presence and want lower costs or more privacy.
Do I need a registered agent in Ohio?
Yes — Ohio law requires every LLC to maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in Ohio during normal business hours. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Ohio address, but most business owners use a professional service ($50–$300/year) for privacy (your name and address are kept off public records) and reliability (someone is always available during business hours).
What are the annual costs to maintain an LLC in Ohio?
Annual Ohio LLC costs: No annual report required. Registered agent: $50–$300/year. Special costs: Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) on gross receipts over $150,000. Add bookkeeping/accounting ($100–$500/month) and business insurance ($500–$2,000/year) for a realistic total operating cost.
Ohio LLC Facts
- State filing fee
- $99
- Annual report fee
- Not required
- Registered agent
- $50–$300/yr
- Processing time
- 3–5 business days
- First year total
- ~$224
Compare Filing Fees
State LLC filing fees