How much does it cost to start an LLC in Ohio in 2026?

Forming an LLC in Ohio requires a one-time initial filing fee of $99 paid to the Ohio Secretary of State. When accounting for standard registered agent compliance ($39-$125/yr), expect initial Year 1 costs to be approximately $138.

What are the annual recurring fees for a Ohio LLC?

Ohio charges an annual report fee of $0 filed on a none basis (due No annual report required for LLCs). There is no state franchise tax on standard LLCs in Ohio.

What is the true 5-year cost of maintaining a Ohio LLC?

Over 5 years, the true cost of a Ohio LLC is approximately $294. This includes initial formation ($99), recurring none reports ($0), statutory franchise taxes, and compliance support.

Can I form an out-of-state LLC (e.g. Wyoming or Delaware) if I live in Ohio?

While you can legally form an entity in Delaware or Wyoming, if your principal place of business, employees, or operations are located in Ohio, you must register as a Foreign LLC in Ohio. In Ohio, the foreign qualification filing fee is $99 plus ongoing maintenance of $0/year, often resulting in double fees.

Verified 2026 Statutory Guide

Ohio LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes

Initial state filing fee: $99. Ongoing annual report fee: $0 (none). No state franchise tax.

Compare Ohio vs Others

Direct Answer • 2026 Official Fee Schedule

Starting an LLC in Ohio costs $99 for the one-time Articles of Organization filing fee, plus $0/yr in recurring none report fees. Over 5 years, maintaining a Ohio LLC costs an estimated $294.

Initial State Filing$99One-time payment

Annual Report$0Due No annual report required for LLCs

Franchise Tax$0none

Registered Agent$39–$125Annual service

Statutory Department: Ohio Secretary of State

Verify on State Website (.gov)

Ohio LLC 5-Year Cost Model

Adjust parameters below to model state filing fees, recurring franchise taxes, and compliance overhead.

Popular:

1. State of LLC FormationInitial: $99

Approval speed: 1-2 business days online•Public Privacy: Standard

2. Where do you conduct business?

If you reside or hire employees in a different state from your LLC, that state requires Foreign Qualification registration.

3. Estimated Annual Gross Revenue$150,000

Ohio Tax Rule: No annual report fee and no franchise tax. Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) only applies if gross receipts exceed $3,000,000.

4. Registered Agent ServiceMandatory by law

5. Expedited State Processing

Expedited State Processing (+$100)

Accelerates state filing from 1-2 business days online to 24-48 hours.

Deciding where to incorporate?

Compare Ohio vs Wyoming & Delaware →

Year 1 Setup Cost

$138

Initial formation fee ($99) + registered agent

Annual Maintenance

$39 /yr avg

No annual report fee

5-Year True CostAll Hidden Fees Included

$294(~$5/mo)

Total 5-year statutory commitment to maintain legal compliance in Ohio.

5-Year Cost Trajectory & Fee Composition(Click any year to inspect)

Notice how initial filing fees are often dwarfed by recurring franchise taxes and maintenance.

Inspecting: Year 1 ($138)

$138

Year 1Formation

$39

Year 2Renewal

$39

Year 3Renewal

$39

Year 4Renewal

$39

Year 5Renewal

State Formation & Expedited

Franchise & Entity Taxes

Annual / Biennial Reports

Special Mandates (Publication, etc.)

Registered Agent Compliance

Home State Foreign Qualification

Year 1 Itemized Line Items

Total: $138

State Filing$99

Franchise Tax$0

Annual Report$0

Special / Pub$0

Registered Agent$39

Foreign Qual.$0

5-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category

Total State Filings

$99

34% of 5-yr budget

Total Franchise Taxes

0% of 5-yr budget

Annual / Biennial Reports

0% of 5-yr budget

Registered Agent Service

$195

66% of 5-yr budget

Publication / Mandates

0% of 5-yr budget

Recommended Business BankingFDIC Insured up to $5M

Open a zero-fee business checking account for your Ohio LLC

Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.

Explore Mercury ($0 Monthly Fees)

Ohio LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)

Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Ohio Secretary of State.

Official State Portal (.gov)

Annual Report Due DateNo annual report required for LLCsFrequency: NONE

Normal Turnaround1-2 business days onlineExpedited: +$100

Public Record PrivacyStandardRegistered agent protects personal address

State Personal Income TaxUp to 3.5% (first $250k business income eligible for 100% deduction on Ohio IT BUS)LLC pass-through profits flow to owners

Ohio Franchise Tax & Business Privilege Tax Rules

No annual report fee and no franchise tax. Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) only applies if gross receipts exceed $3,000,000.

Advantages of a Ohio LLC

$0 annual report fee forever
Ohio Business Investor Deduction (BID) gives 100% state tax deduction on first $250,000 of net business income!
Low $99 initial filing

Drawbacks & Hidden Costs

Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) applies on high gross revenues ($3M+)

Founder Pro-Tip for Ohio

Ohio's Business Investor Deduction is one of the most generous tax perks in America for small businesses.

Step-by-Step Ohio LLC Formation Checklist (2026)

Choose an Available Entity Name

Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable on the Ohio Secretary of State registry.

Appoint a Ohio Registered Agent

Must have a physical street address in Ohio (no P.O. boxes) to receive official service of process during regular business hours.

File Articles of Organization ($99 State Fee)

Submit electronically to the Ohio Secretary of State. Approval is typically granted within 1-2 business days online.

Execute an Operating Agreement & Obtain Federal EIN

Establish member capital contributions, voting rights, and obtain a free 9-digit EIN from IRS.gov for business checking accounts.

Maintain Ongoing Legal Good Standing (No annual report required for LLCs)

Submit the none report with the $0 fee to prevent automatic forfeiture or late fee assessments.

Compare Ohio with Rival & Neighboring States

Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions:

Filing: $100

Filing: $110

Filing: $300

Filing: $70