Ohio LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes
Initial state filing fee: $99. Ongoing annual report fee: $0 (none). No state franchise tax.
Check if your LLC name is taken on official Ohio database
Every LLC name must be legally distinguishable on state records. Perform a free corporate name lookup on the official Ohio Secretary of State registry before submitting your $99 Articles of Organization.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Ohio?
An LLC in Ohio costs $99 to form (one-time state filing fee) and $0 per year in none report fees. The estimated total 5-year cost is $294, including state fees, annual reports, and registered agent service.
| Fee Component | Statutory Cost | Frequency | Due Date / Requirement | Recipient Entity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Filing Fee) | $99 | One-time | Upon LLC formation | Ohio Secretary of State |
| Periodic Annual / Biennial Report | $0 | none | Due No annual report required for LLCs | Ohio Secretary of State |
| State Franchise Tax / Entity Fee | $0 | None | No franchise tax | N/A |
| Registered Agent Service | $0 (Self) or $39–$125 | Annual | Continuous requirement | Appointed agent / Commercial service |
| Operating Agreement & Federal EIN | $0 (Free) | One-time | Internal record / IRS issuance | Internal Company Record / IRS |
| Total Minimum Initial Formation | $99 (State statutory fees to open LLC) | |||
Ohio LLC 5-Year Cost Model
OHChoose a state and assumptions. Your five-year estimate updates instantly.
Future years assume today's reviewed rates remain unchanged. Historical estimates are not enabled because older rules have not been fully verified.
This estimate covers liabilities incurred in five taxable years (2026–2030), even when payment is due later.
Future years use an unchanged-current-law assumption. Income tax, legal advice, penalties, and unselected optional services are excluded.
Initial formation fee ($99) + registered agent
No annual report fee
Estimated liability for the selected inputs and disclosed scope in Ohio.
Five taxable years by cost category(Click any year to inspect)
Select a year to inspect its included liabilities and applicable tax due date.
Tax year 2026 included items
Total: $1385-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category
Open a zero-fee business checking account for your Ohio LLC
Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.
Ohio LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)
Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Ohio Secretary of State.
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.
Ohio LLC Cost FAQ
Common questions about forming and maintaining an LLC in Ohio.
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Ohio?
The state filing fee to form an LLC in Ohio is $99, paid to the Ohio Secretary of State when you file your Articles of Organization. With a registered agent service ($39–$125/yr), expect to pay approximately $138 in your first year.
What is the Ohio LLC filing fee for 2026?
The Ohio LLC filing fee is $99. This is a one-time fee paid to the Ohio Secretary of State to register your Articles of Organization. Expedited processing is available for an additional $100. Normal processing time is 1-2 business days online.
What are the annual fees for an LLC in Ohio?
Ohio charges a none report fee of $0, due No annual report required for LLCs. There is no state franchise tax for standard LLCs in Ohio, making ongoing costs relatively low.
How much does it cost to maintain a Ohio LLC per year?
The annual cost to maintain a Ohio LLC includes the none report fee ($0), and a registered agent ($39–$125/yr). Over 5 years, the estimated total cost is $294.
Does Ohio have a franchise tax for LLCs?
No. Ohio does not impose a franchise tax or entity-level tax on standard domestic LLCs. This makes Ohio one of the more affordable states for LLC maintenance.
Can I form an LLC in Ohio if I live in another state?
Yes, you can form a domestic LLC in Ohio regardless of where you live. However, if your principal business operations are in a different state, you will also need to register as a Foreign LLC in that state. In Ohio, foreign LLC registration costs $99 plus $0/year in ongoing fees — often resulting in paying double.
Compare Ohio with Rival & Neighboring States
Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions: