Which state is cheaper for an LLC: Ohio or Delaware?

Over 5 years, Ohio is cheaper with an estimated total cost of $294, compared to $1,805 for Delaware, saving you approximately $1,511.

Can I register in Delaware if I live and work in Ohio?

You can form an entity in Delaware, but if your principal residence or business operations are in Ohio, statutory nexus rules require you to register as a Foreign LLC in Ohio. In Ohio, the foreign filing fee is $99 plus annual foreign maintenance of $0/year.

2026 Head-to-Head Statutory Comparison

Ohio vs Delaware LLC

Ohio is exceptionally low-cost ($99 upfront, $0 annual report); Delaware is favored strictly when raising outside venture capital.

5-Year Cost Verdict: Ohio saves an estimated $1,511 over 5 years.

Ohio Model →Delaware Model →

Direct Side-by-Side Fee Matrix

Statutory 2026 Fee Schedules

Metric	Ohio	Delaware
Initial State Filing Fee	$99	$110
Annual Report Fee & Frequency	$0 (none)	$0 (none)
Annual Franchise Tax	$0 / None	$300/yr
5-Year Estimated True Cost	$294	$1,805
Public Member Anonymity	Standard	High (Anonymous)
Foreign Qualification Fee	$99 upfront ($0/yr)	$200 upfront ($300/yr)

The Reality of Forming Out-of-State

Operating in Ohio with a Delaware LLC?

If you live or conduct physical business in Ohio and form in Delaware, you must register as a Foreign LLC in Ohio. This means paying Delaware's formation fee ($110) PLUS Ohio's foreign filing fee ($99) and two annual registered agent fees.