If you want to start a limited liability corporation in the state of Ohio, you need to register with the Secretary of State, get a proper business name, and file the correct paperwork.It is important that you are aware of the proper requirements for the state in which you wish to file, as different US states have slightly different processes.
Step 1: You can choose a company name.
Picking a name that will fit your industry and brand is the most important step of the formation process.If you choose the name you want, you should check to see if it has been registered in the Ohio LLC Search.One of the following must be included in the full name of your company: limited liability company L.L.C.The company is limited.
Step 2: Register your name.
A name registration can be filed for a trade name.The form can be found on the Secretary of State website.You can register your name for 180 days.A $50 filing fee is required for the application to be filed by mail.It is best to wait until you get approval for the name from the Secretary of State to register a website.
Step 3: The articles of organization should be completed.
The official form for applying for a limited liability company in the state is the articles of organization.Either fill in the document on the computer or print it out and send it in by mail.There is a filing fee for articles of organization.If no duration is supplied, then the dissolution date, if applicable, will be assumed to be perpetual.
Step 4: A statutory agent can be appointed.
The statutory agent must be appointed at the time of filing for the Articles of Organization.Any notice or demand that is served upon the company is designated by this person to accept legal process.The agent can be any adult who is a legal resident of the state, but a corporate lawyer may be able to recommend someone who serves as statutory agent for multiple companiesYou can find an agency that provides agents by searching online for "statutory agent service providers in Ohio".The agent is in charge of sharing information with the company.
Step 5: You can use the pre-clearance filing option.
The Secretary of State's office can advise you on the acceptability of a proposed filing if you submit your paperwork for preclearance.If you are preparing your paperwork yourself for the first time, this may be a good option.You must select "Preclearance Filing" on the form.Checks should be made out to the "Secretary of State." The fee for preclearance filing is $50.Send your Preclearance filing to P.O. at 180 E. Broad St., Suite 103, Columbus, OH, 43215.Box 670 is located in Columbus, Ohio.Pre-clearance should be completed in 1-2 business days.
Step 6: To save money, select regular service.
How quickly your paperwork will be processed is determined by the service type you pick.If you choose regular service, there is no fee in addition to the filing fee.Depending on the number of files you file, the filing will be processed in 3-7 business days.The $125 filing fee was made out to the Secretary of State.Box 670 is located in Columbus, Ohio.
Step 7: There is an Expedited Service 1 for faster processing.
If you want your paperwork to be processed within 2 days, you can choose this option.An expedite fee of $100 should be included with the $125 filing fee.Expedited Service 1 filings can be mailed to the Ohio Secretary of State.The address is PO Box 1390Columbus, Ohio 43216.Make sure you mark your envelope with "EDITE."
Step 8: Expedited Service 2 can be used to process in one day.
You can choose to have your business incorporated within a day.There are additional fees for expedited service.An expedite fee of $200 should be included with the $125 filing fee.Expedited Service 2 is only available for customers who hand deliver the document to the Client Service Center.
Step 9: If you need to be incorporated immediately, you should use Expedited Service 3.
You can have your paperwork processed by the office within 4 hours if you choose this option.An expedite fee of $300 should be included with the $125 filing fee.Expedited Service 3 is only available for customers who hand deliver the document to the Client Service Center.If the paperwork is delivered before 1:00PM, the 4-hour window can be honored.The filing will be available the next business day if it is delivered after 1PM.
Step 10: Wait for your limited liability company to be approved.
You will have to wait for your company to process and mail it back to you.
Step 11: An operating agreement is needed.
The owners of your company will share income and liability under an operating agreement.It protects single owners from personal liability.All members' names should be included, as well as the rights and responsibilities of each member.
Step 12: You can get an EIN number.
If you want to open a business bank account or have more than one member, you will need to have a Tax ID number.You can apply online.It only takes 15 minutes.
Step 13: You have to apply for business licenses.
If you want to do business in the state of Ohio, you need to get a local or state license.The type of licensing you will be required to maintain depends on the nature of your company.