How to Start an LLC in Ohio (2026): 7 Steps and the 2 Best LLC Services
OH Registered Agent.org ($199) and Mainstay Filing ($199) are our 2026 picks, in that order, for starting an LLC in Ohio. After the picks come 7 short steps; the state's own charge to file is $99.
Each company's listed price on November 12, 2026. Plus the $99 state fee in each case.
How to form your Ohio LLC
Step1
Step 1: Check your name is available
Pick a name, then check it against the records at the Ohio Secretary of State so no other company already holds it.
TipHave a second choice ready.
Step2
Step 2: Choose who will be the statutory agent
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address. An Ohio resident, or a business entity with a business address in Ohio.
The address has to be the agent's home or usual place of business in Ohio. P.O. boxes and commercial mail receiving agencies are not accepted.
TipEvery service in our picks can act as your statutory agent.
Official source: Per codes.ohio.gov, last confirmed October 2026
Step3
Step 3: Do it yourself or get help
You can do this on your own for $99, or hand it to a service we picked for $199 on top.
Step4
Step 4: File Articles of Organization
The Ohio Secretary of State receives the Articles of Organization (Form 610) along with $99, under Ohio Rev. Code § 1706.16.
Official source: Per codes.ohio.gov, last confirmed October 2026
Step5
Step 5: Get an EIN from the IRS
When the approval arrives, apply to the IRS for the EIN. Your bank will want it for the business account. Mainstay Filing's yearly price includes the EIN application.
Step6
Step 6: Sign an operating agreement
Write down who owns the Ohio LLC and how decisions are made. This operating agreement stays with your records, not with the state.
Step7
Step 7: Plan for year two and beyond
Ohio asks for no recurring LLC report, but the statutory agent has to stay on file all year.
The cost of this lesson
What
Payee
Amount
Formation filing
State office
$99
A service, if you use one
Service company
$199 first year
State fees for three years
State office
$99
For the three-year state total we add the filing fee, the reports in years two and three and any minimum yearly tax.
OH Registered Agent.org wins the cost grade: $397 for three years against $200 more with Mainstay Filing.
Quick answers
What does it cost to form an LLC in Ohio?
Filing costs $99. Service fees among our picks: $199.
Which form creates the LLC?
The Ohio Secretary of State takes the Articles of Organization (Form 610); that filing creates the LLC.
Is a statutory agent required?
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
What does Ohio require each year?
No recurring LLC report.
Can I form the LLC without a service?
You can: send the filing and the $99 fee yourself, and you still need a statutory agent.
Which LLC service should a first-time founder use?
In order: OH Registered Agent.org and Mainstay Filing. OH Registered Agent.org comes first because a $199 formation fee and $99 a year for the agent after that.