Who owes CAT in 2026
If your Ohio business has $6 million or less in taxable gross receipts for the calendar year, you generally owe no CAT and need not register. Above $6 million, you must register with the Ohio Department of Taxation and file quarterly returns at the statutory rate on receipts over the threshold.
This is separate from municipal income tax, payroll tax, and federal obligations—founders often confuse CAT with the old corporate franchise tax Ohio repealed in 2010.
What new LLC founders should track
Trucking companies can cross $6 million faster than retail shops because gross revenue counts before expenses. Monitor rolling twelve-month receipts if you are scaling lanes or adding power units mid-year.
Pair CAT planning with proper Ohio LLC formation budgeting and an EIN for banking separation.
Annual report reminder
CAT exemption does not remove your Ohio Secretary of State annual report obligation. Keep statutory agent information current even when you owe no state receipts tax.
Source
This update summarizes information published by Ohio Department of Taxation. Government rules, dates, and figures change—always confirm the current details on the official page.
Questions about compliance?
Talk to our Columbus team
We help owner-operators and new LLCs stay compliant. Walk in at Morse Road or call (380) 269-7408.
Asal Business Solutions is a document preparation and compliance filing service. We are not attorneys. This news summary is for informational purposes—confirm current rules on official government sites before acting.