How Much Does an LLC Cost in Ohio? (State Fees + Real Budget)

Ohio state filing fee (verify before paying)

The Ohio Secretary of State charges a fee to file Articles of Organization for a domestic LLC. Expedited processing costs extra if you need a faster effective date.

Do not trust a random blog dollar amount. Open the current Ohio SOS fee schedule the week you file—fees do change.

Typical cost categories beyond the state

Item	What it is	Notes
Registered agent	Statutory address for lawsuits	Ohio requires one; you may act as your own if you meet requirements, or hire a service
EIN	Federal tax ID from IRS	Free direct from IRS; paid services charge for convenience
Operating agreement	Internal ownership rules	Not filed with Ohio but strongly recommended for multi-member LLCs
Business licenses	City/county/industry permits	Varies—Columbus, Franklin County, and your industry may add costs
Professional preparation	Flat-rate filing service	What firms like Asal Business Solutions charge for doing the paperwork for you

DIY vs. flat-rate service

Ohio's online filing portal lets owners file themselves for state fees only. The tradeoff is time, jargon, and downstream mistakes—wrong NAICS codes, missing registered agent acceptance, or EIN delays that block a business bank account.

Flat-rate services bundle Articles preparation, registered agent guidance, EIN, and operating agreement templates. Compare total delivered value, not just who quotes the lowest state fee pass-through.

Ongoing costs after formation

Ohio LLCs file an annual report with a modest state fee on the schedule the Secretary of State publishes. You may also owe municipal income tax registration, sales tax permits, commercial auto insurance, and bookkeeping software.

Budget year one as setup costs plus three months of operating reserve—not just the formation invoice.

Columbus-specific wrinkles

Franklin County and the City of Columbus may require business location permits, zoning checks, or vendor licenses depending on whether you operate from home, retail space, or a commercial suite. Trucking LLCs often add IRP/IFTA and FMCSA costs that a generic "LLC in a box" website never mentions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Ohio LLC filing fee right now?

Check the Ohio Secretary of State filing fee page on the day you file. We intentionally do not print volatile fee amounts here.

Is an Ohio LLC cheaper than Delaware?

Delaware formation can be cheaper upfront for some startups, but Ohio businesses usually still register locally to operate in Ohio—paying foreign qualification fees. Most Columbus small businesses form in Ohio first.

Can I form an LLC for free?

State fees still apply. "Free LLC" ads usually mean a delayed payment plan or upsells—not zero government cost.

Do I need a lawyer to form an LLC?

Simple single-member LLCs are often filed without an attorney. Complex ownership, investors, or regulated industries benefit from legal review.

How fast can an LLC be formed in Ohio?

Standard processing follows SOS timelines; expedite options cost more. See our timeline guide for realistic expectations.

Does Asal Business Solutions charge hourly?

We quote flat-rate Ohio LLC packages that include preparation and filing—call for current package pricing.

Need help filing?

Want a flat-rate Ohio LLC package?

We file Articles, obtain your EIN, and prepare your operating agreement—usually within 24–48 hours after we receive your info.

Ohio LLC formation Call (380) 269-7408

Local pages: LLC formation in Columbus · Business formation services

Government fees and tax obligations change. Verify amounts on Ohio SOS and IRS sites before making financial decisions.