How do I Create an LLC Business in Ohio?
Businesses that wish to create a limited liability company in Ohio must file the appropriate formation documents with the state. Another LLC, a corporation, partnership, foreign entity or an individual may create an LLC business in Ohio. The state of Ohio permits a single person to act as the company's sole member, or an unlimited number of members may participate in an LLC. Creating an LLC business in Ohio establishes the company as a separate legal entity from the members of the organization.
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Instructions
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Choose a unique business name. The legal name of the LLC business must not be too similar to that of other business entities on record with the Ohio Secretary of State. An Ohio LLC business name must include the word "limited liability company." Abbreviations such as "LLC," "L.L.C." "ltd.," or "ltd" may be used in the business name to identify the company as an LLC. Confirm that the business name is available for use by conducting a name availability search on the Ohio Secretary of State website.
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Visit the Ohio Secretary of State's Client Services Center to pick up fill-in-the-blank articles of organization. The address is:
180 East Broad Street, Suite 103
Columbus, OH 43215
Fill-in-the-blank articles of organization may be requested by calling the Ohio Secretary of State's Business Services department at 614-466-3910. Provide the representative with your name and the address where the articles of organization can be sent. For those with Internet access, the Ohio Secretary of State website allows users to download and print blank articles of organization.
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Complete the Ohio articles of organization. General information about the LLC must be included in the articles of organization, such as the legal name of the business and the company's principal location. State the length of time for which the LLC will operate, if known. The state of Ohio allows an LLC business to have an unlimited life, or a definitive dissolution date may be stated in the company's articles of organization. LLC businesses in Ohio must name a registered agent that will accept legal process served against the company. An LLC business in Ohio may act as its own registered agent as long as the company has an office in the state. A natural person with a residence in Ohio, or a business that is authorized to conduct transactions in the state may act as an LLC's registered agent. List the names and addresses of each LLC organizer. LLC organizers are responsible for filing the company's documents with the Ohio Secretary of State. Each organizer must sign the articles of organization, as well as the company's registered agent.
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File the completed articles of organization with the Ohio Secretary of State, which does not accept online filings. However, an LLC business may file its articles of organization in person at the Ohio Secretary of State's office, or by mail. As of 2010, an LLC business in Ohio must submit a $125 filing fee along with the company's completed articles of organization. The mailing address for submitting articles of organization to the Ohio Secretary of State is:
P.O. Box 670
Columbus, OH 43216
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Create a written operating agreement for the company. The state of Ohio does not stipulate what should be included in an LLC's operating agreement, nor does the operating agreement have to be filed with the state. The operating agreement serves as an internal document that establishes rules and regulations for an Ohio LLC. An Ohio LLC business may include provisions in its operating agreement that stipulate the manner in which the company's profits will be distributed and each member's ownership interest in the LLC. An Ohio LLC business is required to keep its operating agreement at the company's principal business location.
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