How to Register a New Business With the State of Ohio

Ohio prides itself on being able to offer entrepreneurs the ability to balance their professional careers with their personal lives, according to OhioMeansBusiness.com. Ohio's metropolitan and business centers are located in close proximity to "tranquil rural areas" and suburban communities. Additionally, Ohio is home to 61 Fortune 1000 businesses (as of 2010). Key industry areas include bioscience, manufacturing, energy technologies and environmental technologies. People looking to start a business in one of these industries, or wanting to start a business without sacrificing family time can investigate starting a business in Ohio.

Instructions

1. Conduct a name search to ensure your name is "distinguishable" from other Ohio business names. Ohio's Secretary of State website has a name search engine entrepreneurs can use to check name availability. Revise your name if the results show names that are too similar to the one you had planned.

2. Obtain the proper registration forms from the Ohio Secretary of State. Sole proprietorships must register trade names or fictitious names. Corporations must file articles of incorporation. Limited liability companies must file articles of organization. Partnerships must file a statement of partnership authority. These forms are available online.

3. Fill out the forms and send them to the Ohio Secretary of State with the requisite filing fee. The forms are straightforward and resemble standard application forms. Filing fees vary depending on the type of business and are subject to change. Contact your local secretary of state office for the most current fees by calling 614-466-3910. Send the forms to:

   Ohio Secretary of State

   Business Filings Division

   P.O. Box 1390

   Columbus, OH 43216

4. Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). According to the Ohio Secretary of State, many Ohio agencies use the FEIN to identify your business. File Form SS-4 with the IRS or apply on the IRS website to obtain this number.

References

• Ohio Secretary of State: Name Availability Guide
• Internal Revenue Service: FEINs
• Ohio Means Business: Key Industries in Ohio
• Ohio Means Business: The Ohio Promise

Resources

• Ohio Secretary of State: Business Name Search
• Ohio Secretary of State: Business Forms
• Internal Revenue Service: FEIN Application