How to File Ohio Articles of Incorporation


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
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File Ohio Articles of Incorporation

Incorporating a business is essential for entrepreneurs looking to establish their venture as a separate legal entity. By filing Articles of Incorporation, business owners in Ohio can enjoy myriad benefits, such as limited liability, tax advantages, and increased credibility. However, the incorporation process may seem daunting for many, especially those not well-versed in the legal intricacies of their state. This article is a comprehensive guide on how to file Ohio Articles of Incorporation, taking you through the necessary steps and requirements to establish your corporation successfully.

Whether you are a startup founder or a seasoned business owner, understanding the process of filing Articles of Incorporation in Ohio, popularly known as The Buckeye State, is crucial for the seamless formation of your corporation. The following sections will outline the paperwork, fees, and registration procedures specific to Ohio, along with tips on navigating potential roadblocks and ensuring your application is approved. Let’s dive in and explore the ins and outs of incorporating your business in Ohio.

What is Articles of Incorporation in Ohio?

The Articles of Incorporation is a legal document required to file with the state government to legalize the creation of your corporation. In other words, filing these documents with the Ohio Secretary of State ensures the formation of the corporation in Ohio officially. The Articles of Incorporation is similar to filing the Ohio LLC Articles of Organization while filing an LLC in Ohio.

Ohio, also known as The Buckeye State, has some rules when it comes to file the Articles of Incorporation. We shared the step-by-step process here to file the incorporation document with the Ohio SOS. Checking with the SOS is recommended for more information.

It is always wise to consult a legal professional before you file your company under the Ohio SOS. FIling process can be easy, but it is sensitive. If you miss anything, it can totally stope the filing process.

– LLCBuddy Editorial Team

How to File Ohio Articles of Incorporation

You can file the Articles of Incorporation in several ways based on the state you are willing to start your corporation. In Ohio, you can file it in three methods that are online, by mail and drop box. The details are similar to the details you need when forming an LLC. Here are the details you must submit while filing the documents-

Step 1: Get the Form and Enter the Details

The first step is to get the Articles of Incorporation form from the Ohio Secretary of State. You will get both offline and online forms on the site, as available. You must pay the $99 for online and by mail filing when submitting the form. Following are the details you must add to your incorporation form-

Name of the Entity

The first thing you need to do is submit your company’s name. Make sure to mention the exact name of the company that you decided on. Like the LLC naming guidelines, you must also follow the Ohio corporation naming requirements too. There are a few points to note when you name your company. They are,

  • You cannot have a name used by other companies or businesses.
  • You cannot have any name that is misleading or the same as government organizations.
  • Banks, Insurance, Insurer, or any such names cannot be used as they reflect the financial organization.
  • You must add terms like corporation, limited, company, incorporated, or incorporation. You can also add abbreviations like co., ltd., inc., and corp instead of the above terms.

Address of the Corporation

The next section of the form is to provide your main address. It is necessary to have a physical street address in Ohio. For those running an online business, you must provide any address in the state (including your home address) where you will receive all the business and legal documents and mail. While sharing your address, make sure not to use abbreviations, such as N.Y. for New York or L.A. for Los Angeles.

Ohio Statutory Agent

The next point is to provide information about the Statutory Agent. The Ohio Statutory Agent is an individual or business entity that is responsible for receiving all the legal and official documents on behalf of the company. They must be aged above 18 years and have eligibility to conduct business in the state. The Statutory Agent should be legit and experienced because, in case of any lawsuit, you need an expert to handle your issues. In most cases, the Statutory Agent’s official address is the company’s official mailing address. If you form an LLC, hiring a registered agent is the most crucial step in the process.

Shares and Stocks

The next important information you must provide is about the stocks and shares. While filing the Articles of Incorporation, you must mention a minimum of one share. In Ohio, to start a corporation, you need at least Three director(s) initially. When filing the incorporation documents, you must provide the share of directors in the corporation. It decides the ownership of the company.

If you amend Ohio Articles of Incorporation in the future, you will not be able to change the initial directors. You might need an additional form to change the initial directors’ details. You must check with the Ohio SOS while filing the Articles of Incorporation amendment.

Additional Documents

You might need additional documents to submit along with the incorporation documents. In Ohio, you can attach a cover letter with the documents as an additional document. if you are willing to start a foreign corporation in Ohio, then you must add one document along with the Articles of Incorporation. Foreign corporations in Ohio must submit the Ohio Certificate of Good Standing along with the incorporation documents.

Signature

Finally, the signature of the directors and shareholders are required on the form. You can have more than one share and director. All your initial directors must submit their official signature while filing the corporation in Ohio. Get their signatures to file the Articles of Incorporation.

Step 2: Submit the Articles of Incorporation in Ohio

Once you are done filling up the form, now it is time for you to submit it. The form can be submitted in three methods that are online, by mail and drop box. Checking with a legal professional or a formation service while filing your corporation is recommended. It is sensitive, and one mistake can stop the entire filing process immediately.

  • Online filing: Create an account/Log in to the SOS site, get the online form, fill it, and submit online
  • Offline filing: Send the form by mail or drop it off at Ohio Secretary of State, P.O. Box 670, Columbus, OH 43216

Cost of Filing the Articles of Incorporation in Ohio

The cost of filing the Articles of Incorporation in Ohio is an important aspect to consider when starting a new business. This one-time fee is necessary for officially registering your corporation with the Secretary of State and can vary depending on the specific requirements and regulations of Ohio. In some cases, additional fees may be required for expedited processing or other optional services. It is crucial for entrepreneurs to budget for this expense and research the specific costs associated with their Ohio in order to ensure a smooth and successful incorporation process. To file the Articles of Incorporation in Ohio, you must pay a filing fee. The filing fee is $99 for online and by mail filing.

FAQs

What are Ohio Articles of Incorporation?
Ohio Articles of Incorporation are a legal document required to form a corporation in the state of Ohio.
How much does it cost to file Ohio Articles of Incorporation?
The fee to file Ohio Articles of Incorporation is $125.
How long does it take to file Ohio Articles of Incorporation?
It typically takes about seven to ten business days for the Ohio Secretary of State to process Articles of Incorporation.
What information is needed to file Ohio Articles of Incorporation?
The Ohio Articles of Incorporation must include the name of the corporation, the address of the registered agent in Ohio, the name and address of each incorporator, the purpose of the corporation, and the duration of the corporation.
Can I file Ohio Articles of Incorporation online?
Yes, it is possible to file Ohio Articles of Incorporation online through the Ohio Secretary of State website.
What is the difference between Ohio Articles of Incorporation and Ohio Articles of Organization?
The Ohio Articles of Incorporation is the document used to form a for-profit corporation, while the Ohio Articles of Organization is used to form a limited liability company.
What is a registered agent in Ohio?
A registered agent in Ohio is a person or business that agrees to accept legal documents, such as service of process, on behalf of the corporation.
What happens after I file Ohio Articles of Incorporation?
After you file the Articles of Incorporation with the Ohio Secretary of State, you will receive a Certificate of Incorporation. This document serves as proof that the corporation is legally established in Ohio.
What documents do I need to maintain for my Ohio corporation?
As a corporation in Ohio, you must keep the following documents
Are there any restrictions on naming my Ohio corporation?
Yes, the name of your Ohio corporation cannot be similar to an existing corporation name or a trademarked name. Additionally, the name must include a corporate designation, such as “Corporation” or “Incorporated”.
What is a corporate bylaw?
A corporate bylaw is a document that outlines a corporation’s internal rules and regulations. This document is necessary to maintain a corporation’s status as a legal entity in Ohio.
What is the purpose of corporate resolutions?
Corporate resolutions are documents that are filed with the Ohio Secretary of State to document important decisions made by the board of directors.
Is there an annual filing requirement for Ohio corporations?
Yes, Ohio corporations must file an annual report with the Ohio Secretary of State by April 15th of each year.
Do I need to keep corporate records in Ohio?
Yes, Ohio corporations must keep accurate corporate records, including financial records, to maintain their status as a legal entity in Ohio.
What are the reporting requirements for Ohio corporations?
Ohio corporations must report to the Ohio Secretary of State any changes to the corporation’s Articles of Incorporation or bylaws.
How do I dissolve an Ohio corporation?
An Ohio corporation can be dissolved by filing Articles of Dissolution with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Is there a fee to dissolve an Ohio corporation?
Yes, there is a fee of $50 to file Articles of Dissolution with the Ohio Secretary of State.
How do I reinstate an Ohio corporation?
An Ohio corporation can be reinstated by filing a Certificate of Reinstatement with the Ohio Secretary of State.
What is the difference between dissolving and forfeiting an Ohio corporation?
Dissolving an Ohio corporation requires filing Articles of Dissolution with the Ohio Secretary of State, while forfeiting an Ohio corporation requires filing a Certificate of Forfeiture with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Is there a fee to reinstate an Ohio corporation?
Yes, there is a fee of $50 to file a Certificate of Reinstatement with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Is it possible to file Ohio Articles of Incorporation without a registered agent?
No, it is not possible to file Ohio Articles of Incorporation without a registered agent in Ohio.
What are the requirements for an Ohio registered agent?
An Ohio registered agent must have a physical address in Ohio, and must be available during regular business hours to accept service of process.
Is it possible to change the registered agent in Ohio?
Yes, it is possible to change the registered agent in Ohio by filing a Statement of Change with the Ohio Secretary of State.
How do I change the address of the Ohio registered agent?
The address of the Ohio registered agent can be changed by filing a Statement of Change with the Ohio Secretary of State.
What is the annual franchise tax for Ohio corporations?
The annual franchise tax for Ohio corporations is $150.
Is there a fee to change the registered agent in Ohio?
Yes, there is a fee of $25 to file a Statement of Change with the Ohio Secretary of State.
How do I change the name of my Ohio corporation?
The name of an Ohio corporation can be changed by filing Articles of Amendment with the Ohio Secretary of State.
How do I amend Ohio Articles of Incorporation?
The Ohio Articles of Incorporation can be amended by filing Articles of Amendment with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Is there a fee to file Articles of Amendment in Ohio?
Yes, there is a fee of $25 to file Articles of Amendment with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Are there any special filing requirements for Ohio corporations?
Yes, Ohio corporations must file a biennial report with the Ohio Secretary of State every two years.
Is there a fee to file a biennial report in Ohio?
Yes, there is a fee of $50 to file a biennial report with the Ohio Secretary of State.

Also Read

Why Ohio Articles of Incorporation is So Important

One of the primary reasons why the Ohio Articles of Incorporation is so important is that it provides legal recognition to a corporation. By filing this document with the Ohio Secretary of State, a business becomes officially recognized as a corporation under state law. This formal recognition is essential for a corporation to legally operate, enter into contracts, and protect its assets. Without the Articles of Incorporation, a business may risk being treated as a sole proprietorship or partnership, exposing its owners to personal liability and potentially facing legal repercussions.

Furthermore, the Ohio Articles of Incorporation delineate key information about the corporation, such as the name, address, purpose, and duration of the business. By providing this information upfront, the Articles of Incorporation help establish clarity and transparency in the corporation’s operations. This can be beneficial for both internal management and external stakeholders, as it sets clear expectations and boundaries for the corporation’s activities.

Moreover, the Ohio Articles of Incorporation also play a crucial role in protecting the corporation’s brand and intellectual property. By including the corporation’s name, purpose, and registered agent in the document, the Articles of Incorporation establish legal safeguards for the corporation’s identity and assets. This can help prevent other businesses from using a similar name or infringing on the corporation’s intellectual property rights, safeguarding the corporation’s reputation and market positioning.

Additionally, the Ohio Articles of Incorporation can also serve as a guide for future business decisions and operations. By outlining the corporation’s purpose, structure, and initial directors/officers, the Articles of Incorporation provide a framework for the corporation’s governance and management. This can help prevent disputes and confusion among stakeholders, as they can refer back to the document for guidance on the corporation’s goals and operational guidelines.

In conclusion, the Ohio Articles of Incorporation is a vital document for any business looking to establish itself as a corporation in Ohio. From providing legal recognition to establishing clarity and protection for the corporation, the Articles of Incorporation serve as a cornerstone for a successful business entity. By understanding the importance of this document and ensuring its proper filing and compliance, business owners can set their corporation up for long-term success and growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the process of filing Ohio Articles of Incorporation is a crucial step for businesses looking to establish their presence in the state. This legal document serves as the foundation of the company’s structure and outlines essential information, such as the company’s name, purpose, and management team. To ensure a smooth and successful filing process, it is vital for business owners to familiarize themselves with the State of Ohio’s requirements, adhere to the applicable laws and regulations, and provide accurate and complete information in the Articles of Incorporation.

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