How to File an LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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articles of organization

The Articles of Organization is one of the main documents required while forming an LLC in Ohio. The document needs to be filed with the Secretary of State in Ohio to share all the important information related to the limited liability company that is going to be established.

On this page, LLCBuddy editors put all the information together about how to file the Articles of Organization in Ohio. There might be several ways to file the formation document, online, by mail, fax, or by in-person visit to the office. Let’s dig more to check the available and easy ways in Ohio to file the Articles of Organization while forming the LLC.

What is an LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio?

The Articles of Organization for an LLC is the most important document among all. In general, establishing an LLC is much simpler than other types of business structures such as corporation or partnership. Among a few mandatory documents to file, Articles of Organization is one of the main papers.

By submitting the Articles of Organization, the LLC owners provide all sorts of information related to the LLC. Upon approval of the documents and information provided by the LLC, they can register their business with Ohio Secretary of State.

Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. The Articles of Organization usually includes the following:

  • The name of the LLC in Ohio,
  • The effective date of the LLC,
  • The company’s principal office,
  • The business purpose,
  • The duration of the business,
  • A copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
  • The name and address of the Statutory Agent, organizers, and
  • At least one member of the company

Note that the Articles of Organization in Ohio is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC. It even makes up the bulk of your Ohio LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.

How to File Ohio LLC Articles of Organization

Filing an LLC Articles of Organization with the State is easy. There are several ways to file it. As mentioned, the filing can be done online, by sending the PDF form by mail, or by other means (physical visit or fax). Statewise filing methods can be different. Alternatively, hiring a third-party service can make a lot of difference compared to doing it on your own. They help the LLCs to file documents easily without any complications. In Ohio, the following methods are available.

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Step 1: Find Forms Online

Go to the Ohio Secretary of State to download the Articles of Organization form for your LLC or to log into the online service.

Step 2: Fill Out Form

When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to Ohio LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.

You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Articles of Organization form when filing. You also need to mention the name and address of the Ohio Statutory Agent. We recommend the best LLC services in Ohio that you can choose to form your LLC, hire the Statutory Agent, and file the Articles of Organization with the SOS.

If you plan to start an LLC in states other than Ohio, you must file a foreign LLC in other states. For filing a foreign LLC you can explore the best LLC services that operate in 50 other states along with Ohio.

What information does the Articles of Organization application need in Ohio?

The application form for the Articles of Organization needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.

Step 3: File Formation Certificates

File your formation certificate either online or by mail (whichever is available and convenient for you) by filling out the form and sending it to the Ohio Secretary of State, P.O. Box 670, Columbus, OH 43216. For online filing, you must log in to the Ohio Secretary of State or register with the portal. Submit the form online (if available).

Pay the required filing fee at the time of form submission to complete the LLC registration. For online filing, payment should be made using Credit or Debit Cards. For offline filing, payment should be made using a Cheque or in cash (if available).

Cost of Filing Ohio Articles of Organization

cost

LLC cost in Ohio includes all types of fees starting from name reservation fee, DBA filing fee (varies by county), Statutory Agent costs, and Articles of Organization fee. In Ohio, the filing fee of a formation document is $99. The standard fee for filing the Articles of Organization allows one to file the LLC within the standard time. However, by paying additional fees, you can expedite the process, and can be done as soon as within a few hours (depending on state rules).

Hiring a professional service can reduce some of the costs while filing an LLC. However, the state filing fee is mandatory and has to be paid at the time of registration. We recommend hiring ZenBusiness as it offers filing an LLC at $0 (plus state filing fee).

Amend Ohio Articles of Organization: If you make any changes to your LLC, you must file the changes with the Secretary of State. To do so, you must Amend Ohio Articles of Organization. LLCs can get the amendment form, fill it out with the changed/updated information, and send it back to the SOS online or offline.

FAQs

What are the requirements for filing LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio?
In Ohio, the Articles of Organization must include the LLC’s name, address, registered agent details, and the purpose of the business.
Is there a fee to file LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio?
Yes, there is a filing fee to submit the Articles of Organization in Ohio.
Can I file the LLC Articles of Organization online in Ohio?
Yes, in Ohio, you can file the Articles of Organization online through the Secretary of State’s website.
How long does it take to process LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio?
It typically takes around 3-7 business days for the Secretary of State to process the Articles of Organization in Ohio.
Do I need an operating agreement when filing LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio?
While not required by the State of Ohio, it’s highly recommended to have an operating agreement when forming an LLC.
Can I reserve a business name before filing LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio?
Yes, in Ohio, you can reserve a business name for a fee before filing the LLC Articles of Organization.
What is the difference between an LLC and a corporation in Ohio?
In Ohio, LLCs offer more flexibility in management and taxation compared to traditional corporations.
Do I need to publish my LLC Articles of Organization in a newspaper in Ohio?
No, in Ohio, there is no requirement to publish your LLC Articles of Organization in a newspaper.
Can I add additional members to my LLC after filing the Articles of Organization in Ohio?
Yes, you can add members to your LLC at any time after filing the Articles of Organization in Ohio.
Is an EIN required when filing LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio?
While not required to file in Ohio, it’s recommended to obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) for tax purposes.
What is the purpose of filing LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio?
The purpose of filing LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio is to formally register a limited liability company with the state.
How much does it cost to file LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio?
It costs $99 to file LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio.
Can I file LLC Articles of Organization online in Ohio?
Yes, you can file LLC Articles of Organization online through the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.
Do I need a registered agent to file LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio?
Yes, you are required to appoint a registered agent when filing LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio.
Are there any name requirements for an LLC in Ohio?
Yes, the name of the LLC must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.”
Do I need an Operating Agreement when filing LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio?
While not required by the state, it is highly recommended to have an Operating Agreement in Ohio.
Can I change the business address in the LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio?
Yes, you can change the business address by filing an Amendment to the Articles of Organization in Ohio.
How do I dissolve an LLC in Ohio?
To dissolve an LLC in Ohio, you must file Articles of Dissolution with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Can the Ohio Secretary of State reject my LLC Articles of Organization filing?
Yes, the Ohio Secretary of State can reject your LLC Articles of Organization filing if it does not meet all the requirements.
Do I need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to file LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio?
It is not required to have an EIN when filing LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio, but it is recommended to obtain one.
Can I file LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio if I have a felony conviction?
Yes, having a felony conviction does not necessarily disqualify you from filing LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio.
Can I start doing business immediately after filing LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio?
Yes, you can start doing business immediately after filing LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio.
How long is the LLC Articles of Organization document valid in Ohio?
The LLC Articles of Organization document is valid indefinitely in Ohio unless the LLC is dissolved.
Can I file LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio if I am under 18 years old?
No, you must be at least 18 years old to file LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio.
Can I amend the LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio?
Yes, you can file an Amendment to the Articles of Organization in Ohio to make changes or updates.
Can I change the members of an LLC after filing Articles of Organization in Ohio?
Yes, you can change the members of an LLC by filing an Amendment to the Articles of Organization in Ohio.
Can I file LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio for a foreign LLC?
No, if your LLC is formed in another state, you need to register as a Foreign LLC in Ohio.
Can I file LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio for a professional LLC?
Yes, you can file LLC Articles of Organization for a professional LLC to provide professional services in Ohio.
Can I add additional business activities after filing LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio?
Yes, you can add additional business activities by amending the Articles of Organization with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Can I file LLC Articles of Organization in Ohio for a Series LLC?
Yes, you can file LLC Articles of Organization for a Series LLC and indicate it in the filing.

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In Conclusion

The formation document or the Articles of Organization is the main document you need while forming your limited liability company in Ohio. Certainly, you must attach supporting documents such as a name reservation certificate, registered agent name and address, and others. In Ohio, filing the Articles of Organization is easy. However, mistakes can happen if you are a beginner or a first-time business filer. It is suggested to hire a professional service.

LLCBuddy editors recommend ZenBusiness, as it not only offers free LLC formation service ($0), but also, offers other services such as Statutory Agent, operating agreement, EIN, Certificate of Good Standing for foreign LLC establishment, business name search, and many more.

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