Ohio LLC Cost 2026: Every Fee Explained
Updated June 2026 · By Asal Multi Services · Columbus, OH
Ohio LLC Cost Summary
| Item | Cost | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (state fee) | $99 | Yes |
| Expedited processing (2-day) | +$100 | Optional |
| Same-day processing | +$200 | Optional |
| Name reservation (180 days) | $39 | Optional |
| EIN (from IRS) | Free | Recommended |
| Annual report (Ohio LLCs) | $0 | No annual report |
| Statutory agent (DIY) | Free | Required (can be you) |
| Statutory agent service (annual) | $49–$125/yr | Optional |
| Operating agreement | $0–$500 | Strongly recommended |
The Only Required Fee: $99
Ohio makes LLC formation straightforward. The only fee you absolutely must pay is the $99 Articles of Organization filing fee to the Ohio Secretary of State. There is no:
- ✓ Annual report fee (unlike most other states)
- ✓ Franchise tax
- ✓ Publication requirement (unlike New York)
- ✓ State income tax for single-member LLCs taxed as sole proprietors
This $99 gets your LLC legally formed. You will receive a stamped copy of your Articles of Organization from the Secretary of State, and your LLC legally exists.
Processing Speed vs. Cost
Your Ohio LLC filing takes 3–7 business days with standard processing. If you need your LLC sooner:
| Processing Speed | Additional Fee | Total Filing Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (3–7 business days) | $0 | $99 |
| Expedited (2 business days) | +$100 | $199 |
| Same-day (filed before noon) | +$200 | $299 |
For most businesses, standard processing is fine. If you need to open a bank account, sign a lease, or bid on a contract before the end of the week, expedited processing is worth the extra $100.
Name Reservation: $39 (Optional)
Before you file your Articles of Organization, you can reserve your LLC name for 180 days for $39. This locks the name so no one else can register it while you prepare your documents. Name reservation is optional — you can file your Articles of Organization directly without reserving the name first. Use it if you want to confirm the name before paying the $99 filing fee, or if you need time to prepare your documents and don't want to risk losing the name.
EIN: Always Free
Your EIN (Employer Identification Number) is like a Social Security number for your business. It is completely free from the IRS — apply at irs.gov and receive it instantly online. You need an EIN to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file business taxes. Never pay a third-party service for an EIN — they are simply filling out the same free government form for you.
Annual Costs: Ohio's Big Advantage
Ohio LLCs have no annual report requirement. Unlike most states that charge $50–$300/year to maintain your LLC, Ohio charges nothing for ongoing LLC maintenance at the state level.
However, you may have ongoing costs from:
- • Statutory agent service: $49–$125/year if you use a professional service
- • Business bank account: Many Ohio banks offer free business checking for small LLCs
- • Business licenses: City-level licenses vary ($0–$50 in most Columbus-area cities)
- • Ohio Commercial Activity Tax (CAT): Applies if your LLC grosses over $150,000/year
Ohio vs. Other States: Cost Comparison
| State | Formation Fee | Annual Fee | Publication Req. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $99 | $0 | No |
| Kentucky | $40 | $15/yr | No |
| Indiana | $95 | $31/yr | No |
| Pennsylvania | $125 | $7/yr | No |
| New York | $200 | $9/yr | Yes (~$1,500) |
| California | $70 | $800+/yr | No |
Ohio's combination of a low $99 filing fee and no annual LLC fee makes it one of the most cost-effective states in which to maintain an LLC long-term.
Professional Formation Services: What You're Paying For
Formation services charge for document preparation, not the state fee. The $99 Ohio fee is the same regardless of whether you file yourself or use a service.
| Option | Service Fee | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| DIY (ohiosos.gov) | $0 | You prepare and file everything |
| Asal Multi Services | $150–$300 | Articles, EIN, operating agreement, bank packet |
| LegalZoom | $0–$299 | Online filing, registered agent (1st yr) |
| ZenBusiness | $0–$199 | Online filing, registered agent included |
| Local Ohio attorney | $500–$1,500 | Full legal formation, custom agreements |
For most small business owners in Columbus, a local formation service like Asal Multi Services offers the best value — personalized service, in-person help with documents, and support in multiple languages at a fraction of the cost of an attorney.
Form Your Ohio LLC for $99 + Our Service Fee
Asal Multi Services prepares and files your Ohio LLC Articles of Organization, obtains your EIN, drafts your operating agreement, and prepares your bank document packet — all in one visit. Serving Columbus, OH in English, Somali, Arabic, and Amharic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Ohio?
The required cost to form an Ohio LLC is $99 — the Ohio Secretary of State filing fee for Articles of Organization. All other fees are optional: name reservation ($39), expedited processing ($100), EIN (free from IRS), and professional formation services ($0–$500+).
Is there an annual fee for an Ohio LLC?
No. Ohio does not require LLCs to file an annual report or pay an annual fee to the Secretary of State. This makes Ohio one of the more affordable states for ongoing LLC maintenance.
How much does expedited Ohio LLC processing cost?
Standard processing takes 3–7 business days. Expedited 2-day processing costs an additional $100, making the total $199. Same-day processing is available for $200 extra ($299 total) if filed before noon.
Do I need to pay for an Ohio statutory agent?
No — you can be your own statutory agent for free if you have an Ohio street address. Professional statutory agent services cost $49–$125/year. If you want privacy or travel frequently, a paid service is worth the cost.
How much does an Ohio EIN cost?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is completely free from the IRS. Apply online at irs.gov and receive your EIN immediately. Never pay a third party to get your EIN — it is always free directly from the IRS.