How Much Does an LLC Cost in Ohio? (Franklin Guide)
Updated June 2026 · By Asal Multi Services · Columbus, OH
Forming an LLC is one of the most affordable ways for a Franklin, Ohio entrepreneur to protect personal assets. Here is the real cost breakdown for 2026.
Quick Answer
- ✓ The required cost is the Ohio Secretary of State filing fee for Articles of Organization (about $99).
- ✓ An EIN from the IRS is free.
- ✓ Ohio has no annual report fee for LLCs.
- ✓ Optional costs: name reservation, expedited processing, and a professional statutory agent.
The one required cost
The only fee you must pay to form an Ohio LLC is the Secretary of State filing fee for the Articles of Organization — around $99. That single filing legally creates your LLC. Confirm the current amount with the Ohio Secretary of State, as state fees can change.
What is free or optional
An EIN from the IRS is completely free — never pay a third party for one. Ohio does not charge an annual or biennial report fee for LLCs, which keeps ongoing costs low. Optional add-ons include a name reservation (about $39), expedited processing (about $100 extra), and a professional statutory agent service ($49–$125/year) if you want privacy.
Why Ohio is affordable
Compared with states like California or Massachusetts, Ohio’s $99 filing fee and lack of an annual report fee make it one of the cheaper states to form and maintain an LLC. There is no publication requirement either, which in some states can cost hundreds of dollars.
What this means for Franklin, Ohio
Franklin sits in Cincinnati Metro, consumer products, financial services, healthcare, and Northern Kentucky-based logistics jobs supporting a fast-growing residential base. Warren County, where Franklin is located, is a mid-sized Ohio community where most county document services are available locally, though some federal appointments still require driving to the regional field office.
Cincinnati Metro entrepreneurs typically need LLC formation, EIN preparation, DBA registration, Ohio vendor licenses, and Workers' Compensation setup to start operating. Our Warren County clients receive complete formation packets — Articles of Organization, EIN confirmation letter, operating agreement template, and the bank-ready document set.
a vibrant mix of cultures — Hispanic, South Asian, African, Middle Eastern — concentrated in West Chester, Mason, Liberty Township, and northern Cincinnati — and Franklin, with a population near 11,848, reflects that mix in its schools, workplaces, and houses of worship.
The 85-mile drive from Franklin (~102 min) is short enough for a single formation visit that includes entity selection, name reservation, and registered-agent setup.
Verify current details: Fees, processing times, and rules change. Confirm the latest figures for your situation with Ohio Secretary of State before you file.
Need help in Franklin?
Asal Multi Services helps Franklin-area clients with ohio llc formation and more — at a fraction of typical lawyer fees. Walk in or call; we speak Somali, Arabic, and English.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum cost to form an Ohio LLC?
About $99 — the Ohio Secretary of State filing fee for Articles of Organization. Everything else is optional or free.
Is there an annual fee?
No. Ohio does not require LLCs to file an annual report or pay an annual fee to the Secretary of State.
How much is an EIN?
Free. The IRS does not charge for EINs — apply directly at irs.gov and never pay a third party for the number itself.
Do I have to pay for a statutory agent?
No — you can be your own agent for free with an Ohio street address. Professional services cost roughly $49–$125/year if you want privacy.
Can Asal form an LLC for a Franklin business?
Yes. We prepare Articles of Organization, EIN, operating agreement, and statutory agent setup for Franklin-area businesses.
Asal Multi Services is a non-attorney document preparation service. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Verify current fees with the Ohio Secretary of State and the IRS.