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Starting a Business in Ohio: LLC vs Corporation – Your Complete Guide

By Frank Tumminello | August 12, 2025

Ohio offers competitive business costs, strategic Midwest location, and diverse economy. The Buckeye State provides excellent infrastructure and business-friendly environment for growing companies.

At FileForms, we simplify business formation and ongoing compliance with automated filing services and expert guidance. Below, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your Ohio business.

Why Ohio for Your Business?

Ohio combines low business costs, central location, and access to major markets. The state offers skilled workforce, excellent transportation infrastructure, and business incentives that attract companies across industries.

LLC Formation in Ohio

Key Requirements:

  • Articles of Organization filed with Ohio Secretary of State
  • Filing Fee: $99
  • Registered Agent: Required with Ohio physical address
  • Annual Report: Not required for LLCs
  • No Publication Requirement: Ohio doesn’t require newspaper publication

Benefits of Ohio LLC:

  • No annual report requirement
  • Competitive formation costs
  • Strategic Midwest location
  • Business-friendly environment

Ongoing Compliance:

  • Maintain registered agent service
  • File federal tax returns
  • Keep operating agreement current

Corporation Formation in Ohio

Key Requirements:

  • Articles of Incorporation filed with Ohio Secretary of State
  • Filing Fee: $99
  • Registered Agent: Required with Ohio physical address
  • Annual Report: Not required
  • Corporate Bylaws: Must be adopted

Benefits of Ohio Corporation:

  • No annual report requirement
  • Enhanced business credibility
  • Access to diverse markets
  • Competitive operating costs

Ongoing Compliance:

  • Maintain corporate records
  • Hold required board meetings
  • File required tax returns

Cost Comparison: LLC vs Corporation in Ohio

Requirement LLC Corporation
State Filing Fee $99 $99
Registered Agent (Annual) $100-$300 $100-$300
Annual Report Fee None None
Publication Requirement None None

How FileForms Streamlines Ohio Business Formation

FileForms makes Ohio business formation seamless with:

  • Automated Filing: Complete all Ohio Secretary of State requirements
  • Registered Agent Services: Professional Ohio address across all counties
  • Simplified Compliance: Take advantage of Ohio’s minimal ongoing requirements
  • Midwest Market Access: Strategic positioning for regional business opportunities
  • Cost-Effective Solutions: Maximize Ohio’s competitive business environment

Making Your Decision

Choose an LLC if you want:

  • No annual report obligations
  • Lowest ongoing compliance burden
  • Flexible management structure
  • Cost-effective business operations

Choose a Corporation if you plan to:

  • Build enhanced business credibility
  • Access diverse Ohio markets
  • Pursue investment opportunities
  • Take advantage of competitive operating costs

Take Action Today

Ready to start your Ohio business? Don’t navigate the Buckeye State’s requirements alone.

✅ Create a FileForms account today

✅ Get expert guidance on LLC vs Corporation choice

✅ Handle all filing requirements seamlessly

👉 Book a demo today to see how FileForms makes Ohio business formation fast, easy, and compliant from day one.

Frank Tumminello

CEO, Fileforms