How to File Articles of Organization in Ohio

In Ohio, as in most states, the primary step in creating a limited liability company (LLC) is to file articles of organization with the state. This is an absolutely crucial document that helps define your business, so it’s important to do it correctly.

An LLC is a business entity that offers liability protection for owners, as well as pass-through taxation, much like a sole proprietorship. 

What are Articles of Organization?

The articles of organization is a legal document you need to file with the state to form your LLC. It will specify details about your company and establish your LLC as an officially registered business entity in Ohio. 

The document is similar to the articles of incorporation you would file to form a corporation instead of an LLC. 

How to File the Ohio Articles of Organization

In Ohio, the process to file articles of organization is quite simple. The crucial first step is gathering the required information about your new LLC, before proceeding with the filing itself. 

Here are the steps you’ll need to take to create your new business entity: 

1. Gather the required information about your business. 

• Business name
• Business purpose
• Statutory agent name and address

2. Visit the state’s sectary of state website 

Find Ohio’s articles of organization form here. You’ll need to register for an account on the site before you can access the form. It’s easiest to fill out the form online and file immediately, but you can also download it, fill it out and mail it in. 

3. Filling out Articles of Organization Document

First, register for an account on the business portal website. Once you register for an account, you’ll go to the business filings homepage.

Select file a new business. Then you’ll select LLC Ohio from the drop-down menu, and select your processing time. 

On the next page, you can search to make sure your business name is available or proceed to filing. Fill in your business name, the effective date of your LLC, and your business purpose. 

On the next page, you’ll fill in your statutory agent name and address. Next, you can upload any additional formation documents you may have. Then you’ll electronically sign your document. You’ll be able to review all your information on the next page.

When filling out your articles of organization form, be sure to double-check that all the info is accurate and up-to-date. Maybe you’ve just moved, or use your middle initial in official documents, such as with your bank account. If you get it wrong now, changing it later can be a real pain. So accuracy is crucial. 

• File Articles of Organization

Once you’ve reviewed your information, you’ll go to your shopping cart and select your document to go to checkout. You’ll go to the payment screen to pay your filing fee, which in Ohio is $99. 

Ohio Secretary of State Contact Info

Ohio Secretary of State

Client Service Center
22 North Fourth Street
Enter from Fourth Street ONLY
Columbus, Ohio 43215

To submit a filing in person, make an appointment at OhioSoS.gov/appointment and go to the Secretary of State’s Client Service Center at your designated time.

614-466-3910

The Bottom Line

In Ohio, it’s relatively easy to create an LLC, but you do need to jump through a few hoops. You now have all the information you need to officially create your new business and begin your entrepreneurial journey in the Buckeye State.