Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.
David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.
Published on August 15, 2022 Updated on October 2, 2023
If you’re starting an LLC in Ohio, the business entity formation process is one of the first and most important hurdles. This step can be terribly complex and time-consuming, which is why many entrepreneurs turn to professional formation services.
But which are the best LLC formation services in Ohio? This article takes a closer look, stepping into an entrepreneur’s shoes, to help you choose the service that puts you on the road to success.
Here we summarize our top picks of business formation services in Ohio.
Best LLC Formation Services in Ohio
ZenBusiness
4.7/5
Best Overall
Price: $0 to $349 (3 plans offered) + state filing fees
Offers statutory agent services, but as an add-on for $199
For those looking to establish an Ohio LLC, ZenBusiness provides a range of plans tailored to various business needs.
Their Starter plan, priced at $0 plus Ohio state fees, offers a business name availability search in Ohio and comprehensive formation support.
For a more comprehensive package, their Pro plan is available at $199 plus Ohio state fees and includes all the services of the Starter plan, an operating agreement template tailored for Ohio, an EIN, annual compliance services, and rush filing.
Ohio entrepreneurs seeking a top-tier package can consider the Premium plan at $349 plus state fees, which brings in all Pro offerings along with a business document template library, domain name, website, and email.
When it comes to establishing an Ohio LLC, ZenBusiness stands out as the top choice for LLC filing. Their remarkable base service offers LLC filing with a 100% accuracy guarantee, starting at just $0 plus Ohio’s state fees.
Notably, ZenBusiness operates as a Public Benefit Corporation, positioning itself as a for-profit entity with a community-centric goal akin to nonprofits.
Beyond just LLC formation in Ohio, ZenBusiness also offers a variety of additional services ranging from statutory agent offerings to various business tools. While these can affect the overall cost, the historical feedback from customers affirms the company’s quality and reliability in the Ohio business landscape.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Competitively-priced packages offer good value ($0 business formation plan)
Great customer support
Positive customer reviews
Quick and easy purchase process
Company is socially responsible and active
Cons
Statutory agent service not included in the plans (add-on)
Cancellation can be a lengthy process
Some information is difficult to find on the website
ZenBusiness offers valuable services for budding entrepreneurs. While statutory agent services are an add-on, their excellent customer support, user-friendly site, and positive reviews make them a top choice.
Northwest’s Ohio plan, priced at $39 plus Ohio state fees, encompasses business formation specific to Ohio, complimentary statutory agent services for the first year, an Ohio business address, an operating agreement tailored for Ohio LLCs, and several additional features.
For those establishing an Ohio LLC, this plan offers remarkable value, particularly with the inclusion of statutory agent services and an Ohio-specific operating agreement — both of which are paramount for businesses in the state. However, it’s noteworthy that even if you opt out of the statutory agent services, the full plan price remains unchanged.
Northwest Registered Agent, echoing its name, is prominently recognized for its statutory agent services in Ohio. Serving as a statutory agent, they pride themselves on providing Ohio businesses with more personalized customer support and swift correspondence notifications.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Competitively-designed package offers good value (statutory agent service included in the first year)
Outstanding customer service
Website is intuitive and resourceful (free legal documents and forms)
We recommend Northwest Registered Agent because of their transparent pricing, outstanding customer service, and a commitment to maintaining your privacy. They pride themselves on personalizing their approach to meeting your statutory agent needs, which are their specialty.
For just Ohio state fees, Swyft Filings’ Basic package offers verification of your Ohio LLC name, preparation of articles of organization, and state document submission. You’ll also have online document access and ongoing customer support.
At $199 plus Ohio fees, the Standard package includes all Basic features with an Ohio-specific operating agreement and a federal EIN. Clients also get custom banking resolution services and organizational minutes for their Ohio LLC’s first meeting.
The Premium package, at $299 plus Ohio fees, provides all Standard benefits with expedited Ohio filing, a business document library, compliance alerts, a domain name, a website, and a digital LLC kit with a company “seal” and ownership tools.
Swyft Filings is well-regarded in Ohio for its top-notch customer support and positive reviews.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Competitively-priced packages offer good value
Fast turnaround times
Personalized customer service specific to your needs
Quick and easy purchase process
Good rating from the Better Business Bureau
Cons
Statutory agent services not included in packages and pricier than competitors
Swyft Filings offers fast processing but doesn’t include statutory agent services in their packages, making additions somewhat costly. However, they provide good value overall and strong customer support.
For just Ohio state fees, the Silver package offers preparation and filing of the articles of organization specific to Ohio, unlimited Ohio LLC name searches, and a year of free statutory agent services.
At $199, the Gold package encompasses all Silver features and adds an Ohio-specific operating agreement template, lifetime company alerts tailored to Ohio’s reporting requirements, and a business tax consultation. Incfile’s Gold package also brings an EIN tax ID, filing of IRS Form 2553 for Ohio LLCs wanting S corporation tax benefits, banking resolution services, help in setting up an Ohio business bank account, a personalized online dashboard, and comprehensive support.
The Platinum package, priced at $299, builds on the Gold by offering expedited Ohio filing, a domain name, business email, and access to a vast array of business contract templates designed for Ohio LLCs, all vetted by legal professionals.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Affordable, with a free plan that includes all the basics
Unlimited name searches
Free statutory agent service for a year
Access to an online dashboard for paid plans
Unlimited access to phone and email support
Cons
Customer service may be less responsive than other services
Limited legal services available
Limited customer support hours, no weekend availability
Incfile provides substantial value, especially with their Silver package that costs only state fees and includes a year of statutory agent service. For first-time entrepreneurs looking to save, Incfile stands out in the competition.
Rocket Lawyer doesn’t offer specific Ohio LLC formation service packages. To form an Ohio LLC with them, the fee is $99, but it’s waived if you opt for their $39.99 membership.
Ohio business owners with this membership can also benefit from discounted statutory agent services at $111.99, a notable reduction from the regular $149.99 rate.
Furthermore, members have access to a variety of business document templates tailored for Ohio LLCs, including an Ohio-specific operating agreement.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Quick and easy purchase process
A+ rating from Better Business Bureau
Membership option is a good value if you need legal help
Free LLC formation service for new members
Discounts on various legal services
Cons
Some legal documents are expensive
Some customers complained on the complicated cancellation process
Even if you opt for a free trial, you need to enter credit card details
Rocket Lawyer simplifies business start-up, though it lacks some services offered by competitors. Their membership stands out, providing ongoing legal assistance and offering the best value.
Harbor Compliance doesn’t have specific Ohio LLC formation packages, but they do provide a la carte services. Establishing an Ohio LLC with them is priced at $99 plus Ohio state fees.
Additionally, Ohio businesses can opt for their statutory agent services, annual report filing, and EIN.
Statutory agent service is $99 annually ($50 off if you pay for five years upfront, $100 off if you pay for 10). For Ohio businesses keen on streamlining compliance, annual report filing services are available at a rate of $175 plus any associated state filing fees annually (you’ll get $250 off if you purchase ten years’ worth of annual report filing). Ohio LLCs can also secure an EIN for $99.
Beyond these, Harbor Compliance provides business license management tools tailored for Ohio and a variety of other services.
Harbor Compliance stands out with its prompt processing and a broader range of services than many competitors, especially when considering their competitive pricing for statutory agent services in Ohio.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Fast turnaround time
Easy to use website
Large variety of services including business licensing
Personal customer service
Cons
No free business formation
Prices of a la carte services can add up
No money-back guarantee
Harbor Compliance provides extensive services, including comprehensive annual compliance and business license guidance, surpassing competitors. Though on the pricier side, they cater to most needs of new business owners.
Filenow presents a Starter plan tailored for Ohio LLCs priced at $49, which encompasses company compliance alerts, a tax consultation specific to Ohio, and a business bank account.
Their Ohio-targeted Premium plan, priced at $199, bolsters the offerings of the Starter plan with a free year of statutory agent services in Ohio, an operating agreement designed for Ohio LLCs, an EIN, a banking resolution, business contract templates suitable for the Ohio business environment, and a rapid 24-hour processing.
Filenow sets itself apart with swift processing times ideal for Ohio entrepreneurs and offers a money-back guarantee. For those setting up an Ohio LLC, their Premium plan represents outstanding value.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Good value offered without hidden fees
Live 24-hour order processing
24/7 customer support
Money-back guarantee
Error-free filing, or your money back
Cons
No free business formation plan
Limited service options (no annual reporting, no legal services)
Filenow’s Premium plan is an exceptional value based on what you get for the price. It’s less expensive than similar plans offered by competitors. They also offer fast turnaround times, and a money back guarantee.
Why Use a Business Formation Service for your LLC in Ohio?
A business formation service handles the business formation process for you, making it nearly seamless while offering additional services that can make life easier for a new business owner. Whether you’re forming a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation, a business formation service takes care of all the red tape, freeing you up to focus on growing your business.
What to Look for When Purchasing an LLC Service in Ohio?
With so many business formation services to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which is best for you. There are four essential elements that can help you make your decision.
Features
Each service offers various products and services, and their plans are all designed differently. You may need some services but not others, so you need to choose the service that offers everything you need. For example, only some of the providers offer annual report filing.
If it’s important to you to get that task off your plate, you’ll want a service that offers that feature. Another feature you might need is a digital dashboard where you can always access your business formation documents.
You’ll want to choose a service that has everything you need to make starting and running your business as easy as possible.
Pricing
Of course, you’ll want to get the best value for your money!
Compare the cost of each service for everything you need. The price can really add up when you start adding extras, so be careful not to go too far. You also want to get good value and great customer service, so if you’re considering the cheapest service, check the reviews to see how people feel about it.
Turnaround time
Business formation turnaround times vary with each service, so if you’re in a hurry to get your business up and running, you’ll want to look for the quickest service. You don’t want your order to sit in an office too long before your paperwork gets filed with the state. Some services differentiate themselves with fast turnaround times, so if they also offer good value, that might be your best choice.
Customer Service and Reviews
One good way to learn about the quality of anything you’re buying is to listen to what people are saying about it. When we review services we look at Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot ratings and reviews. It’s wise to look at both positive and negative reviews to find out what people love about the service and about issues customers have encountered.
Remember that fake reviews are common, so you should take some of the reviews with a grain of salt.
Our Approach
As an entrepreneurial advisory site, we take our responsibilities seriously. We understand that countless entrepreneurs, and potential entrepreneurs, rely on our judgments and insights, particularly when it comes to creating their business.
As a result, our writers do their utmost to gain a comprehensive understanding of the services offered and the actual customer experience. In nearly every case, we:
Examined every page of the service’s website
Reviewed all of their offerings, from a la carte products to packages
Put ourselves in the customer’s shoes, creating an account
Communicated with customer service via chat, email, and phone
Gained a full understanding of the customer experience and service value
Thanks to this full immersion in the actual customer experience, our reviewers are able to provide the most complete and insightful analysis of various LLC formation services.
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