Build your LLC, start to finish.

Compare an LLC against a sole proprietorship or S-corp election before you file anything.

• —Single-member vs. multi-member — decide who owns what percentage.
• —Liability protection separates personal assets from business debts.
• —Ask your CPA whether an S-corp tax election will save on self-employment tax.

Search the state registry, confirm the domain and socials, and check for trademark conflicts.

• —Name must be distinguishable from existing entities and end in LLC or L.L.C.
• —Search the Ohio Secretary of State business name database.
• —Check USPTO TESS for federal trademark conflicts.
• —Reserve the name (optional, 180 days in Ohio) if you're not filing right away.

Ohio requires an in-state agent with a physical street address to receive legal notices.

• —Can be you, a partner, or a commercial agent service ($50–$150/yr).
• —P.O. boxes are not accepted.
• —Using a service keeps your home address off the public record.

Form 610 with the Ohio Secretary of State. Filing fee is $99; online filing is fastest.

• —Filed through the Ohio Business Central portal.
• —Typical processing: 2–7 business days (expedite options available).
• —Save the stamped certificate — banks and vendors will ask for it.

Free, issued instantly online. This is your business tax ID for banking and payroll.

• —Apply directly at IRS.gov — never pay a third party for an EIN.
• —Available weekdays, 7am–10pm ET.
• —Download and store the CP 575 confirmation letter.

Not filed with the state, but it governs ownership, profit splits, decisions, and exits.

• —Essential for multi-member LLCs; still recommended for single-member.
• —Cover capital contributions, voting rights, distributions, and buyout terms.
• —Banks and investors frequently request a copy.

Separate finances from day one — commingling funds can undo your liability protection.

• —Bring: Articles of Organization, EIN letter, operating agreement, ID.
• —Add a business debit/credit card for clean expense tracking.
• —Connect the account to bookkeeping software immediately.

Vendor's license, municipal registration, and any industry-specific permits.

• —Ohio vendor's license if you sell taxable goods or services.
• —Register with the Ohio Department of Taxation and, if hiring, Ohio Job & Family Services.
• —Check Toledo/Lucas County local requirements and zoning for home-based work.

General liability at minimum; Ohio workers' comp through BWC once you have employees.

• —General liability, professional liability (E&O), and commercial auto as applicable.
• —Ohio BWC coverage is mandatory for employers.
• —Bundle with a business owner's policy (BOP) to reduce cost.

Accounting, invoicing, CRM, contracts, and a simple document repository.

• —Bookkeeping software with a chart of accounts set up correctly from month one.
• —Standard client contract and W-9 on file.
• —CRM or pipeline tracker so lead flow is visible, not remembered.

Ohio has no annual report for LLCs, but agent, tax, and license renewals still recur.

• —Quarterly estimated federal and state taxes.
• —Statutory agent renewal and any license renewals.
• —Annual meeting minutes and updated member records.
• —Keep the entity in good standing — verify status yearly.