How to form an
Ohio Limited Liability Company
Organizing an Ohio LLC
Articles of Organization
An Ohio limited liability company is formed by filing articles of organization with the Ohio Secretary of State and paying a fee of $125. The articles of organization must include:
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1. The name of the limited liability company, which must include the one of the following words or abbreviations: "limited liability company,", "limited," "LLC," "L.L.C.," "ltd.," or "ltd".
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2. The effective date of articles of organization (optional). The legal existence of the limited liability company begins upon the filing of the articles of organization or on a later date specified that is not more than ninety days after filing).
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3. The period of existence of the limited liability company (optional). If no period is indicated, the period is perpetual.
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4. The purpose of the limited liability company (optional). A purpose clause may be provided but is not required. As stated in Ohio Revised Code §1705.02, a limited liability company may generally "be formed for any purpose or purposes for which individuals lawfully may associate themselves."
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5. The name and mailing address of the statutory agent. The registered agent must sign and acknowledge acceptance of the appointment as registered agent of the LLC. The statutory agent must be one of the following: (1) an Ohio resident; (2) an Ohio corporation; or (3) a foreign corporation that is licensed to do business in Ohio. An individual agent may provide a P.O. Box as the agent address, but the agent must certify (by checking the appropriate box) the individual is an Ohio resident.
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6. Articles of organization must be signed by at least one member, manager or other authorized representative of the limited liability company.
Mail the articles of incorporation to one of the following:
Regular Filing (non-expedited)
P.O. Box 670
Columbus, OH 43216
Expedited Filing (Two-business day processing time requires an additional $100.00).
P.O. Box 1390
Columbus, OH 43216
Ohio Secretary of State
Address:
Secretary of State
Borden Building
180 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Telephone: 877-767-3453 or 614-466-3910
Website: www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/Businesses.aspx
Check name availability: www2.sos.state.oh.us/pls/bsqry/f?p=100:1:2344651341348343
Ohio LLC Statute: Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 1705.01 et seq.
Series LLC available?: No
Fee for filing Articles of Organization for an Ohio LLC: $125 (plus $100 for expedited service (2 day), if desired)