Ohio Corporation Requirements

Each state has different requirements for forming a corporation. Whether you are starting a business or incorporating a business already in existence, you’ll want to understand state requirements for Ohio incorporation.

Cost to incorporate in Ohio

At BizFilings, we clearly outline our fees and the state fees to form a Ohio corporation. View our pricing to incorporate as a C corporation or S corporation to plainly see:

• BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
• State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in Ohio with standard turn-around.
• Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
• 48-hour turn-around. Ohio has a 48-hour filing option, which is outlined in our pricing.
• Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Articles of Incorporation.

Corporate Name

The name must contain either the word "Company," "Corporation" or "Incorporated" or the abbreviation "Co.," "Corp." or "Inc." It must be distinguishable from the name of another domestic or foreign corporation authorized to do business in the state and from any trade name. It must not contain language implying it is connected with a government agency of the United States. Use of the words "Bank" or "Trust" requires approval from the Superintendent of Banks, and use of the word "Insurance" requires approval from the Department of Insurance.

Director information

The following are Ohio’s requirements for directors of corporations:

• Minimum number. Corporations must have not less than three directors, unless there are only one or two shareholders. In such case the number of directors may be less than three but not less than the number of shareholders.
• Residence requirements. Ohio does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
• Age requirements. Ohio does not have age requirements.
• Inclusion in the Articles of Incorporation. Director names and addresses are required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.

Requirements for the Articles of Incorporation

The document required to form a corporation in Ohio is called the Articles of Incorporation. The information required in the formation document varies by state. Ohio's requirements include:

• Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
• Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Articles of Incorporation. An increase in the number of shares or par value can affect initial filing fees.
• Registered agent. Corporations must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no post office boxes) in Ohio. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.

Professional services businesses

Ohio allows professionals, such as accountants, attorneys and physicians to form a professional corporation (PC).

After forming a corporation, you must undertake certain steps on an ongoing basis to keep your business in compliance. These steps are also important in preserving the limited liability a corporation provides its owners. This guide outlines the ongoing requirements for Ohio corporations.

Corporate records

Ohio corporations must keep the following items with their corporate records:

• Accounts of record
• Minutes of the proceedings of the incorporators, shareholders, directors and committees of the directors
• A record of the shareholders, including their names and addresses and listing the number and class of shared issued or transferred to them

Corporate taxes and fees

The following are taxation requirements and ongoing fees for Ohio corporations:

• Annual report. Ohio does not require corporations to file an annual report.
• Taxes. For complete details on state taxes for Ohio corporations, visit Business Owner's Toolkit or the State of Ohio .
• Federal tax identification number (EIN). An EIN is required for corporations that will have employees. Additionally, most banks require an EIN in order to open a business bank account.
• State tax identification number. Ohio does not require a state tax identification number.

Business licenses

Business licenses and/or permits are required for most businesses. The BizFilings Business License Application Package can help you stay on top of these requirements.

S corporation election

Ohio does not recognize the federal S corporation election. It requires a state-level S corporation election.

Additional Ohio information

View the following additional resources BizFilings has for forming and maintaining companies in Ohio:

• Ohio LLC Formation