How to Conduct an Ohio Business Entity Search

Ohio has nearly one million registered small businesses, which make up 99% of all businesses within the state. The Ohio Secretary of State reported that 179,636 new businesses were filed in 2022 and noted that small businesses are a major driver of the state's economy. Small businesses employ 43.8% of all workers in the state.

Recently ranked the fifth-best state for business, Ohio offers several key advantages, such as limited liability protection for personal assets, pass-through taxation for entities like LLCs and S-Corps, no corporate income tax, affordable startup fees, and access to a business-friendly environment. The state's varied economy provides opportunities for a wide range of business types to thrive.

Ohio is home to a diverse range of businesses, with industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and technology being particularly well-represented. Other sectors, such as construction and e-commerce, are also prominent in the state. Manufacturing is the largest economic sector, while healthcare is a leader in business development and innovation, with technology companies also having a significant and growing presence.

Allowable Entity Types in Ohio

Ohio allows several business entity types, including Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships, Corporations (both C and S), and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs). The state also recognizes professional corporations for specific services.

The most common business structure in Ohio is the sole proprietorship, but limited liability companies are also becoming very popular for new and existing businesses. A sole proprietorship is the simplest form, while an LLC is popular for its blend of corporate-like liability protection with the tax advantages of a partnership.

Why Search for an Ohio Business Entity

There are several reasons why you should search for an Ohio business entity. The most common reason is to verify that a business name is available for use with a new company. You cannot register a business name that is already taken or too similar to another existing name. Some other reasons you would want to search for an Ohio business entity are as follows:

• Verify Name Availability: Before registering a new business, search to ensure your desired name is not already taken and is "distinguishable" from other registered names. You can do this through the Ohio Secretary of State.

• Check Business Status: You can search for a "Certificate of Good Standing" to confirm that a business is current with all its state filings and franchise taxes.

• Research a Company: Search to find specific details like an entity's status, location, and registration type, or to view images of past filings submitted by the business.

• Investigate Potential Partners or Competitors: Researching a company can help you understand its history, structure, and regulatory compliance, thereby informing your business decisions and minimizing potential risks to your own company.

• Verify Licensing and Compliance: The Ohio Department of Commerce enables you to verify the licensing status of businesses in regulated industries, which is crucial for both consumers and other companies.

• Find a Business Organizer or Incorporator: If you know a founder's name, you can search for all the businesses they have been involved with.

• Avoiding Legal Issues: To prevent potential legal challenges from owners of similar businesses and ensure your chosen name doesn't cause you legal problems.

• Gathering Information: Gathering information about a specific business for contracts, due diligence, or other legal research.

• Competitors: Gathering information about competitors.

• Before Investing: Conducting thorough due diligence when acquiring or investing in a business.

• Registered Agent: Looking up a registered agent for service of process.

• Trademarks: Searching for registered trademarks to avoid conflicts.

How to Search for Business Entities

To search for business entities in Ohio, use the Ohio Secretary of State's Business Search Page. You can search by the following criteria:

• Business Name: Enter parts of the entity's name in the search field.

• Exact Business Name: Enter the entity's exact/full name in the search field (if known).

• Prior Business Name: Use the entity's previous name if it has ever had a name change.

• Agent/Registrant: Enter the name of the entity's registered agent.

• Organizer/Incorporator: Enter the partial or complete name of the organizer or incorporator and the location.

• Number: Enter the entity's Doc-ID or the entity number as assigned by the Secretary of State's Office.

Within each search option, you may see other available criteria. For example, when searching the business name, you can select "All, Active, Canceled, Dead, or Fraudulent." When you search by organizer/incorporator, you can also enter a location.

What Information Can You Find with the Secretary of State?

Once you enter the available search parameters in the appropriate search field, click the "Search button." The results will include a list of registered entities in the state that match the search criteria. Each entity in the list will display its name, number, type, filing date, expiration date, status, location, county, and state.

How to Access Detailed Information

When you find the record of the entity you are searching for in the search result list, click the "SHOW DETAILS" button on the far-right side. You will see a page displaying the following detailed information about that entity:

• Entity Number: A seven-digit number assigned to an entity by the Secretary of State's Office.

• Filing Type: The entity's structure.

• Location: The origin of the entity.

• Business Name: The full name of the business entity.

• Status: This will generally be active, canceled, dead, or fraudulent.

• Expiry Date: If applicable, the date the entity's registration is expected to expire.

• Agent Registrant Information: Details of the entity's registered agent.

• Filings: Details of the entity's filing and filing documents

If you find it challenging to get what you want from the Ohio Secretary of State's Business Search page, you may contact the Secretary of State's Office for prompt assistance. You will also find helpful links on the search page when you select each search criterion.

Some additional information you can find on the Secretary of State's website includes:

• Secretary Larose & the Office: Duties and responsibilities, employment, and office initiatives.

• Elections and Voting in Ohio: Poll workers, Ohio candidates, election officials, military voters, election calendar, campaign finance, and election results and data.

• Campaign Finance: Search reports, file reports online, file forms, view training report violations, and access deadlines, rules, and contribution limits.

• Legislation and Ballot Issues: Ballot board, Ohio laws, bill effective dates, how to put issues on the ballot, and the Ohio legislature.

• Business: File online, business search, service of process, certificates of good standing/business reports, forms and fees, and protect your business.

What Business Entity Information is Not Public

In Ohio, the specific details of an LLC's ownership and internal management are generally not public record, as these are typically found in the Operating Agreement, which is an internal document and not filed with the state. For corporations, while shareholder records are not listed on public filings, internal documents like corporate regulations, minutes, and books of account are also not publicly filed, but shareholders can access them upon request. A list of the things that are not typically public record in Ohio is as follows:

• Operating Agreement: An LLC's operating agreement, which lists the owners (members) and ownership percentages, is not filed with the state and is considered private.

• Internal Corporate Documents: Items such as regulations, minutes, books, and records of account, along with voting trust agreements, do not have to be filed with the state.

• Trade Secrets: Formulas, processes, methods, or other proprietary information that derives economic value from not being generally known to the public and is the subject of reasonable efforts to maintain its secrecy.

• Private Employee Medical Records: Medical and health insurance information.

• Customer and Employee Identifying Information: Identifying information like Social Security Numbers, driver's license numbers, and passport numbers.

• Revenue and Profit Numbers (unless a public company): Smaller companies that are not publicly traded can keep their financial data private.

• Financial Data: Bank and credit card numbers, as well as loan information.

How to Find EIN and UCC Records in Ohio

To find an EIN for an Ohio business, you must either contact the company directly or, if you are the owner, find your own EIN by logging into your IRS account or by contacting the IRS. For a general business search, you can use the Ohio Secretary of State's Business Search tool, though it will not provide the EIN itself. You can try using third-party databases and searching for the business by name and location. You may find the business tax ID that way. EntityCheck is another excellent resource for finding EIN records in Ohio.

To find UCC lien records in Ohio, you can perform an online search through the Secretary of State's website using the debtor's name or other search criteria. Navigate to the UCC search system on the Ohio Secretary of State's website, select the appropriate search type (standard or advanced), and enter the requested information to view the filings. You may also find UCC liens using EntityCheck's UCC search tool.

EntityCheck Business Background Reports: Fill in the Blanks

A more insightful approach to searching for Ohio business entities and accessing additional information is to use EntityCheck's powerful search engine. Search quickly and easily by business name, EIN, owner, phone number, or email address. Along with the information above, you can dig deeper to find incredibly illuminating details such as:

• 
  UCC Filings

  Discover Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings, showing creditors' attachment to business assets. These files provide insight into the organization's financial stability through its standing debts and resulting risk. Additionally, you can find lien details, creditor and debtor information, filing and expiration dates, as well as collateral and asset claims.

• 
  Court Cases

  Evaluate a company's legal record to assess potential risks associated with its operations and identify any outstanding issues. Review bankruptcy filings, liens and judgments, federal court cases, litigation, and legal history of ongoing and past court cases.

• 
  Licenses

  Verify business credentials, including licenses, permits, and government certifications, as well as the educational backgrounds of decision-makers, to assess credibility.

• 
  Filing & Compliance

  Review a company's financial performance reports, DBAs (Doing Business As), and government Tax IDs.

• 
  Trademarks & Patents

  Find out what intellectual properties a company controls and review the details of any trademarks and patents it holds.

• 
  Registered Individuals

  Identify key decision-makers, registered agents, corporate officers, and leadership, even if this information is not readily available through official records.

Alternative Resources Beyond the SOS (Secretary of State) Search

Beyond the Secretary of State search tool, you can find information on local Ohio companies through other means. The list of resources below may yield great results. Each of these government agencies holds specific data about Ohio companies and may provide you with what you need. The list of possible options is as follows:

• Ohio Department of Commerce: The Ohio Department of Commerce is Ohio's primary regulatory agency, responsible for protecting consumers and promoting economic prosperity by enforcing laws, issuing licenses, and monitoring industries like real estate, elevators, and medical marijuana. It also provides services such as unclaimed funds and programs for financial literacy and manufactured homes, ensuring the safety and fair operation of businesses and the market for the state's residents.

• Ohio Department of Insurance: The Ohio Department of Insurance regulates the state's insurance industry to protect consumers and promote a stable, competitive market. It does this by providing consumer education, investigating insurance fraud, licensing agents, overseeing the industry, fostering innovation and product development, regulating markets, and ensuring insurance companies are financially sound. This government body could offer a wealth of information about an Ohio business.

• Ohio Department of Taxation: According to the state of Ohio, "The Ohio Department of Taxation administers most state and several local taxes. It makes assessments, prepares tax forms, provides taxpayer assistance, processes returns, distributes taxes to local government, and more."

How to Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Ohio

It is generally possible to find ownership information of a registered business entity in Ohio by conducting an internet search using a variety of online resources. Most business entities now maintain online profiles (typically websites or professional accounts) where anyone can find information on their owners. If you are unable to find such information on an entity's website, you may contact the entity directly to request ownership details using the phone number or email maintained on their website.

Usually, it is advisable to begin the search for an Ohio business entity's owner on the Secretary of State's Business Search page. Although ownership details may not be explicitly displayed in the search results, you may find this information by contacting the entity's registered agent, whose details are usually shown in the search results. You should also consider looking up an Ohio business entity's owner using any of the following means:

Some of the ways you can find the owner of a business entity in Ohio are:

• Legal Filings and Court Records: Review legal filings and court records related to the business entity, as they may contain information about the owner.

• Licensing Agencies: Contact local/state permitting and licensing agencies to inquire about an entity's ownership details.

• Public Notices: Check published public notices and newspaper listings containing information on bankruptcy filings or business licenses.

Additional Resources for Business Ownership Info

Along with government offices, you can use public or private resources to try to find the owner of an Ohio business. Some resources to try include the following:

• Better Business Bureau: Look up the Better Business Bureau's website for online publications on certain business entities, which may sometimes hold information on the owners of such entities.

• Chamber of Commerce: Contact your local chamber of commerce directories, which may include names of a business's key executives or owners.

• Public Record Requests: Submit a public record request to the appropriate local or state government agency to inquire about the name of a business owner.

• Social Media Presence: Check out the company's social media presence and perform searches with the company name and the words "owner, director, officer", etc., to find out who controls the business.

• Professional Associations & Trade Groups: Many industries have associations that maintain directories and share information about member businesses.

Types of Owners and Their Roles

Ohio business owners can operate under six primary legal structures: sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. These structures determine the owner's liability, control, and tax obligations. More details about owners and their roles are below:

• Sole Proprietorship: An individual owner who runs a business. The owner and business are not legally separate, meaning the owner has total control but unlimited personal liability for business debts and obligations.

• General Partnership (GP): A business with two or more owners. All partners share in the business's control, profits, and losses, and each partner has unlimited personal liability.

• Limited Partnership (LP): A structure with at least one general partner who manages the business and has unlimited liability, and one or more limited partners who are liable only for their investment and have limited management control. These limited partners, often referred to as "silent partners", may only invest in the business.

• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): A structure where each partner is not personally liable for the business's debts or the negligence of other partners.

• Limited Liability Company (LLC): A hybrid structure that combines the pass-through taxation of a partnership or sole proprietorship with the limited liability of a corporation.

• Corporation: A legal entity that is separate from its owners, who are shareholders. This structure offers liability protection but is more complex to set up than other forms of business. Ohio recognizes both profit and non-profit corporations.

Different entity structures have various roles and types of ownership. Some individuals who have control over a company may not hold a traditional role within it. Leadership is a crucial factor to understand before working with a company.

Some of the more conventional roles within companies include:

• Shareholders (or Stockholders): They own the corporation by purchasing stock, which grants them voting rights to elect the Board of Directors and influence major corporate decisions.

• Directors: Directors set the strategic course for the corporation, make major decisions, and oversee the conduct of the officers.

• Officers: Officers, such as presidents (CEO) and secretaries, manage the day-to-day operations of the business and are hired and fired by the Board of Directors.

• Members: Members are the owners of the LLC. They can also serve as managers or delegate management to others. Members are typically protected from personal liability for the company's debts.

• Managers: Managers, who can be members or non-members, are designated to manage the business and affairs of the LLC.

• General Partners: They manage the business affairs as outlined in the partnership agreement. General partners are entirely liable for all business debts and obligations.

• Limited Partners: Limited partners have limited management rights. Their liability is typically limited to their investment in the business, providing them with some protection from business debts.

Red Flags to Look for When Searching Business Entities

When searching Ohio business entities, look for red flags like deceptive solicitations that mimic government forms, using the business's name and owner's name for general and Attorney General searches, and checking for unusual activity such as an excessive number of voided receipts or a high employee turnover rate. Also, be wary of anything that seems too good to be true, such as guaranteed investment returns, as well as potential violations like using an address without consent or adding a person's name to an entity filing without their permission.

Reputational & Due Diligence Red Flags

• No Professional Website: The absence of a professional website or online presence can make it challenging to find information or assess the business's legitimacy.

• Negative or No Customer Reviews: Poor online reviews or a complete lack of customer testimonials can be a sign of a problematic business. Research the company online, looking for patterns in both positive and negative reviews to gain a more credible understanding of the business.

• Lack of Community Engagement: Companies showing little interest in their local community, especially those operating in their home state, may primarily use Delaware incorporation to limit liability rather than for genuine business growth and development.

• History of Non-Compliance: A company with a record of failing to meet state filing requirements or regulations should be viewed with caution.

Entity Status Problems

One of the first things to look out for is entity status problems, such as an inactive, dissolved, or suspended business. This is a major red flag, indicating that the company may be either out of business or facing penalties for its business practices. Check with official sources like the Ohio Attorney General's Office and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Review the company's registered agent information and contact them to ensure they are a real person, a legitimate business, and active (able to receive legal notifications for the company).

Inconsistent or Suspicious Information

Another red flag is inconsistent, missing, or suspicious information. Always confirm the names and addresses of the company. Ensure that the name on an entity filing was included with the person's consent and that the address was also provided with permission. Check for consistency. Do the name, address, and other details match up on all the available documents, or are there differences? Let that be a warning; something may not be up to par. If the company has no physical address, only a P.O. box, watch out.

In Ohio, DBAs are required for any company doing business under a name that is different than their legally registered name. Some companies have multiple DBAs. Always check what other names a company is using and research them.

Ownership and Management Concerns

Sometimes, a company will try to conceal the actual owner. Dig deeper to find out who really controls the business and what their affiliations are. Be cautious of deceptive practices and documents that appear official but may be forged or manipulated. Identify situations where management decisions are influenced by a single individual or a small group, which could spell danger.

A high turnover rate, especially in areas prone to fraud, can signal underlying problems. When researching a company, speak to its employees to get a sense of the culture and practices. Some common legal issues in Ohio include employment disputes, such as lawsuits from employees regarding problems like discrimination, wage payment, or wrongful termination. How a company treats its employees tells the story.

Financial and Legal Warning Signs

One of the most important things to check is financial warning signs because if a company is insolvent, it might not be reliable, and if they are fraudulent, it could put you at risk. Be cautious of unsupported or unauthorized transactions, excessive voided receipts, or a large number of unsupported adjusted journal entries, as these can indicate financial criminality.

Look for frequent changes in bank accounts or external auditors, as well as a disproportionate number of manual checks or year-end transactions. Be suspicious of under-market-value sales of company assets or service contracts for which there is no apparent product. Refusal to use serial-numbered documents or the presence of photocopied or missing documents can also be a serious red flag.

Compliance Gaps

Compliance is a major factor for certain types of companies and industries. An attitude of disrespect for regulatory bodies can be a huge warning sign. Investigate unauthorized changes and review a company's compliance practices. Submitting a filing on an existing business without the proper written authority to change the record is a red flag.

In 2024, the Dayton Daily News reported that 2,374 out of 7,677 audited Ohio governments were found to be non-compliant with Sunshine Laws and public record keeping. Those were government offices. It may be even easier for private companies to be out of compliance.

Business Purpose and Industry Red Flags

Some companies claim to be in business for a specific purpose, but their actions often contradict this assertion. Some of the most common types of fraudulent companies in Ohio include identity theft, imposter scams (such as fake tech support or prize winnings), online shopping scams, and various forms of investment fraud like Ponzi schemes. Other types include home improvement fraud, credit repair scams, and scams involving fake checks or debt collection.

Connections & Affiliations

To ensure thoroughness in your research, cross-check owners/officers with other relevant entities. Sometimes one person runs multiple dissolved/failed companies. Look for repeat patterns of dissolutions followed by new formations. That is a significant indicator of potential fraud. Also, look for companies with connections to organized crime figures, politically exposed persons (PEPs), or other notorious companies with poor business practices.

Some red flags in broader business records include the following:

Inconsistent Public Records

• Company filings don't match what's listed in:

  • Court records

  • Tax records

  • Property ownership filings

  • An example of this is that the registered address differs from the address in lawsuits or liens.

Poor Record-Keeping

• Missing meeting minutes (for corporations).

• No updated ownership/member list for LLCs.

• Lack of transparency in accounting records.

Regulatory Issues

• Fines, sanctions, or loss of licenses with state agencies.

• Businesses flagged by the Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General's office.

Unusual Patterns

• Very recent incorporation with sudden high activity.

• Foreign entities registered but not compliant with local laws.

• Shell-company indicators (multiple entities tied to the same registered agent at the same address).

Best Practices When Reviewing Business Entity Records

To ensure you are evaluating business records most efficiently, use the best practices outlined below. A business background check can take time, but it can yield a wealth of information that could help you avoid any costly mistakes.

• Cross-reference everything.

• Compare the UCC filing data with records from litigation and bankruptcy courts. Look for discrepancies between the documents.

• Check annual reports for consistency year-over-year.

• Research the owners of a company to detect possible bankruptcies, felonies, fraud, and other legal issues that could affect your business.

• Use business verification services or business background reports from EntityCheck.

• Keep in mind the context. For example, a single lien may not be alarming, but multiple filings, lawsuits, and frequent leadership turnover together signal real risk.

How to Register an Entity in Ohio

Starting a new business in Ohio can be exciting, but it also involves a significant amount of work and several steps to register your Ohio entity legally. The process will vary depending on the type of business structure you choose, but the general steps are as follows:

• Determine the proper business entity type you wish to form (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation).

• Conduct a business entity search to ensure the availability of the proposed business name. This is an essential step and is required by Ohio law. You cannot register a company name that is already taken or too similar to one already in existence. Your business name must be entirely unique and easily identifiable.

• Register or submit a business filing with the Ohio Secretary of State.

• Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. You will need one to open a business bank account, build business credit, file taxes, and pay employees.

• Register the business entity with the Ohio Department of Taxation.

• If applicable, report information about the entity's beneficial owner(s) to the Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

• If applicable, obtain the appropriate licenses and permits for the business entity.

• Draft any internal documents, like a partnership or operating agreement, to formalize everyone's role and responsibilities.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Ohio?

Several costs are involved in starting a business entity in Ohio. One such cost, and one of the most essential, is the filing fee.

• Standard Filing Fee: The cost to file initial Articles of Incorporation, Articles of Organization, Statement of Partnership Authority, or Certificate of Limited Partnership is generally $99 for both domestic and foreign entities.

• Fee Schedule: Other fees are included in the Secretary of State's Fee Schedule.

• Expedited Filing Fees: Expedited filings incur additional fees, which are specified on the filing forms.

• Payment: Applicants must make checks or money orders payable to "Ohio Secretary of State."

Ohio has strict business naming regulations and requires that a new business name be "distinguishable" from other previously registered names with the Ohio Secretary of State. To name your company correctly, you need to follow the strict Ohio business name rules to ensure your registration won't be rejected. You should come up with a name that accurately reflects your business and what it does. Use the helpful Ohio business naming guidelines below to get started:

• Distinguishable Name: The name must be unique and not already in use by another registered entity in Ohio. You can check for name availability on the Secretary of State's website.

• No False Government Affiliation: You cannot use words that imply a connection to a federal or state agency, such as "FBI" or "Treasury".

• Restricted Words: Certain words, like "bank", "trust", or "attorney", are restricted and require prior approval from a specific Ohio agency, like the Department of Commerce - Division of Financial Institutions.

• Limited Liability Company (LLC): The name must contain "Limited Liability Company", "L.L.C.", or "LLC". It must be distinguishable from other LLCs and corporations.

• Corporation: A name can include words like "Company", "Co.", "Corporation", "Corp.", "Incorporated", or "Inc.", but only if the business is incorporated. The name must be distinguishable from other registered business names.

• Trade Name/Fictitious Name (DBA): A trade name must be distinguishable from other registered names and cannot imply a government affiliation. A fictitious name does not need to be distinguishable and therefore offers no protection against other businesses using similar names. Only corporations can use entity words like "Inc." in their trade name.

Once you have decided upon a name and checked its availability, you can reserve it by filing a Name Reservation (Form 534B) and paying the required fee to the Ohio Secretary of State. The name reservation is valid for 180 days, preventing others from using the name until you are ready to form your company.

FAQs

1. How do I look up who owns an LLC in Ohio (members vs. managers)?

   To find an LLC's owner in Ohio, search for the business on the Ohio Secretary of State's website, which provides public records like the registered agent's name. The results may not always show the members' or managers' names. You can obtain the formation documents or search other public records, such as deeds and property tax records, to find that information.

2. How can I find a corporation's officers and directors in Ohio?

   You can find a corporation's officers and directors in Ohio by using the Ohio Secretary of State's online business search tool, which may list the company's statutory agent. For publicly traded companies, you can also search the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) EDGAR database, which contains public filings that list officers and directors.

3. Are business owners' names public or private in Ohio?

   In Ohio, for Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) or a similar entity, business owners' names are not required to be publicly listed in the initial formation documents. That offers these owners some level of privacy. However, if a lawsuit is filed, that information does become public. For sole proprietorships, the owner's name is public by default unless a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name is registered with the Secretary of State.

4. Where do I search official business records in Ohio?

   You can search for official business records in Ohio through the Ohio Secretary of State's website, using its searchable database for corporations, limited liability companies, and other registered entities. You can also find additional records, like business licenses, through the Ohio Department of Commerce and by contacting your local county and municipal governments to find even more records (DBAs, vendor permits, local business licenses, etc.).

   EntityCheck's business background tool is another great way to search for official business records in Ohio.

5. How do I check if a business name is available or reserved in Ohio?

   You can check if a business name is available or reserved in Ohio by using the Ohio Secretary of State's Business Search tool. Enter the name into the search to see if it's already in use. For more thorough results, perform both an exact search and a "wildcard" search (e.g., Contract%) to find similar names. If you find a name that you want, you can reserve it for 180 days until you are ready to register it.

6. How can I view recent filings (Articles, amendments, mergers, annual/biennial reports) for a company in Ohio?

   You can view Ohio company filings by using the Ohio Secretary of State's Business Search tool, searching for the company, and then clicking "SHOW DETAILS" to access its records. For specific reports, such as annual financial filings, you may need to use the Hinkle System for Auditor of State reports or the Ohio Department of Commerce's website for specific divisions.

7. How do I get a Certificate of Good Standing/Existence in Ohio?

   To get a Certificate of Good Standing in Ohio, you must request it from the correct state agency: the Ohio Secretary of State for businesses, or the Supreme Court of Ohio for attorneys. You can typically request it online or by mail, but you must pay a fee for the copy. You can pay with a money order or a check. If you order it online, you can pay with a credit card. The fee for a business Certificate of Good Standing/Existence is $5, and the fee for attorneys is $20. If you want disciplinary information for an attorney included, you must pay $35.

8. How do I obtain certified copies of formation documents and amendments in Ohio?

   You can obtain certified copies of formation documents and amendments in Ohio by submitting a written request to the Ohio Secretary of State. You can mail or fax the request in, or use the online portal for certain certificates. Be sure to include the exact name of the business, the document(s) you need (Articles of Incorporation, Certificate of Amendment, etc.), the mailing address for delivery, and payment.

9. How do I search UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) liens against a company in Ohio?

   You can search for UCC liens against an Ohio company by using the Ohio Secretary of State's UCC search system. Enter the proper criteria and find the files you need. You should search by the company's legal name and look for any filings that indicate a creditor's claim on the company's assets.

   You can also use EntityCheck's powerful UCC search engine to find filings. Sometimes you can find other types of liens, like federal or state tax liens.

10. What are the steps to register an LLC in Ohio (forms, fees, timeline)?

    Registering an LLC in Ohio requires several crucial steps. The process includes choosing a name for your company (checking name availability first), choosing your statutory agent, preparing and filing your Articles of Organization, creating an internal operating agreement which outlines each member's role and responsibility, and applying for an EIN with the IRS.

11. What are the steps to incorporate (C-Corp/S-Corp) in Ohio?

    To incorporate in Ohio, you must first choose a unique business name and appoint a statutory agent, then file the "Articles of Incorporation" with the Ohio Secretary of State. After the state approves your filing, you will need to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, establish corporate bylaws, hold an organizational meeting, and apply for any necessary permits and licenses. To become an S-Corp, you will need to file IRS Form 2553 after your C-Corp is formed.

12. Do I need a registered agent in Ohio, and who can serve as one?

    Yes, Ohio requires a registered agent (also called a statutory agent) for all LLCs and corporations in Ohio. An Ohio-based individual or business can serve as the agent, provided they have a physical street address in the state (not a P.O. box) and are available during business hours. You can appoint an individual, such as a friend, family member, or employee, or hire a commercial registered agent service.

13. What annual reports, franchise/margin taxes, or license renewals are required in Ohio?

    Ohio does not require business entities to file an annual report. However, certain types of entities are required to file reports at different times. For example, Professional Associations and Limited Liability Partnerships are required to file biennial reports. Nonprofit Corporations are required to file Certificates of Continued Existence. Additionally, trade names, fictitious names, and trademarks or service marks require renewals.

14. How long does state approval take in Ohio, and are expedited options available?

    State approval times in Ohio vary greatly depending on the program, but options are often available to expedite the process for an additional fee. For regular business filings, processing times vary from 3-7 business days for standard LLC filings to 30 days for non-expedited social services. Expedited processing is frequently offered, with timelines reduced to as little as 1-4 business days or even hours, depending on the application, the program, and the fees paid. Expedited service fees work on a level schedule as follows:

    • Level 1: 2 business days for an additional $100 fee.

    • Level 2: 1 business day for an additional $200 fee.

    • Level 3: 4 business hours for an additional, unspecified fee.

15. Do I need to foreign-qualify to do business in Ohio if my company is formed elsewhere?

    Yes, you need to foreign-qualify to do business in Ohio if your company is formed elsewhere and you are "doing business" in the state. This process, also known as obtaining a Certificate of Authority, is required for businesses with physical presences, such as offices or warehouses, or those with representatives like salespeople operating regularly in Ohio. If you conduct business in Ohio without qualifying, your company may face penalties.

16. What activities count as "doing business" in Ohio?

    In Ohio, doing business consists of the following activities:

    • Maintaining a physical presence in Ohio, such as an office, store, or warehouse.

    • Sending salespeople, agents, or representatives into the state to conduct business.

    • Engaging in regular or substantial business activities, such as purchasing or dealing in real estate, that are part of your ordinary business purpose.

    • Being subject to Ohio's Commercial Activity Tax (CAT).

17. How do I file a DBA/fictitious business name in Ohio, and is county/city filing required?

    To file a DBA in Ohio, you must register a fictitious name with the Ohio Secretary of State by filing a Name Registration (Form 534A) online or by mail for a $39 fee. You do not need to file with the county or city; filing with the state is sufficient. Before filing, be sure to check the name availability with the Ohio Secretary of State's Business Name Search tool.

18. How do I change my company's name, address, officers, or members in Ohio?

    To change your company's information in Ohio, you must file an amendment with the Ohio Secretary of State for a name change or a change in officers/members. For an address change, file a separate Business Address Update Form with the Ohio Department of Taxation and a Form 8822-B with the IRS. You may also have to update your information with the Ohio Department of Taxation.

19. How do I reinstate or revive a company that's been administratively dissolved in Ohio?

    To reinstate a company in Ohio, first identify the reason for dissolution and resolve it, such as paying overdue taxes or appointing a new statutory agent. Then, file the necessary forms with the Ohio Secretary of State, which may include a Certificate of Tax Clearance or a Reinstatement and Appointment of Agent form. Finally, pay all required fees, which vary depending on the specific reason for dissolution.

20. Do I need to file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) with FinCEN, and how does that interact with Ohio filings?

    No, most US businesses are exempt from filing Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) with FinCEN as of March 26, 2025, so you likely do not need to file. However, foreign entities that are required to register to do business in the U.S. and don't meet an exemption must still file with FinCEN. These filings are separate from Ohio's requirements; for example, Ohio's Certificate of Disclosure requirement for business entities is a separate filing and is not a substitute for FinCEN's reporting.