Skip to content
Ask a question
All posts

What are the steps I need to take before starting a business in Ohio?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

As a lawyer, I would advise you to follow these steps before starting a business in Ohio:

  1. Choose your business structure: Before starting a business, you need to decide on a business structure. Ohio recognizes several types including sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and limited liability company (LLC). Each structure has different legal and tax implications, so it is recommended that you consult with a qualified attorney to choose the right structure for your business.

  2. Register with the State of Ohio: Once you’ve determined your business structure, you need to register with the state of Ohio. You can do this by filing the appropriate paperwork with the Ohio Secretary of State’s office. The requirements will vary depending on your chosen structure.

  3. Obtain necessary permits and licenses: Depending on your business type and location, you may need to obtain various permits and licenses before you can operate. To determine what permits and licenses you may need, you can consult with the Ohio Business Gateway, which is a comprehensive resource that provides information on permit and license requirements by business type and location.

  4. Obtain an EIN: An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique identifier assigned by the IRS to businesses for tax purposes. You will need an EIN if you plan on hiring employees, opening a business bank account, or filing tax returns.

  5. Open a business bank account: It is important to keep your personal and business finances separate by opening a business bank account.

  6. Obtain insurance: Depending on your business type, location, and other factors, you may need to obtain various types of insurance to protect your business from liability and other risks.

  7. Comply with regulatory requirements: Depending on your industry, you may be subject to various regulatory requirements at the federal, state, and local levels. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in serious legal and financial consequences.

These are just some of the steps you should take before starting a business in Ohio. It is important to consult with a qualified attorney to ensure that you are in compliance with all legal requirements and to protect your business from potential liabilities.