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What legal requirements do I need to meet to start a small business in Ohio?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

To start a small business in Ohio, there are several legal requirements that you must meet. These include:

  1. Choosing a business structure: You must decide on the legal structure of your business, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), corporation, or nonprofit organization.
  2. Registering your business: You must register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State’s office. This involves filing the appropriate forms and paying the required fees.
  3. Obtaining necessary permits and licenses: Depending on the type of business you are starting, you may need to obtain certain permits and licenses from state and local government agencies, such as a sales tax permit or a food service license.
  4. Paying taxes: You must register your business with the Ohio Department of Taxation and obtain any necessary tax identification numbers. You will also need to file tax returns and pay any applicable taxes, such as income tax and sales tax.
  5. Complying with employment laws: If you plan to hire employees, you must comply with various federal and state employment laws, such as minimum wage and overtime requirements, anti-discrimination laws, and workplace safety regulations.
  6. Protecting your intellectual property: If your business involves creating or using intellectual property (such as trademarks, copyrights, or patents), you should consider registering these with the appropriate government agencies to protect your rights.

There may be additional legal requirements based on the specific type of business you are starting. It is recommended that you consult with a licensed attorney to ensure that you are complying with all necessary legal requirements.

Additionally, you may want to consider obtaining business insurance to protect your assets and liability exposure. This can include general liability insurance, professional liability insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance, among others.

Overall, starting a business can be a complicated and challenging process, but complying with legal requirements is essential to ensure that your business is legally compliant and able to operate smoothly.