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What legal steps do I need to take to hire employees for my Ohio-based business?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

To hire employees for your Ohio-based business, there are several legal steps that you need to take. These are outlined below:

  1. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This nine-digit number will be used to identify your business for tax purposes and is necessary for hiring employees.
  2. Verify the employment eligibility of potential hires. This involves completing and retaining a Form I-9 for each employee, which verifies their identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
  3. Register with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services for Ohio state unemployment insurance tax. By doing so, you will ensure that your business is compliant with state law and eligible for benefits.
  4. Obtain workers' compensation insurance. Ohio state law requires businesses with employees to carry workers' compensation insurance to protect employees who are injured or become sick as a result of their work.
  5. Ensure that your employment practices comply with federal and state laws. This includes but is not limited to:
    • Complying with minimum wage and overtime laws
    • Complying with anti-discrimination laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
    • Complying with family and medical leave laws, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  6. Draft and implement employee policies and procedures. These policies should outline your expectations for employee conduct and explain the consequences for violating these policies.
  7. Create and maintain employee records. These records should include information such as employee contracts, pay, benefits, and attendance.

It is important to note that there may be additional steps necessary depending on the type of business and the industry in which it operates. Additionally, there may be federal, state, and local regulations that apply to the specific circumstances of your business. Therefore, it is recommended that you consult with a licensed attorney for specific legal advice regarding your business's hiring practices.