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What legal steps do I need to take to start a small business in Ohio?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

To start a small business in Ohio, you need to take the following legal steps:

  1. Choose a business structure: You will need to choose a legal structure for your business, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. Each legal structure has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of liability, taxation, and management.
  2. Choose a name: You will need to choose a name for your business that is not already in use by another company in Ohio. You can search for available names on the Ohio Secretary of State's website.
  3. Register your business: You will need to register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State's office. You can file online or by mail. The registration fee varies depending on the type of legal structure you choose.
  4. Obtain necessary licenses and permits: Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain additional licenses and permits from federal and state agencies.
  5. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN): If you plan to hire employees or have multiple members in your LLC or corporation, you will need to obtain an EIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
  6. Register for state and local taxes: Depending on the type of business and location, you may need to register for state and local taxes such as sales tax, income tax, and employment tax.
  7. File annual reports: You will need to file annual reports with the Ohio Secretary of State's office to keep your business in good standing.

Limitations and exceptions: The legal steps required to start a small business in Ohio may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your business. It is recommended that you consult with a licensed attorney or a qualified accountant to ensure that you are meeting all legal requirements.

Suggestions for further action: Once you have completed the required legal steps, you may want to consider obtaining insurance to protect your business from liability issues, setting up a bookkeeping system to keep track of your finances, and creating a business plan to help guide your operations.