Cost to Form Corporation in Ohio
Quick Answer
The total cost to form a corporation in Ohio ranges from $99 (DIY filing) to $400-600 when using a professional formation service, with most first-year costs falling between $200-500 depending on optional services selected.
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Learn More →Total Cost: Year One
| Cost Category | DIY Range | With Service |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio State Filing Fee | $99 | $99 |
| Registered Agent Service | $0-150 | $100-200 |
| EIN Application | $0 | $50-100 |
| Corporate Bylaws & Resolutions | $0-200 | $100-300 |
| Business License (varies) | $0-500 | $0-500 |
| Total Year 1 | $99-949 | $349-1,199 |
Data current as of April 13, 2026
Government Filing Fees
Ohio requires only one mandatory government fee for corporation formation:
| Fee Type | Amount | Processing Time | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Incorporation | $99 | 3-5 business days (online) | Online via Ohio Secretary of State |
| Name Reservation (optional) | $50 | Immediate | Online or mail |
| Certified Copies | $5 per copy | Same day | Online or in-person |
Ohio stands out among states for having no annual report requirement and no annual fees for corporations, making it one of the most cost-effective states for ongoing compliance.
Optional Costs
While Ohio only requires the $99 filing fee, most new corporations benefit from these additional services:
Registered Agent Service: $100-200/year
- Required by law for all Ohio corporations
- Can serve yourself if you have an Ohio address
- Professional services provide privacy and reliability
Federal EIN Application: $0-100
- Free when filed directly with the IRS
- Formation services typically charge $50-100 for this service
- Required for opening business bank accounts and hiring employees
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Learn More →Corporate Bylaws and Resolutions: $100-300
- Not required by state law but essential for proper governance
- DIY templates available for $50-100
- Attorney-drafted documents cost $200-500
Business Licenses: $0-500+
- Varies significantly by industry and location
- Professional licenses can cost several hundred dollars
- Contact local municipalities for specific requirements
Business Bank Account: $0-25/month
- Most banks require an EIN and Articles of Incorporation
- Monthly fees vary by bank and account type
Annual Ongoing Costs
Ohio corporations enjoy some of the lowest ongoing compliance costs in the nation:
| Annual Requirement | Cost | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Report | $0 | Not required |
| Franchise Tax | $0 | Not applicable |
| Registered Agent | $100-200 | Ongoing |
| State Income Tax | 0% | N/A (CAT applies instead) |
Commercial Activity Tax (CAT): Ohio corporations with gross receipts over $150,000 pay CAT instead of traditional corporate income tax. The minimum CAT is $150/year for businesses exceeding the threshold.
Sales Tax: Ohio’s base sales tax rate is 5.75%, with additional local taxes varying by location.
DIY vs. Formation Service Comparison
| Aspect | DIY Filing | Formation Service |
|---|---|---|
| State Filing Fee | $99 | $99 |
| Service Fee | $0 | $200-400 |
| Time Investment | 2-4 hours | 30 minutes |
| Registered Agent | Find your own | Usually included |
| EIN Application | File yourself | Typically included |
| Bylaws/Resolutions | Create yourself | Often included |
| Total Cost | $99-249 | $399-699 |
| Best For | Cost-conscious entrepreneurs | Busy professionals |
Formation services provide convenience and often include valuable extras like registered agent service and basic legal documents, but DIY filing saves $200-400 in the first year.
Cheapest States Comparison
Ohio ranks among the most affordable states for corporation formation:
| State | Filing Fee | Annual Fee | Year 1 Total (DIY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $99 | $0 | $99 |
| Colorado | $50 | $10 | $60 |
| Kentucky | $40 | $15 | $55 |
| Mississippi | $50 | $25 | $75 |
| Oklahoma | $50 | $25 | $75 |
| Wyoming | $100 | $60 | $160 |
While Ohio’s $99 filing fee isn’t the absolute lowest, the absence of annual reports and fees makes it extremely competitive for long-term costs.
state registered agent service — $125/year, privacy included
Learn More →FAQ
How long does it take to form a corporation in Ohio?
Online filings through the Ohio Secretary of State website are processed within 3-5 business days. Expedited processing is not available, but the standard timeframe is faster than many states. Mail-in filings take 2-3 weeks.
Do I need a registered agent for my Ohio corporation?
Yes, Ohio law requires all corporations to maintain a registered agent with a physical Ohio address. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have an Ohio address, or hire a professional service for $100-200 annually.
What’s included in Ohio’s $99 filing fee?
The $99 fee covers processing your Articles of Incorporation and receiving your official Certificate of Incorporation. It does not include registered agent service, EIN application, or corporate documents like bylaws.
Does Ohio require annual reports for corporations?
No, Ohio is one of the few states that does not require annual reports or annual fees for corporations. This makes Ohio particularly attractive for long-term business operations, as you avoid the $50-300 annual fees common in other states.
Can I change my corporation name after filing?
Yes, but it requires filing Articles of Amendment with a $99 fee. It’s more cost-effective to reserve your desired name for $50 before filing if you’re unsure about availability.
What business licenses might I need in Ohio?
Business license requirements vary by industry and location. Common licenses include sales tax permits (free), professional licenses for regulated industries ($100-500), and local business licenses ($25-200). Contact your city or county clerk’s office for specific requirements.
How does Ohio’s Commercial Activity Tax affect my corporation?
Ohio corporations pay Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) instead of traditional corporate income tax. CAT only applies to businesses with gross receipts over $150,000 annually, with a minimum tax of $150/year. Businesses under this threshold pay no state income tax.
Should I form my corporation in Ohio or Delaware?
Ohio offers significant cost advantages with its $99 filing fee and no annual requirements, making it ideal for small to medium businesses. Delaware is preferred for venture capital-backed companies planning to go public, but costs significantly more with $89 filing fees plus $300+ annual franchise taxes.
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Consult with an attorney or accountant for guidance specific to your business situation. Data current as of April 13, 2026, and subject to change.