5 Best LLC Formation Services in Ohio

Starting your own small business can be exciting, but it’s definitely not easy, especially when it comes to deciding on the right business structure. One popular option among small business owners is forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC). An LLC offers many advantages, but the process of setting it up involves filing specific documents with the state, appointing a registered agent, and paying associated fees.

If you’re looking to start an LLC in Ohio, this post will help you get familiar with some of the best LLC formation services available. While it is possible to do it yourself, using a professional company can make your LLC formation more smooth and hassle-free. 

Disclaimer: the rates and offerings below are subjected to changes made by the service providers.

Best Ohio LLC service of 2024

Basics of an LLC

First, let’s go over the basics of registering an LLC in Ohio and why you might want to do it. If your business is structured as an LLC, there are some real advantages; even though you need to file documents with the state and pay some fees, it is generally worth it. 

Main advantages include:

All 50 states have provisions for the formation of an LLC. The regulations vary in requirements, and Ohio is no different.

To form an LLC in Ohio, the law requires “one or more persons shall execute articles of organization and deliver the articles to the secretary of the state for filing.” Before the business can operate in the state, the LLC must register with the Ohio Secretary of State.

Along with all the required documents, a filing fee of $99 must accompany the LLC articles of organization. In addition, you will have other expenses, such as licensing and permit fees, legal consultations, etc. However, Ohio is one of the states that do not require an annual LLC fee.

Many companies provide services to help you establish your LLC. Some offer additional services, such as helping you with your business bank account, providing you with registered agent service, and more. You can trust all LLC formation companies to be sure that your filings and their services comply with Ohio law.

Now, let’s review the top LLC services that you can use in Ohio: 

1. Tailor Brands

At Tailor Brands, we provide all the services you need to fulfill your dream of owning your own LLC. We arm you with the tools, guidance, and resources you need on your journey to success. Once you’ve started your journey, we provide you with an array of services to choose from, so your specific needs are met.

Tailor Brands' services and offerings

We have several LLC formation offerings you can choose from including:

  1. Basic LLC formation. There are no extra services, so the fee does not include any legal services and no services to ensure state compliance.
  2. Essential plan. This includes LLC formation, establishment of an operative agreement, a comprehensive name check, and provision for legal compliance. The package includes expedited processing.
  3. Elite plan. This provides for LLC formation, legal compliance, expedited processing, filing necessary reports, a branding toolkit, and more.

In addition to LLC formation services, we also provide more than 20 additional services. Some examples are:

Tailor Brands pricing 

While prices vary depending on the services you choose, prices for basic LLC formation are:

  1. Basic. Free LLC formation (you only pay the state fees).
  2. Essential: $199. 
  3. Elite. $249. 

Overall

Tailor Brands has affordable prices with choices that meet your needs. You can choose from services that range from basic LLC formation to an all-inclusive package including a branding kit. Whatever you need for your LLC, you will find with Tailor Brands.

2. ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness states that it is “committed to empowering everyone to create their own meaningful work.” To accomplish that goal, the company offers the following.

ZenBusiness' services and offerings

There are 3 LLC formation packages to choose from:

  1. Starter. This includes all that is necessary for a standard filing. ZenBusiness guarantees 100% accuracy.
  2. Pro. Includes LLC formation, obtaining your EIN from the IRS, and preparation of the operating agreement.
  3. Premium. This includes all business documents, domain name, email address, and a business website builder.

Other services are available depending on your needs. These services include registered agent services, accounting, domain name, tools for branding, and others.

Zenbusiness' pricing

  1. Starter: Free plus state filing fees. Processing time is 2 to 3 weeks.
  2. Pro: $199 plus state filing fees. Processing time is one to 5 days.
  3. Premium: $349 plus state filing fees. Processing time is 1 to 5 days.

Other services can be added as needed with individual prices for individual services. Some examples are:

Overall

ZenBusiness prices are slightly higher than some other companies. You cannot find out exactly what is included in the packages unless you start the process. Each package may include enough services to make the prices seem more competitive. You can add more services from a long list. Each service is charged individually.

3. LegalZoom

LegalZoom claims it has everything you need to make your small business successful. As with other similar companies, it offers a three-tiered approach to choosing the services you want or need.

LegalZoom's services and offerings

  1. Basic. This includes “only what you need to officially form in your state.”
  2. Pro. Including everything in the basic plan plus other documents such as your business operating agreement.
  3. Premium. Get all the documents included in the Pro plan plus you get the help of an experienced attorney.

You can add individual services to each plan at a separate price for each additional service. Some services offered include:

LegalZoom's pricing

  1. Basic. Free plus state filing fees.
  2. Pro. $249 plus state filing fees.
  3. Premium. $299 plus state filing fees.

Examples of fees for added services are:

Overall

LegalZoom is a good choice, particularly for those who need to have individualized services and who are working within a limited budget. LegalZoom also offers legal services that may not be available with other LLC formation sites.

4. Swyft Filings

Every year, thousands of people in all 50 states have used Swyft Filings to help them with the formation of their LLCs.

Swyft Filings' services and offerings

As with other LLC formation companies, Swyft Filings offers three packages.

  1. Basic. This includes a comprehensive name check, preparation and filing of Articles of Organization, filing with the state, and lifelong phone and email customer support.
  2. Standard. Includes everything in the Basic package plus filing other documents you may need, as well as obtaining your EIN with the IRS
  3. Premium. Includes everything in the Standard package plus:

These other services are available on an individual basis.

Swyft Filings' pricing

Pricing is similar to that of other LLC formation companies.

  1. Basic: Free plus state filing fees.
  2. Standard: $199 plus state filing fees.
  3. Premium: $299 plus state filing fees.

Overall

Swyft Filings provides the same services as other companies, but it seems their premium package includes more services, giving you a big bang for your buck.

5. Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent is a nationally registered agent service. It is a family and employee-owned business. It works slightly differently than most of the other LLC formation businesses reviewed here.

Northwest Registered Agent’s services, offerings, and pricing

Northwest Registered Agent provides a free business tool to walk you through creating your Articles of Organization for your LLC. If that is all you need, and plan on doing the rest of the LLC filing work on your own, you are finished here.

You can pay $39 plus Ohio filing fees for a service that will:

There appear to be no hidden charges.

Overall

This service is great for those on an economic budget and who only need limited services. The $39 is quite a bargain with an operating agreement and registered agent service for one year.

Can you form your LLC in Ohio by yourself?

You can carefully follow all the requirements and create your LLC on your own. Be sure you provide all required information and fees, including the state fees, and obtain the correct licenses and permits. You can find out on your own what is needed legally and tax-wise.

On the other hand, you can opt to use an LLC formation service and turn over the red tape to the formation company. This frees up your time to begin actually working on your business.

Conclusion

The LLC formation companies offer similar services and similar fees. All have good customer reviews. Whether you’re interested in basic formation services or the more comprehensive packages with additional legal and business support, there’s a service that can meet your needs and budget. It is up to you to review each website to see which one seems the best suited for you and the way you work.