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What are the legal requirements for starting 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 must be met. These requirements may vary depending on the type of business and industry, so it is important to consult with a licensed attorney for specific guidance.

  1. Choose a business structure:
    The first step in starting a small business in Ohio is to determine its legal structure. The most common business structures are sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. Each structure has different legal and tax implications, so it is important to choose the one that suits your business needs.
  2. Choose a business name:
    The business name must be unique and not already registered with the Ohio Secretary of State. You can check the availability of a name by conducting a name search on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.
  3. Register the business:
    After choosing a name and structure, you must register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State. The registration process involves filing Articles of Organization, Articles of Incorporation, or other necessary documents. You may also need to obtain a federal tax ID number and register for state taxes.
  4. Obtain necessary licenses and permits:
    Depending on the type of business, you may need to obtain additional licenses or permits from the state of Ohio or local authorities. For example, if you are starting a restaurant, you will need to obtain a food service license from the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
  5. Comply with employment laws:
    If you plan to hire employees, you must comply with employment laws such as minimum wage, workers’ compensation, and unemployment insurance.
  6. Protect intellectual property:
    If you have developed a unique product or service, you may want to consider obtaining a patent or trademark to protect your intellectual property.

It is important to note that there may be additional legal requirements depending on the specific nature of your business. It is recommended that you consult with a licensed attorney to ensure that all legal requirements are met.