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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, you will need to take several legal steps. Here are some of the legal requirements that you will need to meet:

  1. Choose a business structure: The first step is to choose a legal structure for your small business. The most common types of business structures in Ohio are sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. Each structure has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose one that suits your needs.
  2. Register your business: Once you have chosen a legal structure for your business, you will need to register it with the Ohio Secretary of State. You will need to file the appropriate paperwork and pay the required fees.
  3. Obtain business licenses and permits: Depending on the type of business you are starting, you may need to obtain various licenses and permits from the state or local government. For example, if you plan to sell alcohol, you will need a liquor license.
  4. Obtain an employer identification number (EIN): If you plan to hire employees, you will need to obtain an EIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This number is like a Social Security number for your business and is used to report payroll taxes.
  5. Comply with tax requirements: All businesses in Ohio are required to pay various taxes, including income tax, sales tax, and payroll taxes. You will need to register with the Ohio Department of Taxation and obtain any necessary tax permits.
  6. Obtain business insurance: Depending on the type of business you are starting, you may need to obtain various types of business insurance, such as liability insurance or workers' compensation insurance.
  7. Comply with employment laws: If you plan to hire employees, you will need to comply with various employment laws, such as minimum wage laws, overtime laws, and anti-discrimination laws.

It's important to note that this is not an exhaustive list of all the legal requirements for starting a small business in Ohio. Depending on your specific business, there may be additional requirements that you need to meet. I recommend consulting with an attorney or other professional to ensure that you are meeting all the necessary legal requirements.