Ohio Registered Agent: LLC Guide
What is an Ohio Registered Agent?
An Ohio Registered Agent is an individual or business that consents to receive legal correspondence and official notices on behalf of your Ohio LLC.
The Ohio Secretary of State might also use your Registered Agent's address as the main contact for sending official notices to your LLC.
A Registered Agent might also be called an Ohio Agent for Service of Process. They refer to the same role.
In Ohio, Registered Agents are not permitted to use a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA) or any other type of mailbox service.
Examples of CMRAs include, but are not limited to:
- Goin' Postal
- Mailbox Too
- Pack N' Ship
- Postal Annex
- Postal Express
- PostNet
- The Mail Center
- The UPS Store
- Any other facility that offers mailbox rental services
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Why Do You Need a Registered Agent in Ohio?
You need a Registered Agent in Ohio because it's required by law (Section 17701.13 of the Ohio LLC Act). Every LLC in Ohio must have one to operate legally.
Registered Agents provide support to the legal and court processes. They oversee the accurate delivery and tracking of court papers and legal mail.
What Does a Registered Agent Do?
A Registered Agent gets important documents for you and then passes them on to you.
What Are the Legal Requirements for a Registered Agent?
In Ohio, Registered Agents must:
- Have a physical address in Ohio (not a PO box)
- Keep regular business hours
- Accept legal documents and Service of Process for businesses
- Quickly forward those documents to the businesses
Who can be my Registered Agent in Ohio?
You have three options for choosing your Ohio Registered Agent:
- You
- A friend or family member.
- A Registered Agent Service in Ohio
Opting to be your Registered Agent might save you money, but it does come with some risks.
Who Can Be a Registered Agent in Ohio?
You have three choices for your LLC's Registered Agent in Ohio:
- You can be the Registered Agent yourself.
- A friend or family member can be the Registered Agent.
- You can hire an Ohio Registered Agent Service.
Being your own Ohio Registered Agent
You can be your own Registered Agent if you:
- Have a real street address in Ohio
- Are available during business hours
Pros: It will save you money.
Cons: Your name and address will be public. There are also some risks involved.
Asking a Friend or Family Member to be Your LLC's Registered Agent
You can ask a friend or family member to be your Registered Agent in Ohio.
They need to:
- Have a street address in Ohio
- Be available during business hours
Make sure they agree and understand their duties. Their information will be public.
Pros: It saves money.
Cons: Their address will be public, and they might not be as reliable as a professional service.
Hiring an Ohio Registered Agent Service
A Registered Agent Service handles your LLC's legal mail.
Itâs a good choice if:
- You want to keep your address private
- You don't have an address in Ohio
- You're not available during business hours
- You don't want to handle the paperwork
- You need help with setting up your LLC
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How Much Does a Registered Agent Service Cost?
In Ohio, Registered Agent Services typically cost between $100 and $300 per year.
Ohio Registered Agent FAQs
Can I be my own Registered Agent for my LLC in Ohio?
Yes, you can be your own Ohio Registered Agent, as long as you are a resident of Ohio and are at least 18 years old.
Can a family member be a Registered Agent in Ohio?
Yes, a family member can be your Registered Agent in Ohio, provided they meet the legal requirements.
Your family member must have a physical address in Ohio (PO Boxes are not allowed) and must be available at that address during normal business hours.
How do I find a Registered Agent in Ohio?
While you can search online for Registered Agents and check their pricing, here is a list of some of the popular Registered Agent Services and their fees:
- Northwest Registered Agent - $125 per year
- ZenBusiness - $199 per year
- MyCompanyWorks - $99 per year
- Harbor Compliance - $99 per year
- IncFile - $119 per year
- Rocket Lawyer - $250 per year
- LegalZoom - $249 per year
To learn more about how these companies compare, check out our guide on Best Registered Agent Services in Ohio.
Note: If you want to save money, you can be your own Registered Agent in Ohio.
How do I change the Registered Agent for my LLC in Ohio?
You can change your Registered Agent in Ohio by filing a Statutory Agent Update form (Form 521) with the Ohio Secretary of State.
You can submit this form online or by mail. The filing fee is $25.
Is there an Annual Fee for an LLC in Ohio?
No, there is no Annual Fee for an Ohio LLC.
While most states require LLCs to file an Annual Report or pay an LLC Annual Fee, Ohio is one of 5 states that doesnât require either.
However, if you hire a Registered Agent Service, you will need to pay any annual renewal fees for your service agent.
Do I need to register my LLC with the IRS?
Yes, you should register your LLC with the IRS. This involves obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your Ohio business.
The EIN is used by the IRS to identify your LLC for federal tax purposes. Itâs similar to a Social Security Number for your business.
Note: If you are the only owner of your business, you are not considered an employee. You are simply the owner.
How do I get an LLC in Ohio?
You can get an LLC in Ohio by filing Articles of Organization with the Ohio Secretary of State.
You can follow our Ohio LLC Articles of Organization guide for step-by-step instructions on forming an Ohio LLC.
Alternatively, you can hire a Statutory Agent who also offers LLC Formation services to handle everything for you.