You can find information on any corporation or business entity in Ohio or another state by performing a search on the Secretary of State website of the state or territory where that corporation is registered. Use the links below to jump straight to the correct search page for Ohio or find the page for another state. This site is not affiliated with any government entity and there is no charge to use it. Please note that while most states provide basic corporation registration information for free, there are some that may require a fee for more detailed information. Additionally, we may earn commissions if you purchase products or services through some of the links below. You may also want to read the SecStates Blog to learn more about corporation search.var ver = navigator.appName;var num = parseInt(navigator.appVersion);function addToFavorites()var url = " ";var who = "Secretary of State Search";window.external.AddFavorite(url,who);if ((ver == "Microsoft Internet Explorer") && (num >= 4))document.write('You can add this page to your favorites for future reference.');elsevar useragent = navigator.userAgent.toLowerCase();if (!(/.*i[Pp]hone.*/.test(useragent)) && !(/.*[Aa]ndroid.*/.test(useragent))) (opera.version() Press " + key + " to bookmark this page for future reference.");
Business Entity Search Ohio
Whether you are in the process of forming a new company, completing filings for your existing entity, or looking for information about a business, the Secretary of State's online searches are the right place to start. Online searches currently available are:
The business name you have chosen cannot be used by any other LLC or corporation in the State of Ohio. This is why it's imperative to perform an Ohio business search before you begin the filing process.
Just go to the free Business Name Search tool and enter your proposed business name. You can also perform an Ohio Secretary of State business search of the state's registry, which will tell you whether there are any corporations or LLCs with that name in the state.
To look up an LLC in Ohio, visit the website of the Ohio Secretary of State. On the homepage, click on the "Business Entity Search" or "Business Search" link. Enter the exact business name of the LLC you're interested in researching and hit search [1].
If you don't find what you're looking for, you may try searching the Ohio Business Entity Database. This database contains information about corporations, Limited Liability Companies, limited partnerships, and other business entities.
A Corporation is a separate entity from its owners. This means the Corporation separates business and personal assets, offering limited liability protection against business lawsuits and tax problems. The Corporation business structure can be complex and require more reporting and higher tax rates. This structure is usually only started for large startups or companies with a lot of employees. Some professions like law, medicine, and engineering may be required to form what is called a Professional Corporation.
Before starting your business and forming an LLC, be sure to do the business entity search first to make sure the name is available to use. Once you know the LLC name is available, learn how to form an Ohio LLC by reading our step-by-step guide.
As a small business advisor, I got fed up with clients finding inaccurate and outdated information when they were researching how to start a business online, so I launched StartingYourBusiness.com to be a trusted resource.
Generally speaking, Ohio law requires that businesses report the use of a fictitious name when seeking to do business under a name different from the names of the owners, or different from the "true" name of the business entity.
Furthermore, reporting the use of a fictitious name can assist a business in avoiding later claims of fraudulent or deceptive trade practices in certain cases. Businesses should keep in mind that reporting a fictitious name is different from filing for entity registration; the latter isn't required for a sole proprietorship or general partnership.
Setting up a DBA in Ohio begins with a corporate name search. Check with your local county clerk to search the business names in your area. Business names cannot include entity designations that are inaccurate, e.g. "Inc." can only be used for corporations.
Typically, you will need to provide certain information including the name of the filer, the name of the business entity as it currently exists, the principal place of business of the entity, and the type of business it carries on. The proposed DBA will also need to be provided in the filing itself.
If you want to file a DBA, LegalZoom can help you. We can prepare and file the paperwork, search for available business names, and get you in touch with a business attorney to answer specific questions about your company.
You will need to make sure that the name you want to use for your corporation is available. You can do a name search using the on the Ohio Secretary of State website. This will let you know if your proposed name is available and not already being used by another business.
Learn more." } }, "@type": "Question","url": " -encyclopedia/ohio-form-llc-32066.html#Q2", "name": "How do I know if my LLC name is available?", "acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "It is important to make sure that your LLC's name is distinguishable from the names of other existing businesses on file with the Ohio Secretary of State. You can conduct a name search for free on the Ohio SOS website to make sure your proposed name is available.
Learn more." , "@type": "Question","url": " -encyclopedia/ohio-form-llc-32066.html#Q4", "name": "Do I need an operating agreement for my Ohio LLC?", "acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "Ohio does not require LLCs to have operating agreements, but it is highly advisable to have one. An operating agreement will help protect your limited liability status, prevent financial and managerial misunderstandings, and ensure that you decide on the rules governing your business instead of state law by default. For more information, see The LLC Operating Agreement.
Learn more." , "@type": "Question","url": " -encyclopedia/ohio-form-llc-32066.html#Q5", "name": "Can foreign LLCs do business in Ohio?", "acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "To do business in Ohio, all LLCs organized outside of the state must register with the Ohio Secretary of State. Foreign LLCs must appoint a registered agent for service of process. The agent may be (1) an Ohio resident, (2) an Ohio corporation, or (3) a foreign corporation that has a place of business and is licensed to do business in Ohio. However, an individual agent may provide a P.O. box as the agent address; but the agent must certify by checking the appropriate box in the registration that the individual is an Ohio resident.
Learn more." , { "@type": "Question","url": " -encyclopedia/ohio-form-llc-32066.html#Q8", "name": "How do I dissolve my LLC when I'm done?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If you reach the point where it is time to close your business and cease all operations, then you will want to properly dissolve your LLC to limit your liability for lawsuits and government fees. Learn about the steps you will need to take in How to Dissolve an LLC in Ohio.
LLCs are a common choice for new and small business owners, and for good reason. LLCs are relatively easy to form and maintain, and they provide personal liability protection from business debts and lawsuits. If you are looking to form an entity that provides flexibility in terms of ownership, management, and taxation, an LLC might be a good fit for your business. To learn more, see What is a Limited Liability Company (LLC)?
Every Ohio LLC must have an agent for service of process in the state. This is an individual or business entity that agrees to accept legal papers on the LLC's behalf if someone sues the company. The registered agent can be an Ohio resident or a domestic or foreign corporation authorized to do business in Ohio. The registered agent must have a physical street address in Ohio. However, an individual agent may provide a P.O. box as the agent address.
It is important to make sure that your LLC's name is distinguishable from the names of other existing businesses on file with the Ohio Secretary of State. You can conduct a name search for free on the Ohio SOS website to make sure your proposed name is available.
While reserving the name for your Ohio LLC is straightforward, there are some other things you should think about when choosing the best name for your business. You may want to do a Trademark and Social Media search for your name to see if it's available for use across the internet. This will help ensure you have full, unrestricted use of your business name.
Conducting a trademark search of your business name and associated slogans or logos before registering can help prevent costly litigation in the future. Discovering that another entity has trademarked your business name does not automatically disqualify you from using it.
Just as important, or more so, than finding a domain name that fits your business is ensuring that your business name is available for use across social media platforms. You can do this by simply searching your business name on each major site, or use a tool such as Namecheckr to search across all platforms at once. 2ff7e9595c
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