When forming a corporation in Ohio, your Articles of Incorporation (AOI) form the backbone of your business. It contains all the necessary information about your company that the state government requires to officially establish a business entity.
Applications are submitted to the Ohio Secretary of State, and it’s important to note that all the information listed on the Ohio Articles of Incorporation is public information once registered.
How to Complete the Articles of Incorporation Form
There are three methods of filing available to businesses in Ohio: in-person drop-off, via mail, and online. Ohio generally prefers online filings, which are quicker and easy to do. Go to the Ohio Business Central page for current fees and contact information.
Domestic versus Foreign For-Profit Articles of Incorporation
Domestic simply means that the corporation is being formed in the state of Ohio. Foreign (out-of-state) corporations must submit a Certificate of Authority, a different form than the standard domestic AOIs.
What’s in Articles of Incorporation?
Name of corporation: Entities that complete Articles of Incorporation have special rules for naming their businesses. They need to include the words company, corporation, incorporated, or their abbreviations.
Location of the principal office in Ohio: This is the address of the business.
Effective date: The effective date is usually on registration. However, businesses can opt to start at a later date, as long as it’s within 90 days of registration.
Share distribution: Businesses decide on the number of shares and their distribution. This section cannot be 0, this is a legal requirement for Ohio corporations.
Capital: If the entity has starting capital, it’s noted in this section.
Appointment of Statutory Agent: This section appoints the statutory agent which the agent needs to accept further down on the form. At ZenBusiness, we partner you with a statutory agent to streamline the process. The statutory agent is also known as a registered agent.
How to Register Your Business Name
There are a few steps to take before deciding on a business name.
- Check to see that the name is not in use as it has to be unique to the state. In Ohio, this is known as “Distinguishable Upon the Records. Use the government’s search tool to access its extensive database.
- Should you wish to reserve the name, make use of the ZenBusiness business name reservation service.
- Include the business designator in the name (Corp., Corporation, etc.)
Bear in mind that names that are required to be distinguishable include:
- Trade names
- Corporation names
- LLC (limited liability company) names
- Limited partnership names
- LLP (limited liability partnership names)
- Reserved names
It’s also worth noting that you can also register a fictitious name. This is also known in other states as a trading name or doing business as (DBA) name. We can assist with your DBA application.
Supplemental Forms to Submit With Your Ohio Articles of Incorporation
Foreign corporations that want to do business in Ohio will need to provide their Certificate of Existence, also known as Certificate of Fact or Certificate of Good Standing as well as their Certificate of Authority.
How to Submit the Form
Once all the information is complete, you simply need to follow the filing option of choice (postal mail, in person, or online).
While there is a standard fee, you can request expedited service at an additional cost. This can be two working days, one working day, or four hours.
It’s important to note that these timeframes are for guidance only and that documents need to reach the service center before certain cut-off times. Variations in the turnover times may occur during certain parts of the year.
Conclusion
Filing Ohio Articles of Incorporation can be an intimidating process. At ZenBusiness, we can handle this for you with our business formation services. Contact us today to learn how we can help start, run, and grow your dream company.
Ohio Articles of Incorporation FAQs
- What does it cost to incorporate in Ohio?
Check the Ohio Secretary of State website to see what the most current information is on fees and methods of payment available.
- How long does the incorporation process take in Ohio?
Online filings can take as little as two to three days.
- Who processes the Ohio Articles of Incorporation?
The Ohio Secretary of State.
- Which Ohio statute governs the Ohio Articles of Incorporation?
Sections 1701.01 to 1701.98 of the Revised Code.
- Do I need an attorney to file the Ohio Articles of Incorporation?
No. However, where the structure of the business is complicated, legal guidance is recommended.
File Your Articles of Incorporation
Learn How to File Articles of Incorporation in the Following States
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California Articles of Incorporation
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Texas Certificate of Formation, For-Profit Corporation
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Florida Articles of Incorporation
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New York Certificate of Incorporation
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Michigan Articles of Incorporation
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Colorado Articles of Incorporation
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North Carolina Articles of Incorporation
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Nevada Articles of Incorporation
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Delaware Certificate of Incorporation
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Illinois Articles of Incorporation
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Alabama Certificate of Incorporation
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Arizona Articles of Incorporation
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Alaska Articles of Incorporation
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Arkansas Articles of Incorporation
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Connecticut Certificate of Incorporation
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Georgia Certificate of Existence
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Hawaii Articles of Incorporation
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Idaho Articles of Incorporation
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Indiana Articles of Incorporation
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Iowa Articles of Incorporation
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Kansas Articles of Incorporation
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Kentucky Articles of Incorporation
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Louisiana Articles of Incorporation
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Maine Articles of Incorporation
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Maryland Articles of Incorporation
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Massachusetts Articles of Organization
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Minnesota Articles of Incorporation
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Mississippi Articles of Incorporation
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Missouri Articles of Incorporation
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Montana Articles of Incorporation
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Nebraska Articles of Incorporation
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New Hampshire Articles of Incorporation
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New Jersey Certificate of Incorporation
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New Mexico Articles of Incorporation
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North Dakota Articles of Incorporation
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Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation
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Oregon Articles of Incorporation
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Pennsylvania Articles of Incorporation
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Rhode Island Articles of Incorporation
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South Carolina Articles of Incorporation
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South Dakota Articles of Incorporation
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Tennessee Charter For-Profit Corporation
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Utah Articles of Incorporation
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Vermont Articles of Incorporation
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Virginia Articles of Incorporation
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Washington Articles of Incorporation
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West Virginia Articles of Incorporation
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Wisconsin Articles of Incorporation
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Wyoming Articles of Incorporation
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District of Columbia Articles of Incorporation