This agreement serves as a binding contract among the company’s owners, known as members, outlining the operational guidelines for the business. Similar to a partnership contract, this agreement delineates the members and their respective ownership stakes.
Key Takeaways
- Ohio law does not require an LLC to have an operating agreement.
- However, it is highly advisable to create one to establish internal operations, ownership structure, and member responsibilities, minimizing potential conflicts. Utilize our free Ohio LLC Operating Agreement template to ensure compliance with state laws.
- To form an LLC in Ohio, you’ll need to file Articles of Organization with the Ohio Secretary of State, appoint a statutory agent, and satisfy the necessary filing fee.
Ohio LLC Operating Agreement Templates by Type
Single Member LLC
Basic Single Member LLC Operating Agreement
Used 4,920 times
Are you required to uphold your limited liability corporation status in accordance with state law? If the business is sued, the owner’s assets may be safeguarded by this agreement.
For sole ownership of an LLC in Ohio, utilize this specialized template tailored to meet state regulations.
Multi Member LLC
Multi-Member LLC Operating Agreement Template
Used 4,872 times
Ensure that your newly formed LLC is run the right way by having a multi-member operating agreement in place.
Promote collaboration among LLC co-owners in Ohio with this comprehensive resource, facilitating clear communication and efficient decision-making processes.
50/50 LLC
50/50 LLC Operating Agreement Template
Used 4,872 times
This free 50/50 LLC Operating Agreement template for businesses with equal ownership.
Establish equitable ownership and management in an Ohio LLC using this versatile template, clearly defining roles and responsibilities.
Member-managed LLC
Member-Managed LLC Operating Agreement Template
Used 4,919 times
A manager is chosen by the firm owners to oversee day-to-day operations in a manager-managed LLC. Use this Member-Managed LLC Operating Agreement Template right away.
Efficiently delegate management within an Ohio LLC with this streamlined framework, ensuring accountability and transparency in all operations.
Legal Requirements
Without an Operating Agreement, disputes are governed by the default LLC operating rules outlined in the state law (OH Rev Stat §§ 1706.01 through 1706.84)
- While state regulations may suffice for straightforward business structures, they may not be ideal when there’s a significant variation in members’ contributions and ownership stakes.
- Additionally, these rules might not meet your needs if you’re seeking greater flexibility in establishing operational guidelines and roles beyond what’s provided in the state’s standard provisions.
- Moreover, these Operating Agreements can be crucial in preserving a distinct boundary between personal and business matters. This is particularly beneficial in safeguarding the limited liability status of single-member LLCs.
How to Form LLC in Ohio
Creating a Limited Liability Company requires various procedures that must be followed. The following is a general outline of how to get it done:
Selecting a Business Name:
- Prior to establishing ability a Limited Liability Company, it’s crucial to ensure your business name is unique and represents your brand. New LLC names must be distinguishable from other registered business or trade names in this state.
Filing Ohio Articles of Organization:
- As per Section 1706.16 of the state Revised Code, the first step towards legally operating an LLC is to submit the Articles of Organization to the Secretary of State in Ohio.
Utilizing a Filing Service:
- It’s possible to establish the business through online registration or by submitting Form 610, the Articles of Organization for a Domestic Limited Liability Company. The filing fee is $99. The state also offers various filing services to assist you in this process.
Appointing a Registered Agent:
- All LLCs in Ohio must appoint a registered agent, also known as a statutory agent. This agent plays a pivotal role in receiving important legal documents, such as lawsuits or tax notices, on behalf of the organization.
Drafting an Operating Agreement:
- A Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement is a legal document that provides a framework for managing it. It enumerates all LLC owners, referred to as “Members,” their respective contribution amounts and ownership interest percentages.
Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN):
- Online application for an EIN is available if your primary business is in the United States or U.S. Territories.
- The person who’s applying online must have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (either an SSN, ITIN, or EIN).
- It’s important to note that only one EIN may be obtained per responsible party daily.
Opening a Bank Account:
- Your EIN is required to open a bank account. It’s advisable to research various banks and credit unions in your area and compare their business banking products, services, and fees to make an informed decision.
Ohio LLC Laws
Here’s the relevant information about the state laws:
- No State Income Tax: Ohio LLCs are classified as pass-through tax entities, meaning the obligation to pay federal income taxes is transferred from the LLC to the individual members. However, Ohio levies an annual privilege tax on businesses with taxable gross receipts exceeding $150,000.
- Annual Reporting Requirements: Contrary to most states, Ohio doesn’t mandate LLCs to submit annual reports.
- Foreign LLC Registration: To register a foreign LLC in Ohio, you must file a Foreign Limited Liability Company Registration under section 1706.511 of the Ohio Revised Code.
- Real Estate Considerations: Incorporating series limited liability companies into the provisions governing LLCs under the Ohio Revised Code will be important for Ohio companies operating in the real estate sector.
- Employment Laws: Ohio employment laws significantly influence the everyday lives of employees and employers. These laws encompass a broad spectrum of topics, including wage and hour laws, hours worked laws, wage payments laws, leave laws, and child labor laws.
