Congratulations! You want to start a business in the wonderful state of Ohio and begin your journey as an entrepreneur. The process is incredibly simple but unless you know where to go, it might seem very complex. It's almost like companies that charge hundreds of dollars to file your paperwork for you intentionally obfuscate the process...so here's a short 5 step guide with links directly to the government web pages you need.


Please note, this only applies to single member LLC's and sole-proprieterships. I'm no expert, this isn't legal advice, and if you have a more complex situation, you're better off hiring a professional. However these links are universal for the state and most likely contain what you need whether you're a photographer, dog walker, or professional burger eater.

Step 1: Get your name in order


Before you file as an LLC, you need to have certain things in place since you can't just change things all willy-nilly once the paperwork is complete. The following should be mostly locked in:

  • LLC Name. Please note, this does not have to be an identical match to your business name that you use for marketing.
  • Designate a registered agent. You can be your own agent as long as you're ok listing your address online (if you don't have a brick and mortar location). I did and no one has assassinated me yet. If you aren't ok with this, then you'll need to hire a company.
  • Have a proper business plan and purpose in place. Filing just to file is rather pointless - make sure it actually benefits your business.

Step 2: File the LLC


This sounds over-simplified but honestly, that's because it is. Go to this link: https://bsportal.ohiosos.gov/ and click "submit a business filing". Create an account and then follow the steps to file as a single-member LLC. Lots of the words sound scary and serious but there are only a few sections that actually require your input.


I avoided this step for 9 months because I was afraid of it. Once I started the process, it took less than 15 minutes. I promise it's not as bad as it looks.


At the end, you'll have to pay $99 to submit the filing. And yes, they do take credit cards ; ) If you do happen to make a mistake and your LLC isn't approved, the $99 is refunded and you can apply again.

Congrats! You made it this far!

Step 3: File for an EIN


Technically this should be step 3.5 since you'll have to wait patiently for a few days while your LLC is approved by Ohio but you might get approval as quickly as the same day. Regardless, your next step is filing for an "Employee Identification Number". You will need this to open a business bank account and credit card. Think of it like a social security number for your business.


Go to this page on the IRS website and click on "Apply Online Now" under Step 3. You'll need to complete this form in one sitting - again, don't be scared. It's EZ <3. Plus, you get your new digits instantly after filing.


EIN applications are free and anyone charging beaucoup bucks to file this for you is as evil as Turbotax in January.

Step 4: Save Everything


This goes without saying but let's say it. All of your official LLC/EIN documents from the government should be saved and backed up. You'll need them for the future.

Step 5: Open a Business Bank Account and Credit Card


Don't be like me and open a business bank account before you filed for your LLC - you can't transfer accounts to a new SSN/EIN as I unfortunately learned.


Take your shiny new numbers and reach out to a bank of your choosing. I use a local bank (Huntington) but my wife uses NOVO for her business and she's a big fan. You'll need official mail as well as your EIN documentation to file but the hardest part about this process is being patient while you wait for approval.


The business credit card account is much the same. I'm a fan of Chase Business Ink but you're better off going to NerdWallet and seeing their recommendations.

BONUS! Step 6: Margaritas and Tacos


Now that you're a proud business owner with an official EIN and shiny new credit card, you should go celebrate with a cold margy and some hot tacos. Try not to panic about figuring out your accounting and definitely don't think about next year's taxes. And remember, everything (including the margs) is a business expense.


I'm kidding.

Closing Notes and Links


While this process is super straightforward, it gets more complex if you have partners or employees for your business. At that point, working with a law firm and accountant is never a bad idea. But for the sole proprietors and individual LLCs, there's really no need to pay someone money when you can do this whole process in less than a week for no more than the $99 filing cost.


For more info on LLCs and starting a business in the state of Ohio, here are some helpful links that guided me through my own filing:

For other small business tools, I recommend the following:

  • Wave Accounting. There's a free tier that works like Quickbooks for dummies. However they did recently change what's included so it may no longer be the best option.
  • For my photographers, Pixieset is the best. Client galleries, website templates, and CRM all in one. There are some features missing that I desperately want but they're coming down the pipeline. Even with that, I still prefer this platform over any other.