Ohio Business Filing Deadlines & Ongoing Requirements

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Ohio ongoing requirements

Recurring filings

  • File Biennial Report (limited liability partnerships): every 2 years by July 1; fee $25.
  • State tax returns and payments (sales, withholding, unemployment) follow the schedule your agency assigns when you register.

Tax registration

  • Register for state taxes with Ohio Department of Taxation. Official page
  • Business-level tax: Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) on gross receipts; no corporate income tax. 0.26% of Ohio taxable gross receipts above a $6 million exclusion; there is no annual minimum tax.
  • Sales tax: get a Ohio vendor's license from Ohio Department of Taxation before you sell taxable goods. Official page
  • Remote sellers must register once sales into the state pass $100,000 a year.
  • Local sales taxes are collected through the state return.
  • If you have employees, withhold Ohio income tax from wages and register for withholding. Official page

Hiring

  • Register for unemployment insurance with Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The 2026 taxable wage base is $9,000 per employee; experience-rated rates run from 0.4% to 10.1%. Official page
  • New employers start at 2.7%.
  • Workers' compensation must be bought from the state fund, run by Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation. Required when: 1 employee
  • Post the required labor notices at your workplace. Official page

Formation

  • Form your LLC or corporation with Ohio Secretary of State. Official page
  • A trade name (DBA) is registered with the state.

Agencies

  • Business filings and annual reports: Ohio Secretary of State. Official page
  • Taxes: Ohio Department of Taxation. Official page
  • Unemployment insurance and labor rules: Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Official page
  • Workers' compensation: Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation.
  • Contractor licensing: Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (commercial trades).
  • Real estate licensing: Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing.
  • Alcohol licensing: Ohio Division of Liquor Control.
  • Child care licensing: Ohio Department of Children and Youth.
  • Health facility licensing: Ohio Department of Health.

Exceptions to watch

  • Municipal income tax registration (City tax administrator / Ohio Business Gateway): Ohio municipalities levy net profits and payroll income taxes; register via the Ohio Business Gateway or the city.
  • Cannabis: adult-use licensing, regulated by Ohio Division of Cannabis Control (Department of Commerce).

Checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Rules change; confirm each item with its agency.

Cities and counties in Ohio

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