If you're going to operate your business in Ohio, when you start up you're likely to incur filing fees and licensing fees depending on the type of business you run and your business form (corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC)).

Corporations. Whether you are a domestic corporation incorporated in Ohio or a foreign corporation, you will be subject to various registration requirements and fees when you start doing business in Ohio. The following are some of the major initial corporate filings and fees that corporations must send to the Ohio Secretary of State.

For businesses incorporating in Ohio, the filing fees for the articles of incorporation are calculated on a graduated scale when the corporation authorizes more than 1,500 shares. In such a case, the following fees apply:

Limited liability companies (LLCs). If your company is either a domestic or foreign limited liability company (LLC), file the following documents as applicable with the Ohio Secretary of State:

Licenses and fees. Ohio requires that you obtain a license and pay a fee if you are operating certain types of businesses in the state. Below is a partial list of some of the types of businesses required to obtain a license. Be sure to check with the state to make sure you are complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.

• asbestos abatement activity
• auctioneers
• barbers
• chiropractors
• cosmetologists
• fraternal benefit societies
• hospice care provider
• insurance agents and solicitors
• motor vehicle salespeople
• real estate