Ohio Business License
Are you thinking of starting a new small business in Ohio? Then you'll find the official website ohio.gov, to be a practical resource. The site features a Business section complete with a page devoted to Starting a Business in Ohio.
From what type of business you will start to how to fill out your license application, this website has everything you will need to start your new business.
Getting information on starting a small business in Ohio
Additionally, visitors can find links to relevant state publications, including a multi-part brochure dedicated to all things business. Below is the information you will find included in each part of the brochure:
Part 1 - Starting Your Ohio Business - Part One covers multiple topics on starting your business. This includes business registration, hiring employees, taxes, licenses, permits, and meeting environmental requirements.
Part 2 - Starting Your Ohio Business - Part Two contains coverage on topics including financing options for your small business.
In addition to these resources, website visitors can access online checklists. These checklists help new business owners streamline their launch. And they also assure that all start-up tasks get completed.
Secure All Needed Licenses For Your Business
Nearly all businesses are required to register their company with the State of Ohio. This common type of registration is a business license. Your Ohio business license gives you the legal right to do business in Ohio. It is important to find out, and follow, all the license requirements for your area.
In addition to a State Issued business license, some types of businesses may require other permits or licenses to operate in Ohio lawfully. Ohio uses several agencies to issue industry-specific permits and license. To find out whether your company requires additional permits, visit the Permits and Licenses web page found on the Business section of ohio.gov.
Depending on your residency or the city your business operates in, local licenses or permits may be required. To find out whether you need local permits or licenses, check the city website for more details or contact information.
File Your Business Forms And Records
Once you've secured all necessary forms and permits for your Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Corporation, the next step is filing all legal documents with the State of Ohio. The office in charge of official business filings is the Secretary of State.
Different types of business will require different tax filings. Be sure to pick the best business structure for your particular business. To find out more about these filing requirements, visit the Business Service section of the Secretary of State website.
Get Licensed Professionally
Many occupations are subject to additional licensing requirements by the State of Ohio. A sample of professions that need additional licenses include beauticians, doctors, lawyers, health care professional, CPA's, engineers, and numerous others.
Website visitors can locate an alphabetical list of occupations that require further licenses on the Business section of Ohio's official website, ohio.gov. Also included on the web page are links to the relevant regulatory commissions and boards, as well as other applications, fee schedules, and other required forms.
The Registration Of A Trade, Assumed or Fictitious Business Name
In many cases, small businesses don't use the formal name of their owner to do business. Instead, they use a business name. When registering an LLC or a Corporation, business owners have the option to operate using a name other than their registered name.
When company owners choose to do business using a name other than a registered name, this is referred to as Doing Business As (DBA), Assumed, Trade, or Fictitious business name.
Ohio corporations and LLCs are required to file a form with the Secretary of State if they plan on using an assumed name. Partnerships and sole proprietorship businesses using a name other than those of the company owners are also required to file their fictitious name (DBA) with the Secretary of State.
Trademark or Service Mark Registration
Trade and other service marks are unique identifiers for companies large and small. Each type of mark offers specific protection in the event of infringement or misuse by unauthorized parties. The most common business marks include trade names, trademarks, service marks, and logos.
Be sure to trade mark your business' creative and intellectual property. By doing this, you're taking steps to protect your IP so other companies or competitors can't use them. The Ohio Secretary of State website offers a free publication called Registering Your Service Mark or Trade Mark. This publication can help answer questions about Trademarking your IP.
Keep in mind that trademark registration on a state level is separate from Federal registration. Therefore, additional filing requirements are needed in order to get Federal coverage. Visit the Publication section on the Secretary of State website for more information.
In conclusion, there are many facets involved in starting your own business. This article has highlighted 5 of the top areas necessary when registering your business license. For additional information be sure to check with the resources listed above.
The chamber of commerce is also a great resource for you as you start your new business. We are here to help you succeed. Be sure to get your business listed in our registry so other local businesses can find you.
FAQ
What are the steps to get started in Ohio?
Registering your business is the first step in starting a business. To operate in Ohio, corporations, limited liability companies, and professional corporations must register with the Ohio Secretary of State. All businesses, regardless of their form, must register with the Department of Taxation. This includes employers and sales, tax collectors.
What license do I need for an Ohio business?
Although there is not one type of business license that all businesses need, Ohio requires that the state licenses certain types and professions. These businesses are licensed by various state agencies, with the most common being the Department of Commerce. There are also several Ohio occupational licensing boards that supervise the licensing of certain professions. You can check whether your business needs a license at the Ohio Business Gateway website at http://business.ohio.gov/licensing/.
Do you need a local license?
Some municipalities and cities require that businesses obtain permits and licenses from local authorities to meet state requirements. The county in which the business is located issues some business licenses. Vendor licenses, which can be used to sell tangible goods, are usually issued by the county. To find out the required licenses for your business, it is a good idea to check with your county and city business divisions.
What information is required to register my company or obtain a license?
Although the information requested varies from one application to another, there are some things that all Ohio business applications will require. These are:
- Name of the business
- Contact information and business address
- Business purpose and nature
- Names of partners, owners, or officers
- Get your Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), which can be obtained from the IRS, or your Social Security Number.
Additional information may be required if your occupation is regulated in the state. You will need documentation to prove that you have met all requirements for licensing before you apply for a local license.
