Start a Business in Ohio
Costs, permits, taxes, and requirements for OH.
- Cost rank
- 10th of 50
- 90% of the national average · tied with 2 other states
- State income tax
- 0-3.75%
- Charged on top of federal income tax
- Sales tax
- 5.75%
- You collect it on taxable sales and remit it to the state
- LLC filing fee
- $99
- One-off, paid to the Secretary of State · 17th cheapest of 50 (median $100)
Where Ohio sits on cost
Cheapest third to most expensive third, by startup cost index. Hover a state for its index and rank.
What's different in Ohio
Ohio taxes commercial activity on gross receipts above an exclusion threshold, which most very small businesses stay under and a growing one needs to watch — the point to plan for is the year revenue crosses the line, not the year profit does. The state has three separate metropolitan markets rather than one dominant city, so a business scaling beyond its home region is entering a new market rather than expanding an existing one. Industrial and commercial space is cheap by national standards, which suits anything needing a workshop or a yard, and the state's road and rail position keeps inbound freight costs low.
- A threshold, then a receipts tax
- Below the exclusion nothing is owed; the planning question is what happens the year you pass it.
- Three metros, not one
- Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati are separate markets with separate competitors and rents.
- Cheap space, good freight
- Workshops and warehousing cost little and sit on strong road and rail links.
Business Guides for Ohio
All 53, cheapest first. Ranges are what that business actually costs in OH.
Under $10K 22
- Notary Services $270 – $1,800
- Pet Sitting $450 – $2,700
- Social Media Management $450 – $2,700
- Dog Walking $450 – $4,500
- Web Design $450 – $4,500
- E-Commerce $450 – $9,000
- Tutoring $450 – $9,000
- Graphic Design $900 – $9,000
- Window Cleaning $900 – $9,000
- Bookkeeping $1,800 – $9,000
- Cleaning Business $2,000 – $10,000
- Handyman $2,000 – $10,000
- Personal Training $2,000 – $10,000
- House Painting $1,800 – $13,500
- Pool Cleaning $1,800 – $13,500
- Tax Preparation $1,800 – $13,500
- Vending Machine $2,700 – $13,500
- Photography $2,000 – $15,000
- Lawn Care $3,000 – $15,000
- Pressure Washing $3,000 – $15,000
- Consulting $900 – $18,000
- Event Planning $1,800 – $18,000
$10K – $50K 16
- DJ Service $2,700 – $18,000
- Interior Design $1,800 – $22,500
- Carpet Cleaning $4,500 – $22,500
- Massage Therapy $4,500 – $22,500
- Mobile Spa $7,200 – $22,500
- Auto Detailing $5,000 – $40,000
- Wedding Photography $9,000 – $36,000
- Junk Removal $4,500 – $45,000
- Pest Control $9,000 – $45,000
- Landscaping $5,000 – $50,000
- Pet Grooming $4,500 – $67,500
- Catering $9,000 – $67,500
- Florist $9,000 – $67,500
- Tree Service $9,000 – $67,500
- Electrician $13,500 – $67,500
- Plumbing $13,500 – $67,500
$50K and up 15
- Bakery $2,000 – $100,000
- Yoga Studio $13,500 – $90,000
- HVAC $18,000 – $90,000
- Moving Company $18,000 – $90,000
- Barber Shop $22,500 – $108,000
- Nail Salon $27,000 – $135,000
- Hair Salon $31,500 – $135,000
- Gym $45,000 – $135,000
- Food Truck $50,000 – $175,000
- Ice Cream Shop $45,000 – $270,000
- Coffee Shop $72,000 – $270,000
- Daycare $4,500 – $450,000
- Car Wash $45,000 – $450,000
- Laundromat $90,000 – $450,000
- Restaurant $157,500 – $450,000
Get a personalized cost estimate for Ohio
Calculate CostsBusiness Requirements in Ohio
Register Your Business
File with Ohio Secretary of State. LLC fee: $99
Get Business License
Most cities require a general business license ($50-$300).
Get EIN
Free from IRS. Required for bank accounts and taxes.
Register for Sales Tax
State rate: 5.75%. Local taxes may apply.
Get Business Insurance
General liability protects from lawsuits. Often required by landlords.