Ohio Foreign Corporation Registration
Registering with the Ohio Secretary of State Business Services Division is a crucial step for all companies looking to conduct business in Ohio.
Even if you are incorporated in a different state, you have to register as a foreign corporation here in OH in order to do business in Ohio. This means submitting a Foreign Corporation Application for License (Form 530A) or the Foreign Nonprofit Corporation Application for License (Form 530B) depending on your business entity. Once approved, you’ll be sent a Certificate of Authority and be good to go.
If you are in need of registered agent service, then look no further. For as little as $248 plus state fees we will be your registered agent and prepare and file your foreign corporation application for you.
What is an Ohio Certificate of Authority?
An Ohio Certificate of Authority is your gateway to conducting business in the state. This certificate tells the state that you are registered appropriately with the Ohio Secretary of State and are in good standing.
What happens if you don’t register your corporation in Ohio?
You should not conduct business here in Ohio if you have not completed your foreign corporation registration. If you do business here without registering or completing your registration, then according to Ohio State Law (Section 1703.29) you will be fined a $250 business penalty fee and receive a 15% forfeiture fee according to the amount of shares in your corporation.
How to Register a Foreign Corporation
Registering your Ohio Foreign Corporation is easy with our handy guide.
1. Company Name Availability And Qualification
Search for your corporation’s name using the Ohio Secretary of State Business name search tool. If your company’s name already taken in Ohio, you will need to choose an Assumed name to operate under. This can be as simple as your current business name with an “Ohio” tacked onto the end. From there, you can proceed with the application process. Though you might want to verify that your business qualifies as a ‘transacting business’ in Ohio.
What counts as conducting business in Ohio?
Ohio a special place because it does not clearly state what conduct of business qualifies entities as “transacting business” in the state. However, typically it is considered that conducting business here is when you have a physical space within the state, such as an office, warehouse, or store, where you do business. Also, if you are actively hiring employees in the state, or posses licensing within the state, then you would be considered as conducting business here.
Internet sales can make it a bit more complicated, but typically, if you have a sales representative based out of Ohio, that counts, too.
2. Hire an Ohio Registered Agent
Also called a statutory agent or a designated agent, this is a person local to Ohio or a business located in Ohio designated to receive legal documents on your business behalf.
We at Ohio Registered Agent have an office locally in Ohio and our address is listed on the top of all of our website pages. Whether you are registering a foreign corporation, forming a local business, or just need of a registered agent, we make it easy to do it all. Hire us to be your registered agent and you’ll find all the necessary forms pre-signed and pre-populated with our Ohio registered agent information on them. We strive to make everything you need to complete your filings is just a few clicks away.
3. Request a Certificate of Good Standing From Your Home State
A Certificate of Good Standing is a state issued document which proves that your company has been successfully and legally registered with that state, current with all state fees and filed all reports. This document is required to be submitted with your Ohio foreign corporation paperwork, and it cannot be dated more than 90 days prior to you filling your application.
4. Pay your fees and submit your paperwork
It costs a flat rate of $99 to submit your paperwork with the Ohio Secretary of State. This guarantees you a turnaround of 7 business days on your application. For an additional fee, you can get expedited service.
Expedite Services:
2 business days – $100 (online, in-person or mail)
1 business day – $200 (online, in-person or mail)
4hrs – $300 (Must be done in person and received by 1:00PM)
FAQ
What form do I need to file?
You will need to complete and submit a Foreign Corporation Application for License (Form 530A) or the Foreign Nonprofit Corporation Application for License (Form 530B) depending on your business entity.
Do I need a Certificate of Good Standing from my home state?
Yes, unlike foreign LLCs, foreign corporations are required to submit a Certificate of Good Standing from their home state. Also, the certificate must be dated within 90 days of filing.
What does it mean to be a “transacting business” for corporations?
Ohio’s definition of a “transacting business” is very vague and does not formally define whats is considered to be a “transacting business” for foreign corporations specifically. However, Ohio does provide a list of activities that are not considered transacting business for LLC. you can also find this list on our Foreign LLC page
Can I operate in Ohio while my application is pending?
No. You should not conduct business in Ohio until your registration is fully approved. Doing so could lead to penalties such as a $250 business penalty fee and receive a 15% shares penalty.