- 1). Conduct a name availability search with the Ohio Secretary of State, to make certain that the chosen name is not being used by another company. There are four search types that you can conduct when looking up business names: PLAIN, which searches for business names that contain the exact names that you enter; FUZZY, which searches for names with a form similar to the names entered; SOUNDEX, which searches for words that are similar to the words you enter; and STEM, which searches for words that have the same stem form as the words you entered. Consult with an attorney, if necessary, to decide on the best structure.
- 2). Register your business name with the Ohio Secretary of State, if you are using a name other than the business owner's name. Fully complete Form 534A. On the form, check the appropriate box, indicating whether you are registering a trade name or a fictitious name. Do not enter a Social Security number or tax identification number on this form. Return the completed form, along with the $50 filing fee, to the Ohio Secretary of State.
Secretary of State
Business Services Division
180 E. Broad St.
16th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
614-466-3910
1-877-644-6889 - 3). Complete the appropriate form for your business structure, to register your business entity with the Ohio Secretary of State. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships are the only two structures that are not required to register the business entity. Return the completed form, along with the filing fee, to the business services division of the Ohio Secretary of State.
- 4). Obtain a Federal Tax Identification Number, also called an EIN, from the Internal Revenue Service. Visit the IRS website to obtain and EIN immediately. Or, call the Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933; or fax or mail in a completed Form SS-4.
- 5). Contact the county auditor of the county where your business is located to obtain a county vendor's license application. Do this if your business will occupy an actual physical location, from which taxable sales will be made. File the completed application, along with the appropriate fee.
previous post