An Ohio Certificate of Authority (CA) allows companies to register as foreign entities. They must register before doing business within the state. Companies incorporated in other states must obtain a CA before business in Ohio.
Companies registered as foreign entities in Ohio do not have to incorporate in Ohio. Instead, they can choose to use a domestic corporation to conduct business in the state.
A foreign entity is not required in Ohio to incorporate. However, it is still important to understand how you can benefit from registering as a foreign entity.
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Why Apply for a Certificate of Authority in Ohio?
A Certificate of Authority is required for most businesses that are looking to do business in Ohio. This includes banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, insurance agencies, and many others. In fact, it is one of the biggest requirements for opening a small business in Ohio. You don’t have to apply for a certificate of authority just because you’re planning to start up a brick-and-mortar store or office space. But if you want to offer banking services, sell life insurance, or provide loans, you’ll need to go ahead and get one. Why? Because the state requires it.
What Do I Need to Know Before Applying for an OH Certificate of Authority?
To start a new business in Ohio, you must obtain a certificate of authority from the Secretary of State. You’ll need to submit certain documents, like a Certificate of Good Standing, a Registered Agent, and a Certified Copy of Your Home State’s Certificate of Good Standing.
An Ohio certificate of authority is required to do business in the state of Ohio. This includes filing taxes, opening bank accounts, selling goods or providing services.
Companies must file paperwork with the Office of the Secretary of States to obtain a certificate of authorization. They are given a number and a name. Once approved, companies can use that number and name to register their business.
A company cannot conduct business in the state of OH without being registered with the state.
What kind of certificate of authority do I need?
Opening an office or physical location requires a certificate of authority if it involves hiring employees in another state. You must obtain a certificate of authority if the hiring person lives outside the United States. If you are planning to use a third party like Paypal to process payments, you must obtain a certificate of authorization before starting a contract or job.
How do I become an official agent for the state of Ohio?
The Ohio Secretary of State’s office offers several online ways to apply for a certificate of authority. You can submit an electronic form via eForms Online, fax it to 855-867-3223, or mail it to:
Certificate of Authority Application
Ohio Secretary of State
PO Box 3888
Columbus, OH 43215
You must pay the $25 fee within 30 days of receiving your receipt. If you are applying for a new certificate, you must complete the process within 90 days of submitting your application.
For Foreign Corporations:
A registered agent is a person that represents your company in Ohio, helping you file the proper paperwork and handling any legal issues. If you want to form a foreign corporation, there are several steps involved. First, you must register your foreign corporation with the Secretary of State. Then, you must pay a $100 filing fee. Finally, you must hire a registered agent. Here’s what you need to know about each step.
You must register your foreign corporation in Ohio within 30 days of forming it. This includes paying a $25 filing fee. However, if you use the streamlined process, this cost is waived. In addition, you must provide proof of incorporation such as a certificate of formation, articles of incorporation, corporate resolution, or similar documents.
Step Two: Filing Fees
The filing fees vary depending on whether you do standard processing or expedited processing. Standard processing costs $200 plus a $50 late penalty. Expedited processing charges $400 plus a $50 late fee.
Step Three: Hiring a Registered Agent
If you decide to go with a registered agent, you must hire one within 10 days of registering your corporation. This For agent will represent your company in Ohio. They will assist you with filing the necessary paperwork, including renewals, amendments, and changes to your corporate information.
Foreign Limited Liability Companies:
Registering your foreign corporation is simple with our checklist. We’ve already done it for you.
Hiring an Ohio-registered agent like us is important if you want your mail to arrive.
Request a certificate of good standing – like we did for you – from your home state before submitting your paperwork.
You can choose between regular or fast processing.
Foreign Nonprofit Corporations:
To register a foreign nonprofit corporation in Ohio, you need to hire an Ohio registered agent, which costs about $1,500 per year. You also need to file a certificate of good standings with your home state, which costs about $100. If you want to do it yourself, there are different levels of processing time depending on how much money upfront you put down.
The fastest way to process your papers is to pay the most upfront. For example, if you pay $5,000, you will receive your registration within 30 days. However, if you pay $2,500, you will wait 90 days. If you pay $1,250, you will wait 180 days. These numbers are based off of the average processing time for each level.
You can apply for an expedited application online if you don’t want to pay upfront. This option allows you to pay less upfront and still receive your documents within 60 days.
Foreign Limited Partnerships:
You must register your foreign corporation before opening its doors. A registered agent is required to receive mailings and other official notices. Request a certificate of good standing from your home state you want to open abankaccountinOhio.Registration with the OhioSecretary of State is easy and inexpensive. Expedited processing is available if you pay extra.
Foreign Limited Liability Partnerships:
Hiring a registered agent is extremely important if you want to set up a foreign limited liability partnership (LLP). This is because it allows you to represent the interests of the LLP in court proceedings.
Requesting a certificate of good standing is required before filing your Articles of Incorporation. This document certifies that the LLC has been adequately incorporated under state law.
A foreign LLC must file its Articles of Incorporation within six months after registering the agent. However, there are two methods to do this: online or via post.
Online registration is free while mailing the papers costs $99. You can pay extra if expedited processing is needed.
Your LLC will receive a Certificate of Filing within seven business days after submitting all necessary paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
How current does the certificate need to be?
It must be filed within 90 days of its due date.
Who has to sign the foreign corporation filing?
A duly authorized official of the foreign Ohio corporation has to sign the form and the document needs to be notarized.
James Rourke is a business and legal writer. He has written extensively on subjects such as contract law, company law, and intellectual property. His work has been featured in publications such as The Times, The Guardian, and Forbes. When he’s not writing, James enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf.
