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How to Shut Down a Business in Ohio

Complete guide to dissolving your business entity with the Ohio Secretary of State.

Quick Answer

To dissolve a business in Ohio, file Certificate of Dissolution of Domestic Limited Liability Company with the Ohio Secretary of State. The LLC filing fee is $50 and corporation fee is $50. Ohio requires tax clearance from the Ohio Department of Taxation before dissolution. Standard processing takes 3-7 business days.

Quick Facts

Filing Agency Ohio Secretary of State
Website https://www.ohiosos.gov/businesses/filing-forms--fee-schedule/
LLC Dissolution Fee $50
Corporation Dissolution Fee $50
Tax Clearance Required Yes
Processing Time 3-7 business days
Online Filing Yes
Phone (877) 767-3453

LLC Dissolution in Ohio

Form
Certificate of Dissolution of Domestic Limited Liability Company
Fee
$50
Online
Yes
Processing
3-7 business days
Download Form →

Steps to Dissolve an LLC

  1. 1 Vote to dissolve according to your operating agreement or by majority vote of members
  2. 2 Wind up business affairs, settle all debts and obligations
  3. 3 Notify all known creditors in writing
  4. 4 File final tax returns with the Ohio Department of Taxation
  5. 5 Submit Notification of Dissolution or Surrender (Form D5) to the Ohio Department of Taxation
  6. 6 Obtain Certificate of Tax Clearance from the Ohio Department of Taxation
  7. 7 File Certificate of Dissolution (Form 562) with the Secretary of State ($50 fee)
  8. 8 Cancel any licenses, permits, and trade names

Corporation Dissolution in Ohio

Form
Certificate of Dissolution of For-Profit Domestic Corporation
Fee
$50
Online
Yes
Processing
3-7 business days
Download Form →

Steps to Dissolve a Corporation

  1. 1 Board of directors adopts a resolution recommending dissolution
  2. 2 Shareholders approve dissolution by majority vote
  3. 3 Notify all known creditors and claimants in writing
  4. 4 Wind up business affairs, settle debts, and distribute remaining assets
  5. 5 File final tax returns with the Ohio Department of Taxation
  6. 6 Submit Notification of Dissolution or Surrender (Form D5) to the Department of Taxation
  7. 7 Obtain Certificate of Tax Clearance from the Department of Taxation
  8. 8 File Certificate of Dissolution (Form 561) with the Secretary of State ($50 fee)
  9. 9 Cancel all business licenses and permits

Tax Requirements

Tax Clearance Required
Yes
Final Return Required
Yes

Tax Agency: Ohio Department of Taxation

https://tax.ohio.gov/

Phone: (614) 387-1801

Tax clearance is required before dissolution. Submit Form D5 (Notification of Dissolution or Surrender) to the Ohio Department of Taxation Tax Release Unit at least 30 days before your planned dissolution filing date. The Department will review all business tax accounts. A Certificate of Tax Clearance will not be issued until all returns are filed and all taxes/fees are paid.

Additional Requirements

Publication Required: No
Creditor Notification: Must notify all known creditors and claimants in writing with a deadline to submit claims
Employee Notification: Must comply with federal WARN Act for layoffs of 100+ employees. Provide final paychecks by next regular payday or within 15 days of termination.
Board/Member Approval: LLCs require member vote per operating agreement. Corporations require board resolution and shareholder majority approval.
Winding Up Period: Entity continues to exist for purposes of winding up after dissolution is filed
Registered Agent: Statutory agent must be maintained until dissolution is complete and all affairs are wound up

Contact Information

Agency: Ohio Secretary of State

Address: 22 North Fourth Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Phone: (877) 767-3453

Website: https://www.ohiosos.gov/businesses/filing-forms--fee-schedule/

Online Portal: https://www.ohiobusinesscentral.gov/

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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Information is sourced from official state websites and was last verified in 2026. Always confirm current requirements directly with the Ohio Secretary of State. Consult an attorney for advice specific to your situation.