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Essential Information for Maintaining the Active Status of Your Business & Trade Names

Avoid cancellation. To ensure your business and trade names remain active, review the following required updates.

About Reminder Notices

Reminder notices are sent to the email or registered agent’s address on record with the Secretary of State’s office.

To receive reminder notices, the following addresses must be current:

  • Registered Agent name and address

  • Email address

Secretary of State Required Filings

Professional Associations Biennial Reports

  • Due Date: July 1 – July 31 in even-numbered years after formation.

  • Failure to file will result in the cancellation of the Professional Association.

Limited Liability Partnerships Biennial Reports

  • Due Date: April 1 – July 1 in odd-numbered years after formation.

  • Failure to file will result in the cancellation of the Limited Liability Partnership.

Nonprofit Statement of Continued Existence

  • Nonprofit Corporations are effective for five years.

  • A Statement of Continued Existence must be filed every five years if no other business filings have been submitted.

  • Due Date: six-month window prior to the expiration date.

  • Failure to file will result in the cancellation of the nonprofit.

Trade Name and Fictitious Name Renewals

  • Trade Name and Fictitious Name filings are effective for five years.

  • Due Date: six-month window prior to expiration date.

  • Failure to file will result in the cancellation of the name.

Trademark & Service Mark Renewals

  • Trademark and Service Mark registrations are effective for ten years.

  • Due Date: six-month window prior to expiration date.

  • Failure to renew will result in the cancellation of the mark registration.

Registered Agent Update

The following domestic (Ohio) and foreign business entities must maintain a current registered agent and address:

  • Corporations

  • Professional Associations

  • Nonprofit Corporations

  • Limited Liability Companies

  • Limited Partnerships

  • Partnerships

  • Business Trusts

  • Real Estate Investment

Due Date: within 30 days of a change. Failure to update may result in the cancellation of the business.

Attorney General Required Filings

Charities operating in Ohio are required to file a one-time registration and annual reports with the Ohio Attorney General’s office.