To officially close your business with the State of Ohio, you may need to take several steps, including filing a dissolution with the Secretary of State and closing any state-level business accounts. Additional steps may be required at the federal and local levels.

File a Dissolution

Depending on your business structure, you may need to file a formal dissolution with the Ohio Secretary of State to legally end your business entity. 

How to Dissolve a Business

Close Business Accounts

You must cancel all business accounts registered with the state and terminate any active licenses. Below are common accounts and filings that may need to be closed:

Close Tax Accounts

You must close your tax accounts, which may include filing a final sales tax return and canceling your vendor’s license.

You may also need to close:

• Use tax,
• Commercial Activity Tax,
• employer withholding, and
• excise and energy tax accounts.

Domestic, for-profit corporations must also obtain a Certificate of Tax Clearance.

Contact the Department of Taxation

Close Unemployment Compensation Tax Account

Deactivate your unemployment online in The SOURCE, Ohio's unemployment insurance tax system.

Contact the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Cancel Workers’ Compensation Policy

You must cancel your workers' compensation policy with the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation.

Failure to do so may result in continued billing, penalties, and invoices. 

Contact BWC.

Cancel Professional Licenses

If your business or profession required a license, you may need to cancel it.

For general information and contacts, visit the Licenses & Permits page.