I paid a formation service to set up my LLC about 10 days ago and they keep saying it's 'in process' but I'm starting to wonder if they've even filed anything. Is there a way to check with the state directly? I'm in Ohio if that matters.
Formation
I want to verify my formation company actually submitted the paperwork
Ohio Secretary of State has a business search tool on their website. Just search your proposed LLC name. If it shows up as active or pending, they filed. If nothing shows, they haaven't.
10 days is nothing lol. Mine took almost 3 weeks and the company’s portal just said 'processing' the whole time
Also check your email spam folder. Sometimes the state sends a confirmation with a filing number that the formation company forwards but it gets buried.
What does the formation company's dashboard say? Most of them have a document section where you can download the stamped articles once approved.
Forgot to add—Ohio's search is pretty quick.If you haven't gotten a filing receipt from the company yet, ask them for the state-issued document number. They should have it if they filed.
Half these formation services are just a guy with a laptop and a Stripe account. Not saying yours is, but...
Mine was a real company and still slow. Depends on the state's backlog too.
You can also call the Ohio SOS business division. They’ll look it up by your name or the company name. Might be on hold for a bit but usually helpful.
If they haven't filed, you might be able to cancel and file yourself. Ohio's online filing is pretty straightforward. But 10 days is honestly still in normal range, though.
Also—did you pay for expedited? If not, standard processing in Ohio can take up to 2-3 weeks depending on volume.
One more thing: if the formation company used a registered agent service and filed under that agent's address, the business search might show it differently. But your LLC name should still be there.
Just wait a few more days then escalate. If they can't give you a state filing number by Monday, that's a red flag.