Resources

Client Alerts, News Articles, Blog Posts, & Multimedia

Everything you need to know about BMD and the industry.

Ohio Modernizes and Improves its Laws Governing Limited Liability Companies

Client Alert
February 17, 2022

Effective Feb. 11, 2022, the Ohio Revised Limited Liability Company Act (“Revised Act”) now governs all limited liability companies formed under Ohio law. The law updates and replaces the existing LLC Act and has important implications for business owners in Ohio. Passage of the Revised Act makes Ohio one of only 16 states that permits the formation of “Series” LLCs. The legislation is intended to be one of the most progressive LLC acts in the country, but retains the terminology used in Ohio’s current LLC act. A summary of important changes is provided below.

Governance of Ohio LLCs

The Revised Act grants LLC members more control over conducting the LLC’s affairs. The Revised Act eliminates the distinction between member-managed and manager-managed LLCs and allows members of an LLC to organize their business as they see fit. The LLC’s governance structure may be set forth in the operating agreement or by decision of the members in accordance with the operating agreement. Under the Revised Act, LLCs may implement a structure similar to for-profit corporation governance, such as a board of directors.

‘Series’ LLCs Permitted in the Revised Act

The Revised Act makes asset protection simpler and more flexible for Ohio investors. The Revised Act reduces shared liability among multiple properties or assets because of its acceptance of Series LLCs. A Series LLC creates one “parent” LLC and several "children" sub-LLCs among which to split assets. Practically, if one of the sub-series LLCs gets sued, the assets held by the other children sub-LLCs and the parent LLC are shielded from any shared liability. While investors obtain the same asset protection that comes with using multiple, traditional LLCs, in a Series LLC model, only one parent LLC is opened. Assets owned by one Series are shielded from the risk of liability of others within the same Series LLC. 

Practically, a Series LLC structure is useful in a limited set of circumstances.  Real estate investors are primary users of Series LLCs because of the ease and applicability of Series LLCs to investment property portfolios. Rather than creating multiple companies to own investment property, each Series LLC adds inherent investment protection by isolating one property from the others.

Cancellation for Failure to Maintain Statutory Agent

The Revised Act also imposes statutory penalties on LLCs that fail to maintain (or fail to update) their statutory agent’s name and address. The Revised Act directs the Secretary of State to cancel an LLC’s registration, after providing the LLC with notice and a 30-day opportunity to cure. The Revised Act provides for the ability to reinstate a cancelled LLC by submitting the appropriate form and paying a fee.

Cost and Tax Benefits

The Revised Act has strong cost and tax benefits, too. For example, investors will pay fewer registration fees for multiple LLCs when using the Series LLC model. Additionally, only one federal employer identification number is needed for a Series LLC and each sub-series is listed on one singular tax return.

The incorporation of Series LLCs into state law represents a noteworthy change in the law pertaining to limited liability companies in Ohio. To ensure compliance with the Revised Act, to examine how the Series LLC may benefit your business, or for strategic planning for your business, contact Brandon Pauley, btpauley@bmdllc.com or 614-246-7510 or any member of the BMD Business Law team.

Ohio Revised Limited Liability Company Actllcsohiorevised actBrandon Pauley
Client Alert

Top Questions of Employers - Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law

July 17, 2020One month ago, the United States Supreme Court, in Bostock v. Clayton County, determined that federal law (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964) protects employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Our earlier post discussed the full decision. The purpose of this article is to share and address the Top Questions of Employers since that decision was rendered.Client Alert

Healthcare Acquisitions and Divestitures During the COVID-19 Pandemic

July 9, 2020It seems as though all aspects of our personal and professional lives have been impacted in one way or another by the COVID-19 public health emergency. Healthcare acquisitions and divestitures are no exception. Although the ramifications depend on the specific circumstances of each transaction, we are noticing certain common threads woven among recently closed and currently in progress transactions in the healthcare industry. Here are a few of the questions that often arise as we work with clients to navigate the current business landscape both during and after the COVID epidemic.Client Alert

Ministerial Exception to Title VII

July 9, 2020On July 8, 2020, the United States Supreme Court issued a 7–2 decision holding that religious institutions, such as churches and religion-based schools, are shielded from employment discrimination lawsuits — including claims brought under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In doing so, the Court decided in favor of two Catholic schools facing legal discrimination claims from former teachers who alleged wrongful termination from their employment for age and disability.Client Alert

Ohio House Passes Bill 679 Establishing & Modifying Telehealth Service Requirements

July 6, 2020In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Ohio Department of Health, Department of Medicaid, and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services issued emergency rules expanding telehealth services and increasing access to healthcare while the public was under a stay-at-home order. On June 10, 2020, the Ohio House of Representatives favorably (91 votes for and 3 votes against) passed House Bill 679 (“HB 679”), establishing new and modifying existing requirements regarding the provision of telehealth services in Ohio. This bill essentially turns the various administrative emergency rules into law and will fundamentally change the way healthcare is delivered in the state.Client Alert

Ohio House Passes Bill 388 Including Out-of-Network Reimbursement Requirements

July 6, 2020On May 20, 2020, the Ohio House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 388, which would enact five new Ohio Revised Code sections regarding out-of-network care and reimbursement.
Older posts
Newer posts