19 Best LLC Services in Indiana (November 2023)
Initiating a small enterprise in Indiana often involves substantial administrative tasks. Hence, partnering with a reliable Indiana LLC formation provider can be an optimal choice.
To aid you in identifying the ideal LLC service in Indiana for your business entity, we’ve meticulously assessed numerous contenders and have distilled our findings to these top 19.
Working in tandem with our seasoned legal professionals, we evaluated each business structuring service on the basis of its service offerings, client support, and processing speeds.
Best LLC Services
- Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)
- Incfile
- ZenBusiness
- LegalZoom
Indiana Business Entity Tips
When you’re ready to start an LLC in Indiana, there are key steps to follow. Begin by conducting an Indiana entity name search to ensure that your desired business name is available for registration.
Once confirmed, it’s important to draft an Indiana LLC operating agreement, outlining the internal workings and guidelines of your LLC.
You have the option to serve as your own registered agent in Indiana, or you can opt for professional registered agent services. The timeframe for obtaining an LLC in Indiana can vary, typically ranging from a few weeks to a couple of months.
To streamline the process, ensure all necessary information is gathered and promptly submit your filings.
Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is essential for tax purposes, and you can follow the necessary steps to obtain one from the IRS.
Consider utilizing one of the top LLC services in Indiana to receive expert assistance and ensure compliance with all legal requirements throughout the formation process.
Engaging the best registered agent services in Indiana can provide efficient handling of critical documents and legal notifications.
Don’t forget to acquire a business license specific to Indiana, adhering to the licensing requirements relevant to your industry and location.
As you plan your LLC formation budget, factor in the cost to start an LLC in Indiana, including filing fees and any additional services you choose.
If you ever need to change your registered agent, we have an article on that.
Lastly, if the time comes to close and dissolve an Indiana LLC, understanding the proper steps and regulations is essential.
The Best LLC Service in Indiana
We recommend Northwest Registered Agent.
Northwest is Best-In-Class: Some other LLC services maybe cheaper but those other LLC services may also sell your private data. Northwest is a professional firm with top-quality customer support and a client policy of ‘Privacy by Default’.
1. Northwest Registered Agent (Best LLC Service for Privacy)
Price: $39
My top pick for LLC formation service in Indiana is Northwest Registered Agent.
Northwest provides business formations and registered agent services. Northwest has been providing LLC formation services for over 20 years.
They are known for exceptional customer service and are the industry leader in registered agent services. Indiana LLC formations with Northwest are discounted for our readers, just $39, and you also get a year of free registered agent service. This keeps your start-up costs low. Northwest is our top choice, and it’s an LLC service that puts customer service above all else.
Northwest RA Pros and Cons Pros
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#2 Incfile (Best Budget LLC Service)
Incfile is another LLC service that has been in business for nearly 20 years. can be a great choice if you are concerned about start-up costs. They offer free Indiana LLC filing and registered agent services for the first year. A “free LLC” may be good for some, but Incfile needs to make money somehow. This can be done by upselling needed features at a lofty price. If privacy is important to you, Northwest emphasizes customer privacy more than any other LLC service I know. Incfile may not have as many bonus features as its competitors. Still, they offer all the essentials for an additional fee: filing an EIN and registering a DBA, filing annual reports, and others.
Incfile Pros and Cons Pros
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#3 ZenBusiness (Best New LLC Service)
Thanks to competitive technology and a dedication to affordability, ZenBusiness has one of the most affordable LLC services available. Formations start at $0 plus the state fee. ZenBusiness provides Indiana registered agent services at an additional cost of $199/yr. You can choose the Pro package ($199 annually) for a flat annual fee to get business formation, and an operating agreement template.
ZenBusiness Pros and Cons Pros
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#4 LegalZoom (Best for Ongoing Legal Services)
LegalZoom is a great way to get involved with a well-known brand. LegalZoom was founded in 2001 and has grown to offer hundreds of services. LegalZoom is more expensive than the other Indiana LLC services listed in this guide. LegalZoom is not the only option if you need a complete legal service. Rocket Lawyer is another option for LLC services and online legal services. LegalZoom gets pricey after the add-ons.
LegalZoom Pros and Cons Pros
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More and more entrepreneurs are turning to LLC services for creating business entities. The number is in the millions. Incfile alone has helped create over 600,000 businesses.
It can be difficult to start a business. There is a lot to do, so many people become overwhelmed by the legal processes: filing taxes, obtaining business licenses and permits, and filling out the forms.
Indiana has requirements to ensure compliance, such as hiring a registered agent or filing annual reports.
LLC services handle most of the work for you. They simply need to know a little bit about you and your company, and they will start your business for you.
This is legal and allows you to concentrate on other aspects of your business. Many LLC services also offer registered agent services to help you maintain compliance.
Now let me point out a few more names in the online LLC formation space. I’m not recommending any of these other services. I’m just mentioning them for your consideration.
I have a personal story to tell
In 2008 I started a business and hired an attorney to do the LLC formation paperwork. I thought it would be complicated.
I paid $600 plus a $50 state fee to the lawyer in his office. The lawyer got on his computer, entered my name, and some basic information, and then printed out several pieces of paper and said “sign here and here”.
The whole process took about 10 minutes for $600. That same lawyer today probably charges $900 for these 10 minutes of work.
After that, I have only worked with online services.
LLC Formation Lawyers in Indiana
If your business is particularly complex, or if you don’t mind spending $100s of dollars more and want the peace of mind that comes with having an experienced business attorney to form your business entity, you could hire a lawyer instead of a formation service.
Business Attorneys in Indiana
As I just mentioned, hiring an attorney is more expensive than using an online LLC service, but you will obtain a level of competence and experience that can only be provided by an attorney.
I evaluated a long list of Indiana business attorneys on AVVO’s website to find the most qualified LLC formation lawyers.
From Avvo’s list of “best reviewed” business attorneys in Indiana, these are my top four picks.
Tier 2 – Other Indiana LLC Services
Swyft Filings
Swyft Filings was launched in 2012 and are one of the latest services for LLC formation.
Prices start at $0 + state fee. If you need an EIN and LLC operating agreement, the price is $199 + state fee. Swyft Filings charges $199/year for registered agent services.
MyCompanyWorks
MyCompanyWorks has a basic LLC service package that costs $79 and includes assistance with Articles of Organization, Operating Agreement assistance, an online portal to store legal documents, compliance alerts, and assistance with registering with the Indiana Secretary of State.
They have maintained mostly positive reviews online. You will need to buy their premium package for $279 if you want a Indiana registered agent.
Inc Authority
Inc Authority, like Incfile, allows you to file your company formation paperwork free of charge, but each offer comes at an additional cost.
Ask the “free LLC” if they plan to sell your private information. I believe the “Free LLC” is a gimmick just to get you in the door. Yes, their filing service is “free” plus the state fee.
You will need to buy their $399 basic package if you require assistance drafting an Operating Agreement or accessing an EIN.
You will also need to buy their premium $799 package if you want to receive express processing.
Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands is a bit different than the others on my list.
Like their name says, they build brands. Tailor Brands promotes itself as a comprehensive business formation service that provides a complete list of services to entrepreneurs, including compliance and LLC formation, logo design, and branding features.
Tailor Brands offers three formation plans.
Incorporate.com
Incorporate.com offers a $99 base package that includes very few services, similar to Rocket Lawyer or LegalZoom. They offer an online account and assistance in filing your Articles of Organization, and that’s nothing else.
CorpNet
CorpNet has been in business for over 20 years. They will file the initial LLC documents and provide compliance alerts to maintain good standing with the Secretary of State. All for $79.
MyCorporation
MyCorporation is owned and operated by the check printing company Deluxe Corp. Their LLC formation services are like many others on our list.
They charge $133 to prepare your Operating Agreement and process your Articles of Organization. Each additional, comprehensive service comes at an additional cost.
Incorporate Fast
Incorporate Fast offers Indiana LLC formation services at a low $99 price. This includes assistance with filing documents, assistance with filing them, and an Operating Agreement template.
They offer “same-day” filings. They will process and file your documents within 24 hours of receipt.
If you can upgrade to their $199 package, you get an EIN.
BizFilings
BizFilings, another Indiana LLC service provider, charges $99 for the basic package. This includes assistance in filing your limited liability company formation documents and a year of their registered agent services.
Like each of the LLC services, they have additional features for additional fees.
Rocket Lawyer
Similar to LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer offers online legal services. They also offer LLC services such as registering an agent, filing your formation documents, and an online document storage portal.
If you like having access to ongoing legal assistance for a fee, Rocket Lawyer might be a good fit for you.
Active Filings
Active Filings is another LLC formation service, they are based in Dania Beach, Florida. Active Filings has been in business since 2001 but is still a small player in this industry.
According to the company website, they have only four employees.
Direct Incorporation
Direct Incorporation offers the same LLC services that MyCorporation but includes a banking resolution as well as an Employer Identification number. They charge $174 for these services.
If you need an LLC operating agreement, you need to get the next package at $297. They also offer logo design, trademarks, a business website, and email.
InCorp
InCorp costs $99. plus state fees to file your Articles of Organization. Registered agent services are $129 per year.
National Incorporations
Nationwide Incorporators offers basic LLC filing services for $200, and for $475, you get an LLC operating agreement. You get to talk to an attorney. Pricey!
SunDoc Filings
SunDoc Filings has a $79 base package for filing your Articles of Organization. $70 for an EIN and $69 for an LLC operating agreement.
What is a Indiana LLC?
A Indiana LLC, short for limited liability company, is an entity type that combines the flexibility of a sole proprietorship with the financial protection of personal assets.
That’s not a bad thing. Let’s find out what this means.
You would operate as a sole proprietorship if you started selling handcrafted apparel out of your home. Sole proprietorships are legal entities.
This means that everything the business owns, from fabrics to sewing machines, is owned solely by the proprietor. The proprietor pays all taxes.
If the business is sued or taken to court by a third party, the owner may lose all of his or her personal property to pay the damages.
Business entities, such as LLCs, have personal asset protection. This is because the business itself is considered an independent legal entity.
The business can have assets, open a bank account, and be sued. If the business goes under, members of the company cannot lose their assets.
LLCs aren’t subject to a lot of complex requirements, unlike corporations. This makes it an attractive choice for entrepreneurs who want to keep their filings simple and still protect their assets.
Pros and cons of starting a limited liability company in Indiana
An LLC is one of the most common types of entity in America. However, it’s not the right type of entity for everyone.
Only you know your business best and can choose the entity type most appropriate for you. Your vision is clear for the future and your products.
It’s important to understand the pros and cons of LLCs to decide if an LLC is right for your needs.
Pros
- It is easier to create and manage than a corporation
- Protection of personal assets
- A flexible tax structure can be paid as a partnership (or a corporation)
- Exclusive use of a business name within a state is prohibited
Cons
- No authority can issue stock. Therefore, capital-raising opportunities are limited.
- Some states have higher annual fees and taxes than sole proprietorships or partnerships.
- Some entrepreneurs may not be comfortable with the extra paperwork.
How to set up a Indiana LLC on your own
You don’t need to use an LLC formation service such as LegalZoom or ZenBusiness. While these services can be very helpful, you can save money by doing it yourself.
1. Choose a company name
Indiana LLCs need a memorable name that can give potential clients an idea of the products or services available. Names should be unique for both legal and business reasons.
2. Appoint a Registered Agent in Indiana
As we have mentioned, every LLC requires an agent to accept service of process on its behalf. You can be your own registered agent in most states as long as there is a physical address.
However, we recommend that you appoint another person (an online service) as your agent.
3. File the Articles for Organization
Once completed and filed, this document officially forms your Indiana business. Some important information will be required, such as your contact information, business address, signatures of your LLC members, and other details. Indiana charges a $45 filing fee.
It’s easy to set up an LLC. However, it is the maintenance requirements that can be a little more difficult.
4. Register and pay taxes
You will need an IRS Employer Identification Number if you have employees. There are also state-specific taxes. Indiana has graduated income taxes. Individual rates are between 5% to 6.9%, and corporate rates are between 1% to 6.5%. The Franchise Tax is the largest tax burden. Other taxes, such as sales taxes (6.5%) or miscellaneous taxes, will need to be included.
5. Get permits and licenses
Indiana does not have a general business license, but many cities and counties do require one. You might also need to apply in order for an industry license.
6. Create a Indiana LLC Operating Agreement
Even single-member LLCs need to create a master document that outlines how the business will function in the future.
7. Get your annual report.
Indiana’ annual report is a companion to the annual franchise tax. You will file your Indiana annual report with the Department of Finance and Administration and not with the Secretary of State. A minimum tax is $150 per year.
8. Get business insurance
All businesses with employees need to have workers’ compensation insurance. A general business liability policy may be an option.
9. Open a bank account for your business
Register for a bank account in your business name to write checks and make business purchases
My Selection Method for Choosing the Best Indiana LLC Services
This is how I found the best LLC service in Indiana.
I formed an LLC a few years ago and did a lot of research before doing so. Because I have spent so much time on this subject, I believe I am very capable of finding and recommending the best LLC formation services. I also recommend using a registered agent service rather than being your own.
How did I research and choose the best LLC service in Indiana?
My research approach included these four steps to select the best Indiana LLC formation service.
Step 1: Reviews
I began by analyzing the reviews of online customers for the top 19 LLC services in Indiana.
I spent many nights scrolling through the customer feedback on Trustpilot and Google Business Profiles (among other review websites) to discover which LLC services were new, which seemed questionable, and which were legitimate.
Step 2: Website Analysis
Once I had a good idea of who I could trust, I could go to their websites and see exactly what they offered.
To find out who offered what products or business services, I looked through pricing pages and looked at detailed breakdowns.
Step 3: Talking with real customers
Online customer reviews are only one way to learn. To truly understand the experience of using a service, it is important to talk to the people who use it.
I sought out the opinions of customers who I had recommended to me over the years in order to get a clear understanding of Indiana LLC services. I wanted to know how easy the system was, how helpful and polite their support staff is, and how fast they process applications.
This direct feedback from customers helped me to see which promises were fakes and which were legitimate.
Step 4: Talking with their Sales Team
The last step was to talk to their sales team to find out how difficult they were with upsells.
I asked several questions that a first-timer would. Then I waited to see how many times I was encouraged to get additional services.
My Testing and Rating Criteria for Indiana LLC Services
While I was completing my investigative analysis, I was constantly evaluating these LLC formation services on the basis of these four aspects.
1: Features and Services
There are many steps involved in starting an LLC. If you have read at least half of the above, you will know this. Fill out and file your Articles of Organization. You will need an EIN to open bank accounts. Choose a premium registered agent in to get an address in Indiana. And a lot more.
To ensure you get as many completed projects as possible when you invest your money, I first assessed each LLC formation company on the business and product services they offer.
2: Pricing
I checked if they charge extra for a lot of pricey add-ons that are not mentioned at first. I liked the very clear services and upfront with everything. The best value LLC formation services rose to the top.
3: Ease of use
It’s a good idea to sign up for a business formation service that offers a variety of products at a reasonable price without any trouble navigating their system.
I created an account with each Indiana LLC formation service and attempted to register my fictional LLC. This was to ensure that all the systems were easy to use and simple to navigate.
4: Customer service
I was not satisfied with my customer service experiences after the recent corporate trend to outsource customer support to unaffiliated phone centers. These representatives know little about the service they are supporting and the laws and regulations that it is subject to.
I did my best to test their customer service teams to determine the quality of their business formation services. I sent them polite questions, called them to inquire about obvious information, and jumped onto their online chat portals. I also complained about inappropriate things. I wanted to know how they dealt with my comments and requests and how fast it took for them to reply.
Conclusion: Indiana LLC Formation Services
My investigative analysis resulted in my picking Northwest Registered Agent as the best LLC service for Indiana.
FAQs
What is a Indiana LLC?
LLC stands for limited liability company. It’s a type of business structure that lessens your exposure to liability while you operate your company.
What About LegalZoom for an LLC?
LegalZoom is a strong brand name and they provide a wide selection of online legal services but they charge a lot for these services. LegalZoom’s registered agent service is overpriced at $299 per year. They nickel and dime you for every add-on. You could end up spending over $1000 for an LLC formation, registered agent, EIN, LLC operating agreement, and compliance reminders, plus the state fee on top of that.
How much do online filing services charge to form an LLC in Indiana?
Depending on the filing service that you choose, the typical cost to form an LLC in Indiana is between $99 and $199 (plus state fees). Prices will vary greatly based on the services you require and how much work you are ready to perform yourself, and there are many flexible choices available. If you choose to use a premium service like LegalZoom with a shortlist of add-ons, the price can go up considerably.
Every state has a minimal filing fee requirement. If you use an online LLC service like those mentioned above, Northwest Registered Agent has a free DYI plan and Incfile and ZenBusiness have a basic filing plan that is “free”. Or you can choose to “just pay for what you need” so you only pay for the assistance you actually require.
Do I need to form an LLC to operate a business in Indiana?
No, forming an LLC is not a requirement. Depending on your preferred business structure and company objectives, you can also choose to form a corporation or operate as a sole proprietor.
Do I need to use an LLC service to start a limited liability company?
No, you are free to do the filing paperwork yourself or hire an expert to do most of the work for you.
Is an LLC the same thing as a corporation?
Although an LLC and a corporation are both types of business entities and offer some advantages over each other, they are not the same. The letters LLC stand for limited liability company and Inc. stands for incorporated, indicating that the business is a corporation. Owners of an LLC are referred to as “members,” but owners of a corporation are referred to as “shareholders.” Companies are well-suited to luring outside investment because of their well-defined ownership, management, and tax structures. As LLCs offer more freedom and flexibility, small business owners often choose this type of business structure.
How do the best LLC formation services in Indiana stand out from the rest, especially in terms of features and compliance with state regulations?
When looking for the best LLC formation services in Indiana, it’s essential to focus on a few key factors that distinguish top-rated providers. The first aspect to consider is the Limited Liability Company setup process, which ideally should offer a complete formation package. Many reputable services provide comprehensive business structure advice to help you decide between a sole proprietorship vs LLC or other entity types.
The legal services offered are crucial too. The best service providers will handle everything from online formation and business registration to company filings for you. Indiana has specific state requirements, including the filing of Articles of Organization and the appointment of a Registered Agent, all of which should be expertly managed. It’s also beneficial if the service can help obtain necessary business licenses and draft an operating agreement tailored to Indiana laws.
Another significant aspect is compliance and corporate governance. Maintaining your LLC involves filing annual reports and possibly dealing with state filings and federal taxation. An excellent LLC service will assist with these to ensure legal compliance. They can also assist with obtaining a business tax ID (EIN), also known as an Employer Identification Number, and even help you set up a business bank account.
The top-rated LLC service providers usually have glowing customer reviews and offer a range of pricing plans. From budget options for small businesses to more comprehensive professional services, there should be a plan that fits your needs. A quick turnaround time and one-stop solution for all your business needs are also vital for effective business planning.
Moreover, some providers offer additional services like business consulting, business advisors, and extras like a company seal. You’ll also want to look out for any hidden filing fees or additional costs not covered in your original package.
In summary, the best LLC formation services in Indiana offer a comprehensive approach that caters to both your immediate and long-term needs, making it much easier to start a business and incorporate in the state.
What are the best LLC formation services in Indiana, and how do they compare in terms of pricing, features, and customer satisfaction?
When considering LLC formation in Indiana, you have various reputable options, such as LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, Incfile, ZenBusiness, Northwest Registered Agent, and MyCompanyWorks. Each of these services offers a unique blend of advantages and disadvantages, particularly when it comes to pricing, turnaround time, and customer support.
Incfile, for example, is often lauded for its competitive pricing and offers free registered agent services for the first year, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious entrepreneurs. On the other hand, ZenBusiness has an edge when it comes to ease of use, thanks to its intuitive online interface. LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer are generally more expensive but provide a wide array of features, including banking services and compatibility with various accounting software. If you prioritize personalized customer support, Northwest Registered Agent stands out, whereas MyCompanyWorks excels in delivering fast turnaround times.
Regarding mandatory legal documents like the Operating Agreement and Articles of Organization, all the mentioned services offer packages that include these essential filings. Many also assist with EIN obtainment from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), crucial for tax planning and compliance. It’s worth noting that these companies frequently aid in annual report filings, complying with Secretary of State requirements, and often provide resources aligned with the Small Business Administration (SBA) guidelines to ensure your business gets off on the right foot.
For those who prioritize credibility, various reviews and ratings can offer valuable insights. BBB Ratings and customer reviews are excellent indicators of a company’s reliability and service quality. Furthermore, many industry publications regularly compare these LLC formation services, providing comprehensive analyses that can aid your decision-making process.
When it comes to additional services such as business licenses, most of these companies offer guidance and even packages that include these services tailored to Indiana’s specific requirements. It’s also worth mentioning that the company websites of these providers are generally well-designed and loaded with FAQs, testimonials, and educational resources to help you navigate the LLC formation process.
In summary, the best LLC formation service for your Indiana-based company will depend on a range of factors, including pricing, turnaround time, registered agent services, customer support, and ease of use. It’s crucial to weigh these elements along with reliability markers such as BBB ratings and customer reviews. Therefore, you should evaluate each service carefully, taking into account your specific needs and the features that are most important to you.
Brian Wilson is the content manager and founder of LLC Radar.
Brian grew up in North Texas, just outside of Dallas, and has a bachelor’s degree in business journalism from Southern Methodist University. Since graduating from SMU, Brian has gained over 10 years of experience in business writing for several online publications.
Brian resides in Plano, Texas and he can be reached by email: info@llcradar.com
Phone: 972-776-4050
Informative piece, Brian! You’ve done an impressive job in highlighting the various factors one should consider while choosing an LLC formation service. The analysis on pricing, customer service, and turnaround time provides a clear perspective, making it easier for budding entrepreneurs to decide. Personally, I’ve had an excellent experience with ZenBusiness. Their affordable packages and exceptional support made my LLC formation a breeze. Looking forward to more such comprehensive reviews in the future.
Thanks!
Kudos, Brian!
This is a valuable resource for anyone looking to form an LLC in Indiana. The side-by-side comparison of services like Northwest Registered Agent, ZenBusiness, LegalZoom, and Incfile is particularly enlightening.
I appreciate your focus on user-friendliness and ongoing compliance support – it’s a vital aspect often overlooked.
My encounter with Incfile was indeed positive, thanks to their transparency and efficient handling of the filing process.
I’m excited to see more business-oriented content from you.
Thanks!