How to form an LLC in Indiana: Uncover the process of setting up an LLC in Indiana with our comprehensive guide. Learn how to pick a unique business name, file the Articles of Organization, appoint a Registered Agent, and obtain an EIN.
Understand Indiana’s unique requirements to lay a solid foundation for your business
Form an LLC in Indiana for $0 + state fee
To form an LLC in Indiana for free + state fee, we have listed 3 options to consider:
You can go online and visit the Indiana Secretary of State’s website and do it yourself or you can use the ‘free’ service from Incfile or ZenBusiness.
- DIY $0 + state fee
- Bizee $0 + state fee
- ZenBusiness $0 + state fee
Want to Keep Things More Private?
- Northwest $39 + state fee ‘Privacy by Default’
Our Top 3 Recommended Services
Forming an LLC in Indiana for $0 (Summary)
Here’s a brief step-by-step guide to help you through the DIY process, along with relevant links to official resources:
LLCs provide personal liability protection for the owners (known as members), while also allowing flexibility in terms of management and taxation.
Step 1: Choose a Name for Your Indiana LLC
The first step in forming an LLC in Indiana is selecting a unique and distinguishable name for your business.
Ensure that your chosen name complies with Indiana’s naming requirements, which generally include adding “LLC” or a variation thereof to the end of your business name.
You can perform a business name search on the Indiana Secretary of State’s website to check for name availability.
Link: Indiana Secretary of State’s Business Entity Search
Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent
Indiana requires LLCs to have a registered agent, also known as a resident agent or statutory agent. The registered agent is responsible for receiving legal and official documents on behalf of the LLC.
You can choose an individual or a professional registered agent service that operates in Indiana. The registered agent must have a physical street address within the state.
Step 3: File Articles of Organization
To legally establish your LLC, you need to file Articles of Organization with the Indiana Secretary of State.
The articles contain essential information about your business, including the LLC’s name, registered agent’s name and address, the purpose of the LLC, and its duration.
You can file the articles online or by mail along with the required filing fee.
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
While not required by Indiana law, it’s highly recommended to create an operating agreement for your LLC.
This document outlines the ownership structure, management responsibilities, and operating procedures of your business.
An operating agreement helps maintain clear expectations among members and can prove beneficial in case of disputes or misunderstandings in the future.
Step 5: Obtain an EIN from the IRS
If your LLC has more than one member or hires employees, you’ll need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
An EIN is used for tax purposes and is required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and fulfill federal tax obligations.
You can apply for an EIN online through the IRS website at no cost.
Link: Apply for an EIN Online
Step 6: Fulfill Additional Requirements and Permits
Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain additional licenses, permits, or registrations at the local, state, or federal level.
Check with the appropriate authorities to ensure compliance with specific industry regulations and obligations.
Indiana Business 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. Seek guidance from legal professionals to ensure a smooth dissolution process in compliance with Indiana state laws and requirements.
In Depth Guide
Form an LLC in Indiana. Learn how to get an LLC name, registered agent, Articles of Organization, operating agreement, and EIN. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on setting up an LLC for Indiana.
Forming an LLC in Indiana – Brief Summary
LLC Indiana – To form an Indiana LLC, you’ll need to file the Articles of Organization with the Indiana Secretary of State Business Services Division, which costs $95-$100. You can apply online or by mail. The Articles of Organization is the legal document that officially creates your Indiana Limited Liability Company.
Related: Best LLC Services in Indiana
How to Create an LLC in Indiana
LLCs are one of the most popular business structures. This is because they are relatively inexpensive to form and allow owners to be flexible. Also, they are easy to manage.
Legally forming your LLC will establish your business, limit personal liability, give you tax flexibility, and create a legal entity. As you move through this process, you will be guided step-by-step.
This page will provide you with all the necessary steps to do a Indiana entity name search, draft a Indiana LLC operating agreement, and answer questions like, can I be my own registered agent in Indiana? and how long does it take to get a Indiana LLC? and ensure your Indiana LLC is properly formed.
Indiana LLC Guide
Check Name Availability
The legal name of your LLC cannot be used in conjunction with another registered name. A name search can help you find out if your name is available.
Name Search Indiana Secretary of state – Business Services Division
Name Reservation Optional Suffix: (d.) The limited liability company name must contain “limited liability company” and/or the abbreviation L.L.C. or “LLC”. The name of a master, limited liability company must comply to IC23-18.1-6-7.(b). The name for a series of limited liability companies must comply with IC23-18.1-6-7.c. and IC23-18.1-6-7.d.
Appoint a Registered Agent in Indiana
Before you register to create an Indiana LLC, you’ll need to identify who your registered agent in Indiana will be. A registered agent can be described as a company’s legal appointee for receiving notices of lawsuits and other legal or official notices.
The state law requires that every LLC has a registered representative. A registered agent is identified when filing Indiana articles of incorporation with the Indiana Secretary – Business Services Division.
Related: Best Registered Agents in Indiana
Indiana Certificates of Formation
Fill out the articles of incorporation to establish your limited liability company.
Agency: Indiana Secretary of state – Business Services Division Form:
Articles for Organization 49459Filing Method Mail, in person or Agency Fee $100 Turnaround: You can get it online in as little as 15 minutes. 24-hour access in-person 5-7 business days via mail Law:
Indiana Code. Title23: Business and Other Assemblies. Article18: Limited Liability Companies.Notes: Send one copy of the original along with the other. Establish Company Records
Your LLC must maintain correct and complete records. Your LLC’s original articles of organization will be the first document you keep. Your LLC will create many other official documents such as:
- Minutes of the meeting
- Operating Agreement
- EIN verification letter
- Amendments and other filings made during the LLC’s lifetime
Create an Indiana LLC Operating Agreement
It is possible to use a template to draft an Operating Agreement. This document will serve as the governing document. It specifies the legalities of the LLC’s operation, such as holding an Annual Meeting. The agreement will then be approved by you at your organizational meeting.
Hold the Organizational Meeting
The organizational meeting, which is the initial meeting of LLC members, is the most important. In order to hold this meeting, you’ll need your operating agreements and the filed articles. Keep a log of this meeting, and save it in your company’s record book.
Get a federal employer identification number (EIN)
EIN is needed if the LLC will have multiple members or hire employees. EINs can also be required to open a bank or other financial account.
Agency: Internal Revenue Service Form:
IRS SS-4Filing Method Mail, phone, and fax. Online. IRS fee $0 Turnaround: You can get your order immediately online or by phone. By fax, it takes 4 business working days. 4-5 Weeks by mail Notes: The IRS website cannot be accessed outside of certain hours before you close your session print your EIN. Additional guidance is available at IRS Publi 1635: Understanding the EIN. Get Indiana State Tax Identification Numbers/Accounts
Indiana offers a centralized state tax registration
- Submit to
Indiana Department of Revenue
- Filing procedure:
- Formula BT-1: Indiana Business Tax Application.
- Guidance:
Indiana Department of Revenue. Register New Business Page- Fee:
- $0. $25 State fee for sales tax license
- Turnaround:
- 48-72 Hours after submission, the Indiana Department of Revenue emails you to inform you of the status of your request. You will be issued a taxpayer identification number (TID) if your application is approved. If there are still any problems with your application, you will be asked by the Department to get in touch.
Consider Electing C-Corp and C-Corp taxation
Your LLC will be subject to passthrough taxation by default. However, most LLCs continue to keep this tax type. Some LLCs are eligible to elect S-Corp, or C-Corp tax treatment.
- S-Corp treatment is an option that can help owner-employees making more than $75,000 annually to lower their self-employment taxes.
- C-Corps face double taxation. First, the corporation pays income taxes and then members pay distribution taxes. C-Corps offer low tax rates on retained earnings, which can be beneficial if you have more than $250,000 in profits per owner.
Get business licenses & permits
It is necessary to obtain the required licenses and permits to operate your business legally. Search by type of business and your location to locate the Small Business Administration Business License & Permit lookup tool.
Indiana Business License
NOT REQUIRED
Indiana does not require the licensure of General Business Licenses.
Indiana does NOT have a general license for business at the state or local level.
To Maintain Your LLC, You Need to Continue Ongoing Filings
You will need to file your federal and state taxes returns.
A lot of states also require businesses to file an annual statement to maintain good standing before the secretary. You can see the table below for information on Indiana LLCs.
Indiana Corporation Annual Report Requirements:
Agency: Indiana Secretary of state – Business Services Division Form:
Indiana Business Entity ReportFiling Method Mail or. Agency Fee $32 online and $50 by mail Due: Biennially, at the beginning of each month for which you were registered. If you are a foreign-qualified person or incorporated on March 15, then your annual reports must be filed every two years. Law:
IC 21.5-2-13Penalties: No late fee. Your business may be dissolution or revoked within 120 days. Notes: - Anyone with authority may apply.
- Original signatures are not necessary.
As your LLC expands, you will need documentation to show customers and banks that your company is in good standing. After all the work required to form your Indiana LLC, don’t let a missed year-end report cause your new business not to be in compliance.
Indiana LLC – FAQs
What is the cost of forming an LLC in Indiana?
In Indiana, a Secretary of State filing fee of $95 is required for online filings. If the Articles of Organization are sent in by mail, it will cost $100.
If you want to use an LLC service, visit our list of the best LLC services in Indiana.
Is there an annual fee for an LLC registered in Indiana?
Every other year, a Business Entity Report must be filed. Online filing costs $32, and mailed-in reports cost $50.
Is it possible to have an LLC approved in Indiana within a short time?
The state usually takes one day to approve LLC paperwork online and 5-7 days to approve mailed-in forms.
Are you able to be your own registered agent in Indiana?
Anybody can be a registered agent for Indiana provided they are at least 18 years of age, live in Indiana, and are available during business hours to receive documents.
Is an LLC required to obtain an Indiana business license?
Sometimes it is believed that an LLC and a business license are one and the same in Indiana. However, they are not. The business entity is also known as an LLC. It is the way the business is organized to do business. A business license allows you to operate legally.
What is a Foreign Limited Liability Company (FLLC)?
An Indiana foreign LLC can be an LLC that was established in another state but is now able to operate in Indiana. Being physically operational means that you have a physical presence, such as an office or employee.
Indiana Business Resources
Best LLC Formation Services in Indiana
