How to Start an LLC in Indiana

Why Create an Indiana LLC?

The State offers various opportunities for businesses to thrive, such as business tax incentives, corporate tax credits and economic development programs. The business tax structure in Indiana is also changing in 2021 to better serve Indiana businesses. Indiana’s corporate income tax will be decreasing to 4.9 percent.

The state also offers a variety of programs to support new business startups and business expansion and growth.

Creating an Indiana limited liability company (LLC) is generally the fastest and easiest way for entrepreneurs to form a business in Indiana. An LLC is an ideal business entity for startups and small to medium-sized businesses, granting you the advantages and protections that larger Indiana corporations benefit from, with more simplified rules and regulations.

Benefits of starting an Indiana LLC

• Easily file your taxes and discover potential advantages for tax treatment
• Easy creation, management, regulation, administration and compliance
• Protect your personal assets from your business liability and debts
• Low cost to file ($100)

Learn more about the benefits of the LLC business structure.

In Incfile’s in-depth guide, you’ll find information on naming your LLC, getting a Registered Agent, the fees you’ll need to pay, Indiana business taxes and much more. We also cover filing your Indiana LLC, your registration needs and how you'll interact with the Indiana Secretary of State (SOS), Business Services Division.

Starting a Business in Indiana Checklist

To help you along the way, use our Starting a Business checklist to keep track of everything you need to do to get your business up and running.

How to Form an LLC in Indiana Yourself in 6 Steps

1

Complete an Indiana LLC Search and Choose a Unique Business Name

You’ll need a name for your LLC that’s original and stands out, but one that’s not used by any other entity in the state. If you’re having trouble coming up with a name, try using Incfile’s Business Name Generator to brainstorm ideas. You'll also need to follow a few naming rules, which you can read about in detail on the Indiana Business Names page.

Once you’ve chosen a name for your business, you’ll need to make sure it’s available in Indiana. To find out whether another company in the state is currently using your chosen business name, use our tool to do a business name search. You can also carry out a name search on the Indiana online database.

2

Provide an Official Address for your LLC

Regardless of whether your business is in an office building, a home (if the company is run from a residence) or any other physical location, every LLC in Indiana must have a designated street address. It can be located outside the State of Indiana, but it cannot be a P.O. Box.

4

File Your Articles of Organization with the Indiana Secretary of State

Once you've gathered all the information for your Indiana LLC, you’ll need to file your Articles of Organization with the Indiana SOS, Business Services Division or register an account and complete it online.

The State of Indiana prefers that your Articles of Organization be filed online via INBIZ - Indiana’s one-stop business resource. You can also email, fax or hand-deliver the form to the Office of the Secretary of State, Business Services Division, or you can have Incfile file your articles on your behalf. The Indiana LLC filing fee is $100.

You only need to file your Articles of Organization once, but you must file business entity reports every two years after. The fee for this, set by the Indiana SOS, is $50. Incfile can either remind you to do it, or we can do it for you.

What are the fees and requirements to form a business in Indiana?

5

Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service

You’ll need an EIN to identify your business to the IRS. You use this number when filing and paying taxes or when submitting payroll information and payments for your employees. An EIN is also required to open a business bank account. You can obtain one directly from the IRS, or you can have Incfile get an EIN for you as part of the Indiana LLC formation process.

6

Create an Operating Agreement

A kind of "instruction manual" that explains how you'll run your business, an LLC Operating Agreement details key components of your business — how decisions will be made, how the business is divided among members and what will occur if a member leaves the company.

Some states require that a company have this document in place. You're not legally required to have an Indiana LLC Operating Agreement, but it’s a good idea to have one regardless and the State of Indiana recommends it.

Other Indiana LLC Types

Professional LLC

Professional Limited Liability Companies (PLLCs) are different from professional corporations in that they typically have licensing requirements applicable to certain fields, such as law and medicine. In order to form a PLLC, you may need a state license to practice.

Learn more about PLLC vs. LLC and which one is right for your business.

Foreign LLC

If your business is already operating in another state and expanding to Indiana — or vice versa — you’ll need to form a Foreign LLC.

Learn more about Indiana Foreign LLC registration.

Helpful Resources from the State of Indiana