Did you know you can start an LLC in Indiana in less than one business day when you file online? This makes Indiana one of the fastest states to form an LLC in the country.
Starting an LLC in Indiana has several benefits to think about. Indiana has one of the lowest individual income taxes in the nation, and LLCs get pass-through taxation, which means no double taxation. Also, the lowest cost to start an LLC in Indiana is about $221, including basic legal costs. The filing fee is $95 for online submissions and $100 for mail applications.
When you're setting up your Indiana LLC, you need to know all the rules. The state doesn't require a general business license, but you might need special permits based on what your business does. Also, you'll have to submit a Business Entity Report every two years. It costs $32 online or $50 by mail.
This guide covers everything you need to create your Indiana LLC, from picking a name to getting your EIN. We've included steps for same-day filing to help you start your business as fast as possible.
Step 1: Pick a Name for Your Indiana LLC
Picking the right name for your Indiana LLC isn't just a creative task—it's a crucial legal step that sets up your business identity. The name you pick will show up on all your business papers and make your first impression on potential customers. Let's look at how to name your Indiana LLC.
Check if the name is available on INBiz
Before you get attached to a business name, you need to check if it's available. Indiana makes this easy through their official business website:
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Go to the INBiz website (Indiana's official business platform)
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Sign in to your INBiz account (or set one up if you don't have one)
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In the "Secretary of State" section, choose "Name Reservations"
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Type your chosen business name in the search box
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Hit "Check availability" to find out if the name is free
This search matters because Indiana law says your LLC name must stand out from other businesses registered with the Secretary of State. If you find your top pick is taken, you'll need to tweak it until you land on an open option.
Know Indiana naming rules
Indiana has specific rules for LLC names that you need to follow to avoid rejection when filing:
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Your name must include one of these: "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C."
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The name must stand out from other business entities registered with the Indiana Secretary of State
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Some words related to banking or financial institutions need approval from the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions
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You can use letters, numbers, and some punctuation marks in your LLC name
Keep in mind just changing punctuation adding "the" or "a," or switching between singular and plural forms won't make a name different enough in Indiana.
To make your name stand out, think about adding unique words putting in your own name mentioning where you're based, or showcasing your specific industry focus.
Save your name if you need to
While it's not a must, saving your business name can help if you're not set to start your LLC right away. To save a name in Indiana:
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Sign in to your INBiz account
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Go to the Secretary of State area then pick "Name Reservations"
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Go through the steps to finish the saving process
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Pay the $10.00 filing cost (plus a $1.00 handling fee)
Once you reserve your business name, it has protection for 120 days](https://www.harborcompliance.com/indiana-entity-name-reservation). This gives you plenty of time to get other parts of your business ready without stress about someone else taking your name. If you need to, you can extend the reservation for more 120-day periods by paying the fee again.
But if you plan to start your LLC soon reserving the name might cost you extra money for no reason. In this case, you can just go ahead and file your Articles of Organization, which will register the name you've chosen.
After you've locked down your ideal business name, you'll be set to take the next step in creating your Indiana LLC: picking a registered agent.
Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent
All Indiana LLCs must have a registered agent—this is required by law, not a choice in starting your business. A registered agent has a key job as your main contact for getting important legal papers, state notices, and service of process (court documents) for your company.
Who can be a registered agent?
In Indiana, you have three choices for your registered agent:
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Yourself - You can act as your own registered agent if you meet the rules
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A friend or family member - Someone you trust who fits all legal needs
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A professional registered agent service - A business that focuses on this task
No matter who you pick, your registered agent has to meet these exact requirements:
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Have a real street address in Indiana (PO boxes don't work)
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Be there at that address when business is open
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Tell the Indiana Secretary of State in writing that they're okay with this job
Remember, your business can't be its own registered agent. Also, the address where the registered agent works has to be the same as their office address.
Why using a pro service is good
You might save some cash at first by being your own registered agent, but pro registered agent services give you a lot of good stuff that makes their yearly price of $100 to $300 worth it:
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Better privacy - Professional services put their address on public documents instead of yours keeping your personal info off public records
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Always available - They're open during work hours, so you can go to meetings, travel, or work somewhere else
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**Handle things ** - You avoid the possible embarrassment of getting legal papers (like lawsuit documents) in front of clients or coworkers
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Manage your papers - Most services scan and upload your documents to an online system giving you access to important papers anytime
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Help you follow rules - Many services remind you about key filing deadlines with the Indiana Secretary of State Business Services Division
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Multi-state convenience - A national registered agent service can represent your business across all locations if you run operations in several states
Entrepreneurs who don't have a physical address in Indiana or who travel a lot pretty much need a registered agent service. It's not just a nice-to-have anymore. Also, if you want to keep your personal info private, these services act as a shield between you and public records.
Registered agents do more than just take in documents. In fact many professional services keep an eye on relevant laws and rules to help you stay on the right side of the law. They often give you a dedicated team to answer your questions, which means you have a go-to source to help you stay in good standing with the state.
Many registered agent providers have an influence on additional perks like safeguarding against identity theft covering state fees, and helping to set up businesses. Some even throw in a free year of registered agent service when you use their setup services. This makes it a tempting choice for new business owners worried about initial expenses.
Because of this, while your specific situation will guide your decision most business experts suggest using a professional registered agent service. They believe it gives you peace of mind and expert support.
Step 3: File Articles of Organization Online
Submitting the Articles of Organization to the Indiana Secretary of State makes your Indiana LLC a legal entity. This key document gives your business official status. After you've picked a name and chosen a registered agent, you can take this crucial step to set up your LLC.
How to file through INBiz to get approval the same day
The quickest way to start an LLC in Indiana is to file online. This leads to approval in just one business day. Here's what you need to do to file through the INBiz website:
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Start by setting up an "Access Indiana" login, which you'll need to get into your INBiz account
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Sign in to your INBiz dashboard and hit "LOG IN" on the right
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Pick "START A NEW BUSINESS" from the menu at the top
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Select "Limited Liability Company" under "Select Domestic Entity Type"
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Type your LLC name how you want it to show up , including how you capitalize it and the LLC designator
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Put in your email address (you can use a personal one)
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Choose "perpetual existence" for how long your LLC will last (this is what most people go with)
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Write down your Principal Office Address (this can be your home, an office, a PO box, or a rented mailbox)
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Put in your registered agent details as you filled out in Step 2
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Check all the info to make sure it's correct then go ahead and pay
Information needed on the form
The Indiana Articles of Organization asks for specific details about your LLC:
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The LLC name you want (must include "LLC," "L.L.C.," or "Limited Liability Company")
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An email address to receive communications
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How long the LLC will exist (most pick forever)
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When you want it to start (can be the day you file or up to 90 days later)
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The main office address
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The name and address of your registered agent
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The organizer's electronic signature
Also, after you set up your LLC, the organizer should sign a Statement of LLC Organizer to appoint the LLC members. Then, all members should sign an Operating Agreement.
How much it costs and how long it takes
The price and processing time change based on how you file:
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Online filing: $95.00 (plus a $3.00 service fee) with processing in just 1 business day
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Mail filing: $100.00 with processing time of 5-7 business days (plus mail transit time)
Filing online through INBiz offers clear benefits - it costs $5 less and speeds up processing significantly. The online filing takes about 15 minutes if you've prepared your information ahead of time.
After approval, you'll receive an email from the Secretary of State containing three key documents: an Approval Letter, a Certificate of Organization, and a stamped copy of your approved Articles of Organization.
Indiana also provides Series LLCs for companies with unique requirements. These have a steeper filing fee of $250.00.
Step 4: Draft an Operating Agreement
Many people skip creating an operating agreement when they set up an Indiana LLC. This oversight happens even though it's one of the most crucial internal documents for your company. Let's start by addressing a common question: Do you have to have this document?
The value of this document even when it's optional
The truth is, Indiana state law doesn't require LLCs to have an operating agreement. Indiana Code § 23-18-4-5 states that LLCs can create an operating agreement, but it's not mandatory. Even though it's optional, setting one up has several key advantages:
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Has a protective effect on your limited liability status — An operating agreement helps strengthen the idea that your LLC is separate from you as an individual. This gives vital protection if your business faces legal issues.
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Shows who owns the business — Because Indiana doesn't make you list all members' names on the Articles of Organization, an operating agreement gives key evidence of business ownership.
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Helps settle disagreements — Putting your verbal deals in writing gives you something to refer to when members don't see eye to eye.
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Tailors your business structure — Lets you avoid Indiana's standard LLC rules by creating rules that fit your specific needs.
Even for LLCs with just one member, this document backs up the limited liability status that shields you from personal responsibility for business debts.
What to put in your agreement
To make sure your operating agreement works well for your Indiana LLC, include these key parts:
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Basic information — Your LLC name, start date registered agent, purpose, and tax category
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Membership structure — All members how much they own, and what money they put in at the start
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Management setup — If members or managers run things, including who can vote and how decisions get made
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Money matters — How you'll split profits and losses among members
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How things work — Rules for meetings keeping records, and running the business day-to-day
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Changes in who's involved — Rules to add or remove members, including how to buy someone out
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Closing shop — Steps to take if you need to shut down the business
This leads to a detailed document that guides your business operations and boosts your LLC's legal position. So even though creating an operating agreement takes extra work after filing your Articles of Organization, the protection and clarity it offers make it a key step in setting up your Indiana LLC.
Step 5: Get an EIN and Register for Taxes
Once you've set up your LLC's legal structure getting an EIN (Employer Identification Number) and registering for taxes are vital next steps. Your EIN serves as your business's federal tax ID number letting you pay taxes, hire staff, and open business accounts.
How to apply for an EIN online
The IRS offers a free EIN application service—watch out for websites that charge for this. Here's how to apply online:
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Go to the IRS website's EIN application page
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Fill out the form in one go (it times out after 15 minutes of no activity)
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Enter your business type and the Social Security Number of the person in charge
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Send in your application
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Get your EIN right away if approved
The whole online thing takes about 15 minutes. You can also apply by mail or fax, but these ways take much longer. If you're not from the US and don't have an SSN or ITIN, you have to apply by mail or fax using Form SS-4.
When you need to sign up with the Indiana DOR
After getting your EIN, you'll have to sign up with the Indiana Department of Revenue. You can do this through INBiz using the Online Business Tax Application (Form BT-1). You'll need:
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Your Federal ID Number (EIN)
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Business contact details
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NAICS industry code
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Info about the responsible officer, including SSN
This one application lets you set up the right tax accounts for your business. This includes sales tax, withholding tax, and food & beverage tax if they apply to you. Keep in mind that you need to fill out a separate form for each place your business operates.
Starting a business bank account
Starting a separate bank account for your business is key to:
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Splitting up business and personal money
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Keeping your limited liability status safe
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Handling payments like a pro
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Building up business credit
To start an account, bring these things:
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EIN Confirmation Letter (575 CP) or EIN Verification Letter (147C)
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Articles of Organization
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ID issued by the government that's still good
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Social Security Number
Most banks say you should call first to check what you need and if all LLC members have to show up. Keeping your money separate is key—mixing personal and business cash can put your LLC's liability shield at risk.
Conclusion
Creating an LLC in Indiana has significant benefits for business owners who want to protect themselves from liability and get tax advantages. This guide has shown you the five key steps to set up your company and .
First, you need to pick a unique name and choose a trustworthy registered agent. These choices help establish your company's identity. When you file your Articles of Organization online, you can get approval on the same day, which is much faster than waiting a week for mail-in applications. While Indiana law doesn't say you must have an Operating Agreement writing one can boost your liability protection and make ownership clearer. , getting your EIN and signing up with the Indiana Department of Revenue sets up your business for taxes.
The whole process needs little paperwork and fair fees compared to many other states. Best of all, the smooth online filing system through INBiz makes Indiana one of the friendliest states to form an LLC. Keep in mind that you need to file Business Entity Reports every two years to keep your LLC active so mark your calendar after you set it up.
Your Indiana LLC story starts, not ends, with its creation. The protection from liability and tax benefits you've gained give you a strong base to build a thriving business. Think about talking to an accountant or business lawyer for advice tailored to your field as your company expands. Now that you've set up your Indiana LLC , you can turn your attention to what counts—running and growing your business.
FAQ
If you file online through INBiz, you can set up an LLC in Indiana in about one business day. This means Indiana ranks among the quickest states in the country to start an LLC.
Yes, every Indiana LLC needs a registered agent. You can be your own agent, pick someone you trust, or hire a professional service to do it. The agent must have a physical address in Indiana and be ready to receive documents during work hours.
Starting an LLC in Indiana has a basic cost of $95 for online filing (plus a $3 service fee) or $100 for mail applications. You might need to pay extra for things like reserving a name, hiring a registered agent, and getting the business licenses you need.
Indiana law doesn't make you have an operating agreement, but it's a good idea to get one. It helps keep your limited liability status safe, shows who owns the business, solves arguments, and lets you set up your business structure the way you want, beyond what the state rules say.
You can use your home address as the main office address for your Indiana LLC. But if you're going to be your own registered agent, you need to provide a physical street address in Indiana. This is where you'll get legal documents during business hours.