Last Updated: June 3, 2025 by TRUiC Team


How to Start an LLC in Indiana (2025 Guide)

To start a limited liability company (LLC) in Indiana, you’ll need to pick a suitable business name, choose a registered agent, and file your Articles of Organization with the Indiana Secretary of State. The cost to form an LLC in Indiana is $95.

You can do this independently, consult with a business attorney for specialized legal guidance, or join the other 65% of our readers and hire a specialized Indiana LLC formation service (recommended).

four point eight out of five

Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

three point nine out of five

LegalZoom ($249 + State Fees)

Start an LLC in Indiana

How to Form an LLC in Indiana in 5 Steps

In order to form your LLC in Indiana, there are certain steps you’ll need to complete:

  1. Name Your LLC
  2. Choose an Indiana Registered Agent
  3. File Your Articles of Organization
  4. Create an LLC Operating Agreement
  5. Obtain an EIN

Step 1: Name Your Indiana LLC

First, you need to choose a name for your Indiana LLC. 

Your business name should be both memorable and easily searchable while complying with the state’s business naming requirements.

1. Important Naming Guidelines for Indiana LLCs:

  • Your name must include the phrase “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviations “LLC” or “L.L.C.” 
  • Your name cannot include words that may imply that your LLC is affiliated with a government agency.
  • Restricted words (e.g., Bank, Attorney, University) may require written approval and/or and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your LLC. 
  • Master LLCs must contain the phrase “Limited Liability Company-S” or one of the following abbreviations: “LLC-S”, “L.L.C.-S.”

For more information, we recommend having a look at Indiana’s Naming Guidelines. 

2. Conduct a Business Name Search in Indiana

To check whether your desired name has already been taken by another business entity in Indiana, you can perform a business entity search on the State of Indiana website.

If you’re not going to start your LLC right away, it might be a good idea to consider reserving your name for up to 120 days ($10 processing fee).

3. Conduct a Domain Name Search

We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don’t plan to make a business website right away, this is an extremely important step as it will prevent others from acquiring it.

Find a Domain Now

Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.

FAQ: Naming an Indiana LLC

LLC is short for “limited liability company.” It is a simple business structure that offers more flexibility than a traditional corporation while providing many of the same benefits. Read our What is a Limited Liability Company guide for more information.

Or, watch our two-minute video: What is an LLC?

Most LLCs do not need a DBA. The name of the LLC can serve as your company’s brand name and you can accept checks and other payments under that name as well. However, you may wish to register a DBA if you would like to conduct business under another name.

To learn more about DBAs in your state, read our How to File a DBA in Indiana guide.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Indiana

After you find the right name for your LLC, you will need to nominate an Indiana registered agent. This is a requirement for all LLCs in Indiana.

What is a registered agent? A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important legal documents on behalf of your business. Think of your registered agent as your business’s primary point of contact with the state.

Who can be a registered agent? A registered agent must be a resident of Indiana or a corporation – such as a registered agent service, individual (e.g., yourself, etc.), or an attorney – that is authorized to transact business in Indiana. 

Get Free Registered Agent Services

Form an LLC with Northwest Registered Agent to get one year of registered agent services free of charge.

FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent

Yes. You can choose to act as your own registered agent, appoint a member of your LLC, work with a business attorney, or hire a professional registered agent service (recommended). 

Read more about being your own registered agent.

Using a professional registered agent service is an affordable way to manage government filings for your LLC. For most businesses, the advantages of using a professional service significantly outweigh the annual costs.

Step 3: File Your Indiana LLC Articles of Organization

To register your Indiana LLC, you will need to file the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State Business Services Division. You can do this online or by mail.

Before filing, make sure you have completed your Articles of Organization correctly. You will need to have the following information: 

  • The name of your LLC
  • Your address of principal office
  • Your registered agent’s name and address  (i.e., noncommercial or commercial)
  • Your LLC’s duration (if not perpetual) 
  • Your LLC’s management structure (e.g., member-managed or manager-managed, etc.)

Indiana LLC Formation Document

File the Articles of Organization

OPTION 1: File Online With the Indiana Secretary of State

File Online

– OR –

OPTION 2: File Form 49459 by Mail

Download Form

State Filing Cost: $95 online, $100 by mail (Nonrefundable)

Mailing Address:
Secretary of State
Business Services Division
302 W. Washington St.
Room E-018
Indianapolis, IN 46204

For help with completing the form, visit our Indiana Articles of Organization guide.

If you’re expanding your existing LLC to the state of Indiana, you will need to form a foreign limited liability company (LLC).

FAQ: Filing Indiana LLC Documents

It typically takes around an hour for your documents to be processed if filed online or three to four days if filed by mail. Unlike many other states, there is no expedited filing option available in Indiana.

An LLC is referred to as a “domestic LLC” when it conducts business in the state where it was formed. A foreign LLC must be formed when an existing LLC wishes to expand its business to another state.

The cost to form an LLC in Indiana is $95-$100.

To learn more, read our guide on the cost to form an Indiana LLC.

Step 4: Create an Indiana Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is not required in Indiana, but it’s a good practice to have one.

An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all LLC members are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict. This is important even if you’re starting out as a single-member LLC.

You can use the free tool in our Business Center to create a custom operating agreement in minutes — or download our free templates:

FAQ: Creating an Indiana LLC Operating Agreement

No. The operating agreement is an internal document that you should keep on file for future reference. However, many other states do legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement in place.

Step 5: Get an Indiana LLC EIN

You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify a business entity and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. You can think of an EIN as a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN is required for the following:

  • To open a business bank account for the company
  • For federal and state tax purposes
  • To hire employees for the company

Where do I get an EIN? An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.

FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: You do not need an SSN to get an EIN. Learn more here.

Get an EIN

Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS

Apply Online

– OR –

Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax

Download Form

Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999

Fax: (855) 641-6935

Fee: Free

FAQ: Getting an EIN

A social security number is not required to get an EIN. You can simply fill out IRS Form SS-4 and leave section 7b blank. Then call the IRS at (267) 941-1099 to complete your application.

All LLCs with employees, or any LLC with more than one member, must have an EIN. This is required by the IRS.

Learn why we recommend always getting an EIN and how to get one for free in our Do I Need an EIN for an LLC guide.

When you get an EIN, you will be informed of the different tax classification options that are available. Most LLCs elect the default tax status.

However, some LLCs can reduce their federal tax obligation by choosing the S corporation (S corp) status. To learn more, read our LLC vs. S Corp guide.

Best LLC Services in Indiana Compared

* Total costs include Indiana state filing fee on top of each service’s initial filing fee
Service Total Cost* Filing Registered Agent EIN Operating Agreement
Tailor Brands
35% TRUiC Discount
$422 $0 $199/yr $99 $29
ZenBusiness
$392 $0 $99 1st Year $199/yr after $99 $99
LegalZoom
$522 $0 $249/yr $79 $99

For a comprehensive comparison, read our Best LLC Services review. We reviewed and ranked the top LLC formation services to help you determine the best fit for your new business. 

Important Next Steps to Protect Your Indiana LLC

After you’ve formed your LLC, you’ll need to complete key steps in order to:

  • Separate your personal and business assets
  • Stay compliant with state and federal laws

Get a Business Bank Account & Credit Card

Using a dedicated business banking account and business credit card is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your LLC is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

You can protect your business with these two steps:

1. Opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

2. Getting a business credit card:

  • Helps you separate personal and business expenses.
  • Builds your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise capital later on.

Get Insurance

Even though an LLC offers limited liability, you’ll still likely need to purchase some form of business insurance to protect your LLC’s assets. The most common types are:

  • General Liability Insurance: A broad insurance policy that protects your business from lawsuits. Most small businesses get general liability insurance.
  • Professional Liability Insurance: A business insurance for professional service providers (consultants, accountants, etc.) that covers your LLC against claims of malpractice and other business errors.
  • Workers’ Compensation Insurance: A type of insurance that provides coverage for employees’ job-related illnesses, injuries, or deaths. In Indiana, businesses with one or more employees, including LLC members and corporate officers, are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance.
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What This Means:

Without insurance: If someone sues your bakery for $40,000, they could take your commercial mixer and empty your business account ($25,000 total), but won’t be able to touch your house or personal savings.

With insurance: Your business liability policy could cover the $40,000 claim, meaning that both your personal and business assets would remain untouched.

That’s why many small business owners turn to providers like Next Insurance for affordable, tailored coverage. Get a free quote today.

Want to learn exactly what coverage your Indiana business may need? Read our full Indiana Business Insurance Guide.

Obtain Business Licenses If Needed

While Indiana doesn’t require a general state business license, your LLC may need specific licenses or permits based on its industry, location, and activities.

  • State-Level Licenses: Use the state’s Business Owner’s Guide to determine if your business requires any state-issued licenses or permits.
  • Local Licenses: Check with your city or county clerk’s office to identify any local licensing requirements, such as zoning permits or health department approvals.
  • Federal Licenses: If your business activities are regulated by a federal agency (e.g., selling alcohol or firearms or operating in the transportation industry), consult the U.S. Small Business Administration’s website to determine the necessary federal licenses or permits.

For a comprehensive overview and step-by-step instructions, refer to our Indiana Business License Guide.

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If you’d rather have a service handle this step for you, we recommend checking out LegalZoom’s Business License service. 

Pay Indiana LLC Taxes

LLCs in Indiana will need to pay a number of taxes at a local, state, and federal level:

Federal LLC Tax Requirements

As a pass-through entity, profits typically flow to your personal tax return. LLC members pay self-employment tax (15.3%) on their earnings.

Income Taxes

Indiana imposes two types of income taxes relevant to business owners: 

  • Personal Income Tax: Each member of your LLC will pay this tax at a flat rate of 3% on their share of the business’s profits by submitting Form IT-40 and declaring their income to the state.
  • Corporate Income Tax: If your LLC opts to be taxed as a C Corp, it will be required to pay a flat corporate income tax rate of 4.90% on the net income it makes from Indiana sources. You’ll need to file Form IT-20 with the Indiana Department of Revenue in order to pay this tax.

Sales and Use Taxes

Both businesses selling physical products and simply doing business in Indiana are required to obtain a Registered Retail Merchant Certificate (RRMC) from the Secretary of State. You can obtain your certificate online with a $25 filing fee. 

This certificate allows you to collect sales tax from taxable sales as well as do business in the state. 

Sales tax, also called “Sales and Use Tax,” is a tax levied by states, counties, and municipalities on business transactions involving the exchange of certain taxable goods or services.

Read our sales tax guide to find out more.

Employer Taxes

If you have employees in Indiana, you will need to register for Unemployment Insurance Tax through the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. You will also need to sign up for Employee Withholding Tax through the Indiana Department of Revenue.

Local Taxes 

There are a number of specific taxes imposed by local governments in Indiana. These include local income taxes, property taxes, and additional sales taxes on a specific sales. 

You can find all taxes imposed by your county through the Indiana Department of Revenue website. 

Most Indiana LLCs must file their state tax returns by April 15. For help understanding your full tax obligations — and making sure nothing gets missed — check out our full Indiana LLC Tax Guide.

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Need personalized help? Schedule a free consultation with 1-800Accountant to get expert guidance from CPAs who specialize in small business taxes.

File Your LLC Business Entity Report

Indiana requires LLCs to submit a business entity report biennially (every two years) to maintain good standing. This report is due every second year at the end of the month in which you formed your LLC. 

You can submit this filing to the Indiana Secretary of State online ($32 filing fee) or by mail ($50 filing fee). 

To stay on top of this deadline and other important compliance tasks, we recommend hiring a professional registered agent service — they can help ensure you never miss a filing.