This is the first and most important step in starting your LLC. Do some research to make sure the name you choose is suited to your business venture and is easily searchable by potential clients.
- Follow the naming guidelines: Your entity name must contain the words Limited Liability Company or the abbreviation L.L.C. or LLC. Restricted words require additional paperwork (e.g. Banc, Bank, Banque, etc) and/or licensed individuals (e.g. Doctor, Engineer, etc). to be part of the LLC. Prohibited words are those that would confuse the name of your LLC with a federal or state agency e.g. FBI, Secret Service, Treasury etc.
- Is the name available in Indiana? Make sure the name isn't already taken by doing a name search on the State of Indiana website.
- Is the URL available? Check to see if the name of your LLC is available so that you can reserve your domain name. Even if you don't plan to make a website today, you may want to buy the domain name in order to prevent others from acquiring it.
An email address is also something to consider when choosing a name. Get a professional email (@yourcompany.com) with Google apps. Also get access to the top business tools, cloud storage, and business-grade security. - Try it for free
You are required to nominate a Registered Agent for your Indiana LLC
What is a Registered Agent? A registered agent is a person or business nominated by your company to officially receive and send papers on your behalf including annual state filings.
Who can be a Registered Agent? The registered agent must be a resident of Indiana or a corporation authorized to transact business in Indiana. You may elect an individual within the company including yourself.
Click here to find out why you may want to use a registered agent service.
Recommended: INCFILE.COM provides free registered agent service for the first year as part of their LLC Packages.
To register your LLC, you will need to file the Articles of Organization with the State of Indiana.
File the Articles of Organization for a Domestic LLC
- or -
Fee: $90 non refundable.
Follow the instructions on the forms.
Important: If you're expanding your existing LLC to the State of Indiana, you are forming a Foreign LLC. Learn how.
What is an Operating Agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of your LLC. This agreement allows you to form financial/working relationships with co-owners into an established system suitable to your business. An Operating Agreement is not required to form an LLC in Indiana, but is good practice to have one.
Recommended: We provide a free sample operating agreement however we recommend getting one professional drafted by a lawyer, especially if you are starting a multi-member LLC.
What is an EIN? The Employer Identification Number (EIN), or Federal Tax Identification Number, is used to identify a business entity. It is essentially a social security number 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 by one of two ways:
Important: An EIN is obtained after the LLC is formed. Obtaining an EIN registers the company for federal taxes.
Opening a business bank account is an important first step, as it:
- Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
Getting a business credit card allows you to:
- Separate personal and business expenses.
- Build your company's credit history, which can be useful to raise money for your company later.
* Recommended: Compare business credit card offers at CreditCards.com.
Do I need to register for State taxes?
- If you have Employees in Indiana you will have to register for Unemployment Insurance Tax, and State Income Tax Withholding on behalf of your Employees
- Register for Unemployment Insurance Tax through Uplink
- Register for Employee Withholding Tax through the Indiana’s INtax Service
- If you are selling taxable goods or services in Indiana, you will need to register for Indiana Sales Tax
- Register for Sales and Use Tax through Indiana’s INtax Service
*Recommended: Learn more about sales tax by reading our informative guide: Sales Tax for Small Businesses.
Even if you haven’t officially opened for business – it’s critical to get your books in order. A well managed accounting system will help you:
- Track your business finances, including bills, expenses and income.
- Simplify your annual tax filings.
The right software makes accounting easy. Look for software that:
- Syncs with your bank automatically.
- Matches transactions to invoices, bills and purchase orders.
- Can be accessed from your phone.
*Recommended: Xero has the features that all small businesses need.
Try Xero FREE for 30 days and get 30% off your first 6-months.
Do I need business licenses and permits?
To operate your LLC you must comply with federal, state, and local government regulations. For example, restaurants likely need health permits, building permits, signage permits, etc.
Find out how to obtain necessary licenses and permits for your business:
- Federal: Use the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) guide to federal business licenses and permits.
- State: To learn more about licenses, permits and registration visit Indiana's Business Owner's Guide.
- Local: Contact your local Chamber of Commerce and ask about local licenses and permits.
- For specific information on professional licenses view Indiana's Professional Licensing Agency.
- Alternatively, you can use a professional service to research all of your business licensing needs.
The details of business licenses and permits vary from state to state. Make sure you read carefully. Don't be surprised if there are short classes required as well.
Fees for business licenses and permits will vary depending on what sort of license you are seeking to obtain.
What is Workers Compensation Insurance? This form of insurance is required for most businesses with employees, but varies by State. Click here to learn more.
What is General Liability Insurance? This is an important service, but is not required in most States. Click here to learn why.
How much will the right insurance cost you? Click here to find out.
Once a business decides to hire employees, certain legal obligations are required, such as:
- Ensuring that potential employees are eligible to work in the US
- Reporting employees as "new hires" to the State
- Providing workers compensation insurance for employees
- Withholding income taxes
- Printing compliance posters and place in a conspicuous location
- Ensuring payment of employees in specific increments as required by the state
Find employer services at Indiana Department of Workforce Development
A great resource for posting jobs and finding qualified employees is Indeed.com
How to Start a Business
in Indiana
5 easy steps to starting a business in Indiana.
We have a far more detailed guide - How to Start a Business which will go over the points in more details.
- Identify a suitable business idea that works for you - Check out our Business Ideas Tool.
- Critically analyze your idea with our Lean Business Model Canvas Tool. You can then go on to create a full business plan with our Free Online Business Plan Tool.
- Formally organize your Business into a company. An LLC is the most popular way to structure your business. Learn how to Form your LLC in Indiana.
- Complete important key steps after formation such as acquiring business licences & permits, registering for state taxes, and opening a business bank account.
- Build your website and develop your brand. Learn more about marketing and brand establishment.
To maintain an Indiana LLC, it is necessary to make periodic filings with the State of Indiana. Learn how to keep your Indiana LLC in good standing and avoid state penalties.
Biennial Report
Most states require LLCs to file an annual or biennial report. These reports typically include basic information about your business and involve a filing fee. Indiana requires LLCs to file a biennial report with the Indiana Secretary of State.
File a Biennial Report in the State of Indiana
File OnlineDue Date: Due every other year by the end of the month in which the LLC was formed.
Fee: $50
Late Filings
Indiana does not charge late fees if you miss your filing deadline but may dissolve your LLC after 120 days of failing to file an annual report.
Prevention
Each year, thousands of LLCs are unknowingly dissolved for failing to file an annual report. When an LLC is dissolved, its owners lose limited liability protection. A registered agent service can help you avoid this risk by notifying you of upcoming filing deadlines and submitting reports on your behalf.
If you have an existing LLC and want to register to do business in Indiana, you will need to form a foreign LLC.
File a Foreign LLC in the State of Indiana
Fee: $90 — Follow the instructions on the PDF.
Benefits of Forming a Foreign LLC
The major benefit of becoming a foreign corporation is that it allows your company to operate as one entity in many jurisdictions. For example, if you originally incorporate your LLC the State of Delaware, you can file your existing domestic LLC as a foreign corporation in other states.