How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Indiana?

Indiana LLC Online Filing Fee: $95

The main cost to start an LLC Indiana is the $95 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the Indiana Secretary of State.

For a look at LLC costs in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.

Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Indiana

If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Indiana, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Indiana.

The cost for registering an Indiana foreign LLC is $105 online or $125 by mail. You can register a foreign LLC in Indiana by filing a Foreign Registration Statement (Form 56369).

Optional LLC Formation Costs

There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:

LLC Name Reservation

Reserve your name prior to LLC formation by filing the LLC Name Reservation Form and paying the $10 filing fee.

Assumed Business Name

File a Certification of Assumed Business Name and pay the $20 online filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name. This can also be filed by mail and paying a $30 mail filing fee.

Seven Basic Steps to Start an LLC in Indiana

Step 1: Name Your Indiana LLC
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
Step 3: File the Articles of Organization
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 5: Get an EIN
Step 6: File the Business Entity Report
Step 7: Keep Your Company Compliant

Step 1: Name Your Indiana LLC

When you name your Indiana LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:

1. Is available for use in the state of Indiana
2. Meets Indiana naming requirements
3. Is available as a web domain

Recommended: Visit our Start an LLC in Indiana guide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in Indiana.

Not sure what to name your business? Check out our How to Name a Business guide and free LLC Name Generator.

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 create a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

All LLCs in Indiana must appoint a registered agent. A registered agent primarily acts as your LLC’s main point of contact with the state. But most importantly, they are responsible for accepting service of process in the event your business is sued.

Your Indiana registered agent must:

• Be at least 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in Indiana
• Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process

In Indiana, you must check a box on your Articles of Organization stating that the registered agent has consented to appointment.

Step 3: File the Articles of Organization

The Indiana Articles of Organization is a document that is filed with the Indiana Secretary of State to form an LLC. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $95 online. This can also be filed by mail.

For detailed instructions for completing the Articles of Organization, visit our How to File the Indiana Articles of Organization guide.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement isn't required for Indiana LLCs, but it's a good practice to have one.

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

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read our Indiana LLC operating agreement guide.

Step 5: Get an EIN

What is an EIN? An EIN or Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue System (IRS) to identify a business for tax reporting purposes. An EIN is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.

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

• Opening a business bank account
• Hiring employees

Step 6: File the Business Entity Report

Most states require LLCs to file an annual report. However, Indiana requires LLCs to file a biennial report known as the Business Entity Report with the Indiana Secretary of State.

Business Entity Reports are due every second year at the end of your LLC’s anniversary month (i.e., the month you initially registered the LLC in). The filing fee is $32 online and $50 by mail.

Step 7: Keep Your Company Compliant

Maintaining regulatory compliance for your LLC in Indiana involves multiple considerations. Here's a roadmap to keep your business on track:

• Licenses & Permits: Every business must comply with specific federal, state, and local licensing and permit requirements. These vary depending on your business's nature. Visit our Indiana Business License guide for detailed information. Using a professional service can help streamline the process.
• Indiana LLC Tax Obligations: Keeping up-to-date on your tax responsibilities is crucial. Indiana imposes a state sales tax of 7%, with no additional local sales taxes. For businesses with employees, registration for Unemployment Insurance Tax and Employee Withholding Tax is mandatory. The state has a flat income tax rate of 3.15%.
• Employee Hiring Practices: Hiring employees entails specific legal obligations. Confirm the work eligibility of your employees, report new hires to the state, manage workers' compensation insurance and employee tax withholdings, and make sure to display workplace compliance posters conspicuously.

These guidelines are designed to assist you in running a compliant LLC in Indiana. Fulfilling these requirements ensures smooth business operations and legal peace of mind.