Forming an Indiana LLC

(2025 Guide)

2025 LLC Guide

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How to Start an LLC in Indiana (Step-by-Step Guide)

Discover how to start an LLC in Indiana, our step-by-step guide. Learn the essential requirements and process to form your business today.

To establish an LLC in Indiana, submit the Articles of Organization to the Indiana Secretary of State. The filing fee is $95, and approval is granted within one day.

There are five key steps to complete:
Choose a Name for Your LLC
Appoint a Registered Agent
Submit the Articles of Organization
Draft an Operating Agreement
Obtain an EIN

For those who prefer a DIY approach, you can use our complimentary guide below. Alternatively, if you’d like professional assistance, we suggest using Northwest Registered Agent.

Need to save time?

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

What is the cost to establish an LLC in Indiana?

Establishing an LLC costs $95 initially. Additionally, you will need to pay $31 every two years. What do these fees cover? The $95 fee is for filing the Articles of Organization, which officially forms the LLC. The $31 biennial fee is for the Business Entity Report, a required submission to maintain your LLC’s status. Note: These fees apply to online filings of the Articles of Organization and Business Entity Report. Filing by mail incurs higher costs, so online filing is recommended. For further details, check LLC Costs in Indiana.

How long does it take to form an LLC in Indiana?

Filing by mail results in approval within 5 business days, plus mailing time. Online filing, however, leads to approval within 1 business day. For potential delays, refer to How long does it take to get an LLC in Indiana.

Here’s how to establish an LLC in Indiana

1. Conduct a Search for Your LLC Name


Ensure your LLC name is available within the state by conducting a search. This step is crucial because no two businesses can share the same name in the state.

Begin by searching your desired business name and comparing it with those already registered. To confirm the uniqueness of your chosen LLC name, use the InBiz: Department of Business Services Database. Additionally, acquaint yourself with the state’s LLC naming rules to ensure your LLC is approved. We’ll cover these aspects in more depth here: Indiana LLC Name.

Note: 

Most people choose “LLC”.

2. Select a Indiana Registered Agent

The following step involves selecting a Registered Agent. A Indiana Registered Agent is an individual or company responsible for receiving legal mail and state notices on behalf of your Indiana Limited Liability Company.

Who is eligible to be an LLC Registered Agent? You have three options for appointing a Registered Agent:

You
A friend or family member
A Registered Agent Service

Indiana mandates that LLC Registered Agents must maintain a physical street address within the state. PO Boxes are not permissible. The name and address of the Registered Agent will be included in public records.

If you lack an address in Indiana or desire increased privacy, you can opt for a Registered Agent Service for your LLC.

We suggest Northwest Registered Agent

One of the aspects we appreciate most about Northwest is their willingness to allow you to use their office address for your LLC filing. This ensures your personal address is not listed in public records.

Additionally, they provide a service to scan any mail addressed to your LLC and upload it to your online account. Northwest offers exceptional customer service, and we trust them as our own Registered Agent.

Special offer: 

Form your LLC with Northwest for $39 + state fee and get a free year of Registered Agent service.

(Read our Northwest Registered Agent review.)

3. Submit Articles of Organization


To establish an LLC, you must submit the Indiana Articles of Organization.

Filing these documents online with the Indiana Secretary of State: Business Services Division costs $95. This fee is a one-time payment required to set up your LLC.

If you choose to handle this process yourself, refer to our detailed guide: Indiana Articles of Organization. Alternatively, you can hire a service to complete it on your behalf.

Need to save time? 

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

4. Draft an LLC Operating Agreement

An LLC Operating Agreement acts as a complementary document to the Certificate of Formation. While the Certificate of Formation establishes your LLC, the Operating Agreement identifies the owners of the LLC.

Moreover, many banks require an Operating Agreement when setting up an LLC bank account. It is also invaluable if legal issues arise, as it demonstrates the proper management of your LLC. For these reasons, we advise all LLCs, including Single-Member LLCs, to have an Operating Agreement.

Additionally, an Operating Agreement is considered an “internal document.” This means you don’t need to file it with the state or the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). Simply keep a copy with your business records. You can download a free template below. Then, watch our Indiana Operating Agreement video for a step-by-step guide on how to complete it.

Download a free LLC Operating Agreement:

Member-managed: Google Doc | Word | PDF
Manager-managed: Google Doc | Word

(What’s better? See Member-managed vs Manager-managed LLC)

5. Obtain an EIN for Your LLC

The following step is to secure a Indiana EIN from the IRS for your LLC. Note: An EIN, also known as a Federal Tax ID Number or Federal Employer Identification Number, is essential.

An EIN is needed to:
– Identify your LLC for tax purposes
– Open a business bank account
– Apply for business licenses and permits

How much does an EIN cost? The IRS provides an EIN at no charge.

How long does it take to receive an EIN? Online applications are processed in 15 minutes, while mail or fax applications may take 1-3 months.

How can I obtain an EIN?
– US Citizens/Residents: With an SSN or ITIN, apply online. Follow these instructions: Apply for an EIN online.
– Non-US Residents: You can’t apply online, but you can obtain an EIN via fax or mail. See these instructions: How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.

What should I do after my LLC is approved?

After your LLC approval, some further actions are required.

LLC business bank account


It’s advisable to open a business bank account for your LLC. This simplifies accounting and record-keeping for your business finances. A distinct business bank account also preserves your personal liability protection by separating your business finances from personal ones.

Get business licenses and permits


Here’s some good news: Indiana doesn’t require a state general business license. However, depending on your LLC’s location, you might need a local business license or permit. For instance, if you plan to open a daycare, you may need a license from the city or county. More details can be found on our Indiana Business License page.

File your Business Entity Report


All Indiana LLCs must submit a Business Entity Report biennially. This report keeps your LLC in good standing with the state.

How much does a Business Entity Report cost?
The filing fee for an LLC Business Entity Report is $31 every two years if filed online, and $50 if filed by mail. We suggest filing online since it’s more cost-effective and quicker.

When is the Business Entity Report due?
Your LLC Business Entity Report is due by the end of your LLC’s anniversary month, which is the month your LLC was initially approved. This report and payment are mandatory every two years.

When is my first Business Entity Report due?
Your first Business Entity Report is due two years post-approval of your LLC. For example, if your LLC was approved on March 15, 2025, the first report is due by March 31, 2027.

How do I file my LLC Business Entity Report?
You can submit your LLC’s Business Entity Report either online or via mail. We recommend online filing for its simplicity. Follow our step-by-step guide here: Indiana LLC Business Entity Report.

Taxes


LLCs don’t pay federal taxes directly. Instead, the LLC Members are responsible for paying taxes on behalf of the LLC as part of their personal tax return.

How will my LLC be taxed?
By default, an LLC is taxed by the IRS according to the number of owners: A Single-Member LLC is taxed like a Sole Proprietorship, while a Multi-Member LLC is taxed like a Partnership. Alternatively, you can request the IRS to tax your LLC as a C-Corporation or S-Corporation.

In addition to federal taxes, there might be state and local income taxes, and you may need to collect and pay sales tax. Learn more in Indiana LLC Taxes.

Helpful Resources

How to Start an LLC in Wyoming FAQs

Can I start an LLC online in Indiana

Yes, you can initiate your LLC online in Indiana. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $95. Once you submit your filing online, it will be approved within one business day.

One of the primary benefits of an LLC is the protection it offers to your personal assets. This means if your business faces a lawsuit, your personal belongings—such as your house, vehicles, and bank accounts—remain safeguarded. This protection is extended to all LLC members, whether you have a Single-Member or Multi-Member LLC. LLC members are shielded from the business’s debts and liabilities, unlike in a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership, where personal assets aren’t protected in lawsuits. Consequently, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are a preferred business structure. Another advantage is LLC pass-through taxation, where the LLC itself doesn’t pay federal income taxes. Instead, profits pass through to the members, who then report and pay taxes on their personal returns. Indiana state income taxation aligns with the federal tax treatment for LLCs. For further insights, refer to How are LLCs taxed.

The suitability of Indiana as a state to start an LLC depends on your residence and business location. If you reside or conduct business in Indiana, you should establish your LLC there. Although many sources mention tax benefits of certain states, these are irrelevant if it’s not where you reside and operate. For instance, forming an LLC in Delaware while living and working in Indiana means you must also register your Delaware LLC in Indiana, incurring additional costs and fees. Plus, you’ll still need to pay Indiana taxes, resulting in higher costs and unnecessary complexity without benefits. Thus, if you reside and run your business in Indiana, it is a favorable state to start a business. Otherwise, it may not be ideal. Real estate exception: If purchasing property outside Indiana, form your LLC in the state where the property is located. For more details, visit Best State to Form an LLC.

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