How to Start an LLC in Indiana: Step-by-Step

Starting an LLC in Indiana is a simple and cost-effective process, making it a popular choice for entrepreneurs.

Indiana offers a business-friendly environment, with straightforward filing requirements and reasonable fees that cater to small business owners. The state provides helpful tools and resources to guide you through every step, from choosing a unique business name to filing necessary documents with the Indiana Secretary of State.

Whether you're launching a new venture or expanding your operations, forming an LLC in Indiana ensures personal liability protection and a flexible management structure. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process.

Steps to Get an LLC in Indiana:

Step 1: Choose a name for your LLC
Step 2: Appoint a registered agent
Step 3: File Indiana LLC Articles of Organization
Step 4: Create an LLC Operating Agreement
Step 5: Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS
Costs to set up an LLC in Indiana
Further steps

Step 1: Choose a name for your LLC

Selecting a name for your new business is where you should start. In addition to marketing concerns, you’ll also have to ensure that the name meets Indiana’s rules and requirements.

Every Indiana LLC name must:

Be unique and different from existing businesses
Include Limited Liability Company or an abbreviation such as LLC
Avoid using terms related to regulated fields like law, medicine, or non-profit status, unless authorized

Head over to the Indiana Public Business Search Database to see what’s already taken:

INBIZ: Business name search tool in Indiana — Source: INBiz

Run multiple searches to ensure that you select a unique name that won’t cause confusion with existing businesses.

Name reservation (optional)

If you want to reserve a name, create an account with the state of Indiana. Then use the “Start a New Business Section” to begin the name registration process. You can also use a paper form.

Reserving a name secures it while you prepare the rest of your formation documents. It’s not required.

The cost to reserve a corporate name in Indiana is $10. It is valid for 120 days.

Assumed name (optional)

Many business owners like to use a doing-business-as (DBA) name. This can also be called a trade name or a fictitious name. Indiana calls it an assumed name.

A DBA or assumed name provides a lot of flexibility by letting you operate under a name different from the LLC’s legal name. For example, an LLC named “Indiana Farm Supply LLC” might operate under an assumed name like “Hoosier Hog Hub.”

To use an assumed name, you need to file it with the State of Indiana. The assumed name registration cost in Indiana is $30 per name.

Step 2: Appoint a registered agent

All Indiana LLCs must have a registered agent listed in the company’s application. A registered agent is the main point of contact for state notices, letters, and other legal documents. It’s an important role.

All Indiana registered agents must be:

Physically located in Indiana with a street address (not a P.O. Box)
At least 18 years old

You can serve as your own registered agent. Or you can appoint a trusted party like an employee, accountant, or friend to perform the role for you.

If you don't want to be your own registered agent, you can hire one for about $49-$200/year in Indiana. If you form an LLC with Northwest, they'll give you a free registered agent for the first year. After that, it's $125 per year.

Step 3: File Indiana LLC Articles of Organization

Filing your articles of organization with the Indiana Secretary of State is the key step. It’s what brings your business vision to life by creating the legal entity.

Indiana Articles of Organization require:

LLC’s name and duration
Registered agent contact information
Management structure
Signature of at least one manager, member, or organizer

You can submit them online, in person, or via mail. Be prepared to pay a filing fee of $95 (online) or $100 (mail) to submit the Articles of Organization.

Articles of Organization (Indiana) — Source: forms.in.gov

Processing time varies depending on the submission method:

1-2 days for online submissions
7-10 days for mail or in-person submissions

At present, Indiana doesn’t offer any expedited services.

Once your LLC has been approved, obtain a Certificate of Existence from the state of Indiana. This costs $26 and can be requested from the state’s online portal.

Keep a copy of this with your business records. It may be needed for various purposes later on, such as opening a bank account or accepting financing opportunities.

Step 4: Create an LLC Operating Agreement

An operating agreement outlines how the business will function. It is an internal agreement between owners and managers that lays out how to handle many situations.

Without an operating agreement, state law will step in. This may lead to unexpected and undesirable results.

Experienced entrepreneurs protect their interests with well-drafted operating agreements. They include things like:

Rights and duties of LLC members and managers
Ownership percentages and contribution amounts
Allocation of profits and losses
How to add or remove a member
Ways to resolve certain disputes
Method for dissolving the LLC

Business owners are strongly encouraged to draft an operating agreement for their LLC. Indiana doesn’t require one and you don’t file it with the SOS. But it’s still good to have one. They are critical for all multi-member LLCs.

Many online providers sell customizable operating agreement templates. You can also hire an attorney to draft one for you but expect to pay $1,000 or more.

Step 5: Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS

After filing your Articles of Organization and drafting your operating agreement, taxes are the next step to tackle. Business owners should submit a request to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

An EIN is like a Social Security number for a business. The IRS uses them to track tax information.

The IRS requires an EIN if your LLC:

Has more than one member
Hires any employees
Falls under a handful of other situations

If you use the sole proprietorship tax classification, you may be able to use your personal Social Security number instead. But it’s best practice to get an EIN anyway. Banks and local tax authorities might require one.

Getting an EIN is quick, easy, and free. Apply online via the IRS website to get your EIN in minutes. Or submit a paper application on Form SS-4.

Costs to set up an LLC in Indiana

The minimum cost to start an LLC in Indiana is $95, the fee for filing the Articles of Organization.

Optional charges include:

$10 to reserve a business name
$30 to apply for a fictitious (DBA) name
$99-$149/year to hire a registered agent service

Without hiring an attorney for the operating agreement, most people can start an Indiana LLC for $200 or less.

Further steps

Open a Business Bank Account

Opening a business bank account is highly recommended as it plays a crucial role in maintaining accurate records and accounting. However, there's an even more important reason to have one.

Mixing personal and business finances can jeopardize the legal protections of your LLC. In the event of a lawsuit, your personal assets might be at risk. To avoid this, use a business bank account to demonstrate that your LLC operates as a separate entity.

Many banks offer business accounts at no cost or for a fee of up to $25 per month, depending on your deposit amount and the services provided. Typically, you'll need a photo ID, the articles of organization, and your EIN to open an account.

Local Taxes, Licenses, and Permits

Part of LLC ownership is navigating the state and local needs. Start with the state authorities. The INBiz online portal helps streamline the process.

Many Indiana LLCs need to register with the Indiana Department of Revenue. If you hire employees, you’ll need to register with the Department of Workforce Development.

Other Resources

Leveraging the knowledge of local leaders can help you blast through challenges.

You can get advising services from organizations like SCORE and the Indiana SBDC. Or get your fingers on the pulse of the business community by joining the Chamber of Commerce.