How to Start an LLC in Indiana

Last updated on 03 Apr 2025

How to Form an LLC in Indiana | Complete Guide

A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Form an LLC in Indiana

Opening a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Indiana provides business owners with personal asset protection while allowing for flexibility in management. While it is easy to form an LLC, the process can remain perplexing if proper knowledge is not sought. This article will guide you through the basic steps required to establish your LLC in Indiana, ensuring that everything is done properly.

Key Benefits

Personal Asset Protection

An LLC provides a legal barrier between your personal assets and business liabilities, protecting your savings, home, and other personal property from business debts and lawsuits.

Tax Flexibility

LLCs offer pass-through taxation by default, meaning business income passes through to your personal tax return, avoiding double taxation while providing options for how you're taxed.

Management Freedom

Indiana LLCs provide flexibility in management structure, allowing you to choose between member-managed or manager-managed operations to suit your business needs.

How to Form an LLC in Indiana in 3 Easy Steps

Select a Special Name for Your Indiana LLC

The first step in the process is to choose a special name for your LLC. Your desired name should be different and not held by another business entity in Indiana.

Required Words: The name should have "Limited Liability Company" or an abbreviation such as "LLC," "L.L.C.," "Ltd.," or "Co."
Prohibited Words: The name must not have some words such as "Agency," "Board," "Bureau," "Commission," "Department," or "Municipal."
Restricted Terms: It must not be confusing or suggest association with some government entity like "State Department" or "FBI."
Domain Name: It's a good idea to find out if your desired domain name is available too, even if you are not going to launch a website right away. That way, you can prevent someone from taking the domain in the future.

Name a Registered Agent for Your LLC

Indiana mandates that all LLCs name a registered agent. This individual or company will receive tax and legal documents on behalf of your LLC.

Indiana Requirements

Your registered agent can have an Indiana physical address and must be accessible to receive documents during business hours. You can serve as your own registered agent, hire a business partner, or contract with a professional registered agent service to perform this function.

Professional Service Benefits

Although you can be your own registered agent, most businesses opt to hire a registered agent service to maintain compliance and avoid the risk of missing critical legal documents.

Top Recommended Registered Agent Services

ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness provides a streamlined LLC formation process and trustworthy registered agent services for $199 per year. They offer an easy-to-use online dashboard where you can store your LLC documents.

Quick and dependable LLC formation.
Comes with compliance reminders and legal notice protection.
Superb customer ratings and support.

Disadvantages: Does not provide nonprofit LLC formation.

Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent has more than 20 years of experience in LLC formation and registered agent services. Their service offers safe online access to documents and data security.

Low cost $125 annual fee for registered agent services.
Strong emphasis on security and privacy.
A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Disadvantages: The initial LLC registration service can be higher in price compared to other companies.

File the Articles of Organization with the State

After you've decided on a name and appointed a registered agent, the next thing to do is to formally submit your LLC's Articles of Organization to the Indiana Secretary of State.

Filing Fee

The fee to file the Articles of Organization is $95 for online filing, $100 for paper filings.

Processing Time

The processing time for online filings is typically one business day, while paper filings can take up to 7 business days to process.

Filing Methods

Online Filing: You may file online via the Indiana Secretary of State website.
Mail Filing: If you prefer to file via mail, send your application by mail to the state office:
Secretary of State Business Services Division
302 West Washington Street
Room E018
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Post-Formation Steps

After registering your LLC, there are a few steps to take to ensure your business operates smoothly:

Separate Personal and Business Assets

It's important to maintain personal and business finances separately. Open a separate business bank account for your LLC to safeguard your personal assets in the event of a lawsuit or financial problem.

Hire an Accountant

Having an accountant will assist with managing your LLC's bookkeeping, finances, and taxes. An accountant can assist you in staying away from tax penalties and mistakes, making sure your company is in compliance.

Get Business Insurance

Insurance is necessary to protect your business against possible liabilities. Whether general liability, professional liability, or workers' compensation insurance, coverage will shield your business and employees.

Create an Operating Agreement

Not a required document in the state of Indiana, but extremely recommended. The Operating Agreement establishes the management style and ownership specifics of your LLC to avoid misunderstandings and protect your limited liability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the fees to form an LLC in Indiana?

The fee to form an LLC in Indiana is $95 when filing online and $100 for paper filings.

Do I require a DBA (Doing Business As) name in Indiana?

Most LLCs in Indiana don't require a DBA unless you intend to do business under a name that's not your official LLC name. If you opt to use another name, then you're required to register it with the state.

How long does it take to create my LLC in Indiana?

Electronic filings are completed in one business day. Paper filings typically take around 5-7 business days to process. You also have the option of expediting for an additional charge.

May I be my own registered agent in Indiana?

Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Indiana provided that you have a physical address within the state and are present during regular business hours to accept documents.

Is an Operating Agreement necessary for an LLC in Indiana?

Although an Operating Agreement is not compulsory by law, it is highly recommended to possess one. Such a document may assist in setting your LLC's internal organization and avoiding disagreements among members.

Should I obtain an EIN for my Indiana LLC?

If your LLC will have employees or if you're going to establish a business bank account, you will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. You'll need it too if you expect to be taxed as a corporation.

Are there annual Indiana LLC filing requirements?

Indiana mandates annual reports by LLCs with the Secretary of State. The annual report is free, and it should be submitted by the anniversary of the formation of your LLC.

Ready to Start Your Indiana LLC?

Starting an LLC in Indiana is a smart choice to protect your personal assets while running your business. By following these steps and ensuring compliance with state regulations, you'll be well on your way to building a successful business.

Get Started Today