Indiana LLC Filing Fees and Requirements

Filing fee: $95 online / $100 by mail (Articles of Organization)

Processing time: Online filings are generally processed within a few business days; mail filings take longer

State agency: Indiana Secretary of State, Business Services Division — INBiz portal (inbiz.in.gov)

Annual report due: Business Entity Report filed biennially (every 2 years); $32 online / $50 by mail

State tax rate: Indiana has no state-level LLC franchise tax; LLCs are subject to Indiana's flat individual or corporate income tax depending on tax election

Forming an LLC in Indiana requires filing Articles of Organization with the Indiana Secretary of State and paying a state fee of $95 online or $100 by mail. After formation, Indiana LLCs must file a Business Entity Report every 2 years and maintain a registered agent with an Indiana address.

Articles of Organization: how to file and what it costs

To form an LLC in Indiana, you file Articles of Organization with the Indiana Secretary of State, Business Services Division. You can file online through the INBiz portal or by mail. The state fee is $95 for online filings and $100 for paper filings.

Online filings go through the INBiz portal at inbiz.in.gov. You'll need to create an INBiz account, select "Start a New Business," choose "Limited Liability Company" as the entity type, complete the Articles of Organization form, and pay electronically. Indiana adds a small processing fee at checkout — roughly 2.15% of the transaction, with a $1 minimum — so the total online cost comes to approximately $97.

Paper filings are mailed to the Secretary of State, Business Services Division, with a check or money order for $100. Mail filings take longer to process than online submissions. Most people filing on their own find the online route faster and easier to track.

Business Entity Report: Indiana's biennial filing requirement

Indiana doesn't use an annual report. Instead, LLCs file a Business Entity Report every 2 years through the INBiz portal. The fee is $32 online or $50 by mail. Missing this filing can put your LLC out of good standing with the state.

The biennial schedule catches some business owners off guard — especially those used to states that require annual filings. Mark the due date when you form your LLC so it doesn't slip. The INBiz portal tracks your filing history and sends reminders, but the responsibility to file on time is yours.

Registered agent requirement

Every Indiana LLC must designate a registered agent with a physical street address in Indiana. The registered agent receives official legal and government correspondence on behalf of your LLC — things like service of process and state notices. A P.O. box doesn't qualify.

You can serve as your own registered agent if you have an Indiana address and are available during business hours. Many business owners use a registered agent service instead — it keeps a personal home address off public records and ensures someone is always available to receive documents.

LLC name requirements

Your Indiana LLC name must be distinguishable from all other business names already on file with the Secretary of State. It must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." It can't include words like "Corp." or "Inc." — those are reserved for corporations.

Check name availability for free through the INBiz Business Search tool before you file. The Secretary of State looks at the core part of the name — not just the entity designator — so two names that differ only by "LLC" vs. "Inc." won't both be approved.

Employer Identification Number

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a federal tax ID issued by the IRS. You'll need one to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes. Single-member LLCs with no employees can use a Social Security number in some cases, but an EIN keeps your personal number off business documents.

You can apply for an EIN for free at irs.gov/ein. The online application takes about 10 minutes and issues the EIN immediately. There's no state fee for this — it's a federal process.

Business licenses and permits

Indiana doesn't issue a single general "business license" that covers all businesses. What you need depends on your industry, your location, and how your business operates. Some licenses are issued by the state, some by your county or city, and some by federal agencies.

Common requirements include a Registered Retail Merchant Certificate if you sell taxable goods (issued by the Indiana Department of Revenue), professional licenses for regulated industries like healthcare or construction, and local permits for physical locations. Fees and renewal schedules vary by license type. The Indiana Secretary of State's INBiz portal is a good starting point for identifying what applies to your business.

Other fees and requirements

• Certificate of Existence: $27, ordered through the INBiz portal. This document — formerly called a Certificate of Good Standing — confirms your LLC is authorized to do business in Indiana. Banks and lenders often require it when you apply for financing.
• Name reservation (optional): approximately $10 plus a small processing fee. Indiana doesn't require you to reserve a name before filing, but you can hold a name for up to 120 days if you're not ready to file yet.
• Foreign LLC registration: if your LLC is formed in another state but does business in Indiana, you'll need to register as a foreign LLC with the Indiana Secretary of State and pay a separate registration fee.
• Operating agreement: Indiana doesn't require LLCs to have an operating agreement, but having one in place protects your liability shield and clarifies how the business is run. There's no state fee to create one.

Indiana has no state-level franchise tax on LLCs, which keeps ongoing costs lower than in states like California or Delaware. The main recurring cost after formation is the biennial Business Entity Report at $32 online.