Forming an Indiana LLC offers powerful liability protection combined with one of the nation's most straightforward compliance environments. Under the Indiana Business Flexibility Act (Title 23, Article 18), you'll separate personal assets from business liabilities while keeping profits flowing directly to your personal tax return.
Formation costs just $95 through Indiana's INBiz portal, with no annual franchise taxes or expensive publication requirements that burden businesses in other states.
Here's what the state requires, when it's needed, and what you'll pay. Use this checklist as you navigate the INBiz portal to ensure nothing is missed.
The fastest path to approval is filing online through the state's INBiz portal, which processes most submissions faster than mail for a $20 fee. Mail filings cost $25 and typically take longer, often up to two or three weeks.
Unlike many states, Indiana doesn't offer expedited service for an additional fee.
Forming an Indiana LLC comes down to five clear steps. Since INBiz processes online filings in about a business day, you could have an approved Certificate of Organization by tomorrow morning if you start today and avoid common mistakes.
Indiana's naming rules are simple but strict. Your chosen name must be unique in the Secretary of State's database and must end with "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." A quick search in the state's business database confirms availability, and it's worth taking the extra minute because a name collision can result in your application being rejected.
Avoid anything that sounds like a government agency or contains restricted words, such as "bank" or "insurance," unless you can provide the additional approvals the state requires.
If you're not ready to file yet, Indiana allows you to reserve the name for 120 days for $20, a small price to secure your name while you finalize your branding or secure investors. Some business owners also file a "doing business as" (DBA) at the county level, allowing them to operate under a more appealing public name while maintaining the formal LLC name as their official name.
Whether you reserve or file right away, grab the matching domain name and social media handles immediately; nothing's worse than finding your perfect .com taken after the legal paperwork is done.
Indiana requires every LLC to designate a registered agent, and the state is firm on the basics. The agent must:
You can be your own registered agent if you live in the state, but consider the downsides. Your home address becomes a public record, inviting junk mail and compromising your privacy.
Professional registered agent services cost approximately $100–$300 per year and address these issues by providing a business address, immediate document scanning, and compliance reminders, ensuring you never miss the biennial report deadline.
Once you select your agent, you'll include their name and address in the Articles of Organization, making this a critical piece of everything that follows.
This is when your Indiana LLC becomes official. The Articles of Organization tell the state who you are, where to find you, and how you'll run the company. You'll need to provide six essential details:
Filing through the state's INBiz portal or by paper both cost $20. Online filings typically get approved within one business day with immediate access to your Certificate of Organization, while paper filings take longer. Once approved, your LLC officially exists.
Indiana law doesn't require an Operating Agreement, but running without one means relying on default state rules that rarely fit real businesses. The agreement:
It should also cover member exits, interest transfers, and what happens if the company is dissolved.
Even single-member LLCs benefit. A written agreement strengthens the separation between you and the business, which is crucial for liability protection. Banks often ask for it before opening accounts, and investors expect to review it before sending funds.
If you have multiple members or a complex ownership structure, consider having an attorney review your draft. That cost beats fighting over vague terms later.
With your agreement in place, register with the agencies that need to know about your business before you start making money. Do the following, if applicable:
Maintaining your liability shield depends on staying in good standing with the state. Indiana makes this easier than most, as there's no annual franchise tax and only one required state filing every two years. Key ongoing requirements include:
Failure to meet ongoing requirements can result in:
How long does it take to form an LLC in Indiana?
If you file online through INBiz, you'll typically get approval within one business day, sometimes within hours if your paperwork is complete. Mail filing extends that to two or three weeks.
Can I act as my own registered agent?
Yes, but consider carefully. You need a physical Indiana address, reliable availability during business hours, and comfort with your name in public records. If privacy matters or you travel often, paying $100–$300 yearly for a commercial service eliminates these concerns.
Do I need an attorney to form an LLC?
It depends. Indiana makes it simple enough that most owners handle formation themselves or with online formation companies. You'll want legal help if you have complex ownership structures, outside investors, or operate in regulated industries.
What's the difference between Articles of Organization and an Operating Agreement?
Articles of Organization create your LLC; they serve as the public birth certificate filed with the state. Your Operating Agreement serves as the private rulebook governing ownership splits, voting rights, and profit distribution.
Can I change my LLC's name after it has been formed?
Yes. File Articles of Amendment online for $20 or by paper for $30. Continue using your original name on contracts and invoices until the amendment is approved.
Discern automates Indiana LLC formation filings, providing professional registered agent services, and tracking your biennial Business Entity Report deadlines automatically.
Our platform:
Ready to transform Indiana LLC formation and ongoing compliance? Book a demo of Discern today.
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