Indiana LLC formation starts with one of the nation's most affordable filing fees, at just $95 online ($97.04 with processing fee) or $100 by mail for your Articles of Organization. This low barrier makes Indiana attractive for budget-conscious entrepreneurs, but understanding the complete cost picture helps you plan appropriately.
Beyond the state filing fee, you'll need a registered agent with an Indiana address. Indiana requires a Business Entity Report every two years ($32 online, $50 by mail), making ongoing compliance costs lower than states requiring annual filings.
With no franchise tax, biennial reporting instead of annual requirements, and costs that pale compared to high-fee states like California's $800 annual tax, Indiana ranks among the most cost-effective states for LLC formation.
Launching your LLC in Indiana involves just a few unavoidable expenses, but knowing exactly what they cover helps you plan from day one.
Beyond the mandatory $95 filing fee, you'll find additional expenses that aren't legally required but can save you significant headaches. Whether these options make sense depends on your LLC's complexity, available time, and your comfort level with handling formation independently.
For LLCs with multiple members, complex ownership structures, or specialized tax situations, attorneys become essential rather than optional. Most Indiana lawyers charge between $500 and $2,500 for comprehensive formation packages, which include custom operating agreements and ongoing compliance guidance. CPA tax consultations run $100-$400 per hour and often prevent costly mistakes once you're operational.
Online formation companies offer a middle ground between DIY and hiring professionals. Basic packages start at $39 in service fees (you still pay Indiana's $95), while premium offerings include registered agent services and compliance tracking for additional fees.
Some filings appear only when you need them, but forgetting to budget can disrupt your timeline. You'll need to keep an eye on the following:
After formation, recurring expenses begin to maintain your Indiana LLC's good standing. You need to budget for several ongoing obligations that keep your business compliant. Miss any of these deadlines and you'll face late penalties, potential dissolution, or loss of ability to conduct business.
Indiana offers a significant advantage by not imposing franchise taxes on LLCs and requiring reports only every two years instead of annually. This makes Indiana's ongoing compliance costs refreshingly affordable compared to high-fee states that impose substantial annual franchise taxes.
Are there any hidden fees when forming an LLC?
Several costs lurk beyond the initial filing. Many cities require local business licenses ($20-$100+ annually). Common extras include professional registered agent services ($125-$400 yearly), name reservation ($20), DBA filings ($10-$35), and certified copies (up to $16 each).
Can I get a refund if my filing is rejected?
No. Indiana treats the $95 as a processing fee—once paid, it's non-refundable even if your documents get rejected. Double-check names, signatures, and addresses before submitting to avoid paying twice.
How do Indiana costs compare to other states?
Indiana's $31 biennial report and zero franchise tax keep long-term expenses low. California hammers you with an $800 annual franchise tax, while Delaware charges $300 yearly. Even formation costs less: Indiana's $95 online versus New York's $200 plus mandatory newspaper publication requirements.
Can I avoid registered agent fees legally?
Yes. As long as you or another member maintains a physical Indiana address and stays available during business hours, you can serve as your own agent at zero cost.
Are there ongoing tax obligations specific to Indiana LLCs?
Indiana imposes no franchise or privilege tax on LLCs. The only universal state-level recurring cost is the $31 biennial Business Entity Report. Taxes flow through to your personal return by default—you'll only register for sales, payroll, or industry-specific taxes if your business activities require them.
Instead of juggling separate invoices and deadlines across multiple providers, you can complete your Indiana formation filing in minutes through Discern’s dashboard. Our platform:
Ready to experience no calendar tracking, no late-fee panic, and no deadline stress? Book a demo of Discern today.
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