Start a Business in Indiana

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This guide on starting your business in Indiana provides step-by-step instructions on the paperwork to file formation documents, obtain tax IDs, and set up company records.

how to start a business

Step-By-Step Startup

Below is an overview of the paperwork, cost, and time to form each of the most popular business structures. Simply click on the link for your desired structure to view detailed step-by-step instructions.

  • If you have not decided whether you want to form an LLC, corporation, or other business structure, click here.
  • If wish to form your business in a different state than Indiana, click here.
Structure Paperwork Cost Time

Indiana Limited Liability Company

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  • Form 49459: Articles of Organization for a Domestic Limited Liability Company
  • Operating Agreement
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • Form BT-1: Indiana Business Tax Application
  • Formation: $90
  • Formation: ~15 minutes online. ~24 hours in-person. ~5-7 business days by mail.

Indiana Corporation

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  • Form 4159: Articles of Incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • Form 2553: S-Corp Election, if desired
  • Form BT-1: Indiana Business Tax Application
  • Incorporation: $90
  • Form BT-1: $0. The state fee for a sales tax license is $25.
  • Incorporation: ~15 minutes online. ~24 hours in-person. ~5-7 business days by mail.

Indiana Nonprofit

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  • Form 4162: Articles of Incorporation for a Nonprofit Corporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form BT-1: Indiana Business Tax Application
  • Form NP-20A: Nonprofit Application for Sales Tax Exemption
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Form CG-QA: Indiana Charitable Gaming Qualification Application, if applicable
  • Incorporation: $30
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Form BT-1: $25 for sales tax license, if required
  • Incorporation: ~15 minutes online. ~24 hours in-person. ~5-7 business days by mail.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months
  • Indiana Gaming Qualification: 120 days

Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Indiana

  1. It is inexpensive to register in Indiana. Lucky you! It costs $90 plus $25 for a sales tax license, if needed. The annual report fee is only $20-$30.
  2. An annual report is required annually for LLCs and biennially for corporations (and annually for nonprofit corporations). This is filed with the Indiana Secretary of State. If you are more than 120 days late they can dissolve or revoke your business.
  3. A corporate designator like "Incorporated" or "Limited" is required as part of your business name. We will explain the list of permissible corporate suffixes.
  4. You can file your formation documents online with the Indiana Secretary of State. It is super-fast. You'll have a response in 15 minutes. If you choose to file by mail, remember to include the original and one copy.
  5. The Indiana Department of Revenue will issue your business a taxpayer identification number (TID). We'll explain how to register for state tax accounts and obtain this id.
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