How much does it cost to get a business license in Indiana? The initial fees and annual reports are comparatively low. When you consider all benefits to registering a business in Indiana, it becomes a pretty attractive state.
Types of Businesses and Structures
One of two most common types of companies you may wish to form when starting and registering business in Indiana are: Indiana Limited Liability Company (LLC) and Indiana Incorporated Company (Inc.).
A sole proprietorship only has one owner. It is the simplest business structure and does not need to be registered with the Secretary of State.
LLC Costs and Optional Fees
- The cost to file Indiana LLC Articles of Organization online is $95.
- The cost for registering an Indiana foreign LLC online is $105.
- Optional LLC formation costs include service fees from $29.
- Costs for registered agent service range from $50 a year up to $300 or more.
Indiana offers a competitive cost structure, including affordable real estate, utility costs, and labor costs. The state has one of the lowest living costs. Indiana’s central location provides easy access to markets.
If currently have LLC in state want expand into Indiana, must register foreign LLC. Costs $105 online or $125 by mail. Depending on industry and area, may need federal, state, and municipal permits/licenses operate in Indiana.
Business Licenses and Permits
The most common business license is a Registered Retail Merchant Certificate, or a seller’s permit, which allows you to sell products or services in Indiana, and costs $25. To file the Articles of Incorporation for a corporation in Indiana, you must file your formation documents to the Secretary of State Business Services Division online for a $95 filing fee or by mail for a $100 filing fee.
Indiana law requires all businesses to have a valid sales tax permit to legally trade, buy, sell and pay tax to the state. This is the most basic requirement for any business, whether they intend to operate a branch location or main office from within Indiana.
You can obtain a business license in Indiana by applying with the relevant licensing or regulatory agency. The agency you apply with will depend on where your business is located and what business activities it engages in.
Many types of businesses require a license in Indiana, including retailers, restaurants, contractors, healthcare professionals, and more. You can register your business with the Indiana Secretary of State’s office online, by mail, or in person. You can apply for applicable tax registrations with the Indiana Department of Revenue online, by mail, or in person.
LLC Formation and Maintenance Costs
Forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Indiana is a popular choice for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to protect their personal assets and enjoy flexibility in their business operations. LLC formation costs vary from state to state, and it is essential to understand the costs involved in forming and maintaining an LLC in Indiana.
How to Start an LLC? LLC Cost in Indiana:
- Initial LLC Costs
- Ongoing LLC Costs
To form an LLC in Indiana, you must file Articles of Organization with the Indiana Secretary of State. The regular filing fee is $100 (by mail and $95 online); if you need expedited processing, it will cost an additional fee.
In Indiana, the "Business Entity Report" is expected to be filed every other year by the end of the month in which you formed your LLC. Filing online will cost you $32, and filing a hard copy costs $50.
The state of Indiana doesn’t charge LLCs with a specific "franchise" or "privilege" tax either. However, there are a number of circumstances that would cause your LLC to pay business-related state taxes. Your business will need to pay a specialized tax if it:
- Sells products (sales tax).
- Has employees (withholding tax).