Indiana LLC Compliance Guide

Everything you need to legally form and operate a LLC in Indiana. Filing fees, tax forms, ongoing requirements, and the trade-offs of this structure.

Is a LLC Right for You?

Best for

Most small businesses. Liability protection with minimal formality. Owner-operated shops, side businesses, rentals.

Watch out for

Self-employment tax on all profits until you elect S-Corp. Some states charge franchise tax or high annual fees.

Tax treatment

Pass-through by default. Can elect S-Corp taxation. No entity-level federal tax.

ItemIndiana Requirement
Formal state filing requiredYes — file Articles of Organization with the Indiana Secretary of State.
State filing fee$95
Federal tax form filedForm 1065 (multi-member) or Schedule C (single-member)
Employer Identification Number (EIN)Required — apply free at irs.gov (5 minutes online)
Registered agent requiredYes — must have a physical Indiana address available during business hours.
Annual/periodic reportbiennial — fee $32
State income taxPass-through — owners pay Indiana personal income tax on business income. Flat 3%.

Filing Sequence in Indiana

  1. 1

    Choose a business name

    Search Indiana SoS name database. Reserve the name if desired (~$25 fee, optional).

  2. 2

    Get an EIN from the IRS

    Free at irs.gov. Takes ~5 minutes online. Required for all business banking, payroll, and tax filings.

  3. 3

    File formation documents ($95)

    Submit Articles of Organization to Indiana Secretary of State. Include registered agent info. Processing ~7 business days.

  4. 4

    Register for state taxes

    Register for sales tax if selling taxable goods/services in Indiana. Register with Indiana Department of Revenue for state income tax withholding if hiring employees.

  5. 5

    Open a business bank account

    Separate business finances from personal. Bank will require EIN, formation docs (for entities), and often an operating agreement.

Not legal or tax advice.

State filing requirements change. Verify fees and deadlines with the IndianaSecretary of State and Department of Revenue before filing. Structure choice has tax and liability implications — consult a licensed CPA or attorney for your specific situation.