Form an LLC in Indiana with Tailor Brands for Free

Tailor Brands is a business formation service provider dedicated to helping entrepreneurs like you set up a business in no time. With over 10 years of experience, Tailor Brands has got you covered.

Start Your LLC in Indiana Today

100% Free, No Hidden Charges

Fast, free, and efficient LLC filing services in Indiana: Tailor Brands waives its service charges and labor costs.

Tailor Brands gets you access to business formation experts for quick and easy online Indiana LLC registration.

From preparing articles of organization to filing them, Tailor Brands’ team of experts does all the hard work for you.

Things to Know Before Starting an LLC in Indiana

Before launching an LLC in Indiana, it is crucial to understand the intricacies of the process. Staying well-informed helps you successfully form an LLC in Indiana and prepares you for the journey ahead.

Here’s a brief overview of some of the requirements:

  • You’ll be required to pay a one-time fee to file the Articles of Organization for your LLC with the state. You can either submit it online for a fee of $95 or mail it with a $100 check payable to the Secretary of State.
  • Besides the initial filing fees, Indiana LLC regulations mandate a $32 (online) or $50 (by paper) payment when submitting your Biennial Report. This fee is required every two years, coinciding with the anniversary month of your LLC.
  • If your business is already established in another state and you want to expand your operations to Indiana, you will need a foreign LLC. In this case, your filing fees will be either $107 if you file online, or $125 if you do so on paper. 
  • Most LLCs in Indiana have pass-through taxation and don’t pay corporate income taxes unless they choose to be taxed as C-Corps. In that case, they pay Indiana Corporate Income Tax at a rate of 4.9%.

Forming an LLC in Indiana may seem tedious and overwhelming if you don’t understand the process. Using Tailor Brands’ services can streamline the process and make it much easier for you.

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Choose a Niche and Business Name

You must decide the niche and industry you want to serve before starting a business or LLC in Indiana. While you can serve a broad market, it is best to narrow your focus to a specific niche, as this helps you map out a business plan more effectively. 

Indiana law requires you to select a distinct business name relevant to your brand and different from other business entities. Choose a unique name that reflects your niche and brand values, and always add “LLC” or “L.L.C” to the business name.

Choose a Niche and Business Name
Reserve Your Business Name

Reserve Your Business Name

When you decide on the LLC name you want to use, research to find out if it’s available for registration. If a different business entity is already using the LLC name you intend to use, you must come up with a different and unique name for your brand. 

If your preferred business name is available, you can reserve it for 120 days via the Secretary of State’s (SOS) website at just $10. It’s also prudent to reserve a domain so that when you launch your LLC in Indiana, your business name and domain will correspond.

Appoint a Registered Agent

When setting up an LLC in Indiana, you must appoint a registered agent for the business. A registered agent serves as a representative for your company. They are responsible for accepting all legal correspondence on behalf of the company. 

You can act as your own registered agent or outsource this service. However, your registered agent must have a physical address within Indiana and be available to receive important legal and tax-related documents during normal business hours.

Appoint a Registered Agent
Reserve a Business Name and Domain

Choose a Type of LLC

LLCs in Indiana can be foreign LLCs or domestic LLCs, depending on the location where the business was initially established. You can file for a foreign LLC if your business has already been established in a state other than Indiana. 

On the other hand, if your business has not been registered anywhere else in the US, yours will be a domestic LLC. You will also need to choose whether you want to run your business as a single-member LLC or a multi-member LLC.

Create an LLC Operating Agreement

Indiana does not mandate LLCs to create an operating agreement, and the state does not allow them to be filed. You should still create an LLC operating agreement to protect the interests of members of the Limited Liability Company.

An operating agreement guides the way LLCs function. It establishes the structural framework for the LLC’s operations, laying down clear guidelines, rules of governance, and other terms and conditions by which the company will operate. 

Create an LLC Operating Agreement
Register and File Your Indiana Articles of Organization

Register and File Your Indiana Articles of Organization

This is the most important step when forming an LLC in Indiana because it makes your business official. Articles of Organization comprise details about your LLC, such as the business name, address, and your registered agent’s contact information.

To register your LLC in Indiana, you must prepare your Articles of Organization and submit physical copies to the Secretary of State or file them online. Filing fees are $95-$100 for domestic LLCs and $107-$125 for foreign LLCs.

Get Your Employer Identification Number (EIN)

When establishing your LLC in Indiana, you must get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax Identification (TID). This is what the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will use to identify your business. There is no cost for getting this.

If you’re the sole owner of your LLC in Indiana, you can use your Social Security Number (SSN) instead of filing for an EIN. But if you have employees, you must get one. Regardless, it is advisable to get an EIN if you want to hire employees in the future.

Get Your Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Register Your Idaho LLC

Open a Business Bank Account

Once you have an EIN, opening a business bank account should be easy. You’ll also need your LLC operating agreement document to open a business bank account, especially if your company has more than one employee. 

The business account should be in your LLC’s name and not in your name, even if you’re the sole owner of the business. This helps you legally distinguish between your business and personal finances, preserving personal liability protection.

Acquire Business Licenses and Permits

Before starting an LLC in Indiana, you must obtain the business licenses and permits needed to operate within the state. The licenses or permits you will need depend on the Indiana county where your Limited Liability Company is located. 

After you have obtained the necessary permits, you will be issued an Indiana Registered Retail Merchant Certificate (RRMC). This shows you’re licensed to carry out business in Indiana, and it should be present at all your office locations.

Acquire Business Licenses and Permits
Choose Your Tax Structure

Choose Your Tax Structure

LLCs have the flexibility of choosing their tax structure and can choose to go with the default pass-through taxation or be taxed as a Corporation.  In this case, your LLC in Indiana will pay the required corporate tax rate of 4.9%.

If your business operations focus on retail sales, Indiana laws require you to pay a 7% tax on retail purchases, which you can charge your customers and remit to the state. You may also need to pay a 1.4% tax on utility retail sales.

File for a DBA (Optional)

Short for “doing business as”, DBAs apply to LLCs that use a fictitious name or alias to interact with their clients. Indiana laws require LLCs to add “L.L.C” or any of its variants to their business name, which may make your name longer. 

If you’d like to use a shorter, catchier name your customers will easily remember, you will need a DBA. Ensure your LLC’s aliases remain relevant to your brand and the services you provide, but only get one after you have the necessary documents.

File for a DBA (Optional)
Get Business Insurance

Get Business Insurance

Getting business insurance for your LLC provides some level of security from financial lawsuits, property damage, and other claims. Several business insurance options are available for an LLC in Indiana, but not all are mandated by state law. 

If you have an LLC in Indiana, the state requires you to get workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance for your employees. This provides medical care and wage benefits to protect your employees from injury or unexpected layoffs.

Get a Website (Optional)

While getting a website for an LLC in Indiana is not compulsory, it is recommended because it’s an excellent way to market your products and services. Your website should have a domain name that aligns with your registered business name.

Your business website should include your company’s logo, colors, and other unique brand identity elements. You can leverage professional website design services to ensure your website is user-friendly and optimized for search engines.

Get a Website (Optional)
Stay Compliant

Stay Compliant

After successfully launching an LLC in Indiana, you don’t just stop there. You must also comply with rules and guidelines as mandated by Indiana law. This ensures your LLC still operates within the state law years after its establishment. 

For instance, you must file business entity reports with the Indiana Secretary of State every two years and pay annual taxes. It keeps your Limited Liability Company in good standing with the state and helps stay compliant with state laws. 

Why Should You Outsource LLC Formation Services?

Starting an LLC in Indiana is a long process that can be daunting to new entrepreneurs. As such, it is best to outsource this service to professionals who know the ins and outs of the process. Here’s why you should outsource.

It_s Convenient

Simple Process

If you’re new to LLC formation, you may find it overwhelming to navigate the process alone.

With Tailor Brands, you don’t have to worry about missing any steps. All you have to do is fill out a form and provide the necessary documents, and Tailor Brands will do all the heavy lifting on your behalf.

Error-Free

Error-Free Filing

Making errors during the LLC formation process can cost you valuable time and money.

Why risk losing money when you can simply let the experts take care of everything? Tailor Brands’ team of experts has been doing this for years. With them in charge, there’ll be no costly mistakes.

Quicker

Quick Filing

Filing paperwork required to launch an LLC in Indiana can take up most of your precious time.

Instead of going through a slow, long, and tedious process, why not sit back and let the experts fast-track it for you? This gives you more time to focus on other things, like how to grow your business.

Start Your LLC in Indiana Today

Personal Liability Protection

One of the significant benefits of starting an LLC in Indiana is liability protection for its members. Unlike Sole Proprietorships or Partnerships, an LLC’s financial assets are regarded as separate from its members’ personal assets. 

So, if your LLC ever runs into debt, you will not be held personally responsible for repaying it. Under other business entities, you may use your car, house, or savings to repay your business debts, but LLCs protect you from such losses.

Personal Liability Protection
Flexible Tax Structure

Flexible Tax Structure

Another reason starting an LLC in Indiana is beneficial is the flexible taxation structure it offers. LLCs in Indiana do not pay corporate business taxes. Instead, the IRS allows them to enjoy pass-through taxation and avoid double taxation. 

Your LLC can choose to be taxed as a Sole Proprietorship, a General Partnership, an S-Corp, or a C-Corp. If you’re taxed as an S-Corp, you can choose to pay payroll taxes on your salary instead of paying corporate taxes. 

Affordable

Forming an LLC in Indiana is much cheaper than forming S-Corps or C-Corps. Creating a formal business entity like a Corporation typically costs more and also has ongoing compliance requirements with annual fees.

Besides the affordability, LLCs are also easier to form as they require less operational complexity than other business entities. Because LLCs are less formal, they also have lower operating costs than S-Corps and C-Corps. Fortunately, you can easily change your LLC to an S-Corp.

Affordable
Less Paperwork

Less Paperwork

Compared to formal corporations, LLCs have simpler and more streamlined legal requirements and business operations, which translates to less paperwork. Even in the process of registering with the Secretary of State, corporations have more requirements

Unlike corporations, Indiana state laws do not require LLCs to hold annual shareholder meetings. Instead, LLCs just need to submit their biennial report every two years, keeping the state up to date with their business operations.

Ease of Management

Because of the flexible nature of LLCs in Indiana, LLC members can discuss and create their own rules on how the LLC will be run and managed. You get to run things your way and on your terms, making it easier to manage. 

On the other hand, entities like S-Corps and C-Corps are guided by strict laws, which require a board of directors to make major decisions. With little room for flexibility, not every shareholder will have a say in decision-making, unlike in LLCs.

Ease of Management
Ownership Flexibility

Ownership Flexibility

An LLC in Indiana does not have restrictions on the type of members it can have. An LLC can be owned by individuals, organizations, and other potential investors. You can also have as many members or LLC owners as you need

With LLCs, you can easily adjust the shares and ownership structure according to what works best for LLC members. S-Corps do not offer such flexibility. S-Corps owners must be permanent residents in the US or tax-exempt organizations.

Ability to Hold Assets 

Indiana state law regards LLCs as independent entities with distinct assets separate from their members’ assets. This means that as an owner of an LLC in Indiana, you reserve the legal rights to own personal assets that are not tied to the LLC. 

If you want to purchase assets for your LLC, you can do so in the business’ name. This way, should your business fail, none of your personal assets will be seized to repay the business debts. Instead, the company will be held responsible.

Ability to Hold Assets
Ability to Enter into Contracts

Ability to Enter into Contracts

When necessary, an LLC in Indiana has the legal right to enter into contracts with clients, vendors, and other entities relating to its business operations. This is because an Indiana LLC has legal rights, which are separate from its members’ rights.

Another point to note is that LLCs also reserve the right to keep their contracts and ownership structure private. Corporations do not have this privacy. They are legally obligated to disclose some details of their contracts and ownership structure.

Lite

Tailor Brands’ Lite plan is a hassle-free, cost-effective solution for small business owners looking to establish their LLC in Indiana. 

Designed specifically for Indiana LLC owners who just need the essentials of LLC formation, this plan offers professional support at no cost. This makes it ideal for entrepreneurs who want to focus their resources on growing their business.

Here’s what the Lite plan includes:

  • LLC Formation: Tailor Brands takes care of all the necessary legal paperwork, ensuring your LLC in Indiana is set up accurately and efficiently.
  • Two-Day Processing: Your LLC will be officially formed within two business days, giving you a quick start to conduct business.
  • Business Coaching: Gain access to expert advice on critical topics like tax compliance, digital marketing, and operational strategies, helping your business thrive from the start.

The Lite plan is a great fit if you:

  • Are seeking a professional, low-cost approach to forming an LLC in Indiana
  • Want to allocate your resources strategically, focusing on core business growth
  • Understand the value of a proper legal foundation without unnecessary extras
  • Possess the confidence and capability to manage most business operations independently

By opting for the Lite plan, you will efficiently and cost-effectively establish the legal foundation for your LLC in Indiana, allowing you to focus on expanding your business. While it omits additional features like comprehensive compliance support, it remains a practical choice for savvy business owners looking to minimize costs while getting started.

Price: Free

Essential

Tailor Brands’ Essential plan is designed for entrepreneurs seeking a comprehensive package that goes beyond basic LLC formation. 

Combining swift processing with a range of supportive features, this plan is perfect for those who value a balance of speed, support, and affordability when forming an LLC in Indiana.

With the Essential plan, you’ll enjoy:

  • Expedited LLC Formation: Your LLC in Indiana will be formed within two business days, ensuring a fast start to conducting business.
  • Annual Compliance Support: Stay worry-free as Tailor Brands manages your mandatory filings and reminds you of key deadlines, helping your LLC remain compliant and in good standing.
  • Operating Agreement Assistance: Access resources to create a tailored operating agreement, ensuring your LLC’s structure and operations are clearly defined.
  • Business Coaching Program: Receive expert advice on key business areas like tax compliance, marketing strategies, and operational planning — included across all plans.
  • $30 Amazon Gift Card: Get a thoughtful perk to offset some startup costs or purchase essential office supplies for your new venture.

The Essential plan is an excellent choice for LLC owners in Indiana who want professional support in managing critical tasks like compliance and document creation. It’s tailored to save you time and reduce stress, so you can focus on building and growing your business with confidence.

Price: $199/year

Elite

The Elite plan from Tailor Brands is the top-tier option for entrepreneurs looking to form their LLC in Indiana while simultaneously building a robust brand identity. 

This comprehensive plan includes all the features of the Essential plan, along with an extensive suite of business and branding tools. As such, it’s ideal for those who want to launch a fully-fledged business presence from the outset.

Here’s what you’ll receive with the Elite plan:

  • Everything from the Essential Plan: Get expedited LLC formation in Indiana within two business days, annual compliance support, assistance with operating agreements, and access to business coaching.
  • Upgraded $50 Amazon Gift Card: Receive an even more generous gift card to offset startup expenses or invest in essential tools for your business.
  • Comprehensive Business and Branding Toolkit:
    • Free Domain for One Year: Secure a professional web address that establishes your online identity and credibility.
    • DIY Website/Online Store Builder: Create a stunning digital presence using intuitive, customizable templates designed for Indiana LLC needs. 
    • Eight Free Professional Logo Designs: Select from a curated collection of logos to craft a consistent and memorable brand image. 
    • Digital Business Card: Share your contact information seamlessly with a single, professional link. 
    • Social Media Post Maker: Generate engaging, branded content that connects with your online target audience effortlessly.
    • Business Card Design Tools: Develop custom business cards that make a lasting, professional impression.

The Elite plan provides everything you need to establish your LLC in Indiana and build a strong brand identity. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or expanding your ventures, this all-in-one package offers unparalleled value, helping you start and grow your business with confidence and professionalism.

Price: $249/year

Why Choose Tailor Brands to Form an LLC in Indiana

With 10+ years in the game, Tailor Brands is a top service provider with a proven track record of providing unmatched LLC formation services to thousands of businesses. Here are some other reasons why it’s a great option for you.

Free Service

100% Free Service

Unlike other companies that charge hundreds of dollars for the same service, Tailor Brands provides it all for free.

You’re only required to pay your state filing fees and nothing more. No service charges or processing fees. They’ll take care of everything for free.

Unmatched Expertise

Unmatched Expertise

With Tailor Brands, you get access to a team of professionals who will handle your case with exceptional expertise. 

From business advisors to banking specialists and tax consultants, you’ll have access to only the best and most professional specialists in every field.

Convenience

Hassle-free Experience

Why bother with lengthy forms and complex procedures when Tailor Brands can do it for you at no charge?

Let the experts at Tailor Brands do the hard work, while you focus on establishing a business that remains relevant for years.

Form an LLC in Indiana with Tailor Brands

FAQ

To start an LLC in Indiana, you must pay an initial filing fee of $100. When submitting your Articles of Organization, you must attach a check made out to the Indiana Secretary of State. You can also complete this process online for $95. 

If you’re establishing a foreign LLC in Indiana, you’re required to submit a Foreign Registration Statement, which costs $107 when filed online or $125 by mail. 

Besides the initial filing fees, state laws mandate a $32 (online filing) or $50 (paper/mail filing) Business Entity Report fee after you’ve established an LLC in Indiana. This is a recurring cost that is due every two years when you file the biennial report for your Indiana LLC.

Other costs involved in running an LLC in Indiana include business taxes and additional filing fees for various business services. Your business taxes may vary depending on the specific Indiana county your LLC is located in and the tax structure you choose to adopt.

Here’s the step-by-step process for opening an LLC in Indiana. 

  • Choose a niche and business name: Decide the field your LLC will focus on and choose a unique business name that reflects the services you offer. Make sure it follows the state’s naming guidelines.
  • Reserve a business name: Reserve your chosen business name for up to 120 days, if you foresee a delay in the business registration process. Also, acquire a domain name that matches your business name.
  • Appoint a registered agent: Hire an Indiana registered agent to act as a representative of and accept legal correspondence and notices on behalf of your LLC.
  • Choose a type of LLC: Decide if your LLC will operate as a domestic or foreign LLC. You also need to decide if your Indiana LLC will be member-managed or manager-managed.
  • Create an LLC operating agreement: Outline the company guidelines and rules of business operations for your LLC in a comprehensive LLC operating agreement. 
  • Register and file your Indiana Articles of Organization: Prepare your Articles of Organization and file them with the Indiana Secretary of State to register your LLC.
  • Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN): Apply for an EIN or Tax ID for your business, to enable you to open a business bank account and pay taxes. 
  • Open a business bank account: Separate your personal finances from your business finances by opening a business bank account. This will also help protect your personal assets from business debts and liabilities.
  • Acquire your business licenses and permits: You may need to get additional business licenses and permits depending on the Indiana county you’re in and the type of business.
  •  Choose your tax structure: Analyze the different tax structures and decide if you want to be taxed as a Sole Proprietorship, a Corporation, an S-Corp, or a C-Corp.
  • File for a DBA (optional): Choose an alias for your business. Your DBA name does not have to contain the word “LLC” and can be short and marketable. It should, however, be relevant to your brand. 
  • Get business insurance:  Keep your business protected from financial lawsuits and claims by acquiring business insurance. You will also need insurance to protect your employees, as mandated by state laws.
  • Get a website (optional): Set up a professional website where you can advertise your services, interact with customers, and boost your brand visibility.
  • Stay compliant: Remain compliant by consistently paying your taxes on time and submitting the mandatory biennial report every two years. 

LLCs in Indiana, by default, are taxed as a pass-through entity. This means that the business profits will pass to the LLC members, who will be required to pay Indiana’s personal income tax at the rate of 3.05% (this may change from year to year).

If you choose to be taxed as a C-Corp, you will need to pay federal and state corporate income taxes. In addition to the federal income corporate tax, your LLC will pay Indiana’s 4.9% corporate income tax if it chooses to be taxed as a C-Corp.

If your LLC focuses on retail sales, it will also need to pay a 7% retail sales tax, which you can collect from your customers and remit to the state.

Mail filings for Indiana LLCs usually take about 10-15 working days (2-3 weeks) to be processed and approved. On the other hand, filing for an Indiana LLC online only takes about one business day. The processing time is also much faster.

Given that the filing fees for online filings are cheaper, it’s advisable to file all applications online.

There are several benefits of opening an LLC in Indiana. Some of them include:

  • Liability Protection: Indiana state laws regard the members as a separate entity from your LLC and protect them from financial losses if the business fails. 
  • Flexible Tax Structure: You can decide how you want your LLC to be taxed, allowing you to maximize tax savings.
  • Affordability: Forming an LLC in Indiana is inexpensive compared to S-Corps or C-Corps, which have higher filing fees and operational costs. 
  • Less Paperwork: An LLC requires less paperwork than a C-Corp or an S-Corp due to its flexible business structure.
  • Ease of Management: Members of an LLC can decide if they want the company to be member-managed or manager-managed, giving room to find a management structure that works best for the company.
  • Ownership Flexibility: Unlike S-Corps or C-Corps, LLCs can be owned by an unlimited number of members, with the flexibility to decide profit shares. 
  • Ability to Hold Assets: Even if you’re the sole owner of an LLC in Indiana, you can still acquire personal assets without fear of losing them to the business. 
  • Ability to Enter Contracts: LLCs in Indiana can legally enter contracts with other business entities if necessary, while S-Corps and C-Corps have more stringent rules concerning business contracts.