How to Start an LLC in Indiana

First things first: your LLC needs a name. Indiana’s requirements for naming LLCs are covered in Indiana Code § 23-0.5-3. In a nutshell, your LLC’s name must not:

• Be taken by another company in Indiana.
• Contain words or abbreviations that make it sound like a different entity type. For example: “corporation,” “corp,” or “limited partnership.”
• Contain the word “bank” or any word derived from “bank” unless approved by the Department of Financial Institutions.

In addition, your LLC’s name will need to include the words “limited liability company” or an abbreviation like “LLC” or “L.L.C.”

Already have a business name? Check to see if it’s available.

You will need to appoint an Indiana registered agent before you can complete your Articles of Organization. Your registered agent will accept important legal mail on behalf of your business. You can be your own registered agent, or you can appoint another person or a registered agent service to perform this role. Indiana LLCs are required to include their registered agent’s name and address on their Articles of Organization and to continuously maintain a registered agent for as long as the business is active.

Learn why the pros use a registered agent service.

To formally start your LLC, you will need to submit your Articles of Organization to the Indiana Secretary of State online, by mail, or in person.

Note: Most of the information on this form will become part of the public record.

Here is the information you will need to provide about your LLC:

• Company name. Must contain “limited liability company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.”
• Business email. Not visible to the public.
• Return address. Where the state will return your forms,
• Contact info. Who the state will contact if there’s a problem with your filing.
• Principal office. Must be a physical street address, not a P.O. Box.
• Registered agent. Indicate if they are a commercial registered agent (a business) or a non-commercial registered agent (an individual).
• Registered agent address. Must be a physical street address.
• Registered agent email (optional).
• Dissolution date. If you want your LLC to dissolve on a known date, you can add that date here. Otherwise, select “The LLC is perpetual until dissolution.” Hint: Most LLCs don’t add an end date.
• Members or managers. Indicate whether your business is run by members or managers.
• Single-member LLC (optional). Check the box if your business is a single-member LLC.
• Signature. Whoever fills out your Articles will sign here.

Your operating agreement is your business’s most important internal document, covering the nitty gritty details of how your LLC will work. This is where you’ll record how much each member invested, how you will vote on amendments, and even what you’ll do if the whole thing falls apart.

Check out our attorney-drafted Indiana LLC Operating Agreement.

An EIN (employer identification number) is similar to a social security number, but for a business rather than an individual. It’s the number the IRS will use to track your business for tax purposes. It is free to apply for an EIN directly from the IRS. Applying online is the fastest method, but if you don’t have a social security number, you’ll need to mail in the paper form.

Learn How to get an EIN for your LLC.

Next, you’ll need to open a business bank account. This is a crucial step because your LLC can only enjoy limited liability protection if it can prove that it’s a separate legal entity from its owners. One way you do this is by keeping business and personal spending separate.

Here’s what you should have with you when you open your business bank account:

• Indiana LLC Articles of Organization (a copy is fine)
• the LLC’s operating agreement
• the LLC’s EIN
• an LLC Resolution to Open a Bank Account (if your LLC has more than one member).

If your LLC has more than one member, use our free LLC Resolution to Open a Bank Account.

Time to fund it your LLC. Each member should make an initial contribution to the LLC as payment for their membership interest. Usually, each member writes a check to the LLC bank account. However, in some cases, members contribute property or services. Keep in mind that contributions of property and services frequently trigger tax events.

In Indiana, you’re required to file a Business Entity Report every other year. The purpose of this report to inform the Secretary of State’s office if your business has changed ownership or your contact information has changed. Indiana’s Business Entity Report fee is $50 for LLCs.

Worried you’ll forget? Let us file your Indiana Business Entity Report for you.