How Much Does an LLC Cost in Indiana

The $95 LLC filing fee in Indiana is affordable. But here's the caveat–there's still a long list of expenses you need to budget for.

It's not surprising if you're thinking of creating an LLC in Indiana. With over 95% of Indiana companies being small businesses, an LLC is the most common business structure in the Hoosier State.

But before you go all in, are you aware of the costs to start an LLC there? What are some of the unexpected charges you should prepare for? All the answers are right here.

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Indiana Domestic LLC Filing Fee

Cost: $95 (online filing) | $100 (via mail)

If you want to start an LLC in Indiana, you must submit an Articles of Organization to the Secretary of State. The corresponding cost above is the filing fee.^[1]

An LLC's Articles of Organization contain the following information, among other details:

• Business name with "LLC" at the end
  
• Registered agent's full name and Indiana address
  
• Owner/s' and member/s' names and addresses
  
• Official signature of the owners and members

Indiana Foreign LLC Filing Fee

Cost: $105 (online filing) | $125 (via mail)

Do you already have an LLC set up in another state? You can expand your business in Indiana too. Just file the Foreign LLC Registration Statement.

Even if you don't have an LLC elsewhere but don't live in Indiana, you can still do business there. File Form 56369 and appoint a registered agent who lives in Indiana. The registered agent will receive legal documents on behalf of your LLC.

Indiana LLC Biennial Business Report Fee

Cost: $31 (online filing) | $50 (via mail)

Once your LLC in Indiana is formed, you'll need to submit a business entity report. In other states, this report is called an Annual Business Report. In Indiana, it's called a Biennial Business Report because you're only required to submit it, along with the filing fee, every other year.

For example, if your LLC was formed in November 2023, you must submit the Biennial Report to the Secretary of State in November 2025, November 2027, November 2029, and so forth.

A Biennial Business Report contains updated information about your LLC. It shows any changes to the LLC's address, registered agent, and other details. Once submitted, your LLC is considered in good standing–thus allowing you to continue operating.

Indiana Business Licenses and Permits

Cost: $0 - $500+

Indiana doesn't require a general license to do business in the state. However, an LLC will need a $25 Registered Retail Merchant Certificate if it sells tangible goods. This license is automatically renewed for free as long as you don't owe the state outstanding sales tax.^[2]

Additional permits may also be required depending on what your LLC does. The application fee for an architecture LLC firm without NCARB or CLARB license costs $520.^[3]

Meanwhile, a real estate broker LLC must pay $60.^[4] Check the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency to see the necessary professional licenses for your LLC.

Optional Fees for LLCs in Indiana

Your Indiana LLC might never need to pay for the add-ons below. However, it's a good idea to set aside a budget just in case.

Here's a summary of the add-ons and their pricing:^[5][6]

Indiana LLC Registered Agent Services Fee

Annual Cost: $0, or $100-$300/yr

In Indiana, you must have a registered agent to receive business and legal documents for your LLC. This includes government notices, tax forms, and annual reporting forms.

You can technically be your LLC's registered agent—as long as you're at least 18 and have a physical street address in Indiana. You must also be available to receive documents during business hours.

However, your address will be public record. So many LLCs like to hire a registered agent service to keep their personal details private. These services usually charge $100-$300 per year to be your registered agent.

Indiana LLC Operating Agreement Fee

Cost: $0, or up to $500+

LLCs in Indiana are not required to have an operating agreement. However, it's recommended because it defines important rules and regulations that all members must follow.

An LLC operating agreement contains the following:

• The roles and responsibilities of each member
  
• How new or departing members will be treated
  
• How business profits and losses will be divided

Ideally, you should already have a signed Operating Agreement before forming an LLC in Indiana. But if your LLC is already formed, you can always draft it yourself after.

Alternatively, an LLC attorney might charge you a $500 flat fee for a standard operating agreement. If you have more complex details, the cost could be higher.

Indiana Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Cost: $0, or $50 to $99

Any LLC with more than one member or with employees must have an EIN, regardless of how it's taxed. This is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify a business entity for tax-related purposes.

You can just apply for an EIN for free on the IRS website. But if you'd like an LLC service to process it for you, you can do so for a small fee. Here are some providers that do this and their pricing:

• Northwest Registered Agent: $50
  
• Bizee: $70
  
• ZenBusiness: $99

Single-member LLCs in Indiana don't require an EIN, but it's almost essential in practice. For instance, you'll need one if you hire employees or want to open a business bank account.

Beneficial Ownership Information Report

One-Time Cost: $0, or up to $149

The Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) is a one-time report that must be submitted to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) within 90 calendar days of your LLC's formation.^[7]

It includes information about the LLC's beneficial owners, including name, birth date, and address.

FinCEN doesn't charge a fee to submit your BOI report. But you can pay an LLC service to process it for you and save yourself the hassle:

• Northwest Registered Agent: $25
  
• LegalZoom: $149
  
• ZenBusiness: $149

You're considered a beneficial owner if you own 25% or more of the ownership interests in your LLC. Or if you exercise substantial control over the LLC.

Indiana LLC Name Reservation Fee

Cost: $10

Your LLC in Indiana needs to have a name that is distinct from other businesses. Use Indiana's business search engine to check if the name you want for your LLC is not used by anyone else.

Naming your LLC is free. It's approved when the Secretary of State approves your Articles of Organization.

However, paying $10 for an LLC name reservation is a good idea if you want to hold a name for up to 120 days. This prevents another business from taking the same name while you're processing your LLC. You can pay an additional $10 if you need to extend the time (+120 days more).

Indiana LLC Assumed Business Name Fee

Cost: $20 (online filing) | $30 (via mail)

A Certificate of Assumed Business Name is also called Doing Business As (DBA). It's used to describe a business operating under a name different from its legal, registered name.

An LLC might choose to operate under a different name because a DBA can be more marketable or catchier than the LLC's legal name. Additionally, a DBA doesn't need to have an "LLC" at the end.

Should you decide to use a name other than your LLC's official name, you must submit a Certificate of Assumed Business Name to the Secretary of State. The cost for filing this online is $20, while the fee for submitting it via mail is $30.^[1]

Indiana LLC Certificate of Existence Fee

Cost: $26 (online filing) | $30 (via mail)

A Certificate of Existence, also known as a Certificate of Good Standing, is an official document provided by the Indiana Secretary of State. It verifies that your LLC is legally in existence, up to date with all state filings, and has paid all its state fees and taxes.

You might need a Certificate of Existence for the following situations:

• Forming contracts or agreements.
  
• Registering to do business in another state.
  
• Renewing permits or licenses.
  
• Seeking funding or loans.
  
• Opening a business bank account.

Indiana LLC Certified Document Copy Fee

Cost: $15+

You can request genuine and accurate copies of your LLC's documents from the Indiana State Business Services Division. A Certificate of Fact, which is a copy of an LLC's Articles of Organization, costs $15.

Getting certified copies of other business documents typically costs $1 per page. This includes document copies like a Statement of Amendment or a Statement of Correction.

Indiana LLC Articles of Correction Fee

Cost: $20 (online filing) | $30 (via mail)

You need to file Articles of Correction to correct errors in the previously filed documents of your LLC in Indiana. Some errors include:

• Typos - Misspellings or typographical errors.
  
• Incorrect information - Wrong address, incorrect name of a member/manager, or an inaccurate description of the business.
  
• Omissions - If essential information is missing from the original filing.

Indiana LLC Articles of Amendment Fee

Cost: $20 (online filing) | $30 (via mail)

You need to file Articles of Amendment to update significant information in the LLC's Articles of Organization. Your LLC might need to update information such as:

• LLC business name change
  
• Change in business activities
  
• Change in membership or ownership

Indiana LLC Change of Registered Agent Fee

Cost: $1 (online filing) | $0 (via mail)

The Statement of Change of Registered Agent is used exclusively for changing your LLC's registered agent or their address. It's a more streamlined process focused solely on updating the information about your registered agent.

Indiana Business Website Domain Fee

Annual Fee: $10 to $20

A website domain and social media presence provide dedicated online spaces for your business. It's essential for marketing, customer engagement, and brand visibility in today's digital world.

Even if you aren't planning to build a business website now, you could still buy the domain name. This will prevent others from using your LLC's name as a web address.

Curious to know how much it costs to maintain an LLC in Indiana? Use the calculator below to get a clear picture of your ongoing expenses.

Indiana Business Insurance Premium

Cost: varies

LLCs in Indiana with 1 or more employees are required to have workers' compensation insurance. LLC members aren't considered employees, but you have the option to include yourselves in the workers' compensation coverage.

Workers' compensation insurance can be acquired from a private provider or through the state's Assigned Risk Pool. The cost depends on how many employees are covered and the degree of risk associated with their job duties.

Bottom Line

Forming an LLC in Indiana is more affordable compared to other states. For instance, the domestic LLC filing fee in Texas is $300. In Indiana, it only costs $95.

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However, you will also need business insurance if you plan to hire employees. Additionally, you might need a registered agent if you're not available during regular business hours to accept documents on behalf of your LLC. Lastly, you may need licenses and permits depending on the nature of your business.

Always take the time to learn more about the unexpected expenses you may incur along the way. This way, you can budget appropriately for this venture.

References