Indiana LLC Cost

In order to start a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Indiana, you’ll need to pay a minimum fee of $98 in order to file your Articles of Organization with the state, which legally registers your business as an Indiana LLC.

In this Indiana LLC Cost guide, we'll provide a comprehensive breakdown of the key costs associated with forming and maintaining an LLC in Indiana, helping you understand the financial aspects of starting your business.

More than 84% of our readers form their LLC through a professional service to save time and avoid mistakes.

Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

How Much Does an Indiana LLC Cost

Below is a table summarizing the primary costs involved in establishing an LLC in Indiana.

	LLC Cost Summary
Requirement	Fee
Articles of Organization	$98-$125
Registered Agent	$0-$130+
LLC Name	$0-$41

Indiana LLC Filing Fee ($98-$125)

To officially register your LLC in Indiana, you need to file the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State’s Business Services Division.

This document serves as the legal foundation for your LLC, though the filing fee you’ll need to pay varies depending on how you submit it. For domestic LLCs, online submissions cost $98 and mail filings cost $100, while foreign LLCs must pay $108 and $125 respectively for each of these.

Did you know?

A foreign LLC is a business entity that will be registered in Indiana but that plans to operate from a different state. This is often not recommended, as it will likely mean paying registration and maintenance fees in more than one state. 

For those who choose to use a professional LLC formation service, be aware that this will add to your overall costs. Such services charge an extra fee on top of the state’s filing fee — these typically start around $29 but can be much more if you opt for any additional features.

Have a look at our in-depth review of the best and most affordable LLC Formation Services in 2024.

Indiana Registered Agent ($0-$130+)

A registered agent is a required part of the LLC formation process in Indiana. This individual or entity is responsible for receiving legal and tax documents on behalf of your LLC.

Although you can serve as your own registered agent, many business owners opt to hire a professional service to ensure compliance and maintain privacy, as it avoids needing to include their private information on the public record.

The cost for a professional registered agent service generally ranges from around $120 to $300 per year, though prices can vary depending on the provider and the specific services included.

Indiana LLC Name ($0-$41)

Choosing a name for your business that’s both available and compliant is an essential step in the LLC formation process.

While registering the name itself typically incurs no cost, there are two main potential expenses associated with choosing an LLC’s name to be aware of.

Reserving a Name

If you have chosen a name for your LLC but are not ready to complete the formation process, Indiana allows you to reserve the name for up to 120 days. The cost to reserve a name is $11, and the reservation can be made through the INBiz portal.

This ensures that no other business can claim your preferred name while you finalize your LLC setup. You can even extend this reservation if you need more time, by paying an additional $11 to renew it.

It’s a good idea to check the availability of your chosen name by conducting a Business Entity Search on the Indiana Secretary of State’s website. This step can save you time and money by avoiding submitting a reservation for a name that’s already taken. 

You should also take this opportunity to check that there’s a matching domain name available for your business, as it’s very important for the business’s branding.

Doing Business As (DBA) Name

If you plan to operate your business under a name different from your LLC’s legal name, you’ll need to register a DBA, also known as an Assumed Name in Indiana.

The cost to register a DBA varies depending on how you file; online registrations made through INBiz cost $21, while filing by mail or in person using Form 30353 requires a $30 fee instead.

Unlike in a number of other states, DBA registrations in Indiana remain valid indefinitely until you decide to cancel them — making them a one-off fee.

Optional Indiana LLC Formation Costs

Beyond the basic costs of forming an LLC in Indiana, there are a number of other potential expenses that you may encounter depending on your business’s specific circumstances.

These additional costs can vary widely, so it’s important to be aware of them as you plan your LLC formation.

Indiana LLC Operating Agreement

While not legally required, having an operating agreement is a good business practice for Indiana LLCs. This document serves as an internal guide to help prevent disputes and clarify the decision-making process within the company.

It does this by outlining the roles, responsibilities, and operational procedures of your LLC’s members or managers — ensuring in this way that everyone is on the same page from day one.

Using the many templates available online, you can choose to draft this document yourself if you prefer. However, many entrepreneurs prefer the professional assistance of a business attorney or online service when creating this document — which can cost several hundred dollars.

It’s important to note that the operating agreement is for internal use only, meaning you won’t need to pay any extra fees in order to file it with the Indiana Secretary of State. 

Local Business Licenses

Depending on the type of business you’re starting and its location, you may need to obtain one or more local business licenses. These licenses are typically required by municipalities or counties to ensure that businesses comply with local regulations.

For example, certain types of businesses in Harrison County (e.g., daycares), are required to obtain a local license that costs $100. Childcare centers in Jefferson County must obtain a similar license that costs $75. 

To find out what specific licenses your business may need (as well as how much they cost), it’s a good idea to contact your local county clerk’s office or visit their website.

You can also refer to the Indiana Secretary of State’s report, which provides a comprehensive list of local business licenses and their requirements.

Certificate of Existence

A Certificate of Existence, also known as a Certificate of Good Standing, is a document that confirms your LLC is legally registered and in compliance with state regulations.

This certificate is often required when opening a business bank account or applying for loans, and may even be requested by potential business partners or clients as proof that your LLC is in good standing with the state.

You can obtain a Certificate of Existence online through the INBiz portal for $27. Alternatively, you can submit an Information Request Form by mail to the Secretary of State’s office. The fees for this vary depending on the type of certificate you request:

• Regular Certificate of Existence: $15
• Long Form Certificate of Existence: $30

The long form includes a list of all the official documents your business has filed, providing a more detailed record of your LLC’s history.

Ongoing Costs to Maintain an Indiana LLC

Once your LLC is established, there are ongoing costs associated with maintaining its good standing in Indiana.

Below, we’ve outlined the essential recurring expenses you’ll need to pay to keep your business compliant with state regulations.

Business Entity Report

Every LLC registered in Indiana is required to file a Business Entity Report biennially. This report updates the state on your LLC’s key information, such as the names and addresses of members and the registered agent.

The filing fee for this report is $50 if submitted by mail and $32 if filed online.

It’s due every other year by the month that marks the anniversary of your LLC’s initial registration. If you’re unsure of when this is, you can find out this information by searching the Indiana Business Database.

Filing this report on time is crucial to avoid penalties and to maintain your LLC’s good standing with the state.

Registered Retail Merchant License

While Indiana does not have a statewide business license requirement, many businesses will need to obtain a Registered Retail Merchant Certificate (RRMC) if they plan to sell taxable goods or services.

This certificate, which costs $25, is necessary for any business that collects sales tax.

On top of this, the RRMC must be renewed annually — typically in conjunction with the payment of your sales tax bill. Keeping this certificate up to date is essential for legally operating your business in Indiana and avoiding potential fines or penalties.

Registered Agent Maintenance

If you’ve chosen to use a professional registered agent service, you’ll need to budget for the ongoing cost of maintaining this service. The annual fee for a registered agent typically ranges from $120 to $300, depending on the provider and the specific features you choose.

While it’s possible to serve as your own registered agent, many business owners find it more convenient and secure to use a professional service. This not only ensures compliance with state regulations but also provides peace of mind in knowing that important legal documents will be handled properly.

Ready to Get Started?

Have a look at our LLC Indiana Guide (DIY Approach)

Let Northwest Registered Agent handle it for you ($29 + State Fees) 

Indiana LLC vs Other States

When comparing Indiana to other states for LLC formation, it’s clear that Indiana offers a relatively low-cost option for entrepreneurs. The initial filing fees are moderate, and the state’s business-friendly policies make it an attractive choice for many small business owners.

For example, Indiana’s biennial Business Entity Report, which costs $50 by mail or $32 online, is less frequent and less expensive than the annual franchise tax required in states like Delaware, where the annual cost can be as high as $300.

Ultimately, the best state to form your LLC is typically the one where you plan to conduct most of your business. This is because this simplifies compliance with state and local regulations, including taxes, licenses, and reporting requirements.