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Start a Business - Business Entity - INBiz

Why start a business in Indiana? There’s a lot to celebrate about Indiana — low taxes, affordable real estate, vibrant communities and a well-established workforce.

The state of Indiana is dedicated to making your business experience easier than ever. INBiz is your one-stop resource for registering your business and ensuring it complies with state laws and regulations.

Get Started

STARTING A BUSINESS AND MAINTAINING ONE IS SIMPLE, WITH INBIZ.

There’s no hard and fast formula for establishing a successful business. Success often hinges on an evolving set of factors that vary by industry. But no matter how original your idea, all business owners need a sound plan to see their operation through. INBiz is here to help.

From getting your business off the ground to day-to-day operations, INBiz’s experts and user-friendly interface will guide you through the process step by step. If we don’t have the answer, we’ll find you someone who does.

Things to know before STARTING A BUSINESS

Type of Business
Name of Business
Registered Agent
Required Local Filings

DECIDING ON THE TYPE OF BUSINESS

Formally organizing a business carries both great advantages and legal consequences. Care should be taken when deciding which business form to utilize and while operating the venture.

SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP ?
GENERAL PARTNERSHIP ?
CORPORATION ?
S-CORPORATION ?
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ?
NONPROFIT CORPORATION ?

LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ?
LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP ?

DECIDING ON A BUSINESS NAME

Selecting a business name is one of the first steps of starting a business. Indiana law requires that the name of a Corporation, L.L.C., L.P., and an L.L.P. is distinguishable from the name of any other business of the same type on record with the Secretary of State's office. To determine if a particular name is available, conduct a name availability check.

The Check Name Availability search helps the user determine if a business entity's legal name may be available for use. It is only a preliminary search, meaning the name cannot be guaranteed as available until the final processing is completed at the time of filing. You should not rely, in any way, upon this preliminary information. If the name is available, you may either file an application to reserve the name for 120 days or file documents to organize the business under that name.

WHAT IS A REGISTERED AGENT?

Each business entity must continuously maintain a registered agent and a registered office in Indiana. An entity's registered agent is responsible for receiving important legal and tax documents on behalf of incorporated companies, including service of process, notice or demand required or permitted by law.

SUBMIT YOUR LOCAL FILINGS

All business owners must file annually with the county assessor’s office within the community they operate their business.

Learn Which Forms You Need To Submit

Get In Touch With Your County Assessor’s Office

Looking for some guidance? START HERE.

INDIANA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (ISBDC)

ISBDC fosters ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit and bolsters Hoosier businesses by offering expert guidance and access to a comprehensive network of resources — all free of charge.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ISBDC

FIND YOUR LOCAL OFFICE TODAY

Whether you're considering launching a business or simply want to grow an existing company, schedule a consultation with experts at the ISBDC.