Form a Corporation in Indiana
Everything you need to know about forming a Corporation in Indiana. Filing fees, requirements, timeline, and step-by-step guidance.
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How to File
Choose and Reserve Your Corporate Name
Search the Indiana Secretary of State's business name database to ensure your desired corporate name is available and complies with Indiana naming requirements, including the required designator such as 'Corporation,' 'Incorporated,' 'Company,' or an abbreviation thereof. You may optionally reserve the name for 120 days by filing a Name Reservation form for a $20 fee.
30 minutes
Appoint a Registered Agent
Designate a registered agent who has a physical street address in Indiana and is available during normal business hours to receive legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of the corporation. The registered agent can be an individual Indiana resident or a business entity authorized to do business in Indiana.
15 minutes
File Articles of Incorporation
Prepare and file Articles of Incorporation with the Indiana Secretary of State through the INBiz online portal or by mail, including the corporate name, registered agent information, number of authorized shares, and incorporator details. The filing fee is $95 and the document must comply with Indiana Code Title 23, Article 1.
1 hour
Create Corporate Bylaws
Draft corporate bylaws that outline the internal governance structure of the corporation, including rules for shareholder meetings, board of directors' roles and responsibilities, officer duties, and voting procedures. While bylaws are not filed with the state, they are legally required under Indiana law and should be adopted at the organizational meeting.
2-4 hours
What's Next After Filing
Once your Corporation is officially formed, you'll want to complete these important steps:
- •Hold Organizational Meeting and Issue Stock — Conduct the initial organizational meeting of the board of directors to adopt bylaws, appoint officers, authorize the issuance of shares, and address other initial corporate matters. Record the minutes of this meeting and issue stock certificates to shareholders in accordance with Indiana corporate law.
- •Obtain EIN and Register for State Taxes — Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS at no cost, which is required for tax filing, opening a business bank account, and hiring employees. Additionally, register with the Indiana Department of Revenue for applicable state taxes including corporate income tax, sales tax, and withholding tax through INtax or the INBiz portal.
- •Obtain Required Licenses and Permits — Research and obtain any federal, state, county, or municipal business licenses, permits, or professional certifications required for your specific industry or business activities in Indiana. File your first biennial Business Entity Report with the Indiana Secretary of State, due by the end of the anniversary month of your incorporation every other year.
Advantages
- ✓Strong liability protection separating personal assets from business debts and legal obligations of shareholders, directors, and officers
- ✓Ability to raise capital by issuing multiple classes of stock and attracting investors, including venture capital and the potential for an eventual IPO
- ✓Perpetual existence independent of ownership changes, making it easier to transfer ownership through stock sales and ensuring business continuity
- ✓Potential tax advantages including deductible employee benefits, retirement plans, and the option to elect S-Corp status for pass-through taxation if eligibility requirements are met
- ✓Enhanced credibility and professional image with customers, vendors, banks, and potential business partners compared to unincorporated entities
Considerations
- •Double taxation risk for C-Corporations, where corporate profits are taxed at the entity level and again when distributed to shareholders as dividends
- •More complex and costly to form and maintain than an LLC or sole proprietorship, requiring strict adherence to corporate formalities such as board meetings, minutes, and record-keeping
- •Greater regulatory compliance burden including filing requirements, mandatory bylaws, and ongoing state reporting obligations compared to simpler business structures
Annual Obligations
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