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Indiana · How-To Guide

How do I get a business license?

Indiana Secretary of State (entity formation) / Indiana Department of Revenue (INBIZ - business tax registration) / City/County for local licenses
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine your business structure: sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, partnership
  2. Register your business entity with the Indiana Secretary of State (for LLCs and corporations) - file online through INBiz at inbiz.in.gov; Indiana's one-stop business registration portal
  3. Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS at irs.gov if forming an entity, hiring employees, or operating as a partnership
  4. Register with the Indiana Department of Revenue through INBiz at inbiz.in.gov - simultaneously register for all applicable state taxes including:
  5. - Retail Merchant Certificate (if selling taxable goods/services - required to collect Indiana sales tax; $25 fee)
  6. - Withholding tax registration (if you have employees)
  7. - Other applicable Indiana tax types
  8. Obtain any local business licenses from your city or county - most Indiana cities and towns require a local business license; county requirements vary
  9. Check for industry-specific licenses: contractors (Indiana Contractor's Licensing Board - if applicable), health professionals, real estate agents, cosmetologists, etc. through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) - in.gov/pla
  10. Renew entity biennial report with Secretary of State; renew Retail Merchant Certificate (no renewal for basic certificate, but update if business changes); renew local license per municipality
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Business name and type of activity
  • Indiana business address
  • Entity formation documents if LLC or corporation
  • EIN or Social Security number
  • Industry-specific certifications if applicable
Fee
LLC formation: $100; corporation: $90; biennial report: $32 (LLC), $32 (corporation); Retail Merchant Certificate: $25; local business license: varies ($25-$300+) RENEWAL: Entity biennial report: every 2 years, due in anniversary month; Retail Merchant Certificate: no renewal for certificate itself (but keep registrations current); local license: annual per municipality ONLINE OPTION: Yes - INBiz at inbiz.in.gov (one-stop entity formation + tax registration + more); in.gov/pla (professional licenses) WHERE TO GO: INBiz at inbiz.in.gov (entity + tax); IPLA (professional licenses); City/Town Clerk (local license)
Online Option
Yes - INBiz at inbiz.in.gov (one-stop entity formation + tax registration + more); in.gov/pla (professional licenses)
Where to Go
INBiz at inbiz.in.gov (entity + tax); IPLA (professional licenses); City/Town Clerk (local license)
County-specific variations apply

Indiana cities and towns independently administer local business licenses. Indiana's 92 counties and 500+ municipalities each have their own requirements. Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Carmel, Fishers, and other cities have their own business licensing portals. Unincorporated county areas may not require a county business license. Verify with your specific city or county.

Indiana Notes

Important state-specific details

  • INBiz (inbiz.in.gov): Indiana's excellent integrated one-stop business portal - register your entity, get your tax IDs, and start compliance all in one place.
  • Retail Merchant Certificate ($25): Indiana's equivalent of a sales tax license - required for selling taxable goods or services; apply through INBiz; must display at place of business.
  • Indiana sales tax: state rate 7% (one of the higher single-rate states); no local sales taxes in Indiana.
  • Entity biennial report: $32 every 2 years; failure to file results in administrative dissolution.
  • IPLA (Professional Licensing Agency): licenses contractors (general contractors regulated locally; electricians, plumbers require state licensing), engineers, healthcare professionals, real estate, cosmetologists, etc. - in.gov/pla.
  • Indiana has a flat state income tax (3.05% for individuals; approximately 4.9% for corporations).
  • DBA (Assumed Business Name/Fictitious Name): file with the County Recorder in the county where you operate; $20-$30 fee.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Indiana Secretary of State, Business Services - in.gov/sos/business | (317) 232-6576; INBiz: inbiz.in.gov; Indiana DOR: in.gov/dor | (317) 232-2240; IPLA: in.gov/pla | (317) 234-3009