Indiana Corporation Requirements

Each state has different requirements for forming a corporation. Whether you are starting a business or incorporating a business already in existence, you’ll want to understand state requirements for Indiana incorporation.

Cost to incorporate in Indiana

At BizFilings, we clearly outline our fees and the state fees to form a Illinois corporation. View our pricing to incorporate as a C corporation or S corporation to plainly see:

• BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
• State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in Indiana with standard turn-around.
• Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
• Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Articles of Incorporation.

Corporate name

The name must include the word "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Company," "Limited" or an abbreviation thereof. The name cannot imply purpose or power not possessed by corporations organized under Indiana Business Corporation Law or in the Articles of Incorporation. The name must be distinguishable from a reserved name or the name of any other corporation then existing under the laws of the state, unless consent of the other user is obtained.

Director information

The following are Indiana’s requirements for directors of corporations:

• Minimum number. Corporations must have one or more directors.
• Residence requirements. Indiana does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
• Age requirements. Indiana does not have age requirements.
• Inclusion in the Articles of Incorporation. Director names and addresses are required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.

Requirements for the Articles of Incorporation

The document required to form a corporation in Indiana is called the Articles of Incorporation. The information required in the formation document varies by state. Indiana's requirements include:

• Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
• Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Articles of Incorporation. An increase in the number of shares or par value does not affect initial filing fees.
• Registered agent. Corporations must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no post office boxes) in Indiana. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.

Professional services businesses

Indiana allows professionals, such as accountants, attorneys and physicians, to form a professional corporation (PC).

After forming a corporation, you must undertake certain steps on an ongoing basis to keep your business in compliance. These steps are also important in preserving the limited liability a corporation provides its owners. This guide outlines the ongoing requirements for Indiana corporations.

Corporate records

Indiana corporations must keep the following with their corporate records at the principal place of business:

• The Articles of Incorporation and any amendments
• Bylaws or restated bylaws and any amendments
• Resolutions adopted by the board of directors with respect to one or more classes of shares and/or fixing their relative rights, preferences and limitations
• Minutes of shareholder meetings for the past three years
• Records of actions taken by the shareholders without a meeting
• Written communications to shareholders for the past three years
• A list of names and business addresses of current directors and officers
• Most recent annual report

Corporate taxes and fees

The following are taxation requirements and ongoing fees for Indiana corporations:

• Annual report. Indiana requires corporations to file a biennial report. It’s due every two years during the anniversary month of the incorporation. The fee for this report is $30.
• Taxes. For complete details on state taxes for Indiana corporations, visit Business Owner's Toolkit  or the State of Indiana .
• Federal tax identification number (EIN). An EIN is required for corporations that will have employees. Additionally, most banks require an EIN in order to open a business bank account.
• State tax identification number. Indiana requires a state tax identification number.

Business licenses

Business licenses and/or permits are required for most businesses. The BizFilings Business License Application Package can help you stay on top of these requirements.

S corporation election

Indiana recognizes the federal S corporation election and does not require a state-level S corporation election.

Additional Indiana information

View the following additional resources BizFilings has for forming and maintaining companies in Indiana:

• Indiana LLC Formation