A guide on the Company Registration in Indiana

Introduction

The process of forming a new corporation can be quite costly and difficult, but the most important thing to keep in mind is to pick the state where your company will be incorporated. People who are looking for a company registration in Indiana, whether  an Indiana LLC (Limited Liability Company) or an Indiana Corporation or any of the informal business structures need to be known with the benefits which will support the long-term expansion of their business in Indiana. Forbes has considered Indiana among the top 10 states for business.

Company registration in Indiana

Indiana offers growth prospects in the competitive national and international markets with a strong economic climate for new businesses. In the State of Indiana there is lower business set up and operation costs. Indiana offers a variety of incentives to the business owners and members of the companies. There are 2 categories of business structures in Indiana – Formal and Informal businesses. Also there are sub categories of these two structures.

 What are the Advantages of Formal business structures in Indiana?

Advantages of starting a business as a Corporation in Indiana:

• Independent Life: The most important advantage of an Indiana Corporation is that it has an independent life. That means, no circumstances as severe as the death of one of its stockholders would not affect its operations.
• Change in Ownership: The Corporation in Indiana can sell and purchase stock as well as gift the same to change the ownership.
• Additional Funds: If a new company is registered as C Corporation in Indiana, the business entity may raise additional funds by selling the stock.

Advantages of starting a business as an LLC in Indiana:

• Limited Liability: The Indiana LLC owner gets to enjoy limited liability protection. Meaning thereby that the creditors can sue the Indiana Limited Liability Company but not the owner or investors.
• Flexible Profit Distribution: Indiana LLC has multiple options of ways for distributing the profits.
• Flow through Entity: Indiana Limited Liability Company (LLC) is not subjected to Corporate Income Tax.
• No Minutes of meetings: An LLC startup company in Indiana does not need to maintain any minutes of the meetings or resolutions like a Corporation.

What is the process of registration of a company in Indiana?

1. Choosing the name of the business: Your requirements and preferences for personal liability protection, tax obligations, and documentation to maintain the legal business will determine the factors you need to consider when choosing a business structure. You should make a serious decision about the name of your new company before you register it. Although choosing a name for your new business might appear simple at first, it is actually one of the most important and difficult stages during the business launch process. It should clearly indicate what goods and/or services you sell. The name of your firm introduces your brand to the public and may convey a message about your business and what it stands for.

2. Decide on the type of Business Structure for Your Company: Now that you have selected the ideal name for your brand, It’s time to start the legal procedure for your business. Before you start the company registration procedure, it is important to choose the best suitable business structure. Each type of business structure has a unique set of advantages, drawbacks, and tax advantages. As mentioned above, there are formal and informal business structures in Indiana. Below are the structures to be chosen-

• Sole Proprietorship (Informal): All business arrangements differ, but sole proprietorship is the clearest. This is an informal organization created for business owners who do not intend to have any partners. It does not require a state filing. Unless you submit a DBA application in your county or counties of business, your Sole Proprietorship in Indiana is permitted to operate under your last name. In Indiana, there are different fees for registering and renewing a DBA according to the county.

• Partnership (Informal): A Partnership is an informal business structure similar to a sole proprietorship created for business owners forming a partnership with at least one other person. The company can be run under the last names of you and your partners, or you can get a DBA (Doing Business As) name. The profits and losses would be reported on your (and your partners’) individual tax return. Some partnerships in Indiana, such as limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships, are required to submit formal documentation to the state along with a filing fee.

• LLC (limited liability corporation – Formal): A Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) can be the ideal option for you if you don’t have any immediate plans to go public. In the case of litigation, it provides more freedom and safeguards to your private assets. According to Indiana law, every LLC must choose a representative to accept legal documents on their behalf. Your representative must be an eligible Indiana resident who is permitted to do business there.

• Corporation (Formal): A corporation is a special kind of business designed for people who have or desire to have shareholders. This is a representative for compliance documentation and paperwork from the government, so it might be your most beneficial option if you plan to go public in the future. Similar to an LLC, your representative may be a business, an individual, or a service.

3. Documentation: Once you have decided on the name and structure of your company, you must file the necessary paperwork with the state to register your company with Indiana. You must submit the Articles of Organization to the Indiana Secretary of State’s Business Services Division in order to register your Indiana LLC. Documents required for company registration in Indiana

• A Certified Copy of the Passport
• Existing Foreign Tax Id Number (Pan Card)
• Original Voter I’D and Driving License (Incase Certified Passport is not available)

4. Application for EIN (Employer Identification Number): EIN (Employer Identification Number) are a method used by the IRS to identify different firms for tax reporting. After completing your IRS registration, you must register for additional sales and service-related taxes. Depending on the type of business you run and the county or counties where you do business, different tax laws apply. You might be required to pay specific fuel taxes, alcohol taxes, or motor fuel taxes.

5. Permits and Licenses for Your Business: Not every organization in Indiana needs to have a general business license. But in order to maintain compliance, many sectors require particular permits or licenses. Some businesses must also get federal licenses and/or permits since they are governed by government entities.

Conclusion

There are a few drawbacks, as the incorporation of an Indiana company may lead to higher overall taxes, but the good news is that these sorts of disadvantages will not have any negative impact on the business growth in the long run. Although a company is a startup in Indiana (LLC or Corporation), be it a Domestic Company or Foreign Company will have more benefits in the state.