Indiana Foreign LLC – Qualification and Registration


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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If you already have an LLC in another state and want an Indiana LLC, then starting an LLC would be somewhat different. You must register as a foreign LLC. We have here a guide on how you can qualify and register for a foreign LLC in Indiana.

Forming an Indiana Foreign LLC

A foreign LLC does not need to be a company from another country but a business formed under the laws of another state. To start a foreign LLC in Indiana, you need to register it with the Indiana Secretary of State.

Step 1: Choose Indiana Foreign LLC Name

Obtain a name reservation certificate and submit it with your foreign qualification requirements at the Indiana Secretary of State. Your LLC’s legal name outside of Indiana will be listed on the application, along with the name it will use in Indiana. Take note of the requirements for naming your LLC.

Check name availability at Indiana business entity names and reserve your LLC name.

Step 2: Select Indiana Foreign LLC Registered Agent

You’ll need a registered agent to form a foreign LLC in Indiana and take note that an Indiana registered agent must have a local address. Here are three of the best LLC services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries:

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Step 3: File Registration of Indiana Foreign LLC

Fill out and submit a Foreign LLC Application Registration form by mail to the Secretary of State, Business Services Division. 302 West Washington Street Room E018, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

Include the following:

  • LLC’s full legal name.
  • A fictitious name or a DBA (only if your LLC’s legal name is not available); Attach a statement of adoption of the fictitious name signed by all LLC members.
  • LLC’s principal office and mailing addresses.
  • LLC formation state and date.
  • Registered agent’s name and address in Indiana.
  • Date when your LLC will start operations in Indiana.
  • Credit card information on the last page of the form for the $150 application fee.

The LLC cost in Indiana, even for foreign LLCs will differ between online filing and by mail.

Step 4: Determine How Your Indiana Foreign LLC is taxed

Foreign LLCs are also subjected to the Indiana Business Privilege Tax, and they must file LLC annual reports each year.

Note that forming a foreign LLC would be good for your business as you can legally operate in a different state thus reaching a larger market and opening more opportunities for higher profit.

Steps to Register your Indiana Foreign LLC Online

Time needed: 5 minutes

When registering for the foreign LLC in this particular State, you will have to submit your Application for Registration of foreign LLC with the Secretary of State. You can file the application either through online mode or via mail which costs $105 and $125 respectively. After approval, you will receive a Verification Certificate from the State Office. We have explained the aspects you need to cover when you apply for Indiana Foreign LLC.

  1. Visit the INBiz web portal on the State website

    Open the InBiz Business Page on the Indiana Secretary of State website.

  2. Start a New Business

    Scroll down the page and click on the option “Start a New Business”.

  3. Sign In with Access Indiana

    If you already registered your account on the website, click on the “login” option and proceed to fill in your login credentials and access your account. If you do not have an account, click on the “Create Account” option on the page.

  4. Create your Account

    To create your online account on the portal, fill in your email address, and after verification, proceed to fill in the other required details to create your account.

  5. Proceed to Register

    After you create your account on the portal, log in to your INBiz account. Click on “Secretary of State Business Service Division”. Next, click on “Out-of-State Business”. Then, select the option of “Business Formation”.

  6. Fill in the information

    On the business formation page, fill in the required information.

  7. Review the information

    Before you submit your application to the authorities, review the information to be accurate and correct to avoid any rejection.

  8. Make the payment

    Proceed to make the payment of $105 on the portal. After confirmation, you will receive a notification regarding the successful completion of your application for registration of your foreign LLC.

    You can also choose to file an application for registration of your Foreign Limited Liability Company OFFLINE via mail by completing the Application form PDF and submitting it to the following address: Secretary of State, Business Service Division, 302 West Washington Street, Room E018, Indianapolis, IN 46204. The filing fee for offline registration is $125 payable to the Secretary of State and the application should be accompanied by a Certificate of Existence issued within the last 60 days by proper authority.

After Forming Indiana Foreign LLC

Here are added things you need to accomplish after forming your Indiana Foreign LLC

  1. Obtain Business Licenses. Find the business licenses you’ll need using the Business License Search.
  2. File LLC annual reports and Business Privilege Tax.
  3. Pay State Taxes like sales tax; you’ll need an EIN for your LLC.

It is convenient plus easy to file for the foreign LLC if you are doing it online. The steps are very easy and that’s why it’s possible to go along with the steps and form the foreign LLC in Indiana.

F.A.Qs

What is a foreign LLC in Indiana?

If your LLC is formed under the laws of another state, it is referred to as a foreign LLC in Indiana.

Do I need a foreign LLC?

Businesses incorporated outside of the state where they operate must have “foreign qualifications” issued in the other states.

What is the main difference between domestic and foreign LLC?

A domestic LLC is a company registered in Indiana as an LLC. The entity type that has a physical presence in another state is a foreign LLC.

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Foreign LLC in Indiana

To register as a foreign LLC in Indiana, you can file through mail or online by paying a filing amount of $125 to the Indiana Secretary of State.

One of the main costs associated with registering a foreign LLC in Indiana is the filing fee. The fee can vary depending on the type of LLC being registered and the method of submission. Typically, the filing fee can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Additionally, there may be additional fees for expedited processing or other services.

Another cost to consider is the cost of hiring a registered agent. In Indiana, foreign LLCs are required to have a registered agent who can accept legal documents on behalf of the company. While some business owners may act as their own registered agent, many choose to hire a professional registered agent to ensure compliance with state regulations. The cost of hiring a registered agent can vary depending on the provider and the level of service needed.

In addition to the filing fee and the cost of a registered agent, there may be other costs associated with registering a foreign LLC in Indiana. For example, some companies may need to obtain a certificate of good standing from their home state, which could incur additional fees. There may also be ongoing maintenance costs, such as annual report fees or franchise taxes.

While the costs of registering a foreign LLC in Indiana can add up quickly, it is important for businesses to consider the benefits of expanding into the state. Indiana is known for its business-friendly environment, low tax rates, and skilled workforce. By establishing a presence in Indiana, businesses can tap into new markets, access a diverse talent pool, and benefit from the state’s pro-business policies.

Ultimately, the decision to register a foreign LLC in Indiana will depend on the specific needs and goals of each business. While the costs may seem daunting, the potential benefits of expanding into Indiana can outweigh the upfront expenses. By carefully considering the costs involved and conducting thorough research, businesses can make informed decisions about where to grow and expand their operations.

In conclusion, registering a foreign LLC in Indiana can be a complex and costly process. However, the potential benefits of expanding into the state should not be overlooked. By understanding the costs involved and weighing them against the advantages of doing business in Indiana, entrepreneurs can make informed decisions about their expansion plans.

In Conclusion

Starting a foreign LLC in Indiana does not require a lot of documentation or tasks. However, it is always good to seek help from a professional when it comes to running your business. Get a professional registered agent and form your foreign LLC anywhere without a hassle.

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