The Complete Guide to Indiana Business Licenses
Indiana does not have one comprehensive business license. Retailers get a Registered Retail Merchant Certificate from the Department of Revenue, and everything else depends on your activity and location.
Step 1: Form the LLC
File Articles of Organization through INBiz — $75 state fee plus the online processing fee ($100 by mail). Indiana LLCs file a Business Entity Report every two years ($32 online). See the Indiana LLC guide for every formation step.
Step 2: Registered Retail Merchant Certificate
If you sell taxable goods, register through INBiz for a Registered Retail Merchant Certificate (RRMC). Under Indiana law the fee is $25 per place of business; the certificate is valid for two years and renews automatically when your tax account is current. The sales tax rate is 7%, and you file returns through INTIME.
Step 3: Local permits
Some Indiana cities and counties require local permits — Indianapolis, for example, licenses certain businesses and contractors through its Department of Business and Neighborhood Services. Zoning and occupancy approvals are local too.
Step 4: Professional and contractor licenses
The Professional Licensing Agency oversees state professional boards. At state level Indiana licenses plumbers; other contractors are licensed by the city or county where they work.
Hiring staff and assumed names
Employers register for withholding with the Department of Revenue and for unemployment insurance with the Department of Workforce Development. An LLC using an assumed business name files with the Secretary of State and the County Recorder.
Checklist
| Registration | Agency | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | Secretary of State (INBiz) | $75 + processing; $32 biennial report |
| Registered Retail Merchant Certificate | Department of Revenue | $25 per location, valid 2 years |
| Local permits | City or county | Set locally |
| Plumbing / professional license | Professional Licensing Agency | Varies |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Indiana require a business license?
Indiana has no single comprehensive business license. Retailers need a Registered Retail Merchant Certificate, and other licenses depend on your activity and location.
How much is a Registered Retail Merchant Certificate in Indiana?
$25 per place of business. It is valid for two years and renews automatically while your tax account is current.
Do contractors need a state license in Indiana?
At state level Indiana licenses plumbers. Other contractors are licensed by the city or county where they work.
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Indiana?
The state fee is $75 plus the INBiz processing fee online, and the Business Entity Report is due every two years ($32 online).
Where do I file an assumed business name in Indiana?
An LLC files its assumed business name with the Secretary of State and with the County Recorder.