How to Conduct an Indiana Business Entity Search

According to the Indiana Secretary of State (SOS), as of February 2025, there were 687,327 active registered businesses in the state. The SOS also reported that 92,248 new companies were registered from February 2024 to February 2025. Additionally, 232,845 Indiana businesses filed Business Entity Reports with the Secretary of State during the twelve months ending in February 20205. Almost all registered businesses are required to file these reports every two years.

Registering a business in Indiana offers advantages such as limited personal liability, enhanced credibility, and potential tax benefits. It allows you to operate as a separate legal entity, protecting personal assets from business debts and lawsuits. Additionally, it simplifies tax obligations and provides access to resources such as the INBiz portal and the Indiana Small Business Development Center.

A registered business can open a dedicated business bank account, making it easier to secure business loans and manage finances separately from personal accounts. Registration can make it easier to attract investment and secure capital by enhancing the business's credibility with investors and lenders. Registering a business name can prevent others from using it, protecting your brand's identity and reputation.

The most common types of businesses in Indiana are manufacturing, agriculture, and life sciences (pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and orthopedic products), with a strong presence in automotive production and pharmaceuticals. Indiana is a national leader in corn and soybean production and also has significant livestock and poultry businesses. A large portion of Indiana's workforce is in the services sector, and a substantial number of construction employees work for small businesses in the state.

Allowable Entity Types in Indiana

Indiana allows for several business entity types, including Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships (General, Limited, and Limited Liability), Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), and various corporations (such as C-corporations, S-corporations, Nonprofit, and Professional Corporations (PCs)).

In Indiana, the most common business structures in order are sole proprietorships, limited liability companies (LLCs), corporations, and partnerships. Sole proprietorships are the simplest structure, in which a single owner runs the business and is not separate from it. LLCs are a popular choice because they combine the liability protection of a corporation with the flexibility of a partnership.

Why Search for an Indiana Business Entity

You search for an Indiana business entity to verify a business name, check its official status, and find contact and officer information for legal and business purposes. This search is also necessary to ensure a business is compliant with state requirements, such as filing annual reports, and to conduct due diligence when partnering with other companies.

Although the most common reason for searching is to verify business name availability, there are other reasons as well. Some of the more common reasons to evaluate an Indiana company are as follows:

• Verify Name Availability: Before starting a business, check whether your desired business name is already in use by another entity in Indiana.

• Confirm Business Existence and Status: Verify whether a business is officially registered and its current status (e.g., in good standing) to assess risk or conduct due diligence.

• Find Business Details: The Indiana Secretary of State's search tool provides information on the business's officers and other key details.

• Ensure Compliance: Searching for and verifying business entities helps ensure compliance with state laws and regulations, including requirements for certain businesses to file a Business Entity Report (BER) annually.

• Conduct Due Diligence: Use the search to research potential partners, vendors, or competitors to gather information and make more informed business decisions.

• Ensure Legal Compliance: Registering a unique name is a requirement for forming an LLC or corporation. Searching beforehand is a necessary step to comply with these rules and avoid legal issues later on.

• Track Your Own Business Registration: You can also use the search to find details about a business you already own, such as its registration number or filing history.

• File Annual Reports: You may also use the search function on the Secretary of State's website when filing annual reports for existing businesses.

• Obtain a Certificate: To see if a business is eligible for a Certificate of Legal Existence, which verifies it is up to date on all filing obligations and is often required for loans.

• Prevent Legal Issues: Searching for an existing entity helps you avoid legal battles over trademark infringement and other name-related disputes.

• Ensure Tax Compliance: A unique business name is crucial for tax purposes, as it ensures your business is correctly identified and associated with its tax obligations.

• Confirm Registered Agent Information: Use the search to find the registered agent for an existing company.

• Investigate Potential Partners or Competitors: Researching a company can help you understand its history, structure, and regulatory compliance before making a business decision that could jeopardize your own company.

• Name Reservations: To see if a preferred name is available to be reserved for a limited time, which can help secure a domain name and other branding elements while preparing to register the business formally.

• Before Investing: Conducting thorough due diligence when acquiring or investing in a business.

• Trademarks: Searching for registered trademarks to avoid conflicts.

How to Search for Business Entities

Finding relevant information about any business entity in Indiana is relatively straightforward and useful for anyone researching a potential partner, performing due diligence, or determining the legitimacy of an Indiana business entity.

To search for Indiana business entities, visit the Indiana Secretary of State's Website and choose your criteria.

You may search by the following:

• Business Name: Enter the full or partial name of the business.

• Business Identification Number: The unique identification number of the business entity.

• Individual Name: Enter the name of a registered agent, incorporator, or governing person.

• Filing Number: Enter the entity's filing number if available.

Then review the results.

What Information Can You Find with the Secretary of State?

After entering your search criteria, click the "search" button to view a list of matching Indiana business entities. In addition to the entity name, the search results will display the entity's business identification number, business type and status, entity address, and registered agent name. Clicking on a specific business identification number will provide more detailed information about the entity.

The Secretary of State's business search page also offers an advanced search that allows you to view a comprehensive list of Indiana business entities based on any of the following search criteria:

Business Type, Status, Name Type, Street, City, Zip

How to Access Detailed Information

Once you click on the business identification number for the business entity you would like to review, you'll be able to view detailed information, including, but not limited to:

• Business Status: Whether the business is active, inactive, or dissolved.

• Date of Creation: The date the entity was incorporated or registered.

• Principal Office Address: The main office or location of the business.

• Registered Agent Information: The name and contact details of the registered agent responsible for receiving legal documents.

• Entity Type: Classification of the entity, such as LLC, corporation, etc.

• Business Entity Report Due Date: The next BER filing due date and a list of any outstanding prior reports.

If you need help navigating the search process, you may contact the Indiana Secretary of State's office.

The Indiana Secretary of State's website offers an array of services, including:

• Service Options: Online searches, filings, document requests, and status reports.

• Business Name Reservations: Register an assumed business name by filing Form 30353 and paying a $30 fee ($21 online).

• Forms & Fees: Business forms, document samples, and associated fees.

• Statements of Information: Biennial business reports and disclosure statements.

• Tips on Starting a Business: Expert guidance and free access to resources for Indiana entrepreneurs.

• Service of Process: Information for substituted service of process.

• FAQs: Answers to common questions about business registration in Indiana.

What Business Entity Information is Not Public

In Indiana, the names of LLC members and managers are not public and can be kept anonymous when registering the business. However, this information is required for state and federal tax purposes. For other business types, such as corporations, key information, including the registered agent, officers, and directors, is generally public record. At the same time, the specific details of ownership might be protected depending on the entity type.

Some things that are not public in Indiana include:

• Owner/Manager Names: An LLC can be structured anonymously, meaning the names of its members (owners) and managers are not required on the public filing and are not accessible to the public through the Secretary of State's online search.

• Optional Information: The online filing form allows for member information to be entered, but this is optional and not required by the state for registration.

• Disclosure: The member information is not considered public, but it will be disclosed on federal and state tax forms and could be subject to disclosure in the event of litigation.

• Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships: These entities do not register with the Secretary of State or file reports, so there is no public database for this information.

• Trade Secrets: Formulas, processes, methods, or other proprietary information that derives economic value from not being generally known to the public and is the subject of reasonable efforts to maintain its secrecy.

• Private Employee Medical Records: Medical and health insurance information.

• Customer and Employee Identifying Information: Identifying information like Social Security Numbers, driver's license numbers, and passport numbers.

• Revenue and Profit Numbers (unless a public company): Smaller companies that are not publicly traded can keep their financial data private.

• Financial Data: Bank and credit card numbers, as well as loan information.

How to Find EIN and UCC Records in Indiana

To find EIN records in Indiana, you can use the Indiana Secretary of State's business search tool for businesses registered in the state, the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for nonprofits, or the SEC's EDGAR database for publicly traded companies. If you need to find your own EIN, check past tax documents, a business bank account, or contact the IRS directly.

Try using EntityCheck's EIN Lookup tool to quickly and easily find the EIN for a company in Indiana.

To find UCC liens against a company in Indiana, you can search the Indiana Secretary of State's online database or use a third-party service. You can also check the business's credit report or contact the county recorder's office in counties where the company has a physical location, as physical UCC filings may be recorded there.

An easier way to find UCC records in Indiana is to use EntityCheck's UCC Filings search tool.

How to Find DBA Records in Indiana

To find DBA (Doing Business As) records in Indiana, use the Indiana Secretary of State's INBiz Business Entity Search page to search by business name. For older or more localized records, you may need to check county-level databases or the State Archives for pre-1970s dissolution records.

EntityCheck's Business Background Reports Help You

An even more insightful way to search for Indiana business entities and access additional information is to utilize EntityCheck's powerful search engine. Search quickly and easily by business name, EIN, owner, phone number, or email address. Along with the information above, you can dig deeper to find incredibly illuminating details such as:

• 
  UCC Filings

  Discover Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings, showing creditors' attachment to business assets. These files provide insight into the organization's financial stability by examining its standing debts and the risks they entail. Also find lien details, creditor and debtor information, filing and expiration dates, and collateral and asset claims.

• 
  Court Cases

  Evaluate a company's legal record to assess potential risks associated with its operations and identify any outstanding issues. Review bankruptcy filings, liens and judgments, federal court cases, litigation, and legal history of ongoing and past court cases.

• 
  Licenses

  Verify business credentials, including licenses, permits, and government certifications, as well as the educational backgrounds of decision-makers, to assess credibility.

• 
  Filing & Compliance

  Review a company's financial performance reports, DBAs (Doing Business As), and government Tax IDs.

• 
  Trademarks & Patents

  Find out what intellectual properties a company controls and review the details of any trademarks and patents it holds.

• 
  Registered Individuals

  Identify key decision-makers, registered agents, corporate officers, and leadership, even if this information is not readily available through official records.

Alternative Resources Beyond the SOS (Secretary of State) Search

Indiana's Secretary of State's INBiz tool offers the public a variety of helpful information, but it's not the only place to look for business entity records. Along with the SOS, check out the agencies below to see if they can provide additional data on a business in Indiana.

The following agencies may hold relevant information about Indiana business entities:

• Indiana Secretary of State: The Indiana Secretary of State's office is responsible for business services, elections, and securities regulation. Its duties include chartering new businesses, overseeing state elections, licensing auto dealerships, commissioning notaries public, registering trademarks, regulating the securities industry, and maintaining state records. The Secretary of State also maintains state records and preserves the state seal.

• Indiana Department of Revenue: The Indiana Department of Revenue collects tax money levied on individuals, companies, and property, among others. The Department then issues the money to state and local government entities to fund essential government services in public health, public education, and public safety.

• Indiana Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Filing Office: The Indiana Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Filing Office maintains a public record of secured transactions, allowing a creditor to file a financing statement to publicly notify others of their security interest in a debtor's collateral. It also handles filings for related documents, such as amendments, continuations, and terminations, and makes this information searchable to the public. This process establishes a creditor's priority over the collateral in the event the debtor defaults.

• Indiana Bar Association: The Indiana State Bar Association (ISBA) serves its members and the public by improving the administration of justice, promoting public understanding of the legal system, and advocating for the legal profession. It does this through professional development and education for attorneys, legislative advocacy, and the provision of resources, such as legal help directories, to the public.

• Indiana Department of Insurance: The Indiana Department of Insurance (IDOI) protects consumers and regulates the insurance industry by licensing companies and producers, reviewing policy rates and forms, and investigating complaints and fraud. Its core functions include ensuring a financially stable insurance market, enforcing laws, and educating the public on insurance matters.

• Indiana Department of Workforce Development: The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) supports both job seekers and employers by connecting people with careers, helping employers find talent, and preparing a skilled workforce. The agency administers unemployment insurance programs and provides services such as job training and grants to help individuals gain skills and employers train staff.

• Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission: The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) regulates investor-owned utilities in Indiana to ensure they provide safe, reliable service at just and reasonable rates. It does this by overseeing utility rates, financing, and service areas, and by approving or denying requests for new construction or equipment. The IURC acts as a quasi-judicial body, hearing cases and making decisions based on the evidence presented.

• Indiana County Recorder's Offices: Indiana County Recorders' Offices are responsible for recording, maintaining, and preserving public records that provide the legal basis for determining ownership of real property and for maintaining an accurate public archive. They record documents such as deeds, mortgages, liens, and military discharges, and make them available to the public for retrieval and future reference.

• Indiana Department of Environmental Management: The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) works to protect Indiana's environment and public health by implementing federal and state regulations for air, land, and water quality. It oversees issues like pollution control, waste management, and permit compliance for businesses and industries, while also providing technical assistance, responding to environmental emergencies, and offering environmental education programs to the public.

How to Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Indiana

Using an online search engine, you should be able to find a business's website, which typically contains information about its directors and public-facing executives. However, this type of information doesn't always paint an accurate picture of the company's ownership. You may need to turn to government records or other public databases for comprehensive information on who owns a business entity in Indiana.

Start by visiting the Indiana Secretary of State's business search page. This page offers helpful information about registered business entities in Indiana, typically including the names of listed owners or officers. By following the outlined steps, you may be able to locate the information you desire.

Additional Resources for Business Ownership Info

Additional local resources that may help you identify local business owners include:

• Chambers of Commerce: Local chambers of commerce often maintain public directories of members, which sometimes include ownership details.

• Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB occasionally publishes business profiles, company ownership information, customer reviews, and complaints. Three BBB entities serve Indiana: the BBB Serving Northern Indiana, the BBB Serving Central Indiana, and the Tri-State Better Business Bureau, Inc., serving 18 counties across Indiana, Indiana, and Kentucky.

• Other Public Records: Business licenses, real estate records, and court documents involving the business entity may also provide ownership information.

• Company's Website: Some business entities may list information about their owners on their websites.

• WHOIS Lookup: Perform a WHOIS search to find the owner of the business's domain name.

• Professional Networks: Check sites like LinkedIn, which may list owners and key personnel.

Types of Owners and Their Roles

In Indiana, common business leadership/ownership roles include executive positions such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), as well as operational roles such as Human Resources Manager, Operations Manager, and various department heads. Leadership can also be categorized by style, such as transformational, democratic, or coaching leadership.

Executive and C-Suite Roles

• CEO (Chief Executive Officer): The highest-ranking executive responsible for the overall success of the organization.

• COO (Chief Operating Officer): Manages the day-to-day operations of the company.

• CFO (Chief Financial Officer): Oversees the company's finances, including financial planning, management, and risk.

• CMO (Chief Marketing Officer): Leads the company's marketing efforts.

• CTO (Chief Technology Officer): Manages the company's technology strategy and infrastructure.

Management and Operational Roles

• Human Resources Manager: Focuses on employee relations, recruitment, training, and development.

• Operations Manager: Oversees various aspects of a company's operations, which can include the production or service-delivery process.

• Project Manager: Manages specific projects from start to finish.

• Sales Manager: Leads a sales team to achieve revenue goals.

• Department Supervisor/Manager: Oversees a particular department, such as production or marketing.

Different entity structures have various roles and types of ownership. Some individuals who have control over a company may not hold a traditional role within it. Leadership is a crucial factor to understand before working with a company.

Some of the more conventional roles within companies include:

• Shareholders (or Stockholders): They own the corporation by purchasing stock, which grants them voting rights to elect the Board of Directors and influence major corporate decisions.

• Directors: Directors set the strategic course for the corporation, make major decisions, and oversee the conduct of the officers.

• Officers: Officers, such as presidents (CEO) and secretaries, manage the day-to-day operations of the business and are hired and fired by the Board of Directors.

• Members: Members are the owners of the LLC. They can also serve as managers or delegate management to others. Members are typically protected from personal liability for the company's debts.

• Managers: Managers, whether members or non-members, are responsible for managing the business and affairs of the LLC.

• General Partners: They manage the business affairs as outlined in the partnership agreement. General partners are entirely liable for all business debts and obligations.

• Limited Partners: Limited partners have limited management rights. Their liability is typically limited to their investment in the business, providing them with some protection from business debts.

Red Flags to Look for When Searching Business Entities

Red flags when searching Indiana business entities include a missing or "forfeited" status in the Secretary of State's database, a mismatch between the registered information (name, entity number, agent, address) and the information you have, or a refusal by the company to provide a Certificate of Good Standing. Other warning signs include a generic email address, a lack of a physical address (only a P.O. Box), poor communication, or resistance to due diligence, all of which can point to potential instability or a lack of transparency.

Some general business red flags to look for include:

• Generic Contact Information: Using a free email service like @gmail.com or @hotmail.com instead of a business-specific domain can be a warning sign.

• Lack of Physical Address: The business may only have a P.O. Box or no physical premises listed.

• Poor Communication: Inability to reach a representative, unanswered calls, or a lack of a landline.

• Opaque Ownership: Lack of transparency about who owns or controls the company.

• No Online Presence: There is no website or online advertising to be found.

• Resistance to Due Diligence: The company is reluctant to provide information needed to verify its legitimacy.

Some more serious red flags include:

Entity Status Problems

Common entity status violations in Indiana include failure to file required reports, failure to pay fees or taxes, and noncompliance with state laws, such as those related to insurance, deceptive practices, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for state contractors. These failures can lead to statuses like administrative dissolution, revocation, or suspension, which signal non-compliance and can have serious consequences for a business.

Other red flags to watch out for include deceptive consumer practices, such as violations of the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act, which can lead to penalties. Non-compliance with various insurance laws, such as those regarding certificates of authority or claims, can result in significant fines.

Companies contracting with the state of Indiana have been subject to scrutiny for their DEI practices, with the state's Attorney General opposing them. Failure to comply with cease-and-desist orders can result in penalties of up to $25,000 per violation.

When researching an Indiana company's entity status, watch out for "no record found" on the Secretary of State's database, or an incorrect status. The status listed is "forfeited" or "revoked", indicating it is not in good standing.

Inconsistent or Suspicious Information

Look for any inconsistent or suspicious information as well. An information mismatch (the legal name, entity number, registered agent, or address on the state record does not match what you have received from the company) is a huge red flag.

A legitimate company should be able to supply you with a Certificate of Good Standing upon request.

The most common types of business fraud in Indiana include asset misappropriation, which is the theft of company resources, and fraudulent disbursements, such as billing schemes and fake invoices. Other common types include payroll fraud (e.g., ghost employees), financial statement fraud, and various forms of cybercrime and identity theft, like phishing and credit card fraud. Pay close attention to these types of red flags when evaluating a company.

Ownership and Management Concerns

Ownership and management issues can also affect your business if you partner with a sketchy company. A constantly high turnover rate can signal a toxic work environment or poor management.

If the business's success relies too heavily on the owner or a single employee, it poses a significant risk if they were to leave.

A declining customer base indicates potential issues with the business's products, services, or market position.

The most common type of employment lawsuit in Indiana is wrongful termination, often stemming from retaliation. This can occur when an employee is fired, demoted, or otherwise punished for engaging in a protected activity, such as reporting illegal activity, filing a workers' compensation claim, or taking medical leave. Discrimination is another frequent cause of wrongful termination lawsuits.

How a company treats its people is a good indicator of how ethical it may be in a partnership with you.

Financial and Legal Warning Signs

A company's financial troubles can quickly become your own if you aren't careful. For example, a persistent downward trend in revenue, profit, or customer numbers, even for a short period, could signal fundamental problems.

Before acquiring, investing in, or partnering with a company, thoroughly review its financials. Watch out for excessive debt, late payments, rising inventory while profits decline, missing assets, inadequate documentation, or duplicates. All of these could indicate poor management, misappropriation of funds, and fraud.

Watch out for NSF (Non-sufficient funds) warnings, which may indicate financial instability and failure to pay clean claims (for insurance companies).

The most common types of business lawsuits in Indiana are breach of contract and employment-related disputes, including wrongful termination, discrimination, and wage claims. Other frequent lawsuits involve shareholder disputes, ownership disagreements, and intellectual property claims.

Compliance Gaps

A company that violates state, federal, or local laws is one to avoid. Evaluate the company's ability to comply with rules such as annual filings. Indiana requires businesses to file entity reports every two years. A recent filing history is crucial for verifying a company is active.

Conducting business in Indiana without proper registration or authority can result in penalties.

Specific industries are subject to even stricter regulations. Always verify that a business entity is current with compliance.

Connections & Affiliations

To ensure thoroughness in your research, cross-check owners/officers with other relevant entities. Sometimes one person runs multiple dissolved/failed companies. Look for repeat patterns of dissolutions followed by new formations. That is a significant indicator of potential fraud. Also, look for companies with connections to organized crime figures, politically exposed persons (PEPs), or other notorious companies with a history of poor business practices.

Some red flags in broader business records include the following:

Inconsistent Public Records

• Company filings don't match what's listed in:

  • Court records

  • Tax records

  • Property ownership filings

  • An example is that the registered address differs from the address listed in lawsuits or liens.

Poor Record-Keeping

• Missing meeting minutes (for corporations).

• No updated ownership/member list for LLCs.

• Lack of transparency in accounting records.

Regulatory Issues

• Fines, sanctions, or loss of licenses with state agencies.

• Businesses flagged by the Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General's office.

Unusual Patterns

• Very recent incorporation with sudden high activity.

• Foreign entities registered but not compliant with local laws.

• Shell-company indicators (multiple entities tied to the same registered agent at the same address).

Best Practices When Reviewing Business Entity Records

Utilize the best practices outlined below to maximize the benefits of your research. A business background check can take time, but it can yield a wealth of information that could help you avoid any costly mistakes.

• Cross-reference everything.

• Compare the UCC filing data with records from litigation and bankruptcy courts. Look for discrepancies between the documents.

• Check annual reports for consistency year-over-year.

• Research the owners of a company to detect possible bankruptcies, felonies, fraud, and other legal issues that could affect your business.

• Use business verification services or business background reports from EntityCheck.

• Keep in mind the context. For example, a single lien may not be alarming, but multiple filings, lawsuits, and frequent leadership turnover together signal real risk.

How to Register an Entity in Indiana

Choosing a business entity name in Indiana requires careful consideration. The name must comply with Indiana statutes and not be currently used by any registered business entity in the state for practical and legal reasons, such as copyright and trademark laws.

While no comprehensive list of business names registered in Indiana exists, searching multiple databases will help you confirm that your desired name is available.

To set up a business entity or a corporation in Indiana, you must register with the Indiana Secretary of State. The Indiana Secretary of State recognizes the following types of business entities, each with its unique filing requirements:

• Sole Proprietorships

• General Partnerships

• Corporations (Including S-Corporations)

• LLCs, LPs, and LLPs

• Nonprofit Corporations

Next, you'll need to follow these basic steps:

• Decide on a business name and make sure that the name is available.

• Choose your registered agent and file all necessary paperwork with the Secretary of State.

• Report your company's beneficial ownership information (BOI).

• Determine if you need a "Doing Business As" (DBA) business certificate.

• Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.

• Submit your local filings with the county assessor's office within the community where you operate your business.

Click here for more detailed information about each of these steps.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Indiana?

The primary cost of starting a business in Indiana is related to the initial filing fees paid to the Indiana Secretary of State. These fees are as follows:

• Standard business entity: $100

• Foreign business entity: $125

• Non-profit entity: $30

Costs may be slightly cheaper when you file your initial paperwork online.

Generally, any business entity registered with the Secretary of State's office must file a business entity report every other year by the end of the business's registered anniversary month, up to 90 days before the due date.

• For-profit companies: $32 online or $50 by mail.

• Nonprofits: $22 online or $20 by mail.

Indiana business naming guidelines require that the name be unique and include an entity identifier, such as "LLC". The name cannot be misleading or imply a connection to a government agency, and certain words like "Inc." are prohibited for LLCs. It's crucial to check for name availability through the Secretary of State's website before filing.

The key business naming guidelines in Indiana are:

• Uniqueness: The name must be distinguishable from other registered names in the state.

• Entity Identifier: The name must include the appropriate legal entity designator. For an LLC, this is "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company".

• No Misleading Language: The name cannot falsely imply a connection to a government agency or use terms reserved for other business structures, such as "Inc." or "corporation" for an LLC.

• Restricted Words: Certain words, such as "bank" or "attorney", are restricted and may require additional paperwork or approval.

FAQs

1. How do I look up who owns an LLC in Indiana (members vs. managers)?

   To find the owners of an LLC in Indiana, use the Indiana Secretary of State's Business Entity Search tool, but note that the public information available is often limited to the registered agent and governing persons (which could be managers, but not necessarily all members). If member names aren't listed, you may need to file a public information request or contact the registered agent directly for more details, as a private Operating Agreement typically contains full ownership information but isn't publicly filed.

   You can also use EntityCheck to find a company's owners, directors, members, managers, and associates.

2. How can I find a corporation's officers and directors in the state?

   You can find a corporation's officers and directors in Indiana by using the Indiana Secretary of State's INBiz Business Entity Search page. Search for the company by name, entity ID, or registered agent name, and then select the entity from the results to view its details, which should include governing person information on file. For a comprehensive search, you can also check the company's website, SEC filings, and professional networking sites like LinkedIn.

3. Are business owners' names public or private in Indiana?

   In Indiana, business owners' names can be public or private depending on the business structure and specific disclosures made during formation and ongoing operations. For Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), Indiana does not require members' names to be listed on the initial formation documents; the organizer's name is the only one required, and it can be a third party. However, state and federal tax filings and court proceedings often require owner information, and it may be publicly accessible through other means, like searches of county records or the Indiana Secretary of State's business search database.

4. Where do I search official business records in the state?

   You can search for official business records in Indiana through the Secretary of State's website, which includes a search tool for business entities and other filings like trademarks. For older records, such as those from before the 1970s, the State Archives may be a resource. You can also check with the specific county government or state agencies that require licenses or have jurisdiction over certain industries, as they may have additional records.

5. How do I check if a business name is available or reserved in Indiana?

   You can check business name availability in Indiana by using the INBiz Business Search tool on the Indiana Secretary of State website for general availability, or by logging into an INBiz account for name reservations. Additionally, for trademark protection, search the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database.

6. How can I view recent filings (Articles, amendments, mergers, annual/biennial reports) for a company in Indiana?

   You can view Indiana company filings through the INBiz portal and the Secretary of State Business Entity Search for filings like articles of incorporation, amendments, and annual reports. For public companies, you can access their SEC filings through the EDGAR database on the SEC.gov website.

7. How do I get a Certificate of Good Standing/Existence in Indiana?

   To get an Indiana Certificate of Good Standing, go to INBiz.in.gov, sign in to your account, and order the certificate online. The process involves ordering the certificate through the Secretary of State section, paying the fee, and receiving the document via email and a downloadable link from your dashboard.

   The detailed steps are as follows:

   • Go to the INBiz website: Navigate to INBiz.in.gov.

   • Log in or create an account: Sign in to your existing account or create a new one if you don't have one.

   • Access the online services: Go to "Online Services" and find "Orders" under the "Secretary of State" section.

   • Order the certificate: Click on "Certificate of Existence" to begin the process.

   • Search for your business: Find the correct business record by searching for it by name or other details.

   • Pay the fee: Complete the payment for the certificate.

   • Receive your certificate: You will receive the certificate via email and can also download it from the "Documents" widget on your INBiz dashboard.

8. How do I obtain certified copies of formation documents and amendments in the state?

   To get certified copies of formation documents and amendments in Indiana, you can request them online through the INBiz portal, email the Indiana Secretary of State, or send a written request. The process typically requires you to provide the business's name and information, select the documents you need, and pay the necessary fees for certified copies.

9. How do I search UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) liens against a company in Indiana?

   To search for UCC liens against a company in Indiana, go to the Indiana Secretary of State's website and use their online UCC search system, entering the company's full legal name and checking for any results. Accurate spelling of the debtor's name is crucial, and it's often necessary to include name variations or history to find all relevant filings.

   You can also find UCC Filings using the EntityCheck search tool.

10. What are the steps to register an LLC in Indiana (forms, fees, timeline)?

    To register an LLC in Indiana, you must choose a name, appoint a registered agent, and file the Articles of Organization with the state, which costs around $100 and can be done online through INBiz. After filing, you should create an operating agreement and apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. The registration timeline is typically one to two weeks.

11. What are the steps to incorporate (C-Corp/S-Corp) in Indiana?

    To incorporate as a C-Corp or S-Corp in Indiana, you must first choose a business name, appoint a registered agent, and file Articles of Incorporation with the Indiana Secretary of State. For an S-Corp, you must also create internal documents like bylaws and a shareholder agreement, and then file IRS Form 2553 to elect S-Corp tax status. Finally, obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS and register for any relevant state tax accounts.

12. Do I need a registered agent in the state, and who can serve as one?

    Yes, all businesses in Indiana must have a registered agent. That agent can be a person (if they live in Indiana) or a business (if it is authorized to do business in Indiana). The registered agent receives official legal and tax documents on behalf of the company, such as service of process and other official notices. You can serve as your own registered agent as long as you meet the state's requirements.

13. What annual reports, franchise/margin taxes, or license renewals are required in Indiana?

    Indiana requires most registered businesses to file a biennial Business Entity Report (BER) with the Secretary of State every two years, with nonprofits filing annually. Additionally, most companies must file various income and sales tax returns with the Department of Revenue, and certain entities, such as financial institutions, are subject to a franchise tax. Some specific industries require additional license renewals through the relevant departments, such as the Department of Insurance. The fee to file a Business Entity Report is $30, and nonprofits must pay $10 when filing their Annual Reports.

14. How long does state approval take in Indiana, and are expedited options available?

    In Indiana, the time for state approval varies by the type of submission, with online LLC filings often taking one business day and mail filings taking 2-3 weeks. Some processes, like detailed building plan reviews, have a base of 10 business days plus a potential 20-day additional period for detailed review. Expedited options are not always available, such as for LLC formations, but some processes may offer their own rush options or allow you to check status online for quicker updates.

15. Do I need to foreign-qualify to do business in Indiana if my company is formed elsewhere?

    Yes, you must foreign-qualify to do business in Indiana if your company was formed in another state. This is a legal requirement for entities like LLCs and corporations to operate in a state other than their home state. Failure to do so can result in penalties, including fines and being barred from bringing a lawsuit in Indiana courts. Foreign qualification is the process of registering your out-of-state business in Indiana to conduct business legally there. A "foreign" entity is any business that is not a "domestic" Indiana business.

16. What activities count as "doing business" in the state?

    In Indiana, "doing business" generally includes activities like maintaining an office or place of business, holding an inventory of goods, selling or distributing products directly to customers in the state, and providing services to customers in the state. Other activities that may count include owning or operating a business or property in Indiana, accepting orders within the state, or conducting a business with continuous, repeated activities in the state for profit.

17. How do I file a DBA/fictitious business name in Indiana, and is county/city filing required?

    To file a DBA in Indiana, you must file a Certificate of Assumed Business Name (Form 30353) with the Indiana Secretary of State and with the county recorder in each county where you have a place of business. Filing is required at both the state and county levels, though the exact process varies based on your business structure.

18. How do I change my company's name, address, officers, or members with the state?

    To change your company's information in Indiana, use the INBiz portal to file the necessary amendments or notices, which can include a Change of Principal Office Address or a Notice of Change of Governing Person. For a full legal name change or other complex amendments, you may need to file a formal Articles of Amendment with the Secretary of State. A change of address can also be handled through the Department of Revenue's INTIME system, and specific changes, such as a new registered agent, can be handled by filing a Change of Registered Agent/Office form.

19. How do I reinstate or revive a company that's been administratively dissolved in Indiana?

    To reinstate an Indiana company, you must first get a Certificate of Clearance from the Department of Revenue and then file an Application for Reinstatement with the Secretary of State, along with other required forms and fees, online via INBiz.in.gov. You also need to resolve the issues that led to dissolution and pay all outstanding taxes, penalties, and fees.

20. Do I need to file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) with FinCEN, and how does that interact with Indiana filings?

    No, if your business is registered in the U.S., you generally no longer need to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with FinCEN, as this requirement was removed for U.S. companies in March 2025. There is no direct interaction between this federal requirement and Indiana state filings, which are handled separately through the state's business portal. The only entities now required to file are foreign companies registered to do business in the U.S.