Starting a Business in Indiana: Licenses, Registrations & Checklist

Indiana start-up checklist

Form your LLC or corporation with Indiana Secretary of State (INBiz). Official page
A trade name (DBA) is registered with the County recorder.

Register for state taxes with Indiana Department of Revenue. Official page
Business-level tax: Corporate adjusted gross income tax.
Sales tax: get a Registered Retail Merchant Certificate from Indiana Department of Revenue before you sell taxable goods. Official page
Remote sellers must register once sales into the state pass $100,000 a year.
There are no local sales taxes.
If you have employees, withhold Indiana income tax from wages and register for withholding. Official page

Register for unemployment insurance with Indiana Department of Workforce Development. The 2026 taxable wage base is $9,500 per employee; experience-rated rates run from 0.5% to 7.4%. Official page
New employers start at 2.5%.
Workers' compensation through Indiana Worker's Compensation Board and private insurers. Required when: 1 employee
Post the required labor notices at your workplace. Official page

File Business Entity Report (LLCs, corporations and nonprofits): every 2 years around the formation anniversary; fee $31.
File Business Entity Report (limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships): every 2 years around the formation anniversary; fee $50.
State tax returns and payments (sales, withholding, unemployment) follow the schedule your agency assigns when you register.

Business filings and annual reports: Indiana Secretary of State (INBiz). Official page
Taxes: Indiana Department of Revenue. Official page
Unemployment insurance and labor rules: Indiana Department of Workforce Development. Official page
Workers' compensation: Indiana Worker's Compensation Board.
Real estate licensing: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.
Alcohol licensing: Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.
Child care licensing: Indiana FSSA Bureau of Child Care.
Health facility licensing: Indiana Department of Health.

Local permits (City or county): Indiana has no general local business license; local zoning/occupancy and industry permits apply.
Cannabis: only CBD products are allowed; there is no licensing regime for other products.

Checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Rules change; confirm each item with its agency.

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