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Northwest Registered Agent |
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Harbor Compliance |
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If you’ve got an idea for a business, but need to learn more about the specific processes to launch it in Indiana, you’ve come to the right place. As in other states, Indiana requires start-ups to file formation paperwork known as Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization before doing business in the state.
This is true whether you’re forming a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, or nonprofit. One of the things you’ll need to list on this paperwork is who you’ve selected as a registered agent. Fling this paperwork will ensure your agent is listed on public record with the Indiana Secretary of State, Business Services Division.
Need some advice on finding and choosing a registered agent in the Hoosier State? Here you will find some of the most frequently asked questions, as well as answers to help you navigate launching an Indiana LLC.
What is an Indiana registered agent?
As in other states, appointing a registered agent is a requirement when you create your LLC or other Indiana business. A registered agent is a point of contact who resides in Indiana or a business entity (such as a corporation authorized to do business in Indiana) that is willing and able to accept tax documents or other legal notices on behalf of your LLC. One of the main roles they play is accepting service of process should your company be sued.
Read more: What is a registered agent?
How does an owner select a registered agent in Indiana?
As mentioned above, a registered agent is listed on your official LLC formation document. This document will require the name of the individual registered agent’s name or business name, as well as the agent’s address, which will serve as your registered office. You can visit INBiz.com for online filing.
Can I be my own registered agent in Indiana?
Yes, you can list yourself as the registered agent for your LLC in Indiana, but you’ll need to have an in-state home street address, office address, or business address. It’s not uncommon for an entrepreneur to serve as their own registered agent, however, there are other options.
Who can be a registered agent in Indiana?
The criteria to be a registered agent in Indiana are pretty standard when compared to other states:
- They must be 18 or older
- They must have an Indiana physical address, not a P.O. box
- They must be able to accept legal paperwork delivered in person during normal business hours
Why would a company choose to work with a registered agent service?
While you might be tempted to serve as your own registered agent to save money, it’s important to first understand the advantages of working with a registered agent service. By paying for a registered agent service, businesses enjoy these perks:
- Local options. If you don’t have a house, office, or business in Indiana, you can’t fulfill the requirements to serve as your own registered agent. Using a local registered agent service is the easiest way to solve that problem.
- Availability. Registered agents are committed to being available during normal business hours, one of the registered agent requirements. As a business owner, you may not want to be tied to your registered office as you might want to have the freedom to run errands, travel, attend meetings to run your business.
- Privacy. Do you want a process server to deliver your lawsuit at your home or place of business? Even if it’s just innocent legal documents, they may still come delivered by law enforcement, which may raise some eyebrows among employees, neighbors, or customers. Using a registered agent service provides privacy.
- Experience. Unless you’re an expert in compliance matters, including state and federal deadlines and regulations, a registered agent will probably know more than you about your LLC.
- Time savings. Even if you know how to fill out lengthy and confusing forms, you might not have the time. Registered agent services also offer online accounts where they will upload all of your documents for easy and secure access whenever you need them.
Read more: Best Registered Agent Services
How much does a registered agent service cost in Indiana?
The cost of an Indiana registered agent service will vary. A company that simply forwards legal notices or notifies a business owner when documents arrive could cost as little as $50 a year. However, for additional fees, some companies may offer more services such as filing annual reports or helping with general LLC formation. These services could cost upwards of $100-250. Business owners will also want to be aware of any additional filing fees or state fees that may accompany these services.
List of Indiana registered agent services
You should have no problem finding a registered agent for your LLC in Indiana, but here are a few choices to get you started:
- ZenBusiness is fairly new to the market, but it’s grown a strong following. Business owners love the affordable rates for a registered agent service, which are as low as $99 per year. The company also offers worry-free compliance to help business owners file the necessary reports on time.
- Northwest Registered Agent is one of the most recognized names in the registered agent business. The company has decades of experience and local offices scattered across the U.S. to serve small businesses like yours. The cost for a registered agent service is comparable to others. Business owners can also take advantage of additional services like report filing.
- Harbor Compliance is a great fit for organizations that register in multiple states and for those who don’t want to pay excessive service fees. With their network and electronic document delivery, they help ensure your business never misses a legal notification.
Indiana registered agent FAQs
Do I really need a registered agent in Indiana?
Yes, you really need a registered agent to start an LLC in Indiana. It’s required by law.
Can a company change its registered agent?
Yes, you can file to have a new registered agent by completing a Change of Registered Agent form. To do so, business owners can create an account and make the change electronically by logging into an INBiz account on the Indiana Secretary of State’s website. There is no fee to file the Change of Registered Agent form.
What’s a business entity report?
Every Indiana business is required to file a business entity report every other year in order to maintain active status with the state.
What’s a certificate of good standing versus a certificate of existence?
A certificate of existence was formerly referred to as a certificate of good standing. This certificate is a way to prove that your Indiana state business is up to date and fully compliant will all Indiana business standards.
Some states use the term statutory agent interchangeably with a registered agent. You may also hear the term resident agent uses in some states as well.
What’s a commercial registered agent?
If you’re asked to list whether your registered agent is commercial or non-commercial, a general guideline is that if you’re representing yourself, you’re a non-commercial agent. If you’re paying an appointed person or company to be your registered agent, choose commercial.