An Indiana LLC operating agreement describes the structure, procedures, and regulations put in place by the owner(s) upon founding a limited liability company. The document allows members of the company to establish their role and duties, as well as list their respective ownership percentages, and separate them from the company thus eliminating or reducing personal liability.
Completing an operating agreement is not required by law when registering a new LLC, though it will aid considerably in avoiding internal disputes and clarifying the business structure.
Contents |
Types (2)
Single-Member – Allows an individual to complete an operating agreement for their LLC.
Download: PDF, Word (.docx), OpenDocument
Multi-Member – This form binds members of an LLC to the specifics of how their company will operate.
Download: PDF, Word (.docx), OpenDocument
Laws
- Chapter: IC 23-18
- Definitions: IC 23-18-1
- Formation: IC 23-18-2-4
- Naming of LLCs: IC 23-0.5-3-1, IC 23-0.5-3-2(d)
How to File (5 Steps)
- Step 1 – Deciding the LLC’s Name
- Step 2 – Nominating an Agent
- Step 3 – Registration with Secretary of State
- Step 4 – Preparing an Operating Agreement
- Step 5 – Applying for an EIN
Step 1 – Deciding the LLC’s Name
The first action when creating a limited liability company is selecting a name not yet registered with the Secretary of State. The name must include one of the following: “limited liability company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.”
Existing businesses may be searched via the Indiana INbiz website as initial name availability check. It is important to note that the availability of a selected name cannot be guaranteed until the LLC’s Articles of Formation are submitted and processed.
Individuals may choose to submit an online application (see below) to reserve a name before registering their company. A $20 fee is required for name reservations, the submission of which grants exclusive rights to the name for one hundred and twenty (120) days.
A Note on InBIZ Accounts:
Users will need to create an account on the InBIZ website to access the name reservation application. The same account will be used to begin the LLC registration process and access InBIZ online resources.
Step 2 – Nominating an Agent
The LLC will be required to nominate a registered agent, the individual or business entity to serve as the legal representative and contact for the company. The registered agent must maintain a business address in the state, which must be identical to their office address. The LLC cannot be its own agent, although members of the company may be nominated.
Step 3 – Registration with Secretary of State
Filing the Articles of Organization or Foreign Registration Statement is a key aspect in forming a limited liability company. Once the documents are received, accepted, and processed by the Secretary of State, the company is established as a legal entity and may begin its business operations.
Domestic LLC
File by Mail
- Download and complete the Articles of Organization.
- Attach money order or check for $100 made out to the “Secretary of State.”
- Mail applications to: 302 West Washington Street, Room E-018, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
File Online
- Go to the INBiz website.
- Click Start a New Business (see below).
- Create or log into INBiz account.
- Complete Articles of Organization online.
- Pay $100 filing fee online.
Foreign LLC
File by Mail
- Download and complete the Foreign Registration Statement (Form 56369 (R5 / 6-19))
- Enclose a Certificate of Existence (issued within sixty (60) days of the filing) along with a money order or cheque for $125 made out to the “Secretary of State.”
- Send all the documents and payment via postal service to: 302 West Washington Street, Room E-018, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Step 4 – Preparing an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement presents an overview of an LLC’s structure and how it will conduct its business operations. Entering into an operating agreement is an optional step when forming an LLC but it is greatly recommended as it provides security from personal financial liability or disagreements between members.
Step 5 – Applying for an EIN
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is an identification tool issued by the IRS for business tax reporting purposes. Multi-member LLCs are always required to apply for an EIN, while single-member LLCs will only require an EIN if their business will have employees or if the owner opts to file their taxes as a corporation rather than a sole proprietorship.
The EIN application process is started by selecting Begin Application on the IRS website. The IRS also provides a printable Application for Employer Identification Number (Form SS-4) for mailed or faxed filings. The printed form may be delivered via:
- Fax: 855-641-6935
- Mail: Internal Revenue Service Attn: EIN Operation Cincinnati, OH 45999
Additional information for EIN applications can be found here.
ResourcesFiling Options: Online or by Mail Costs:
Forms:
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