Key Takeaways

  • An Indiana business entity search verifies name availability and provides details on registered businesses, including filing history, addresses, and agent information.
  • The search can be conducted by business name, ID, filing number, registered agent, incorporator, or principal name.
  • Indiana requires all LLCs to file a biennial business entity report, either online or by mail, to remain in good standing.
  • The state’s INBiz portal is a one-stop shop for filings, annual reports, and business entity searches.
  • Knowing how to use search filters (status, entity type, address, and city) ensures more accurate results.

Indiana LLC Name Requirements

An Indiana business entity search can help you make sure that your desired business name is available, which is the first and most important requirement of forming your LLC. All LLCs must include the LLC designation, whether it be LLC or L.L.C.

You cannot use any words like corporation or incorporated since an LLC is legally not a corporation. Also take note that different qualifiers or designators at the end of a business name are not enough to distinguish it from an already existing business with the same main name.

Why Use an Indiana Business Entity Search?

Conducting an Indiana business entity search is not just about name availability. The database provides transparency by allowing the public to view:

  • Whether a company is active, inactive, or dissolved.
  • The registered agent and office address.
  • Key filing dates, such as formation and expiration.
  • A business’s filing history, including articles of organization or incorporation.

Entrepreneurs use this search to avoid legal disputes over duplicate names, while lenders, suppliers, and customers often use it to verify a company’s legitimacy before entering into contracts.

Indiana Business Entity Search

To begin your Indiana business entity search, go the Indiana Secretary of State website. This is the go-to location whether you're searching for an entity or reserving a name for any kind of business.

Indiana has created a one-stop shop for business filings known as INBiz. Using this tool, you can search for local businesses. Once your business is registered, you can find it, as well, among the search results. Entity search is also necessary when you're trying to obtain certified copies of filed articles.

There are several ways to conduct your search.

  • Business Name
  • Business ID
  • Filing Number
  • Registered Agent
  • Incorporator
  • Principal Name

You can narrow down the search results even further if you specify the entity type, status, name type, street address, city, and zip code.

Steps to Use the INBiz Portal

The Indiana Secretary of State provides its official INBiz portal for business searches. To perform a search:

  1. Go to the INBiz Public Search Page.
  2. Choose your preferred search option (name, ID, registered agent, etc.).
  3. Apply filters to narrow results, including status, city, and ZIP code.
  4. Review the detailed business profile, which includes ownership information, entity type, and reports filed.
  5. Download available documents or request certified copies directly from the portal.

This portal is the same tool used by business owners, attorneys, and the general public for compliance and due diligence.

Search by Business Name

Searching by name is the most commonly used method of search. You can start your search by visiting the Department of Business Services Database. From here, you can type in the name of the business in the Business Name section. Make sure you leave out the LLC part if applicable, and don't worry about punctuation and capitalization.

It's generally a good idea to enter only the first few words to be absolutely sure that no other business is potentially too similar. If no results are found even when you just use the first word or even part of the first word of your business name, you can be certain it's available.

You can investigate the business in the search results with a simple click. Doing so will show you the office address, filing history, expiration date, and more. This will be publicly available for your business as well.

Tips for a Successful Search

When using the business name search option:

  • Use partial names if you’re unsure of the exact wording. For example, searching "Midwest" instead of "Midwest Manufacturing LLC" will bring up more results.
  • Exclude designators like “LLC,” “Inc.,” or “Corp.” to broaden results.
  • Check variations in spelling to ensure no similar names exist that could create confusion.
  • Refine results with filters such as city or status if the name is common.

These practices help ensure that your chosen name won’t be rejected due to similarity with an existing business.

Search by Business ID or Filing Number

You can also search by business ID, which will severely limit your search results. If you entered the number correctly, only the business with that corresponding ID number should be displayed. The result will offer you the same access to details about the business.

Indiana LLC Business Entity Report Instructions

Reporting is an essential part of business practice in Indiana. LLCs have to file an official business entity report every two years. The LLC's anniversary month, or month it was approved by the state, is the deadline. Make sure you comply with these requirements if you don't want to lose your standing.

For your convenience, Indiana allows you to file your report online or by mail, and you can file up to a month in advance. If you do end up filing late, there is a small grace period, but consecutive late filings can lead to the state dissolving your LLC. You will receive reminders starting a month before the due date.

Consequences of Not Filing Reports

Failing to file the biennial report has serious consequences. Indiana law requires every LLC and corporation to remain current with filings to keep its good standing. Late filings can lead to:

  • Late fees or penalties.
  • Administrative dissolution of the LLC or corporation.
  • Loss of the right to use the business name.
  • Difficulty obtaining financing or entering contracts.

If your business is dissolved, you may need to reinstate it by paying additional fees and filing all overdue reports.

Filing Indiana Business Entity Report by Mail

You can download the Indiana business entity report form from the Secretary of State's website. Then, you just fill out the form making sure to carefully read the required information for each section. Some areas will be left blank as they don't apply to LLCs, such as sections F and G.

There is a filing fee of $50 for mailing in your report, and it must be made payable to the Secretary of State. It usually takes 2-3 business days for the state to process your report after arrival. While you don't receive any specific confirmation, you can use the Indiana business entity search to check your filing history.

Filing Indiana Business Entity Report Online

If you haven't already, make sure you sign up for an INBiz account. From the dashboard there, click on online services. From there, you'll find the Secretary of State Business Service Division section where you can find the Indiana Business tab. From there, click Business Entity Report and you'll have the form.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is the Indiana business entity search free to use? Yes, the INBiz portal provides free access to public business information.
  2. What details can I find in the Indiana business entity search? You can find a company’s status, registered agent, office address, filing history, and more.
  3. How often must Indiana LLCs file a business entity report? Every two years, during the anniversary month of formation.
  4. What happens if I don’t file my Indiana business entity report? Your business may face penalties, late fees, or administrative dissolution.
  5. Can I reserve a business name in Indiana? Yes. You may reserve a name for 120 days through the INBiz system before officially forming your LLC or corporation.

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