By Jake Lawson, LLC Formation Strategist
Here’s some good news and some routine news about your Indiana LLC. The good news: you only have to deal with this every two years instead of annually. The routine news: like most states, Indiana wants periodic proof that your LLC is still alive and kicking.
Indiana calls it a “Business Entity Report,” but it’s essentially their version of an annual report. After helping hundreds of Indiana business owners navigate this process, I can tell you it’s actually one of the more straightforward state compliance requirements—as long as you understand the timing and don’t let it sneak up on you.
The bottom line: Every Indiana LLC must file this report every two years by the end of their anniversary month. Miss it, and you risk losing your good standing status or even facing administrative dissolution.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know to handle this correctly and efficiently.
Indiana Business Entity Report: The Basics
What it is: Indiana’s way of keeping current information about your LLC on file
Frequency: Every two years (not annually—this is actually pretty nice)
Cost: $31 online, $50 by mail
Deadline: By the last day of your LLC’s anniversary month
Consequence of missing it: Administrative dissolution of your LLC
Jake’s take: Indiana’s biennial approach is refreshing compared to states that demand annual filings. It saves you time and reduces the chance of missing a deadline due to the longer cycle.
Understanding Your Filing Timeline
This is where people get confused, so let me spell it out clearly:
When Your First Report Is Due
If your LLC was approved in March 2023: Your first Business Entity Report is due by March 31, 2025 (two years later).
If your LLC was approved in September 2024: Your first Business Entity Report is due by September 30, 2026.
Key point: The first report isn’t due until two full years after formation. This gives new businesses time to get established before dealing with compliance paperwork.
How to Find Your Anniversary Month
Option 1: Check your formation documents—the approval date is your anniversary date
Option 2: Use Indiana’s business search tool at bsd.sos.in.gov and look for “Creation Date”
Option 3: Call the Secretary of State at 317-232-6576 (they’re helpful during business hours)
Early Filing Window
You can file up to one month early. So if your report is due March 31st, you can file as early as March 1st.
Why file early? Avoid last-minute rushes, ensure you don’t forget, and get it off your to-do list.
Cost Analysis: Online vs. Mail Filing
This is an easy decision from both cost and convenience perspectives:
Online Filing: $31
- Processing time: About 1 hour
- Confirmation: Email confirmation when approved
- Convenience: File 24/7 from anywhere
- Error correction: Immediate feedback if something’s wrong
Mail Filing: $50
- Processing time: 2-3 business days
- Confirmation: None (you have to check online yourself)
- Convenience: Print, fill out, mail, wait
- Error correction: They’ll mail it back to you to fix
Jake’s recommendation: Unless you have no internet access or serious technology aversion, file online. You’ll save $19 and several days, plus get instant confirmation.
Step-by-Step Online Filing Process
I’ll walk you through the online process since that’s what 90% of my clients use:
Getting Access to INBiz
First time? You’ll need to create an Access Indiana account, then link it to an INBiz business account. If you filed your original Articles of Organization online, you probably already have this set up.
Returning user? Just log into INBiz and look for “Business Entity Report” under the Online Services menu.
Step 1: LLC Search and Selection
Enter your LLC’s exact legal name or business ID number. The system will show matching results—select your LLC and proceed.
Pro tip: If you can’t find your LLC, double-check the spelling. Indiana’s search can be picky about exact matches.
Step 2: Contact Information Update
Email address: Make sure this is current—you’ll get your confirmation here
Principal office address: This is where your LLC conducts business
Registered agent: Indiana address where legal documents can be served
Important: Use this as an opportunity to update any information that’s changed since formation or your last filing.
Step 3: Principal Information (Optional but Strategic)
Indiana allows you to list LLC members and managers in the public record. This is optional, and there are pros and cons:
Pros of listing principals:
- Establishes clear public record of ownership
- May help with business credibility
- Some lenders or business partners prefer this transparency
Cons of listing principals:
- Makes personal information public
- Could attract unwanted solicitation
- Privacy considerations for some business owners
Jake’s advice: For most small LLCs, I recommend keeping this information private. Your Operating Agreement should contain this information internally, but there’s no requirement to make it public.
Step 4: Review and Submit
Double-check everything before submitting. Common errors I see:
- Typos in addresses or names
- Outdated email addresses
- Incorrect registered agent information
Once you submit and pay, you’ll get confirmation within about an hour.
Mail Filing Process (If You Must)
Some people prefer paper filing, so here’s how it works:
Download and Complete the Form
Get the Business Entity Report form from the Indiana Secretary of State website. The form is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail.
Key sections to complete:
- Section A: LLC name and principal office address
- Section B: Current filing year
- Section C: Formation date and state
- Section D: Check “Limited Liability Company”
- Section E: Registered agent information
- Section H: Signature and date
Payment and Mailing
- Make check payable to: “Secretary of State”
- Amount: $50
- Mail to: Secretary of State, 302 W Washington Street, Room E-018, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Processing time: 2-3 business days after they receive it
Confirmation: None—you have to check online yourself
Indiana’s Reminder System
Indiana does send reminders, but don’t rely on them:
How reminders are sent:
- Email if they have your email address on file
- Physical mail if no email available
- Arrives approximately 30 days before due date
Why you shouldn’t rely on reminders:
- Email addresses change
- Mail gets lost
- System glitches happen
- You’re legally responsible regardless of whether you receive a reminder
Jake’s system: Set up your own calendar reminders. I recommend three: one month before, two weeks before, and one week before your due date.
Consequences of Missing the Deadline
Indiana gives you some grace, but don’t push it:
Short-term consequences:
- Loss of good standing status
- Inability to file certain documents with the state
- Potential issues with business banking or licensing
Long-term consequences:
- Administrative dissolution of your LLC
- Loss of liability protection
- Complications with business operations
- Potential personal liability for LLC debts
The dissolution process:
Indiana doesn’t immediately dissolve your LLC for a missed filing, but they will if you continue to ignore the requirement. Once dissolved, you’ll need to go through a reinstatement process that’s more expensive and time-consuming than just filing on time.
Common Indiana Business Entity Report Mistakes
1. Confusing the timeline: Thinking it’s due annually instead of every two years
2. Missing address updates: Using outdated information from two years ago
3. Ignoring registered agent changes: Not updating when your registered agent moves or changes
4. Waiting for reminders: Relying on the state to remind you instead of tracking it yourself
5. Last-minute filing: Rushing through the process and making errors
6. Wrong LLC selection: If you have multiple LLCs, filing for the wrong one
Strategic Considerations
Timing Your Other Business Activities
Since you’re updating your LLC information every two years, this is a good time to:
- Review and update your Operating Agreement
- Assess your business insurance needs
- Review your business banking arrangements
- Evaluate your registered agent service
- Consider any needed business license renewals
Record Keeping
What to keep:
- Confirmation emails or receipts from filing
- Copies of completed forms
- Documentation of any information changes
- Calendar reminders for the next filing
Where to keep it: In your LLC’s official records, along with formation documents and other important paperwork.
Multi-State Considerations
If your Indiana LLC operates in other states, you might have additional reporting requirements:
Foreign LLC registrations:
- States where you’re registered as a foreign LLC may have their own annual report requirements
- These are separate from your Indiana Business Entity Report
- Deadlines and requirements vary by state
Planning tip:
Create a master calendar that tracks all your LLC’s reporting requirements across all states where you operate.
Technology and Efficiency Tips
Set Up Automated Reminders
- Google Calendar: Set recurring reminders every two years
- Business calendar software: Most have recurring event features
- Phone alerts: Set multiple alerts leading up to the deadline
Keep Digital Records
- Save confirmation emails: Forward them to a dedicated email folder
- Cloud storage: Keep copies of all LLC documents in Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.
- Document management: Consider business document management software if you have multiple entities
When to Get Professional Help
Most Indiana LLCs can handle the Business Entity Report filing themselves, but consider professional help if:
Complex situations:
- Multiple LLCs with different deadlines
- Recent ownership changes requiring careful documentation
- Address changes involving multiple jurisdictions
- Registered agent changes with legal implications
Time constraints:
- You’re too busy to handle it properly
- You’ve missed deadlines before
- You want to ensure perfect compliance
Professional services that can help:
- Registered agent services: Many include filing assistance
- Business attorneys: For complex situations
- Accountants: Often handle compliance as part of broader services
Typical cost for professional help: $150-$300 for straightforward filings
Future Planning and Compliance
Staying Ahead of Deadlines
Year 1 after formation: Set up your reminder system
Year 2: File your first Business Entity Report
Ongoing: Maintain regular review and filing schedule
Business Growth Considerations
As your LLC grows, consider:
- Whether Indiana remains the best state for your operations
- If you need to register in additional states
- Whether your current registered agent service meets your needs
- If yourOperating Agreement needs updates
Indiana Secretary of State Contact Information
Phone: 317-232-6576
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
When to call:
- Can’t find your LLC in the search system
- Questions about specific filing requirements
- Issues with online filing system
- Need certified copies of documents
What to have ready when calling:
- Your LLC’s exact legal name
- Formation date
- Business ID number (if you have it)
- Specific questions about your situation
The Bottom Line on Indiana Business Entity Reports
Indiana’s biennial reporting requirement is actually pretty reasonable compared to many states. The online system works well, the fees are modest, and the two-year cycle reduces administrative burden.
Key success factors:
- Track your deadline: Don’t rely on state reminders
- File online: Cheaper, faster, more convenient
- Update information: Use the filing as an opportunity to keep records current
- Set up systems: Create recurring reminders and organized record-keeping
Most important reminder: This isn’t optional. Missing your Business Entity Report filing can result in loss of good standing or administrative dissolution. Stay on top of it, and it’s just a minor administrative task every two years.
Your Indiana LLC Compliance Action Plan
Immediate tasks:
- [ ] Determine your next Business Entity Report due date
- [ ] Set up calendar reminders (1 month, 2 weeks, 1 week before)
- [ ] Verify your INBiz account access (create if needed)
- [ ] Update any outdated contact information
Before your next filing:
- [ ] Review and update business information
- [ ] Confirm registered agent details are current
- [ ] Gather any updated address or contact information
- [ ] Plan to file 2-4 weeks before the deadline
After filing:
- [ ] Save confirmation documentation
- [ ] Update your business records
- [ ] Set reminders for the next filing (2 years out)
- [ ] Review other business compliance needs
Need Help with Indiana LLC Compliance?
Indiana’s Business Entity Report process is straightforward, but it’s part of a larger compliance picture that includes federal taxes, business licensing, and ongoing operations. Getting the details right ensures your LLC maintains good standing and continues providing the liability protection you formed it for.
At llciyo.com, we’ve helped hundreds of Indiana entrepreneurs stay compliant with state requirements while focusing on growing their businesses. We understand the complete compliance landscape and can help you create systems that work.
Questions about your Indiana LLC’s compliance requirements? Every business situation is unique, and sometimes you need personalized guidance to make sure you’re handling everything correctly and efficiently.
Behind on your Business Entity Report or other compliance tasks? We can help you get caught up and create a system to stay current going forward.
Remember: This guide provides general information about Indiana Business Entity Reports but doesn’t constitute legal advice. While the filing process is generally straightforward, complex business situations may require professional guidance. For multi-state operations or complex ownership structures, consider consulting with a qualified business attorney.