Indiana Foreign Qualification

Sep 12, 2025

Foreign qualification with the Secretary of State in Indiana is the process by which a business that was originally formed in another state obtains the authority to operate in Indiana. This ensures that the business complies with state regulations and can legally conduct business activities within the state.

Follow the guide below to help you register with the Secretary of State in Indiana or use Mosey to do it.

Use Mosey to register with the Secretary of State in Indiana.

Indiana Foreign Qualification for LLC, LLP, Professional Corporation, Corporation

Foreign businesses with a physical nexus in Indiana must register with the Indiana Secretary of State Business Services Division by filing a Foreign Registration Statement. Indiana, like most states, provides a list of activities considered not "doing business" in lieu of defining "doing business." Note: The filing fee for nonprofit organizations is $75.

  1. Establish a Registered Agent

    You must have a registered agent in Indiana designated to accept service of process. Your resident agent must have an Indiana street address. It can be any Indiana resident or a corporation qualified to do business in Indiana.

  2. Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing

    Indiana requires a Certificate of Good Standing (also known as a Certificate of Existence) from your home state issued within 60 days to be submitted with your Foreign Registration Statement.

  3. Submit Foreign Registration Statement

    Submit your Foreign Registration Statement by logging into your Indiana InBiz portal account.

What else do I need to know?

Once you are registered with the Secretary of State, you may have additional requirements to maintain your "good standing" in the state. Failing to do so can result in fines, back taxes, and forfeiting certain priveleges within the state.

Maintaining a Registered Agent

Most states require that you have a registered agent that can receive important mail from the Secretary of State should they need to contact you. There are many commercial options available or you can use Mosey to be your registered agent and keep your information private in Indiana.

Annual Reports and Taxes

In addition to maintaining a registered agent, most states require you to file a report annually. Registration can also trigger state taxes such as a franchise tax or income tax. You can use Mosey to identify these additional requirements to maintain good standing in Indiana.

Indiana's Foreign Qualification Agencies

Review your compliance risks, free.

More from the blog

Learn how to keep your business compliant in all 50 states across payroll, HR, Secretary of State, and tax.

What Is a Distributed Workforce?

In an era where remote work is no longer a perk but a norm, the distributed workforce model is gaining momentum, as shown in recent remote work trends shaping the future of work. Businesses are breaking free from traditional office setups and embracing a more flexible approach. This shift has opened up a treasure trove of possibilities for organizations and employees. But what makes this model so appealing, and how can businesses unlock its full potential? For HR professionals, how do you keep a workforce scattered across the globe functioning as a cohesive unit? Let’s find out.

Paul Boynton | May 28, 2025

California's Workplace Violence Prevention Plan: Employer Guide 2024

A major problem affecting Californians is workplace violence. Apart from hurting workers, it also makes the workplace a toxic environment, diminishes worker output, and could even cause legal disputes. Recognizing this rising issue, California has passed Senate Bill 553 (SB 553). It’s a significant step toward guaranteeing the protection of California employees. Starting in July 2024, this law requires most companies to have a thorough workplace violence prevention plan (WVPP).

Kaitlin Edwards | Sep 12, 2024

North Carolina Labor Laws: Compliance Guide 2025

North Carolina labor laws are the foundation for employer-employee relationships throughout the state. These regulations protect workers’ rights while providing businesses with guidelines for maintaining fair and productive workplaces. Therefore, understanding NC labor laws helps both sides avoid disputes and ensures everyone knows their responsibilities and entitlements. For businesses, compliance means avoiding penalties and building a positive workplace culture. For workers, knowing their rights helps ensure fair treatment in all aspects of employment. So, on that note, let’s explore what you need to know about North Carolina’s labor landscape and how it impacts workplaces across the state.

Paul Boynton | Apr 1, 2025

Ready to get started?

Schedule a free consultation to see how Mosey transforms business compliance.