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.
Avoid the hassle of doing it yourself and use Mosey to automate foreign qualification, annual reports, and registered agent service.
Indiana Foreign Qualification for LLC, LLP, 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.
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.
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.
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.
