Business Overview

Indiana has a strong manufacturing sector, particularly in automotive, steel, and life sciences industries. The state offers a favorable business climate with competitive tax rates, strategic location, and infrastructure investments that support logistics and supply chain operations.

Key Facts & Figures

CategoryDetails
CapitalIndianapolis
Major CitiesIndianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Carmel
State Sales Tax Rate7%
Local Sales Tax RateNo local sales tax
Corporate Income Tax9.5% (including 2.5% replacement tax)
Physical Nexus ThresholdPhysical presence through employees, offices, inventory, or independent contractors
Economic Nexus Threshold$100,000 in annual sales or 200 transactions

Did you know?

Indiana is home to more manufacturing jobs per capita than any other state, with automotive manufacturing playing a crucial role in its economy.

Setup & Compliance

Indiana offers business-friendly formation processes with moderate regulatory requirements.

Indiana Business Setup Process:

  1. Choose Your Business Structure: Consider tax advantages and liability protection needs.
  2. Register Your Business: File formation documents with the Indiana Secretary of State.
  3. Register for Tax Accounts: Register with the Department of Revenue for sales tax and withholding.
  4. Obtain Required Licenses: Research and secure necessary state and local business licenses.
  5. Register as an Employer: Register with Workforce Development if hiring employees.

Ongoing Compliance Requirements:

  • Business Entity Reports: Most entities must file biennial business entity reports.
  • Sales Tax Collection: Collect and remit 7% state sales tax on taxable transactions.
  • Corporate Income Tax: C-corporations pay 4.9% corporate income tax.
  • Employment Taxes: Employers must register for unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation.
  • Local Requirements: Counties and municipalities may impose additional licensing and regulatory requirements.

Hiring & Payroll

Indiana provides a balanced approach to employment regulations with some business-friendly policies.

Indiana Payroll Requirements:

  • Unemployment Insurance: Rates from 0.5% to 7.4% on first $9,500 of wages.
  • State Income Tax Withholding: Flat 3.23% plus county taxes.
  • Workers’ Compensation: Required for all employers.

Indiana Employment Laws:

  • Minimum Wage: Follows federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour).
  • Overtime: Follows federal regulations.
  • Teen Work Hour Restrictions: More stringent than federal regulations.
  • Final Paychecks: Due on next regular payday.
  • Indiana is an at-will employment state with right-to-work laws.

State Incentives

Indiana provides strategic economic incentives to attract and retain businesses.

Key Business Incentives:

  • Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) Tax Credit.
  • Venture Capital Investment Tax Credit: Encourages investment in Indiana businesses.
  • Industrial Recovery Tax Credit: Support for businesses in economically challenged areas.

Small Business & Startup Support:

  • Indiana Small Business Development Center: Comprehensive business resources.
  • Next Level Ventures: Support for technology and innovation-driven businesses.
  • Rural Business Development Grants.

Regulatory Considerations

Indiana provides a business-friendly regulatory framework with clear guidelines.

Key Business Regulations:

  • Data Privacy: Laws protecting consumer and business information.
  • Environmental Compliance: Regulations supporting industrial and agricultural sectors.
  • Professional Licensing: Required for various service-based professions.

Additional Regulatory Areas:

  • Manufacturing Compliance.
  • Small Business Reporting Requirements.

Business Overview

Indiana has a strong manufacturing sector, particularly in automotive, steel, and life sciences industries. The state offers a favorable business climate with competitive tax rates, strategic location, and infrastructure investments that support logistics and supply chain operations.

Key Facts & Figures

CategoryDetails
CapitalIndianapolis
Major CitiesIndianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Carmel
State Sales Tax Rate7%
Local Sales Tax RateNo local sales tax
Corporate Income Tax9.5% (including 2.5% replacement tax)
Physical Nexus ThresholdPhysical presence through employees, offices, inventory, or independent contractors
Economic Nexus Threshold$100,000 in annual sales or 200 transactions

Did you know?

Indiana is home to more manufacturing jobs per capita than any other state, with automotive manufacturing playing a crucial role in its economy.

Setup & Compliance

Indiana offers business-friendly formation processes with moderate regulatory requirements.

Indiana Business Setup Process:

  1. Choose Your Business Structure: Consider tax advantages and liability protection needs.
  2. Register Your Business: File formation documents with the Indiana Secretary of State.
  3. Register for Tax Accounts: Register with the Department of Revenue for sales tax and withholding.
  4. Obtain Required Licenses: Research and secure necessary state and local business licenses.
  5. Register as an Employer: Register with Workforce Development if hiring employees.

Ongoing Compliance Requirements:

  • Business Entity Reports: Most entities must file biennial business entity reports.
  • Sales Tax Collection: Collect and remit 7% state sales tax on taxable transactions.
  • Corporate Income Tax: C-corporations pay 4.9% corporate income tax.
  • Employment Taxes: Employers must register for unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation.
  • Local Requirements: Counties and municipalities may impose additional licensing and regulatory requirements.

Hiring & Payroll

Indiana provides a balanced approach to employment regulations with some business-friendly policies.

Indiana Payroll Requirements:

  • Unemployment Insurance: Rates from 0.5% to 7.4% on first $9,500 of wages.
  • State Income Tax Withholding: Flat 3.23% plus county taxes.
  • Workers’ Compensation: Required for all employers.

Indiana Employment Laws:

  • Minimum Wage: Follows federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour).
  • Overtime: Follows federal regulations.
  • Teen Work Hour Restrictions: More stringent than federal regulations.
  • Final Paychecks: Due on next regular payday.
  • Indiana is an at-will employment state with right-to-work laws.

State Incentives

Indiana provides strategic economic incentives to attract and retain businesses.

Key Business Incentives:

  • Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) Tax Credit.
  • Venture Capital Investment Tax Credit: Encourages investment in Indiana businesses.
  • Industrial Recovery Tax Credit: Support for businesses in economically challenged areas.

Small Business & Startup Support:

  • Indiana Small Business Development Center: Comprehensive business resources.
  • Next Level Ventures: Support for technology and innovation-driven businesses.
  • Rural Business Development Grants.

Regulatory Considerations

Indiana provides a business-friendly regulatory framework with clear guidelines.

Key Business Regulations:

  • Data Privacy: Laws protecting consumer and business information.
  • Environmental Compliance: Regulations supporting industrial and agricultural sectors.
  • Professional Licensing: Required for various service-based professions.

Additional Regulatory Areas:

  • Manufacturing Compliance.
  • Small Business Reporting Requirements.