The simplest type of business ownership is a sole proprietorship. It is a sole proprietorship that is neither incorporated nor has a corporate structure. The state of Indiana does not require lone proprietors to register their enterprises. However, you must file a Doing Business As (DBA) certificate with the county clerk in the county where your business is located if you intend to run it under a name other than your own.
You must apply either in person at the county clerk’s office or online at the Indiana Secretary of State website to obtain a DBA certificate in Indiana. You must submit the name of your company, your name, and your address, as well as pay a filing fee. DBA certificates must be renewed before they expire and have a five-year validity period.
You must submit articles of incorporation to the Indiana Secretary of State if you want to establish a limited liability company (LLC) there. An LLC offers liability protection for its owners and is a separate legal entity from them. You must select a name for your business, designate a registered agent, and submit articles of formation to the state of Indiana in order to establish an LLC there. A filing fee is furthermore due.
Last but not least, you can ask the Indiana Secretary of State for a certificate of existence if you need to provide proof of your company’s existence to a third party. This certificate attests to the fact that your company is legitimately registered with the state. You can submit a request online or through the mail, along with payment, to obtain a certificate of existence.
In conclusion, even though you do not have to register your sole proprietorship with the state of Indiana, there are still a few conditions you need to fulfill in order to run your company legally. You must file a DBA certificate if you intend to run your business under a name other than your own. You must submit articles of organization to the state if you want to create an LLC. Additionally, you can ask the Indiana Secretary of State for a certificate of existence if you need to demonstrate the legitimacy of your company.
You must submit an update to the Indiana Secretary of State’s office in order to change the name listed on your DBA. This can be done by mail or online. The new name you intend to use must be provided, together with your present DBA name, and the necessary cost must be paid. You will get a new certificate with the amended name after the change is authorized. It is crucial to remember that altering the name on your DBA does not affect any licenses or permits you may have already earned or change the legal structure of your company.