How to Register Your Business: A Step-by-Step Guide

Starting a business is an exciting journey, but registering your business the right way is crucial for protecting your personal assets, accessing funding, and staying compliant with legal requirements. Business registration is more than just paperwork—it legitimizes your company, making it easier to work with banks, investors, and customers.

This guide will walk you through each step of the registration process, providing clear, actionable steps that apply nationwide, plus a dedicated section for Indiana-specific business registration requirements and resources.

Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure

Your business structure determines your legal liability, tax obligations, and financial setup. Choosing the right structure depends on your business type, risk level, and long-term goals.

Common Business Structures

• Sole Proprietorship – Easiest to start but offers no personal liability protection.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Protects your personal assets while offering tax flexibility.
• Corporation (C-Corp or S-Corp) – Best for businesses seeking investors and scalability.
• Partnership – Good for two or more owners who share responsibilities and profits.

Choosing the Right Structure

• If you’re a freelancer or solo entrepreneur, a Sole Proprietorship or LLC is best.
• If you want liability protection, an LLC is the most popular choice.
• If you plan to raise money from investors, a C-Corp or S-Corp may be better.

Learn about different business structures at SBA.gov.

Step 2: Choose a Business Name & Check Availability

Your business name represents your brand identity, but before finalizing it, you must make sure it’s available.

How to Check Name Availability

1. State Business Database: Check your Secretary of State’s business entity search.
2. Trademark Search: Use the USPTO database to avoid trademark conflicts.
3. Domain Name & Social Media Handles: Use GoDaddy or Namecheap for domain availability.
4. Indiana-Specific Name Search: Use INBiz to check name availability in Indiana.

If your name is taken, consider slight variations or unique spellings.

Step 3: Register Your Business with the State

Nationwide Business Registration

• Sole Proprietors & Partnerships: Register a DBA (Doing Business As) name if needed.
• LLCs & Corporations: File formation documents with the Secretary of State’s Office.

Indiana Business Registration

• Register your business name & structure via INBiz.
• File Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (Corporation).
• Obtain business licenses at the local city/county level.

Register your Indiana business at INBiz.

Step 4: Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Your EIN (Employer Identification Number) is like a Social Security number for your business—used for tax purposes, hiring employees, and opening a business bank account.

How to Get an EIN

• Apply for free at the IRS website.
• Receive your EIN immediately if applying online.

Step 5: Register for State & Local Taxes

Nationwide Business Taxes

• Federal Taxes: Most businesses pay federal income tax.
• State Business Taxes: Varies by state; includes income tax, sales tax, payroll tax.

Indiana-Specific Business Taxes

• Indiana Business Tax Registration: Register with the Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) via INBiz.
• Sales Tax: If selling goods/services, register for an Indiana Sales Tax Permit.
• Employment Taxes: If hiring employees, register for unemployment insurance tax.

Learn about Indiana business taxes at DOR Indiana.

Step 6: Obtain Business Licenses & Permits

Depending on your industry, you may need local, state, or federal licenses.

How to Find Your Licensing Requirements

• Use the SBA’s License Finder:SBA License Guide
• Indiana Business Licenses: Use INBiz to find Indiana-specific permits.

Home-based businesses may require a home occupation permit.

Step 7: Open a Business Bank Account

Why Open a Business Bank Account?

• Keeps personal & business finances separate.
• Gives credibility & access to business loans.
• Simplifies tax filing & bookkeeping.

Compare business banking options at NerdWallet.

Indiana-Specific Business Registration Resources

For entrepreneurs in Indiana, here are additional state-specific resources:

• Indiana Secretary of State – Business Registration: INBiz Portal
• Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC): ISBDC
• Indiana Department of Revenue – Business Taxes: DOR Indiana
• Local County Clerk Offices: Contact your county for additional licensing requirements.

Once your business is officially registered, the next step is making sure potential customers can find you. Listing your business on Indy Black Businesses helps increase visibility and connect with a local audience that values supporting Black-owned businesses.

Learn how to create your free listing here: How to List Your Business on Indy Black Businesses