Starting a nonprofit in Indiana

Incorporation

Filing

Articles of Incorporation — Domestic Nonprofit Corporation (State Form 4162)

Agency

Indiana Secretary of State, Business Services Division (file via INBiz)

State fee

$31 — never marked up by us

Processing

Online filings via INBiz typically process within 1 business day; mail takes about a week

Expedite

Not offered

Watch out

• Filing costs $31 online vs $50 by mail — INBiz is cheaper and much faster.
• State Form 4162 does NOT include the IRS-required 501(c)(3) purpose and dissolution clauses — they must be added or the IRS will reject your exemption application.
• Indiana requires at least 3 directors.
• Don't skip the Department of Revenue side: Form NP-20A registration is separate from incorporation and easy to miss.

Ongoing compliance

Registered agent

Must have an Indiana street address and consent to serve; the corporation cannot be its own agent.

Charitable registration

Indiana has no general charitable solicitation registration (professional solicitors register; charities themselves do not).

Annual report

Business entity report every 2 years, due in the anniversary month — $20 (small processing surcharge online)

State tax exemption

File Form NP-20A with the Department of Revenue to register as a nonprofit and get sales tax exemption on purchases; then file Form NP-20R once every 5 years to keep it. Income tax exemption follows the IRS determination.