Start a Business in Indianapolis

Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.

✔ 4 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 $25–$100

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Overview

Starting a business in Indianapolis requires a Business License through the Department of Business & Neighborhood Services. Base fee: $25–$100. No general state business license. Indianapolis consolidated city-county.

Required Permits

✓Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

✓State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

✓County: health department permit + fire inspection

✓City: business licence/tax certificate

Step-by-Step Process

Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

County: health department permit + fire inspection

City: business licence/tax certificate

Costs

Estimated total: $25–$100 depending on permits and inspections.

General Business$25–$100

Restaurant$50–$300

Contact

Department of Business & Neighborhood Services

Phone: 317-327-3501

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Consolidated city-county (Marion County)

⚠ Marion County Public Health for food permits

⚠ Indiana has streamlined INBiz portal for state registration

⚠ No general city business license — industry-specific permits

⚠ Indiana requires registration with the Department of Revenue for sales tax and withholding

Choose Your Business Type

Restaurant Food Truck Barber Shop Retail Store Coffee Shop Bar / Nightclub Gym / Fitness Studio Nail Salon Cannabis Dispensary Dog Grooming Bakery Cleaning Service Daycare Center Auto Repair Shop

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