Indiana Certificate of Authority for Foreign Corporations Rhys Marsden, May 29, 2023June 7, 2023 The Indiana Certificate of Authority for Foreign Corporations is an essential document for any out-of-state business seeking to operate in Indiana legally. Table of Contents Toggle Understanding the Indiana Certificate of AuthorityQualifying an Out-of-State Corporation in IndianaObtaining an Indiana Certificate of AuthorityRegistered Agent Requirements for Indiana CorporationsFiling for Profit or Non-Profit Corporation Online in IndianaProcessing Time and Cost for Indiana Certificate of Authority Understanding the Indiana Certificate of Authority The Indiana Certificate of Authority is a certificate that foreign corporations need to do business in the state. Harbor Compliance can help businesses obtain this certificate. The Secretary of State’s Business Services Division is the office responsible for issuing these certificates. Companies can apply for the certificate by completing an application and submitting it to the office. The office will then review the application to ensure it meets all of the state’s requirements. If everything is in order, the certificate will be issued. Businesses that fail to obtain this certificate may face fines. The certificate is needed to open a bank account and enter into contracts in the state. Qualifying an Out-of-State Corporation in Indiana To qualify an out-of-state corporation in Indiana, a business entity must obtain a Certificate of Authority from the Secretary of State’s Business Services Division. This certificate is required for companies that want to conduct business in Indiana and are registered in another state. The process involves filing a Registration Statement that includes information about the company, its location, and its agent for service of process in Indiana. There is a cost for the agency fee, state fees, and any additional requirements or fines. Some companies may need to obtain licenses from Indiana licensing agencies, depending on the type of job or business they conduct. In addition, the company may need to open a bank account in Indiana and provide certified copies of its articles of incorporation and good standing. Obtaining an Indiana Certificate of Authority To obtain an Indiana Certificate of Authority, foreign corporations must complete a Registration Statement and file it with the Indiana Secretary of State. The form can be obtained online or via mail. One must pay a filing fee and provide a certified copy of their home state’s Certificate of Good Standing. If the entity is an LLC, they must provide a birth certificate and an apostille. Additionally, if the business entity will be conducting sales in Indiana, they must obtain a sales tax exemption certificate. Harbor Compliance is an agent that can help corporations navigate Indiana’s licensing agencies. For more information, visit the Indiana Secretary of State’s website or call the Corporations Information Line. Registered Agent Requirements for Indiana Corporations Indiana corporations are required to have a registered agent who can receive legal documents on behalf of the company. This agent must be either a person or an entity authorized to do business in the state. The agent must have a physical street address in Indiana and be available during regular business hours. The registered agent can be an employee of the company or a third-party service provider. However, the agent must have a signed consent form on file with the Indiana Secretary of State. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in error codes and delays. Indiana corporations can obtain more information about registered agent requirements and other state requirements by visiting the Corporations Information Line website or contacting the Indiana Secretary of State’s office directly. To appoint a registered agent, corporations can submit a Form 416 by mail or online. The filing fee is $30, and additional state fees may apply. Once approved, the corporation will receive a certified copy of the appointment document. In addition to registered agent requirements, Indiana corporations must comply with various licensing authority requirements, as well as state and federal laws. It’s important to understand these requirements and to keep accurate records and copies of all relevant documents. Filing for Profit or Non-Profit Corporation Online in Indiana Filing for a Profit or Non-Profit Corporation in Indiana can be done online through the Indiana Secretary of State website. Foreign corporations must file for a Certificate of Authority to do business in Indiana. The filing method requires an Agency Fee and a Certified Copy Requirement. The Law and state’s requirements must be followed, including Licensing Authority Requirements. Banks and other institutions may require a Certificate of Existence before doing business with the corporation. It is important to choose the correct type of corporation for your situation and location. Some reasons to form a corporation include liability protection and tax benefits. Instructions and times vary depending on the form and job needed. Limited Liability Companies and other forms are also available. Processing Time and Cost for Indiana Certificate of Authority Processing Time Cost Standard Processing Time: 10-15 business days $100 filing fee Expedited Processing Time: 24 hours $200 filing fee Walk-in Processing Time: Same day $300 filing fee Rhys MarsdenWas this article helpful?YesNo Certificate Of Authority