How to Get an Indiana Retail License

Paperwork

You've got the perfect storefront idea. You've been mapping it out in your mind, lining up potential wholesale sources and saving money to start your new business. Like most other states, you'll need to be properly licensed to collect sales tax and buy those goods wholesale. According to the Indiana Department of Taxes and Finance Revenue, you'll need a Retail Merchant Certificate to do that. So where do you begin?

Things You'll Need

• Cash
• Accountant
• Internet access

Instructions

1. Establish your business structure. You'll need to decide if you want to run your business as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or a limited liability corporation. Each type of structure has its legal and financial pros and cons, so talk to your accountant before you decide.

2. Choose a business name. If you've established a corporation or LLC, your business name must be different from other names already registered in the Secretary of State's office. You can check the availability of your proposed name by calling [phone], or using the Access Indiana business name search service.

3. Register your business using the Secretary of State New Business Entity Registration web site. There's an $85 registration fee, as of September 2009.

4. Register with the Indiana Department of Revenue to receive your Registered Retail Merchant Certificate (RRMC). Every company that sells goods must collect 7 percent sales tax. And it's the RRMC that allows you to do that. In other words, it's an Indiana retail license. There's a $25 fee to obtain the RRMC, and you can apply online.

References

• Information Bulletin #37: Sales Tax
• Secretary of State New Business Entity Registration
• Sales Tax

Resources

• Access Indiana Business Name Search