OTHER CONSIDERATIONS


Besides dealing with the issues that are specific to the structure of your business (in other words sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, LLC, LLP)  there are other legal issues, types of licenses and permits you may have to acquire.  Read each paragraph below to determine if your business may be affected by these legal issues and take any necessary action as cited by the text.  If you need more information or assistance, you can contact the Federal Information Hotline at (800) 688-9889 or the Indiana State information Center at (800) 45-STATE.

ISSUES TO CONSIDER

  

 

WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?
 

A personal property tax is levied on tangible (physical) business assets such as equipment, furniture, and inventory.  The amount of this tax is determined on March 1st and of each year and needs to be filed with your township assessor by May 15th of the same year.  You actually pay the tax in the following year in two installments in May and November.  Use form 103 which can be obtained from your township assessor.   Contact your township assessor for questions about property taxes
   
         
         
   

Excise taxes are special taxes which are imposed upon some businesses who conduct special activities both at the Federal and State levels.  At the Federal level, Form 720 is used to report any excise taxes.  At the State level these taxes are placed upon alcoholic beverages, petroleum products, motor vehicles, gasoline, and cigarettes.  See below:

You may owe
state excise if you:		 You may owe
federal excise if you:
Produce alcoholic beverages, petroleum products, cigarettes Sell gasoline, heavy trucks, recreation equipment, air transportation services, or telephone services
Sell cigarettes, food, or beverages Possess motor vehicles>55,000 lbs., products that harm the environment
Are a county innkeeper, financial institution Produce alcohol, firearms or ammunition, tobacco, or vaccines
Possess motor vehicles Are involved in gambling or wagering
Rent motor vehicles
  Federal Excise Taxes:  Internal Revenue Service
(800) 829-1040
  State Excise Taxes:
Indiana Department of Revenue
(317) 233-4016
         
         
   

Many city zoning ordinances require that anyone starting a new business, expanding a business, constructing a new business, constructing a new commercial structure (including a sign) or changing use of property obtain a Certificate of Zoning Compliance.  Homebased businesses are also regulated by most zoning ordinances.  Additionally, certain types of building trades must hold special licenses.   Contact your city / county planning department with zoning questions
   
         
         
   

Several types of businesses (including all of those engaged in handling food) must obtain health permits and be inspected by the Board of Health from the city or county offices.  To apply for these special permits, please contact your local health department.   Contact your city / county health Department
   
         
         
   

Businesses which deal with hazardous wastes of materials, emit pollutants of any kind into the air, or dispose of waste into the water or sewer source should contact the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) for permits or licenses.  Also, any business which utilize above or underground storage tanks should also contact IDEM.   Environmental Protection Agency
(800) 260-2090

Indiana Department of Environmental Management
(317) 232-8603

  Nearly fifty professions and occupations require Indiana State Licenses or Certificates of Competency.  For specific information contact the state agency that governs your profession.  If you are not sure about whether you need to apply for any specific licenses or need to locate the appropriate agency, you can call the State Information Center     Indiana State Information Center
(800) 45-STATE
       
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