LaunchPath

Flagship channel-state reference guide

Start Etsy in Indiana: full reference guide

Use this page when you want the complete dense version: all sections, all appendices, and the full official source directory in one scrollable reference surface.

Last verified: April 28, 2026 Reference mode Dense appendix

Built from reviewed public pages for Indiana, IRS, FinCEN, Indianapolis, Etsy. Use it as a first-pass guide, then verify the official links that match your setup.

How to use this page

Dense appendix modeFull source directory attachedLast verified April 28, 2026

This version favors completeness over pacing. Use it when you need the appendix, the dense source trail, or the full long-form reference in one place.

Best reading order

  1. Use the fast-answer and official-links sections first if you only need the main route and source trail.
  2. Open the entity, setup, tax, and local sections only where your exact launch path actually branches.
  3. Use the full source directory last as the appendix, not the starting point, unless you already know the exact agency task.
Fast answer appendix Official links first Full source directory
Back to the guided journey

Reference mode

Everything in one dense page

The guided journey is the easier starting point. This page keeps the full accordion guide and source appendix when you want the complete research-backed reference view.

Best when you need

  • The full section map in one scroll without the lighter journey framing.
  • The appendix and official-source directory preserved next to the answer sections.
  • A clearer audit trail before you print, compare, or cross-check another route.

Still better handled in the journey

  • First-pass reading when you want the shortest, safest beginner route.
  • Deciding what to do first before you need the full appendix.
  • Switching states or platforms quickly without reading the full dense version.
Reference map
Start here Fast answer If you want to open Etsy in Indiana, you usually need to do five things in order: Everyone 5 steps

If you want to open Etsy in Indiana, you usually need to do five things in order:

  1. Choose your setup: sole proprietorship vs single-member LLC.
  2. Get your federal and Indiana registrations in place before launching.
  3. Verify local county or city permit, zoning, and home-business rules.
  4. Open and verify your Etsy account or storefront.
  5. Launch only after your product, fulfillment, tax, and compliance setup is ready.

Practical first-launch recommendation

If you are testing casually with minimal risk, sole proprietor can work.

If you intend to build a real Etsy business, single-member LLC is usually the better long-term path.

Avoid these first-launch mistakes

  • Assuming Etsy's marketplace tax collection replaces every Indiana registration branch
  • Treating marketplace-only, direct-sales, and resale support as the same answer
  • Using a business name before filing the right Indiana assumed-name branch

Indiana-specific friction

Indiana's marketplace-only sales-tax answer is helpful, but it is not the whole story if you also make direct sales.

  • Indiana's marketplace-only sales-tax answer is helpful, but it is not the whole story if you also make direct sales.
  • Indiana splits assumed-name filings between the County Recorder path for sole proprietors and the Secretary-of-State path for state-filed entities.
  • Indiana's marketplace branch includes a second decision point for existing accounts: depending on the facts, the seller may keep the account, file $0 returns, adjust filing frequency, or close it.
  • The ST-105 resale branch is real, but you should keep the marketplace-only versus seller-held-registration split explicit instead of assuming every supplier will treat those paths the same way.
  • Indianapolis adds real home-occupation, zoning, and local property-review risk if the business operates from home or stores equipment locally.

Etsy-specific friction

Etsy identity verification and bank verification can stall onboarding if your records do not match.

  • Etsy identity verification and bank verification can stall onboarding if your records do not match.
  • Etsy's allowed-item rules are narrower than broad online-marketplace eligibility.
  • The shop set-up fee is location-variable, so you cannot model it from one universal public U.S. number.
  • Listing fees, transaction fees, payment-processing fees, and Offsite Ads can stack quickly if you price casually.
  • Account reserves and seller-info confirmation are real operational friction even after the shop is open.

Insurance reality

If you sell physical products, commercial general liability and product liability are practical early decisions even though no public Etsy-wide seller insurance threshold was identified in the reviewed source set as of April 28, 2026.

  • If you sell physical products, commercial general liability and product liability are practical early decisions even though no public Etsy-wide seller insurance threshold was identified in the reviewed source set as of April 28, 2026.
  • Etsy's public Purchase Protection help says qualifying orders up to $250 may be covered, but the program is not insurance.
  • Etsy's public Purchase Protection help page itself announces updates beginning May 7, 2026, so re-check both the live help page and Etsy's legal policy page if the launch or first sale happens on or after that date.
  • Etsy's public shipping-label help says some label services include coverage and additional shipping insurance may be available, so shipping-label protection should be treated as shipment-specific, not as business-wide coverage.
Back to top Next: Quick-start checklist
Checklist Quick-start checklist Use the research-backed checklist groups before you spend, before your first sale, and before launch goes live. Everyone 3 groups

Do these before you spend money

  • Pick your entity.
  • Pick your business name.
  • Decide your Etsy product lane.
  • Avoid regulated or high-risk categories for your first launch unless the request specifically wants them.
  • Confirm the offer is not blocked by law, safety rules, or platform policy.
  • Make sure you can document sourcing, design ownership, vintage status, or supplier legitimacy where relevant.

Do these before your first sale

  • Form the business or file the right Indiana assumed-name document if needed.
  • Get an EIN from the IRS if applicable.
  • Open a dedicated business bank account.
  • Register for Indiana tax or seller-permit paths that apply.
  • Check local permits and home-based business rules.
  • Create your Etsy account and complete verification.

Do these before launch goes live

  • Complete the Etsy shop setup steps.
  • Confirm product, category, or account eligibility.
  • Set up fulfillment, shipping, or storefront operations correctly.
  • Build the first listing, store pages, or checkout flow correctly.
  • Start small so you can test demand and catch compliance mistakes early.
Back to top Next: Official links you will use first
Choose your setup Entity choice Compare the sole-proprietor and single-member LLC paths before banking, tax setup, and platform onboarding. Everyone 2 options

Sole proprietor

Best for: Best if you want the cheapest and simplest start.

What it means

  • Indiana does not require a state entity-formation filing if you operate as a sole proprietor under your own legal name.
  • If you use a trade name, Indiana's official Secretary of State FAQ says sole proprietors and general partnerships file the assumed name with the County Recorder in each county where they are situated.
  • Business income generally runs through your personal tax return unless facts change the tax treatment.
  • You usually do not get a liability shield.

Why someone chooses it

  • Faster launch
  • Lower up-front filing costs
  • Fewer entity maintenance steps

Main downside: Personal liability

single-member LLC

Best for: Best if you want a more durable setup for a real business.

What it means

  • Indiana LLC formation uses Articles of Organization Domestic Limited Liability Company (State Form 49459).
  • The current public form reviewed on April 28, 2026 shows a $100.00 filing fee.
  • Indiana LLCs file a biennial Business Entity Report through INBiz.
  • Default single-member LLC tax treatment is usually disregarded-entity treatment unless you later elect otherwise.

Why someone chooses it

  • Liability protection
  • Cleaner setup for banking, vendors, bookkeeping, and scaling
  • Better fit for trademarks, insurance, employees, and later restructuring

Main downside: Higher setup friction and cost than a sole proprietorship

Back to top Next: What to do in order
Main path What to do in order The full end-to-end setup path, kept in the same order as the researched guide. Everyone 14 steps

  1. Step 1: Choose a low-risk launch model

    Main guide step 1

    For a first launch, stay inside the safest lane:

    Why it matters: Practical rule: If the offer touches health, safety, children, regulated finance, chemicals, alcohol, medical claims, or restricted IP, slow down and do category-specific compliance research before buying or launching.

    • simple handmade items
    • seller-designed items you can document as your own work
    • clearly qualifying vintage items
    • clearly qualifying craft or party supplies
    • no high-risk categories from food, supplements, cosmetics, medical claims, batteries-heavy hazmat, alcohol, children's products
    • no products or offers that require specialized compliance unless the guide is explicitly built for them

  2. Step 2: Choose your name and brand approach

    Main guide step 2

    You need to decide whether you are:

    Why it matters: Important:

    • operating under your own legal name,
    • using an Indiana assumed name,
    • selling your own handmade items,
    • selling your own original designs,
    • selling qualifying vintage,
    • or selling qualifying craft or party supplies.
    • Etsy shop names do not replace the legal entity name or tax records behind the business.
    • Etsy account, bank, identity, and tax details still need to match real-world records.
    • If you plan to use a production partner, Etsy expects that to be disclosed in the applicable listings.
    • Indiana treats sole-proprietor assumed names and entity assumed names as different filing branches.

  3. Step 3: Form the business

    Main guide step 3

    If you choose sole proprietor: If you sell under your legal name, Indiana does not require a state entity-formation filing.

    • If you choose sole proprietor: If you sell under your legal name, Indiana does not require a state entity-formation filing.
    • If you choose sole proprietor: If you use a trade name, file the assumed name with the County Recorder in each county where the business is situated.
    • If you choose sole proprietor: Indiana's reviewed public guidance treats this sole-proprietor name path as county-based, not Secretary-of-State-based.
    • If you choose single-member LLC: Do this in order:
    • If you choose single-member LLC: Check Indiana name availability in INBiz before filing.
    • If you choose single-member LLC: File Articles of Organization Domestic Limited Liability Company (State Form 49459) through the Indiana Secretary of State filing system.
    • If you choose single-member LLC: Name a registered agent and registered office in Indiana.
    • If you choose single-member LLC: Keep your operating agreement internally and move immediately into EIN, tax registration, and banking.
    • If you choose single-member LLC: If the LLC will use another public-facing name, file the Indiana Secretary of State assumed-name branch separately.
    • If you choose single-member LLC: Indiana fee caveat:
    • If you choose single-member LLC: The current State Form 49459 PDF reviewed on April 28, 2026 shows a $100.00 filing fee. Older official SOS guidance still shows a generic $85 online for-profit registration fee plus processing. Re-check the live INBiz checkout total before paying.

  4. Step 4: Get your EIN

    Main guide step 4

    Use the IRS EIN application if applicable. For many LLCs this is required. For many sole proprietors it is optional but still useful for banking, vendors, and Etsy setup.

  5. Step 5: Open banking and bookkeeping

    Main guide step 5

    Do this right away:

    • Open a business checking account.
    • Use one account and one card for business only.
    • Save every receipt, invoice, shipping bill, Etsy fee statement, and tax record.
    • Build a tax folder and a compliance folder from day one.

  6. Step 6: Register for state tax, seller permit, or resale setup

    Main guide step 6

    Safe practical takeaway:

    • Indiana business-tax registration runs through INBiz. Older official Indiana guidance still refers to the application as BT-1, but the live registration workflow routes through INBiz.
    • Indiana's marketplace-facilitator FAQ says a seller that only makes sales through a marketplace facilitator is not required to register and file Indiana sales-tax returns for those marketplace-only sales.
    • If you already registered but now only make marketplace sales, Indiana says you can elect to maintain the account, close it, or adjust filing frequency.
    • If you keep the account and have no direct sales, Indiana says you can file $0 returns.
    • If you also make direct sales through your own site, invoices, local pickup, or in-person events, the marketplace-only carveout no longer controls the whole answer.
    • If Indiana registration is required, the current DOR FAQ still shows a one-time $25 Registered Retail Merchant Certificate fee per location.
    • Indiana uses Form ST-105 for resale or exemption support. Indiana's marketplace guidance also says a marketplace facilitator may issue ST-105 with Other and Marketplace Sales completed for marketplace-only sellers.
    • If you plan to stay Etsy-only, keep the marketplace-only Indiana registration carveout explicit and do not assume it answers direct-sales or resale questions that have not happened yet.
    • If you expect to add your own website, direct invoices, or local in-person selling, resolve the Indiana RRMC branch before launch instead of assuming Etsy's marketplace collection replaces it.
    • If supplier resale support matters on day one, keep the ST-105 branch visible and confirm whether the supplier accepts the marketplace-sales version or expects a seller-held Indiana registration.

  7. Step 7: Check local permits, county rules, and home-business limits

    Main guide step 7

    Indiana does not have one statewide local-business form for every county or city.

    Why it matters: Do this before operating: For Indianapolis specifically:

    • check the city or county branch for local licensing or zoning,
    • contact the County Recorder if you need a sole-proprietor assumed name,
    • contact the city or county planning office if you will operate from home or store inventory,
    • and review local business-property rules if the business will hold taxable equipment or other local-situs property.
    • use the official zoning browser for the exact address,
    • review the dwelling-district home-occupation rules if you will operate from a residence,
    • note that the reviewed ordinance says the activity must stay within the dwelling structure, may use no more than 600 square feet or 30% of the dwelling unit, whichever is less, and may use no more than 1 nonresident assistant,
    • note that the same ordinance says the use may not regularly attract more than 4 individuals simultaneously and restricts stock in trade received, retained, used, stored, or physically transferred on the premises,
    • and do not assume a home-based Etsy inventory, prep, or shipping setup is automatically allowed.

  8. Step 8: If you hire employees, handle payroll registrations and insurance

    Main guide step 8

    If you do not hire anyone yet, skip this for now.

    Why it matters: If you hire:

    • Indiana DWD says a new employer should register through ESS after paying the first dollar in payroll to a worker performing covered services in Indiana;
    • Indiana says you must keep filing quarterly wage reports until DWD officially terminates or inactivates the account, even if a quarter has no wages;
    • Indiana's new-hire reporting page says employers must report newly hired or rehired employees within 20 days after the hire or rehire date;
    • Indiana's workers' compensation guidance says most businesses must have workers' compensation insurance;
    • and this packet did not verify a separate Indiana state disability-insurance or paid-family-leave payroll program on the official employer pages reviewed on April 28, 2026.

  9. Step 9: Create your Etsy shop

    Main guide step 9

    Have these ready:

    Why it matters: Platform registration flow: Important Etsy nuance:

    • government-issued ID
    • phone number
    • email address
    • bank account information
    • tax information
    • business registration details if you formed an entity
    • proof of address or identity if Etsy asks
    • Etsy says it does not require you to hold a business license just to sell on Etsy.
    • Etsy also says you still must follow the laws that apply to you as a small business selling online.
    • That means Indiana, county, Indianapolis, and home-business compliance do not disappear just because Etsy onboarding lets you proceed.
    • Start at Etsy's public shop-opening guide and open the shop from Etsy.com/sell.
    • Complete setup in a desktop web browser, choose the shop language, country, currency, and a compliant shop name, and turn on required two-factor authentication.
    • Choose whether you are onboarding as an individual / sole proprietorship or as an incorporated business.
    • Connect your bank account, add your billing card, and enroll in Etsy Payments.
    • Create at least one compliant listing, choose the right item category, and set shipping and processing details accurately.
    • Complete identity verification and seller-information checks. Etsy's public help says U.S. bank verification uses Plaid or manual verification, identity verification uses Persona plus government-issued ID, and missed seller-information deadlines can block payouts or place the shop into Etsy-initiated vacation mode.

  10. Step 10: Choose the right platform plan

    Main guide step 10

    Pricing caveat:

    Why it matters: Practical rule: Price the first listings only after you account for the setup-fee possibility, listing fees, transaction fees, payment-processing fees, shipping, packaging, return risk, and any ad charges you choose to use. Treat Etsy Plus as optional. It only becomes worth testing if the shop will actually use its extra customization tools, monthly credits, and restock-request features often enough to justify the recurring fee.

    • Etsy does not require a monthly seller-plan choice for a normal U.S. shop.
    • As of April 28, 2026, Etsy's public fee pages show a listing fee of $0.20 per listing, listings renew every 4 months, the transaction fee is 6.5%, and U.S. payment-processing fees are 3% + $0.25.
    • Etsy's public help also says a one-time shop set-up fee may apply, but the amount varies by location.
    • Offsite Ads are automatically enabled. Etsy's public help still shows 15% below the public $10,000 USD prior-365-day revenue threshold, 12% at the higher tier, and a $100 per-order cap.
    • Etsy Plus is optional at $10 per month and is not required for a normal Indiana first launch.
    • Re-check the live Offsite Ads wording on the exact launch date if the shop is near the public revenue threshold because Etsy's public help has used slightly different at least $10,000 USD and more than $10,000 USD phrasing around when participation becomes mandatory and the lower fee applies.

  11. Step 11: Decide whether brand or IP programs belong in the initial launch

    Main guide step 11

    For a first launch, keep the brand story simple and compliant instead of overbuilding trademark work before demand is proven.

    • Etsy does not have a marketplace-seller brand registry requirement you must join before a normal launch.
    • What matters first is whether the item fits Etsy's allowed categories, whether you own the rights to the design or branding you are using, and whether any production partner needs to be disclosed.
    • If you use print-on-demand or another production partner, Etsy says the partner must be producing your original design and must be disclosed on the applicable listings.
    • If you are making the item yourself, keep your own photos, process notes, and supplier records so you can support the listing if questions come up.
    • Etsy's practical IP backstop is its Reporting Portal and seller-policy enforcement, not a separate seller-side brand registry.

  12. Step 12: Complete the listing, shipping, and storefront branch

    Main guide step 12

    Use the Etsy-specific version of this section:

    Why it matters: For a beginner launch, seller-managed shipping is the baseline. Do not assume Etsy is warehousing or fulfilling ordinary shop inventory for you.

    • create the first listing in Shop Manager,
    • choose the right category and item type,
    • upload your own product photos and any video you need,
    • set processing time, shipping profile, return policy, and origin details accurately,
    • disclose any production partner that qualifies,
    • set up your storefront basics,
    • decide whether you will buy Etsy shipping labels or use a separate carrier workflow,
    • and open the shop only after the first listing is accurate enough that you could ship the first order yourself.

  13. Step 13: Confirm product, service, or category eligibility before scaling

    Main guide step 13

    Etsy allows items that are made by a seller, designed by a seller, handpicked by a seller, or sourced by a seller within Etsy's current policy boundaries.

    • Etsy allows items that are made by a seller, designed by a seller, handpicked by a seller, or sourced by a seller within Etsy's current policy boundaries.
    • Mass-produced resale is not generally allowed in Etsy's handmade category.
    • Etsy Help says drop shipping is not allowed except in narrow craft-supply cases, and production partners are allowed only for the seller's original designs or a buyer's customization.
    • Vintage items must be at least 20 years old, and craft supplies have their own rule set.
    • Highly regulated, unsafe, infringing, or prohibited items can still be blocked even if Indiana would otherwise allow the business to operate.

  14. Step 14: Launch with a compliance-first operating routine

    Main guide step 14

    Once live, keep these habits:

    • reconcile payouts, fees, refunds, and reserves
    • maintain invoices and supplier records
    • keep tax reserves separate
    • answer buyer messages and cases promptly
    • use tracking whenever possible for physical orders
    • avoid mixing personal and business spending

Best practical order for the LLC launch path

  1. Choose the Etsy product lane first.
  2. Choose the legal name and public brand plan.
  3. File Articles of Organization (State Form 49459).
  4. Get the EIN.
  5. Open the bank account.
  6. Decide whether you are using the Indiana marketplace-only tax posture or registering for sales tax from day one.
  7. If needed, file State Form 30353 for the assumed name.
  8. Check county and city permit, zoning, and property branches.
  9. Build the Etsy shop and complete identity, bank, and seller-information verification.
  10. Finish the first listing, storefront, return-policy, and shipping setup.
  11. If hiring, add ESS, new-hire, and workers' compensation setup.
  12. Track the biennial entity-report cycle and any local property deadlines that apply.
Back to top Next: Indiana tax stack
State filing and tax Indiana tax stack Keep the Indiana registration, tax, and maintenance rules together while you launch. Everyone 7 checks

1. EIN

A single-member LLC generally needs one.

  • A single-member LLC generally needs one.
  • A sole proprietor may not always need one federally, but it is often the cleaner operating choice for Etsy, banking, and supplier paperwork.

2. Indiana sales tax, seller permit, or equivalent registration

Indiana business-tax registration runs through INBiz.

  • Indiana business-tax registration runs through INBiz.
  • Indiana sales tax is 7%.
  • If an Indiana tax registration is required, DOR says a Registered Retail Merchant Certificate is issued after the application is processed.
  • Current DOR FAQ and handbook materials reviewed on April 28, 2026 still show a one-time $25 RRMC fee per location.

3. Marketplace or platform tax rule

Indiana's marketplace-facilitator guidance says a seller that only makes sales through a marketplace facilitator is not required to register and file Indiana sales-tax returns for those marketplace-only sales.

  • Indiana's marketplace-facilitator guidance says a seller that only makes sales through a marketplace facilitator is not required to register and file Indiana sales-tax returns for those marketplace-only sales.
  • Indiana's marketplace-facilitator FAQ also says a retail merchant already selling on a marketplace is not required to change existing Indiana registrations automatically. If the seller has previously registered, but now only makes marketplace sales, the seller can elect to maintain the account, close it, or adjust filing frequency.
  • Indiana says a seller that maintains the registration but has no direct sales can file $0 returns.
  • Indiana says a seller can close the account using Form BC-100 if the seller only sells through marketplaces or no longer has nexus under the remote-seller rules.
  • If the seller is already registered or otherwise required to file, Indiana says marketplace sales are reported as exempt sales on the return.
  • That marketplace-only carveout does not answer every Indiana legal question. Direct sales, multi-channel selling, local property, and employer branches still need separate review.

4. Resale purchases or exempt purchasing

Practical takeaway:

  • Indiana uses Form ST-105, General Sales Tax Exemption Certificate.
  • A registered retailer can use it for resale purchases.
  • Indiana marketplace guidance also says a facilitator can issue ST-105 with Other and Marketplace Sales identified if the seller otherwise stays marketplace-only.
  • a marketplace-only Etsy seller may still need to confirm whether the supplier accepts the marketplace-sales version of ST-105 or expects the seller to hold its own Indiana registration.

5. Entity tax treatment

IRS guidance reviewed on April 28, 2026 still says a single-member LLC is usually a disregarded entity for federal income-tax purposes unless it elects corporate treatment.

  • IRS guidance reviewed on April 28, 2026 still says a single-member LLC is usually a disregarded entity for federal income-tax purposes unless it elects corporate treatment.
  • Current Indiana tax materials reviewed for this packet still treat LLC filing as dependent on the underlying federal tax classification.

6. Entity filing-fee or franchise-tax rule

Indiana's recurring public-entity maintenance filing verified for this starter lane is the biennial Business Entity Report.

  • Indiana's recurring public-entity maintenance filing verified for this starter lane is the biennial Business Entity Report.
  • The official INBiz page says the first report is due two years after formation or registration, then every other year, with a fee of $32.00 on INBiz and $50.00 by paper for most for-profit businesses.
  • This packet did not verify a separate public Indiana LLC franchise tax or annual LLC-only state tax on the official pages reviewed.

7. If the founder changes entity type later

Treat the change as a fresh compliance event.

  • Treat the change as a fresh compliance event.
  • Re-check EIN rules, Indiana tax registrations, RRMC status, resale-certificate handling, banking records, and Etsy account details before assuming the old setup carries over cleanly.
Back to top Next: Etsy account and operations
Platform setup Etsy account and operations Use this section for the Etsy-specific account, plan, eligibility, and operations work. Everyone 5 steps

  1. Step 9: Create your Etsy shop

    Platform step 1

    Have these ready:

    Why it matters: Platform registration flow: Important Etsy nuance:

    • government-issued ID
    • phone number
    • email address
    • bank account information
    • tax information
    • business registration details if you formed an entity
    • proof of address or identity if Etsy asks
    • Etsy says it does not require you to hold a business license just to sell on Etsy.
    • Etsy also says you still must follow the laws that apply to you as a small business selling online.
    • That means Indiana, county, Indianapolis, and home-business compliance do not disappear just because Etsy onboarding lets you proceed.
    • Start at Etsy's public shop-opening guide and open the shop from Etsy.com/sell.
    • Complete setup in a desktop web browser, choose the shop language, country, currency, and a compliant shop name, and turn on required two-factor authentication.
    • Choose whether you are onboarding as an individual / sole proprietorship or as an incorporated business.
    • Connect your bank account, add your billing card, and enroll in Etsy Payments.
    • Create at least one compliant listing, choose the right item category, and set shipping and processing details accurately.
    • Complete identity verification and seller-information checks. Etsy's public help says U.S. bank verification uses Plaid or manual verification, identity verification uses Persona plus government-issued ID, and missed seller-information deadlines can block payouts or place the shop into Etsy-initiated vacation mode.

  2. Step 10: Choose the right platform plan

    Platform step 2

    Pricing caveat:

    Why it matters: Practical rule: Price the first listings only after you account for the setup-fee possibility, listing fees, transaction fees, payment-processing fees, shipping, packaging, return risk, and any ad charges you choose to use. Treat Etsy Plus as optional. It only becomes worth testing if the shop will actually use its extra customization tools, monthly credits, and restock-request features often enough to justify the recurring fee.

    • Etsy does not require a monthly seller-plan choice for a normal U.S. shop.
    • As of April 28, 2026, Etsy's public fee pages show a listing fee of $0.20 per listing, listings renew every 4 months, the transaction fee is 6.5%, and U.S. payment-processing fees are 3% + $0.25.
    • Etsy's public help also says a one-time shop set-up fee may apply, but the amount varies by location.
    • Offsite Ads are automatically enabled. Etsy's public help still shows 15% below the public $10,000 USD prior-365-day revenue threshold, 12% at the higher tier, and a $100 per-order cap.
    • Etsy Plus is optional at $10 per month and is not required for a normal Indiana first launch.
    • Re-check the live Offsite Ads wording on the exact launch date if the shop is near the public revenue threshold because Etsy's public help has used slightly different at least $10,000 USD and more than $10,000 USD phrasing around when participation becomes mandatory and the lower fee applies.

  3. Step 11: Decide whether brand or IP programs belong in the initial launch

    Platform step 3

    For a first launch, keep the brand story simple and compliant instead of overbuilding trademark work before demand is proven.

    • Etsy does not have a marketplace-seller brand registry requirement you must join before a normal launch.
    • What matters first is whether the item fits Etsy's allowed categories, whether you own the rights to the design or branding you are using, and whether any production partner needs to be disclosed.
    • If you use print-on-demand or another production partner, Etsy says the partner must be producing your original design and must be disclosed on the applicable listings.
    • If you are making the item yourself, keep your own photos, process notes, and supplier records so you can support the listing if questions come up.
    • Etsy's practical IP backstop is its Reporting Portal and seller-policy enforcement, not a separate seller-side brand registry.

  4. Step 12: Complete the listing, shipping, and storefront branch

    Platform step 4

    Use the Etsy-specific version of this section:

    Why it matters: For a beginner launch, seller-managed shipping is the baseline. Do not assume Etsy is warehousing or fulfilling ordinary shop inventory for you.

    • create the first listing in Shop Manager,
    • choose the right category and item type,
    • upload your own product photos and any video you need,
    • set processing time, shipping profile, return policy, and origin details accurately,
    • disclose any production partner that qualifies,
    • set up your storefront basics,
    • decide whether you will buy Etsy shipping labels or use a separate carrier workflow,
    • and open the shop only after the first listing is accurate enough that you could ship the first order yourself.

  5. Step 13: Confirm product, service, or category eligibility before scaling

    Platform step 5

    Etsy allows items that are made by a seller, designed by a seller, handpicked by a seller, or sourced by a seller within Etsy's current policy boundaries.

    • Etsy allows items that are made by a seller, designed by a seller, handpicked by a seller, or sourced by a seller within Etsy's current policy boundaries.
    • Mass-produced resale is not generally allowed in Etsy's handmade category.
    • Etsy Help says drop shipping is not allowed except in narrow craft-supply cases, and production partners are allowed only for the seller's original designs or a buyer's customization.
    • Vintage items must be at least 20 years old, and craft supplies have their own rule set.
    • Highly regulated, unsafe, infringing, or prohibited items can still be blocked even if Indiana would otherwise allow the business to operate.
Back to top Next: Local permits and Indianapolis branch
Local branch Local permits and Indianapolis branch These local and city checks can still change the answer even after the state and platform path is clear. Location-specific 2 branches

Local permits and location checks

Indiana does not have one single, comprehensive statewide business license.

  • Indiana does not have one single, comprehensive statewide business license.
  • For any place where the business will operate:
  • check the county assumed-name branch if relevant,
  • check the city or county zoning office,
  • ask local planning or building offices if the business will operate from home or store inventory,
  • ask whether local business-property reporting applies.
  • Typical local risk areas:
  • county assumed-name filing
  • home occupation restrictions
  • zoning for storage
  • delivery or carrier traffic
  • signage
  • business tangible personal property

Indianapolis Appendix

If the business operates in Indianapolis, add one more review layer.

  • If the business operates in Indianapolis, add one more review layer.
  • The official Indianapolis zoning browser should be part of the first local review for the exact address.
  • The official dwelling-district zoning ordinance surfaced by the city's zoning system says home occupations must remain clearly incidental and subordinate to residential use and limits the activity area to no more than 600 square feet or 30% of the dwelling unit, whichever is less.
  • The same ordinance says all on-premises activity must occur within the dwelling structure, the operator must use the dwelling as the legal and primary residence, only 1 nonresident assistant is permitted, and the use may not regularly attract more than 4 individuals simultaneously onto the premises.
  • The same ordinance also restricts goods, commodities, or stock in trade received, retained, used, stored, or physically transferred from the premises, with listed exceptions. Because a home-based Etsy setup can involve inventory, prep, and delivery traffic, this packet does not treat the ordinance as a clean yes/no answer for residential operations.
  • If the founder will store inventory, run prep work, or create recurring delivery traffic from home, get local confirmation before launch.
  • Indiana's DLGF personal-property guidance says businesses with business tangible personal property may still have a local filing branch even though inventory is no longer taxed. If the business has local-situs property in Marion County, add that branch to the launch checklist.
Back to top Next: Employees and insurance
Optional branch Employees and insurance Use this branch if you plan to hire or need the insurance follow-up that comes with scaling. Only if hiring or scaling 5 branches

1. Employer registration

Indiana DWD says a new employer registers through ESS after paying the first dollar in payroll to a worker performing covered services in Indiana.

  • Indiana DWD says a new employer registers through ESS after paying the first dollar in payroll to a worker performing covered services in Indiana.
  • DWD says qualifying employers are assigned a State Unemployment Tax Account (SUTA) number.
  • DWD also says you must keep filing quarterly wage reports until the account is officially terminated or inactivated.
  • Indiana says you must keep filing quarterly wage reports until DWD officially terminates or inactivates the account, even if a quarter has no wages;
  • Indiana's new-hire reporting page says employers must report newly hired or rehired employees within 20 days after the hire or rehire date;

2. Workers' compensation

Indiana's workers' compensation guidance says most businesses must have workers' compensation insurance.

  • Indiana's workers' compensation guidance says most businesses must have workers' compensation insurance.
  • Coverage should be in place before or at hiring for covered workers.

3. Disability, paid leave, or similar coverage

No separate Indiana state disability-insurance or paid-family-leave payroll program was verified on the official employer pages reviewed on April 28, 2026.

  • No separate Indiana state disability-insurance or paid-family-leave payroll program was verified on the official employer pages reviewed on April 28, 2026.
  • and this packet did not verify a separate Indiana state disability-insurance or paid-family-leave payroll program on the official employer pages reviewed on April 28, 2026.

4. Exemption certificate if applicable

Indiana DOR issues a Worker's Compensation Exemption Clearance Certificate to certain independent contractors or taxpayers who are otherwise not required to carry workers' compensation insurance.

  • Indiana DOR issues a Worker's Compensation Exemption Clearance Certificate to certain independent contractors or taxpayers who are otherwise not required to carry workers' compensation insurance.
  • This is not the normal starter-path filing for a standard Etsy business with employees, but it exists as a conditional branch.

Insurance reality

If you sell physical products, commercial general liability and product liability are practical early decisions even though no public Etsy-wide seller insurance threshold was identified in the reviewed source set as of April 28, 2026.

  • If you sell physical products, commercial general liability and product liability are practical early decisions even though no public Etsy-wide seller insurance threshold was identified in the reviewed source set as of April 28, 2026.
  • Etsy's public Purchase Protection help says qualifying orders up to $250 may be covered, but the program is not insurance.
  • Etsy's public Purchase Protection help page itself announces updates beginning May 7, 2026, so re-check both the live help page and Etsy's legal policy page if the launch or first sale happens on or after that date.
  • Etsy's public shipping-label help says some label services include coverage and additional shipping insurance may be available, so shipping-label protection should be treated as shipment-specific, not as business-wide coverage.
Back to top Next: Ongoing compliance calendar
Stay compliant Ongoing compliance calendar Keep the recurring compliance checks and live-operating routine visible after launch. Everyone 5 groups

Before first sale

  • Finish entity or assumed-name setup.
  • Get EIN if applicable.
  • Open bank account.
  • Resolve the Indiana tax branch that applies.
  • Check local permits and zoning.
  • Complete Etsy verification.

Before first live launch

  • Finish the Etsy listing, storefront, and shipping branch.
  • Confirm category eligibility.
  • Build accurate listings.
  • Set processing times, shipping settings, and return policies.

Monthly

  • Reconcile payouts, fees, refunds, and reserves.
  • Review cash reserves for taxes.
  • Review margins and shipping performance.
  • Check account health and listing issues.

Quarterly

  • File Indiana sales-tax returns on the cadence assigned to your account if you hold an Indiana registration.
  • File Indiana wage reports and unemployment contributions if you are an employer.
  • Review estimated-tax needs if your federal or Indiana income-tax facts make them relevant.

Annual or periodic

  • File the Indiana Business Entity Report every other year if you use an LLC.
  • File Indiana business tangible personal property forms by May 15 if that local-property branch applies.
  • Re-check local permit, zoning, or property-reporting renewals, especially in Indianapolis.
  • Re-check insurance and Etsy policy thresholds before material growth.
Back to top Next: Common mistakes
Avoid these Common mistakes These are the repeated beginner errors called out in the research pack. Everyone 8 mistakes

Common Mistakes New Operators Make

  • Assuming Etsy's marketplace tax collection replaces every Indiana registration branch
  • Treating marketplace-only, direct-sales, and resale support as the same answer
  • Using a business name before filing the right Indiana assumed-name branch
  • Mixing personal and business money
  • Launching with restricted or poorly documented items too early
  • Pricing listings without accounting for Etsy's full fee stack
  • Ignoring the biennial Business Entity Report
  • Treating Etsy as the compliance department

Practical first-launch recommendation

If you are testing casually with minimal risk, sole proprietor can work.

If you intend to build a real Etsy business, single-member LLC is usually the better long-term path.

Back to top Next: Full official source directory
Full appendix Full official source directory Every official source row from the research pack, kept in its full table structure. Everyone 54 rows

Source group

Statewide Start

INBiz

State start-here page

Form / portal Business Filings portal
Fee None for the page
Timing First planning step
Who needs it Everyone

Official Indiana business-filings hub with filing, reporting, update, and reinstatement branches.

Open official link

INBiz

State business portal

Form / portal Indiana Business Roadmap
Fee None for the page
Timing Before launch
Who needs it Founders forming entities or registering for taxes

Official roadmap linking Secretary of State, EIN, DOR, DWD, and worker's compensation steps.

Open official link

Indiana DOR

State small business support hub

Form / portal New and Small Business Education
Fee None for the page
Timing Optional
Who needs it Founders needing tax orientation

Official DOR support page that points to the Indiana tax handbook and education tools.

Open official link

Source group

Entity Choice and Formation

IN.gov

Compare business types

Form / portal Business Owner's Guide
Fee None for the page
Timing First decision
Who needs it Everyone

Official statewide guide explaining there is no single comprehensive business license and separating entity, tax, and local branches.

Open official link

Indiana Secretary of State / INBiz

Formation hub

Form / portal Business forms and filing links
Fee Varies
Timing Before launch
Who needs it Filing entities

Starting point for current SOS forms and filings.

Open official link

Indiana Secretary of State

Default entity formation filing

Form / portal Articles of Organization Domestic Limited Liability Company (State Form 49459)
Fee State Form 49459 shows $100.00
Timing At formation
Who needs it single-member LLC founders

Current form reviewed on April 28, 2026 includes the exact fee line and registered-agent fields.

Open official link

Indiana Secretary of State FAQ

Registered-agent rule

Form / portal FAQ guidance
Fee None for the page
Timing During formation
Who needs it single-member LLC founders

Indiana says the business must continuously maintain a registered agent and registered office in Indiana, and PO boxes are not acceptable.

Open official link

Indiana Secretary of State legacy FAQ

Fee cross-check caveat

Form / portal Online registration FAQ
Fee Older public page shows $85 generic for-profit online registration plus processing
Timing Re-check on filing day
Who needs it Filing entities

This older official page conflicts with the current State Form 49459 fee line, so treat it as a retained caveat rather than the primary fee source.

Open official link

INBiz / Indiana Secretary of State

Ongoing entity maintenance

Form / portal Business Entity Report
Fee $32.00 on INBiz; $50.00 by paper for for-profit businesses
Timing First report due two years after formation or registration; then every other year
Who needs it single-member LLC founders

Official INBiz page says the due date is the month and day the business was formed or registered, with until the end of that month before the report is past due.

Open official link

Source group

Sole Proprietor and Local Name Filings

Indiana Secretary of State FAQ

Sole proprietor baseline

Form / portal County-recorder branch
Fee County-set or none
Timing Before launch
Who needs it Sole proprietors

Official FAQ routes the filing to the local county recorder.

Open official link

Indiana Secretary of State FAQ

Sole proprietor assumed-name rule

Form / portal County Recorder assumed-name filing
Fee County-set
Timing Before using a trade name
Who needs it Sole proprietors and general partnerships

Official FAQ says sole proprietors and general partnerships file in each county where they are situated.

Open official link

Indiana Secretary of State

Entity assumed-name filing

Form / portal Certification of Assumed Business Name (State Form 30353)
Fee $30.00 per name for for-profit entities
Timing When the entity uses another name
Who needs it LLCs and other state-filed entities

Businesses that file with the Secretary of State do not file entity assumed names at the county.

Open official link

Source group

Federal and State Tax Setup

IRS

EIN overview and online application

Form / portal EIN application
Fee Free
Timing Early in setup
Who needs it LLCs, employers, founders who want an EIN

IRS says you can get an EIN directly from the IRS for free.

Open official link

IRS

EIN paper form

Form / portal Form SS-4
Fee Free
Timing If not applying online
Who needs it Founders using paper, mail, or fax

Official reference page for the current SS-4 form and instructions.

Open official link

INBiz / Indiana DOR

State tax registration

Form / portal Business tax registration / INBiz
Fee RRMC fee varies by need
Timing Before taxable direct sales or other tax-registration triggers
Who needs it Businesses needing Indiana tax registration

Official Indiana tax-registration page. Older official Indiana materials still refer to this registration application as BT-1.

Open official link

Indiana DOR

RRMC fee support

Form / portal DOR business FAQ
Fee $25 one-time RRMC fee per location
Timing When RRMC registration is required
Who needs it Retail sellers with an Indiana location or other registration trigger

Current DOR FAQ reviewed on April 28, 2026 still says the RRMC carries a one-time $25 fee per location.

Open official link

Indiana DOR

Marketplace or platform tax rule

Form / portal Marketplace-facilitator FAQ
Fee None for the page
Timing Before and after launch
Who needs it Etsy marketplace sellers

Indiana says a seller that only makes sales through a marketplace facilitator is not required to register and file Indiana sales-tax returns for those marketplace-only sales. A previously registered seller may maintain the account, close it, or adjust filing frequency.

Open official link

Indiana DOR

Marketplace account maintenance branch

Form / portal Remote seller FAQs
Fee None for the page
Timing If account status needs to change
Who needs it Remote sellers and marketplace sellers with nexus questions

Indiana says sellers that met only the old 200-transaction threshold may close the sales-tax account in 2024 if they do not meet the $100,000 threshold, while still filing required 2024 returns.

Open official link

Indiana DOR

Resale or exemption certificate

Form / portal Form ST-105
Fee None for the form
Timing After registration if applicable
Who needs it Sellers buying inventory for resale

Indiana also says marketplace facilitators may issue ST-105 with Marketplace Sales completed for marketplace-only sellers.

Open official link

Indiana DOR

Recordkeeping and small-business tax guide

Form / portal Indiana tax guide
Fee None for the guide
Timing Ongoing
Who needs it New businesses

Current DOR handbook reviewed on April 28, 2026 supports the RRMC fee and general tax-registration workflow.

Open official link

Source group

Entity Tax Maintenance

IRS / Indiana DOR

Entity tax treatment

Form / portal Guidance page
Fee None for the page
Timing During planning and annually
Who needs it single-member LLC founders

Default federal treatment is disregarded-entity treatment unless an election changes it. Indiana tax treatment for this starter lane follows that underlying federal classification.

Open official link

INBiz / Indiana Secretary of State

Recurring entity filing or fee

Form / portal Business Entity Report
Fee $32.00 on INBiz; $50.00 by paper for most for-profit businesses
Timing First report due two years after formation or registration; then every other year
Who needs it Indiana LLCs

Official INBiz page also says filing taxes is not the same as filing the business-entity report.

Open official link

Source group

Federal Reporting

FinCEN

BOI or other federal reporting status

Form / portal FinCEN BOI rule Q&A
Fee None
Timing Check before filing
Who needs it Everyone forming an entity

As of April 28, 2026, domestic entities created in the United States are exempt from BOI reporting under the March 26, 2025 interim final rule.

Open official link

Source group

Employees, Payroll, and Insurance

Indiana DWD

Employer registration

Form / portal ESS / unemployment-employer registration
Fee None for registration
Timing When the employer qualifies
Who needs it Businesses hiring employees

DWD says qualifying employers register through ESS and then receive a SUTA number.

Open official link

Indiana DWD

Payroll start trigger and quarterly reporting

Form / portal Wage-reporting guidance
Fee None for the page
Timing At first payroll and quarterly after
Who needs it Employers with Indiana-covered workers

DWD says issue the first dollar in Indiana payroll before proceeding with registration and keep filing quarterly wage reports until the account is terminated or inactivated.

Open official link

Indiana DWD

New-hire reporting

Form / portal Indiana New Hire Reporting Center
Fee None for the page
Timing Within 20 days after the hire or rehire date
Who needs it Employers with Indiana operations

Indiana says all employers who employ persons within the state must electronically report newly hired or rehired employees within 20 days.

Open official link

Indiana Workers' Compensation Board

Workers' compensation

Form / portal Coverage through carrier or approved self-insurance
Fee Premium-based or varies
Timing Before or at hiring
Who needs it Most employers with covered workers

Indiana says most businesses must have workers' compensation insurance.

Open official link

Indiana DOR

Exemption certificate if applicable

Form / portal Worker's Compensation Exemption Clearance Certificate
Fee Varies by application
Timing Only when the facts fit
Who needs it Eligible independent contractors or businesses not required to carry coverage

Not part of the default starter path, but it is an official conditional branch.

Open official link

Source group

Platform Setup

Etsy Help

Platform registration guide

Form / portal Shop signup flow
Fee One-time set-up fee may apply; cost varies by location
Timing Before launch
Who needs it All Etsy sellers

Etsy says sellers start at Etsy.com/sell, use a desktop browser to set up the shop, and complete required two-factor authentication. Etsy also says it does not require a business license, but sellers must follow applicable law.

Open official link

Etsy Help

Etsy Payments enrollment

Form / portal Etsy Payments
Fee No monthly standard-plan fee stated
Timing During onboarding
Who needs it All new Etsy shops

New shops enroll in Etsy Payments as part of opening the shop. Etsy says sellers must be in an eligible country to open a new shop.

Open official link

Etsy Help

Choose individual or business onboarding path

Form / portal Etsy Payments setup
Fee None stated on the page
Timing During onboarding
Who needs it Sellers deciding how to onboard

Etsy says sellers choose whether they are using Etsy Payments as an individual or a business for legal and tax purposes.

Open official link

Etsy Help

Identity verification

Form / portal Persona verification flow
Fee None stated on the page
Timing During onboarding
Who needs it Many new sellers

Etsy says Persona helps match the seller's selfie to the ID photo to verify identity.

Open official link

Etsy Help

Bank verification

Form / portal Plaid or manual verification
Fee None stated on the page
Timing Before opening and after bank changes
Who needs it U.S. sellers using Etsy Payments

Etsy says U.S. sellers verify through Plaid or manual test deposits. The page says sellers signing up must verify before opening the shop, and existing sellers can be suspended if they do not verify a changed bank account in time.

Open official link

Etsy Help

Seller-info confirmation overlay

Form / portal Seller-info confirmation flow
Fee None stated on the page
Timing When Etsy notifies the seller
Who needs it Some Etsy sellers

Etsy says missed legal deadlines can block payouts and place the shop into Etsy-initiated vacation mode until the required information is confirmed.

Open official link

Etsy Help

Platform pricing and fees

Form / portal Fees overview
Fee Set-up fee varies by location; listing fee $0.20; transaction fee 6.5%; Offsite Ads fee 12% or 15% depending on revenue tier
Timing At signup and later
Who needs it All Etsy sellers

Main public fee source. Re-check the live set-up-fee display during onboarding because Etsy says the amount varies by location.

Open official link

Etsy Help

Payment-processing fee detail

Form / portal Payment-processing fee table
Fee 3% + $0.25 for United States bank accounts as of April 28, 2026
Timing Ongoing
Who needs it Etsy Payments sellers

Etsy says the fee varies by country and is in addition to the transaction fee.

Open official link

Etsy Help

Optional subscription

Form / portal Etsy Plus
Fee $10 / month
Timing Optional
Who needs it Sellers who want extra tools

Optional monthly subscription; not required for a normal U.S. shop launch.

Open official link

Etsy

Brand or IP program

Form / portal Reporting Portal
Fee None
Timing Optional
Who needs it Brand owners or rights holders

Etsy does not have an Amazon-style brand registry requirement for sellers. The reviewed public record supports Etsy's Reporting Portal and IP policy as the relevant optional enforcement tools instead.

Open official link

Source group

Fulfillment, Logistics, or Store Operations

Etsy Help

Listing creation

Form / portal Listing creation flow
Fee Listing fees apply
Timing Before launch and during operations
Who needs it Etsy sellers

Etsy says sellers must register as a seller before creating a listing and that the item must fit Etsy's handmade, vintage, or craft-supply categories.

Open official link

Etsy Help

Storefront setup

Form / portal Shop homepage settings
Fee None for the settings page
Timing Before launch
Who needs it Etsy sellers

Etsy says missing storefront basics like a shop icon can affect visibility in search.

Open official link

Etsy Help

Return-policy setup

Form / portal Return-policy settings
Fee None for the settings page
Timing Before publishing physical listings
Who needs it Sellers of physical items

Etsy says sellers outside the EU must set a return policy whenever they edit or create a physical-item listing, even if the policy says no returns or exchanges are accepted.

Open official link

Etsy Help

Category, compliance, or product restriction guide

Form / portal Allowed-item guidance
Fee None for the page
Timing During sourcing or setup
Who needs it Etsy sellers

Items must be made, designed, handpicked, or sourced by the seller and still comply with the Prohibited Items Policy.

Open official link

Etsy Help

Reselling and production-partner limits

Form / portal Guidance pages
Fee None for the pages
Timing Before sourcing or outsourcing
Who needs it Sellers using suppliers or production partners

Public help says drop shipping is not allowed except for narrow craft-supply situations and production partners must be disclosed for original designs.

Open official link

Etsy Help

Shipping workflow

Form / portal Shipping workflow
Fee Varies by carrier or label choice
Timing During launch setup and order fulfillment
Who needs it Etsy sellers shipping physical items

Public help keeps the seller responsible for shipping performance even when third-party services are used.

Open official link

Etsy Help

Shipping labels

Form / portal Etsy shipping-label purchase flow
Fee Varies by carrier and service
Timing During order fulfillment
Who needs it Sellers using Etsy labels

Optional label tool; can affect shipping workflow and some performance programs.

Open official link

Etsy Help

Payment-account reserve

Form / portal Reserve explanation
Fee None for the page
Timing Ongoing
Who needs it Some Etsy sellers

Reserve timing and percentages vary by account; treat the existence of reserves as real but the exact reserve terms as account-specific.

Open official link

Etsy Help

Purchase Protection

Form / portal Purchase Protection help page
Fee None for the page
Timing When cases arise
Who needs it Etsy sellers

Etsy says qualifying orders up to $250 may be covered, but the program is not insurance and sellers still need accurate processing, shipping, and listing practices.

Open official link

Etsy legal policy

Purchase Protection legal policy

Form / portal Legal policy page
Fee None for the page
Timing Re-check on the exact launch date and when case rules matter
Who needs it Etsy sellers

Pair this page with the help article because the public help page already announces updates beginning May 7, 2026, and the legal policy is the stronger source when operational details matter.

Open official link

Source group

Insurance Checkpoint

Etsy Help / Etsy legal policy

Platform protection and shipping-risk checkpoint

Form / portal Etsy Purchase Protection
Fee None for the program
Timing Before scaling physical-product sales
Who needs it Etsy operators selling physical goods

Public Etsy help says qualifying orders up to $250 may be refunded by Etsy instead of the seller. The help page also says updates begin on May 7, 2026, and public Etsy materials do not identify a universal seller liability-insurance threshold for standard shops.

Open official link

Etsy Help

Shipping-label insurance and claims

Form / portal Shipping-label coverage and claims guidance
Fee Varies by carrier and coverage level
Timing When buying labels
Who needs it Physical-product sellers using Etsy labels

Carrier coverage and claim paths vary. This is shipment-level protection, not business liability coverage.

Open official link

Source group

Indianapolis Branch

City of Indianapolis / Marion County

City start page

Form / portal City portal
Fee None for the page
Timing If business is in Indianapolis
Who needs it Indianapolis-based businesses

Official city portal. This packet did not verify one universal retail-business-license page for the standard Etsy starter lane.

Open official link

City of Indianapolis / Marion County

City zoning branch

Form / portal Zoning browser
Fee None for the page
Timing Before operating from home or storing inventory
Who needs it Indianapolis-based businesses

Use the actual address. This is the first local check for home-based Etsy activity.

Open official link

City of Indianapolis / Marion County

Home-occupation ordinance

Form / portal Home-occupation ordinance PDF
Fee None for the page
Timing Before residential operations
Who needs it Indianapolis-based home businesses

Official ordinance says home occupations must remain incidental and subordinate to residential use, stay within the dwelling structure, use no more than 600 square feet or 30% of the dwelling unit, allow no more than 1 nonresident assistant, and limit traffic and stock in trade on the premises.

Open official link

Indiana DLGF

Local property reporting branch

Form / portal Personal property reporting
Fee Varies by facts
Timing If the business has local-situs property
Who needs it Indianapolis-based businesses with business property

DLGF says businesses with business tangible personal property may have a filing branch even though inventory is no longer taxed.

Open official link
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