Indiana Franchise Registration

Located in the Midwestern region of the United States, Indiana has been rated the 17th most populous state with a population of 6,785,528 as of 2020. Despite having one of the minor areas, the state has a sizeable civilian labor force of approximately 3.5 million, providing local businesses and industries with a sufficient workforce. Although the state heavily relies on manufacturing, Indiana prides itself as home to over 500 companies, which bring in combined revenue of $142 billion. In addition, Indiana thrives on critical sectors that determine business success and growth like transport, energy, and a corporate tax which doesn’t involve franchise tax, making it the 6th best state to operate a franchise.

Indiana is among the state registration states. Under Indiana’s Franchise Act, any franchisor is required to file and register their Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) with the Securities Division of the Indiana Secretary of State. The state charges $500 when registering for the FDD and an annual renewal fee of $250. Once a year passes after registration, you are required to renew the disclosure document within 120 days. The Securities Division of the Indiana Secretary of state oversees and regulates the Franchise Disclosure Document registrations by enforcing Indiana’s Franchise Act. If any complaint or franchise regulation infringement, it is up to the Securities division to deal with such cases.

For more information on other states’ registration guidelines, visit the FMS Franchise site:

https://www.fmsfranchise.com/about-franchising/guidelines/stateregulations/

Franchisors intending to venture into the state for the first time are required to complement their application with a $500 fee payable to the Securities Division. Aside from the registration fee, you are required to have a uniform franchise registration application, consent of service of process, and a Franchise Disclosure Document, which should be submitted on a CD-ROM. In addition, a copy of Franchise Seller Disclosure Forms should also be issued on CD-ROM since the state does not accept any printed forms but only electronic format FDDs or FSDs.

Before establishing a franchise in Indiana, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the state’s franchise laws which are comprised of the Indiana Deceptive Franchise Practices Act and Indiana Franchise Act. The Indiana Deceptive Franchise Practice Act stipulates the franchise relationship laws that govern the franchisor-franchisee relationship, while the Indiana Franchise Act is focused on FDD disclosure and registration requirements.

Indiana franchisees are awarded supplementary statutory rights by the Indiana Deceptive Franchise Practice Act, which regulates franchise agreements and prohibits specific contracts related to the relationship between franchisor and franchisee. The Act also governs the franchisor-franchisee relationship by keeping franchisors from taking part in some practices and acts involving the supply of goods and services, discrimination among franchisees, vendor relationships, vendor rebates, and franchisee rights. In addition, the Act stipulates that a franchisor needs to provide the franchisee with a 90-day notice in non-renewal or termination.

For more information on how to register your franchise in Indiana, visit the Franchise Marketing Systems site:  www.FMSFranchise.com/about-franchising/guidelines/stateregulations