Indiana Sales Tax Guide For Businesses

Last updated: April 2026

Quick Answer:

Indiana has a base state sales tax rate of 7% with a combined rate ranging from 7% when local taxes are included. Businesses establish economic nexus in Indiana when annual sales exceed $100,000, based on Current or Previous Calendar Year. Sales tax returns are due on the 20th day of the following month following the close of each filing period.

Quick Highlights on Indiana Sales Tax

Detail Value
State Sales Tax Rate Range 7%
Base State Sales Tax Rate 7%
Local Rate Range
Economic Nexus Sales Threshold $100,000
Reference Period Current or Previous Calendar Year
Registration Deadline Next transaction after threshold is crossed
Revenue Authority Indiana Department of Revenue
Online Filing Portal INTIME (Indiana Taxpayer Information Management Engine)

As a business, do I need to collect sales tax in Indiana?

Businesses are required to collect sales tax in Indiana if they have a sales tax nexus in the state. This includes having a physical presence or reaching a specific sales level, which establishes an economic nexus. This is why understanding Indiana state sales tax obligations is crucial for compliance.


Do I have a physical nexus in Indiana?

A physical nexus in the state of Indiana is established if your business has a physical presence in the state, like an office, warehouse, or store. Even temporary physical presence, like participating in trade shows or craft fairs, can create a nexus.

In Indiana, physical nexus is triggered by employees or contractors in any role — including back-office, administrative, and support functions, not just customer-facing roles.


How do I know if I have an economic nexus in Indiana?

An economic nexus in Indiana is determined by your sales volume. If your enterprise meets the threshold, you must register for a Indiana sales tax permit, collect tax on sales shipped to Indiana, and remit that tax to Indiana Department of Revenue.

In Indiana, economic nexus is established if your sales in the state exceed $100,000, based on Current or Previous Calendar Year.

Marketplace sales (e.g., Amazon, eBay) are excluded when calculating whether you've exceeded the Indiana economic nexus threshold.

Sales made for resale are included in the nexus threshold calculation for Indiana.

Non-taxable sales are included in the nexus threshold calculation for Indiana.

Once you cross the threshold, you must register by Next transaction after threshold is crossed.


Which goods are taxable in Indiana?

In Indiana, sales tax applies to:

  • Retail sales of tangible personal property
  • Prewritten (canned) computer software, whether delivered physically or electronically
  • Specified digital products (digital audio, audiovisual, and books)
  • Utilities including electricity, gas, water, and steam
  • Mixed transactions where more than 50% of the price is for tangible personal property

Most services are not taxable in Indiana unless they involve the transfer of tangible personal property.


What items are exempt from sales tax in Indiana?

Indiana exempts the following from sales tax:

  • Food and food ingredients purchased for home consumption (unprepared food)
  • Prescription drugs and insulin
  • Durable medical equipment and mobility enhancing equipment
  • Manufacturing equipment and materials consumed in production
  • Agricultural production inputs
  • Sales to government entities and qualifying nonprofits

Is SaaS taxable in Indiana?

SaaS is not considered tangible personal property in Indiana and is not subject to sales tax. Only prewritten software delivered on tangible media or electronically downloaded is taxable. SaaS is currently not taxable in Indiana. However, sales tax laws change frequently — always verify the latest guidance with your tax advisor.


How can a business get a sales tax permit in Indiana?

To obtain a sales tax permit in Indiana, businesses need to register with the Indiana Department of Revenue. Registration can be completed online through the INTIME (Indiana Taxpayer Information Management Engine).

You will need to provide detailed information about your business, including business type, ownership details, and the nature of your business activities.


When should a business file sales tax in Indiana?

Sales tax returns in Indiana are generally due on the 20th day of the following month for the previous period. Based on your annual tax liability, you may qualify for a less frequent filing schedule:

  • Quarterly filing: Available if your annual tax liability is below $1,000 (returns due Last day of the month following the end of the quarter)
  • Annual filing: Available if your annual tax liability is below $1,000 (returns due January 31st of the following year)

Note: Indiana removed its 200-transaction economic nexus threshold in 2024. Only the $100,000 revenue threshold applies. Indiana is a member of the Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) governing board.

You can file your Indiana sales tax return through the INTIME (Indiana Taxpayer Information Management Engine) at https://intime.dor.in.gov/.


Does Indiana offer a timely filing discount?

Yes, Indiana offers a timely filing benefit for businesses that file and pay on time:

Indiana provides a tiered merchant's collection allowance for timely filing and payment:

  • 0.73% if annual state tax liability is $60,000 or less
  • 0.53% if between $60,001 and $599,999
  • 0.26% if $600,000 or more

The allowance is applied automatically when the return is filed and paid by the due date.


What are the penalties for late filing in Indiana?

Indiana imposes the following penalties for non-compliance:

  • Late filing/payment penalty: 10% of the unpaid tax or a minimum of $5, whichever is greater
  • Fraud penalty: 100% of the underpayment if due to fraud
  • Interest: Accrues on unpaid tax from the due date at the rate set by the Department of Revenue (adjusted annually)

Penalties may be waived for reasonable cause upon written request.


Is shipping taxable in Indiana?

In Indiana, the taxability of shipping and handling depends on how the charge is presented. Generally: • Taxable: If the shipping charges are mandatory or included in the price of a taxable item. • Non-Taxable: If shipping is separately stated on the invoice and provided as an optional service to the customer. Note: If you ship a mix of taxable and non-taxable goods in Indiana, the shipping charge must usually be prorated to determine the taxable portion. Confirm current rules with Indiana Department of Revenue at https://www.in.gov/dor/.


Does Indiana have a Remote Seller program?

Indiana requires remote sellers who exceed the economic nexus threshold to register, collect, and remit sales tax using standard state rates.

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