A first-line indent is the most common way to signal the start of a new paragraph. The other common way is with space between paragraphs. First-line indents and space between paragraphs have the same relationship as belts and suspenders. You only need one to get the job done.

Are you supposed to indent paragraphs?

Yes, indent the first line of every paragraph, except for the Abstract (see instructions below). Paragraphs are indented 0.5” or Tab key once.

When would you use a paragraph indent?

Many people believe that every single paragraph in a piece of text should be indented. This is actually unnecessary. You should use indentation to indicate a new paragraph. Given the fact that it is pretty obvious that the first paragraph is a new paragraph, there is absolutely no need to indent it at all.