How to start an LLC in Louisiana

A limited liability company (LLC) offers liability protection and tax advantages, among other benefits for small businesses.

LLC formation in Louisiana is easy. Just follow these steps, and you'll be on your way.

1. Name your Louisiana LLC

You'll need to choose a name to include in your articles before you can register your LLC.

Names must comply with Louisiana naming requirements. The following are the most important requirements to keep in mind:

• Your business name must include the words limited liability company, LLC, or L.L.C.
• Your name must be different from an existing business in the state. You can do a search on the Secretary of State's website to determine if a particular business name is in use. For name availability in Louisiana, check this link.
• The business name cannot contain words used to name a government agency (i.e., State Department, CIA, FBI, Treasury, etc.)

• Certain restricted words (bank, lawyer, attorney, credit union, etc.) may require additional documentation and licensure paperwork.

See a complete listing of Louisiana naming rules.

Additional considerations:

• URL availability. Even if you don't think you'll need a webpage, you probably will. At the very least, you should reserve the option of having one in the future by buying your domain name now. Before finalizing your LLC name, it's a good idea to check if the URL is available.
• Reserve your name. If you aren't ready to register your LLC but are concerned your name might be taken by someone else, you can reserve it for a small fee. In Louisiana, names may be reserved for up to 60 days by paying the fee and submitting the proper form to the state authority.

2. Choose your registered agent

Louisiana requires you to appoint a registered agent for your LLC.

A registered agent is the person or entity authorized to receive service of process and other official legal documents and notices on behalf of your LLC.

A registered agent can be a person (including yourself or an employee of your LLC) or an entity that offers a registered agent service. They must meet the following criteria:

• Entities (or companies) must provide registered agent services.
• The agent must have an address in Louisiana.
• The agent must be on-site and available to accept documents during regular business hours.

3. Get an Employer Identification Number

The nine-digit Employer Identification Number (EIN) is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to identify your LLC for taxes. You can obtain your EIN by mail or online through the IRS.

The purpose of an EIN is to assist with the following:

• File and manage taxes at the state and federal level
• Open a business bank account.
• Hire employees.

4. Prepare and file articles of organization

The articles of organization is a document that officially establishes your LLC by laying out basic information about it.

Prepare articles of organization and file them with the Secretary of the State to register your Louisiana LLC properly. Though it sounds like a big job, that simply means filling out a relatively simple online form and submitting it. You can also send it by mail.

To prepare your certificate, you'll usually need the following information if you file online:

• Your LLC name
• The purpose of the LLC
• The street address of the LLC
• The LLC's mailing address (if different from street address)
• The name and address of the registered agent
• Whether the LLC is member-managed or manager-managed
• The tax treatment of the LLC
• The name and addresses of each manager (if any)
• An electronic signature of a member, manager, or organizer
• A description of the LLC's business, including NAICS Code
• The names and addresses of any people authorized to execute documents for the LLC. There must be at least one person if the LLC has no manager
• The LLC's federal (employer) identification number (if any)

For paper filings, you must prepare the following:

• LLC's name
• LLC's purpose
• Whether the LLC is perpetual or limited
• The signature of the organizers

An initial report (Form #973) must accompany the paper filing and should include:

• The LLC's name and street address
• LLC's s registered agent names, street addresses, and signatures
• LLC's initial managers or members of the names and street addresses
• The signature of each person who signed the articles of organization

Once you file your certificate, the secretary of state will review the filing. If the certificate is approved, the LLC becomes a legal business entity.

5. Receive a certificate from the state

The state will issue you a certificate that confirms the LLC formally exists after the LLC's formation documents are filed and approved.

This certificate will allow the LLC to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN), business licenses, and a business bank account.

6. Create an operating agreement

An operating agreement is a document that outlines the way your LLC will conduct business.

Louisiana doesn't require an operating agreement, but it is an essential component of your business. Having a readily accessible, written operating agreement is helpful for various reasons, including settling disputes that may arise over financial agreements and other potential litigation. Without an agreement in place, the courts make determinations based on state law, not necessarily what is in the best interest of the LLC and its members.

The operating agreement can include, but is not limited to, the following:

• LLC's name and principal address
• LLC's members' percentage interests in the LLC
• LLC's members' rights and responsibilities
• LLC's member's voting powers
• Rules for holding meetings and taking votes
• Duration of the LLC
• Name and address of the registered agent
• Information about the certificate of organization
• Purpose of the business
• Members and their contribution
• The way profits and losses will be divided
• Procedure for admitting new members, as well as outgoing members
• Management of the LLC
• Indemnification and liability clauses

Next steps

Registering your LLC gives you a legal foundation to conduct business. Plan to keep your LLC compliant and in active status on the state's website.

All LLCs doing business in Louisiana must file an annual report online with the Secretary of the State by the anniversary date of the LLC. An additional requirement might include making quarterly tax payments. You also need to maintain a registered agent for your business.

A registered LLC also makes it possible for you to do the following:

• Obtain permits or licenses necessary to operate your business, including health department permits, zoning permits, home occupation permits, professional licenses, and more. Some states require a seller's permit to conduct sales.
• Register your business with the state's tax agency.
• Open a business bank account.
• Apply for a business credit card.
• Purchase insurance for your business.
• Protect your name and logo with a trademark.