If you’re considering forming a Louisiana limited liability company (LLC), you’ll generally benefit from personal liability protection similar to a corporation but with more flexibility in how your business is managed and taxed.
Louisiana has low individual state income taxes compared to other states—one of the many perks that makes the Bayou State an attractive place for LLCs to start their business. Plus, the state makes it easy to form and manage your business all in one place with its geauxBIZ website.
This guide covers everything from name selection to your first annual report filing fee, detailing specific Louisiana requirements to ensure that your LLC stays in compliance. Here’s what to expect when starting your business, and when it might be time to turn to a business formation professional.
How to start an LLC in Louisiana in 7 steps
Whether you file yourself or use LegalZoom’s formation service to handle the details, here’s what to expect when starting an LLC in Louisiana.
Step 1: Name your Louisiana limited liability company
Before you can register your new LLC, Louisiana law requires you to choose a business name that's unique from any other business entity in the state. Before conducting a business name search to confirm distinguishability, it’s important to first ensure that it complies with Louisiana naming requirements:
- Your business name must include the words “limited liability company” or the abbreviations “L.L.C” or “L.C.”
- The business name cannot contain words used to name a government agency (e.g., State Department, CIA, FBI, Treasury, etc.)
- No business name may imply association with certain regulated industries without supporting documentation and licensure (e.g., bank, lawyer, attorney, credit union, etc.).
- No LLC name may contain the phrase "doing business as" or an abbreviation of the term.
- The LLC name cannot imply that the business is a charitable organization.
- No business name may contain any word or phrase that implies its purpose is to perform unlawful activities or activities contrary to its articles of organization.
Once you identify a few name options, you’ll need to confirm that it’s available. To do this, you’ll need to conduct a few different types of name search:
- Louisiana business name and trademark search on the Secretary of State website to determine if your desired business name is registered and in use in the state. Keep in mind that the names of revoked LLCs aren't available for use until three years after the date of revocation.
- Federal trademark search on the US Patent and Trademark Office’s website to avoid accidental trademark infringement in your business name.
- Internet search to confirm the name is available as a web domain and social media handle.
To get started, you can perform a free business name search using the tool below. LegalZoom also offers a free preliminary trademark search, with instant results.
Free Louisiana Business Name Check
Use our free name check tool to search the Louisiana Secretary of State database and see if your business name is available.
By clicking "Check Availability," I agree to LegalZoom's Terms of Use. This search is a preliminary check of state databases and does not include variations or trademarks. Results do not guarantee name availability or compliance with legal requirements.
If your preferred name is taken in Louisiana, you can select another name, then later file for a Louisiana DBA with the parish in which your business will operate. Contact your parish’s Clerk of Court for more details.
If you have a great name for your LLC but you’re not quite ready to file, you can reserve the name for 120 days either online through geauxBIZ or by filling out the name reservation form. There is a $25 filing fee.
Step 2: Choose your registered agent
The next step before you can officially register your LLC in Louisiana is to appoint a registered agent. 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.
Your agent must meet the following criteria:
- Be an individual who is a resident of the state, or be an entity (or company) that provides registered agent services.
- Must have a physical address—not just a P.O. box—in Louisiana.
- Must be on-site and available to accept documents during regular business hours.
While you can be your own registered agent or appoint an employee, most businesses prefer to hire an outside company to serve as their agent to save themselves the time and legal responsibility. A professional registered agent service also avoids the potential of missed legal notices and maintains your privacy, since a registered agent’s address is public.
LegalZoom offers a registered agent service for only $249 per year, which includes alerts for important mail, digital scanning of documents, unlimited cloud storage, email reminders for compliance deadlines, and more.
Step 3: Prepare and file articles of organization and initial report
To officially form your Louisiana LLC, you’ll prepare and file articles of organization with the Secretary of the State by filling out an online (or paper) form and submitting it.
To prepare your articles of organization, you'll need the following information:
- Taxation classification
- The parish in which your business is located
- Your LLC name
- The purpose of the LLC (a placeholder option is provided, but you can also write in your own)
- The duration of your LLC which may be perpetual
- Whether the LLC is member-managed or manager-managed
- Description of Business Activity - NAICS Code
- Signature of the filer
- Signature of notary
In Louisiana, an initial report must accompany your articles of organization. The initial report can be completed alongside your Louisiana articles of organization (either online or using the PDF form). Here’s what to include:
- The LLC's name
- Business address (not a P.O. box) in Louisiana and a mailing address
- LLC's registered agent name, street address (not a P.O. box), and phone number
- Names, addresses and phone number (no P.O. boxes) of the LLC's initial managers or members
- The signature of each organizer of the LLC
- Notary signature, if filing on paper
To register your LLC online, create an account with geauxBIZ and pay the $100 filing fee by credit card. There is an additional $5 credit card convenience fee. For in-person or mail submission, download and fill out the PDF Articles of Organization form and include a check or money order for $100.
For mail submission, send your paperwork and payment to:
Louisiana Secretary of State
Commercial Division
P.O. box 94125
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125
For in-person filing, you will need to schedule an appointment with the Secretary of State. In-person filing is accepted at the following address:
8585 Archives Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
(Behind the Louisiana State Archives)
In-person filings can be processed while you wait for an additional $50, or within 24 hours for an additional $30. You can also fax your articles of organization to (225) 932-5314. Faxed LLC filings must include a cover sheet (included in the PDF form).
Once you file your formation documents, the Secretary of State will review the filing. Standard (non-expedited) filings may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
If approved, your LLC becomes a legal business entity, and the state issues you a certificate of organization that confirms your LLC formally exists. You can then order certified copies, which may be needed to obtain tax IDs and open business bank accounts.
Step 4: Create an operating agreement
An operating agreement is a document that outlines the way your LLC will conduct business, including ownership structure, roles, and operational procedures.
Louisiana doesn't require an operating agreement, but it’s an important component of your business. Having a readily accessible, written operating agreement is helpful for settling disputes over financial agreements and other potential litigation, should any arise. Without an agreement in place, courts typically make settlement decisions based on Louisiana law, which may supersede any agreements or understandings you have with your fellow LLC members. The document also helps to separate members from the business, enhancing liability protection and further protecting your members' personal assets.
A Louisiana LLC operating agreement can include, but isn’t limited to, the following:
- LLC's name and principal address
- LLC's members' percentage interests in the company
- LLC's members' rights and responsibilities
- LLC's members’ voting powers
- Rules for holding meetings and taking votes
- Duration of the LLC
- Name and physical address of the registered agent or registered agent service
- 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
You can write an operating agreement yourself for free or use an LLC operating agreement template. However, note that courts may use this document as a basis to make litigation decisions, so companies often choose to draft one with the help of a business attorney. LegalZoom’s operating agreement drafting service is convenient and gives you peace of mind that your document is sound and reflects the best interests of your business and its members.
Building a business is enough work as it is. We'll help you start your LLC with confidence.
Step 5: Get a federal tax ID and open a business bank account
A nine-digit employer identification number (EIN) is assigned by the IRS to identify your LLC for taxes. The purpose of an EIN is to assist with the following:
- Filing and managing taxes at the state and federal level
- Opening a business bank account
- Hiring employees
Multi-member LLCs and LLCs electing corporate tax treatment must get an EIN. Single-member LLCs must obtain an EIN if they have employees or are required to file certain federal excise tax forms. Some banks and state agencies may also require an EIN for single-member LLCs, even if not required by the IRS.
You can obtain your EIN by mail using Form SS-4, or online by applying through the IRS website. LegalZoom’s EIN application service saves you time and effort by handling the paperwork for you.
As an LLC, it's important to open a business bank account to separate business finances from your personal finances. Otherwise, a court could rule that your business isn't actually separate from you, which could jeopardize your limited liability status and liability protection. Business accounts also simplify bookkeeping and allow you to set up a business line of credit.
Step 6: Register for state taxes
LLCs that sell products or services in Louisiana need to register for state sales tax through the Louisiana Department of Revenue (DOR). You can register for and pay your state and parish sales tax using Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point (LaTAP) or Parish E-File. If you have employees, you’ll also need to register for withholding tax with the DOR and unemployment tax with the Louisiana Workforce Commission.
LLCs selling products may need a resale certificate—also known as a seller’s permit—that allows a Louisiana business to collect sales tax and remit it to the state. You can apply for a resale certificate through LaTAP. You'll need the following information to apply:
- DOR account numbers for all locations
- Location address and mailing addresses (if different) for all business locations
- NAICS code (current)
- Business email address
- Resale inventory purchase amounts for the last 2 years ($0 for new businesses)
Step 7: Obtain business licenses
Depending on your business activity, you may also need additional federal, state, or local licenses and permits. If you registered your LLC online through geauxBIZ, the site allows you to input business information to determine what licenses and permits you may need. For peace of mind, you can also use LegalZoom’s business license and report management service, which provides a list of all the relevant federal, state, and local licenses and permits you might need, with reminders when renewal dates approach or requirements change.
Next steps after forming an LLC in Louisiana
We've covered the legal basics, but there are a few other steps you should consider to ensure your new business thrives in the modern market.
Register a domain name
Having a domain that matches your business name will help build credibility and make it easier for prospective clients to find your business online. If an exact match isn’t available, get as close as possible. You can use sites like GoDaddy, Wix, or Squarespace to buy a domain.
Obtain a certificate of good standing
Once you've officially registered your limited liability company, you may want to order a certificate of good standing. You might need it to prove to potential partners, investors, lenders, employees, or customers that your business legally exists and has authorization to operate in Louisiana. You can order this certificate by mail, email, online, or in person through the Secretary of State’s website for a $20 filing fee:
- By mail. Send a written request with a check or money order payable to the Secretary of State to P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804.
- By email. Email requests must come from an email address associated with a geauxBIZ account. Email admin@sos.louisiana.gov and provide the last four digits of a card associated with the account.
- Online. Request a certificate of good standing through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Commercial Database.
For no-hassle filing, you can also use LegalZoom's Certificate of Good Standing service. We'll handle the paperwork and deliver the certificate to you once we've received it from the state.
Consider a foreign LLC
Registering a domestic LLC in Louisiana authorizes you to legally operate only within the state. In American corporate law, a foreign LLC refers to an entity that conducts business in a state other than the one where it was originally registered.
If your business is booming and you believe it could benefit from expanding into another state, consider registering a foreign LLC in those locations. The cost of registering a foreign LLC will vary from state to state.
Starting a business takes courage. LegalZoom makes sure the legal details don’t stand in your way, from the day you register until the day you retire.
Post-formation checklist for your LLC
While we’ve reviewed several post-formation tasks in depth in this guide, it can be helpful to have an at-a-glance timeline. Below, you’ll find a list of steps and when to take them.
Immediate steps (first week)
- Receive your certificate of organization from the Secretary of State
- Order certified copies of your certificate of organization
- Create an operating agreement
- Obtain your federal EIN (if applicable)
- Open a business bank account
- Set up an accounting system
First month tasks
- Register for state taxes through the Louisiana Department of Revenue
- Obtain necessary federal, state, and local business licenses and permits
- Get business insurance (if applicable)
- Create business contracts
- Register domain name, build a business website, and set up social media profiles
Yearly tasks
- File annual report (due within 30 days of your business anniversary date)
- Pay state and federal individual or business taxes (may be annually or quarterly)
- Renew business licenses and permits
- Review and update your operating agreement if necessary
If you need a little extra help keeping up with these deadlines and to-dos, rely on LegalZoom’s business compliance services to get real-time notifications of upcoming due dates, assistance with filing Louisiana annual reports, and personalized compliance support.
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Cost of forming an LLC in Louisiana
Here’s a complete breakdown of the actual and potential costs of creating an LLC in Louisiana:
- Articles of organization and initial report: $100
- Business name reservation: $25
- Expedited processing: $50 for priority processing; $30 for 24-hour processing
- Annual report: $30 per year
- Certificate of good standing: $20
- Certified copies of business filings: $15 per document
- Louisiana registered agent: $0 to $300 per year (depending on if you use a professional registered agent service)
- Operating agreement: $0 to $200 (depending on if you use a professional service)
- EIN: $0 to $79 (depending on if you use a professional service)
- Website domain: Varies (expect around $10 to $45 per year)
- Business insurance: Varies depending on type
- Business licenses: Varies by industry, location, and profession
Keep in mind that all credit card transactions through geauxBIZ incur an additional $5 convenience fee.
How to start your Louisiana LLC with LegalZoom
Louisiana's geauxBIZ service makes registering an LLC in the state fairly streamlined, but the process can be time consuming and requires attention to detail. For this reason, LegalZoom offers LLC formation services to simplify the process while helping to ensure compliance with state laws.
The LegalZoom process for forming an LLC in Louisiana is even more straightforward:
- Complete our LLC questionnaire. Take a few minutes to fill out a simple questionnaire. Tell us whether you want to form a new LLC or convert an existing partnership or sole proprietorship into an LLC, and which personal liability protection provisions you want to include.
- We apply for your LLC. After you’ve given us all of the important information about your new business, we compile your documents and file them with the Louisiana Secretary of State.
- Receive confirmation. Sit back and focus on growth while the Secretary of State processes and confirms your documents. We’ll let you know when your articles of organization are approved.
Start your business formation today. Plans start at $0 plus state filing fees.
LegalZoom can help you file your state's formation paperwork for as little as $0 + state filing fees.
FAQs about Louisiana LLCs
What are the benefits of registering a Louisiana LLC?
Registering a Louisiana LLC provides you with liability protection that a sole proprietorship doesn’t have without the strict requirements and management structures of a corporation. Louisiana LLCs enjoy flexible tax election options, with the ability to keep the default pass-through taxation or elect corporate tax status.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Louisiana?
It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks to form an LLC in Louisiana, depending on how you register your business (online, in person, or by mail) and current Secretary of State processing times. It will also move quicker if you choose an expedited service. You may need to wait on business licenses or permits before you can start operating your business, even if it has already been approved by the Secretary of State.
How do I correct filing errors in Louisiana?
You can correct filing errors for your LLC in Louisiana by filing an amendment or a certificate of correction on your geauxBIZ account. You’ll also need to pay the $100 filing fee.
How do I dissolve an LLC in Louisiana?
To dissolve your LLC in Louisiana, file an Affidavit to Dissolve Limited Liability Company by mail to the Secretary of State or from your online geauxBIZ account and pay the $100 filing fee. You'll receive a Certificate of Dissolution once it's processed and approved.
LegalZoom also offers a business dissolution service that can help ensure that your paperwork is filed accurately. This process avoids future fees or taxes that could arise from mistakes made during the filing process. Once filed, we’ll send your Certificate of Dissolution in the mail.
How often do you have to renew an LLC?
Every year, you’ll submit an annual report that provides updated information about your business and keeps your LLC in compliance with state law. This report costs $30 every year and effectively maintains your business’ active standing with the state.
Do LLCs pay taxes?
Yes, LLCs pay taxes. In Louisiana, similar to other states, LLCs are pass-through entities by default, meaning that business income and losses pass through to the members for state and federal income tax purposes. LLC owners will include this on their personal tax returns. LLCs may also elect to be taxed as corporations; in this case, they will pay taxes at the 5.5% Louisiana state corporate income tax rate.
Does an LLC need a business license in Louisiana?
Louisiana doesn’t have a general business license, but your LLC may need one depending on the nature of its operations, industry, and location. Research federal, state, and local parish business licenses and permits to understand what your LLC needs. You can also apply easily to all required licenses with LegalZoom’s business license and report management service.
Fabrienne Bottero and Rudri Bhatt Patel contributed to this article.
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