How to File an LLC in Louisiana

Whether you’re running your own small business full-time or considering starting a new one, forming an LLC offers personal liability protection and significant tax advantages for business owners. 

LLC is an abbreviation for “limited liability company.” It’s a great choice for small business owners because it’s a hybrid legal entity that combines the benefits of a sole proprietorship and a corporation. There are other business types to choose from, including S corps and C corps, but an LLC is typically the most flexible option. 

You must go through the LLC filing process to form a Louisiana LLC. In this article, we explain how to start an LLC in Louisiana step by step. Grab a coffee, and let’s dive in. 

Key Takeaways

• An LLC is a formal business entity that legitimizes a business, provides personal liability protection, and offers flexible tax benefits.

• Online LLC filing is required for Louisiana businesses in specific cities and regions.

• All Louisiana LLCs must file their Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and elect a registered agent.

What Is an LLC Formation?

A limited liability company (LLC) offers personal liability protection and a flexible tax structure. Each state has unique requirements and fees for LLC formation. 

LLC owners are called members, and you can have a single-member or multi-member LLC. There are no restrictions on who can form an LLC in Louisiana. Individuals and corporations are eligible, even if you’re a foreigner. You don’t have to be a US citizen to start an LLC in Louisiana. 

There are four major benefits to forming a Louisiana LLC. 

1. Personal Liability Protection

As a member of your LLC, you’re not personally liable for your company. That means that if your LLC is sued or has debts, your personal assets, such as your property and monetary funds, can’t be seized. Similarly, your LLC funds can’t be seized by your creditors if you are sued or have debts.  

2. Flexible Tax Status

LLC members can determine their tax status. You can decide to be treated as a partnership, a sole proprietorship, an S corp, or a C corp for tax purposes, depending on whether you have a single- or multi-member LLC. 

3. Pass-Through Taxation 

LLC members report their profits and losses on their personal tax returns using Schedule C. The profits pass through the members and are taxed as personal income, avoiding double taxation on your business revenue and personal income.  

You must also file a business tax return for informational purposes if you have a multi-member LLC. 

4. Easy to Maintain

For most LLCs, maintaining state compliance can be as straightforward as submitting an annual report and paying annual filing and state fees. 

When Should You Form an LLC? 

Some entrepreneurs wait to incorporate their LLC until their business is more established. However, it’s advisable to form your LLC as soon as you start your new business. This way, you can take advantage of a limited liability company’s benefits and comply with the law. 

Step-By-Step Guide to Starting Your Louisiana LLC

You need to be aware of certain things when incorporating in Louisiana so you can get your LLC up and running. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the Louisiana LLC filing process with a detailed explanation of the requirements and filing fees. 

Step 1: Choose a Business Name for Your Louisiana LLC

The very first step to take when incorporating your LLC in Louisiana is deciding on a business name. 

Your LLC name must comply with Louisiana naming requirements, including: 

• Must include “limited liability company” or abbreviations “LLC” or “L.L.C.” 

• Must be distinguishable from company names of other businesses in Louisiana

• Can use a trade name or a DBA (doing business as) instead of your official LLC name

• Cannot include words that make the business sound like a government agency

• May need additional documentation if the name contains restricted words, such as “lawyer” or “credit union”

Once you have a name in mind, we recommend performing an online search to see if your Louisiana LLC name is available. Our free business name search tool will let you know if your name is available, or you can search the Louisiana business filings database.[1] You can reserve your name for 60 days with the Louisiana Secretary of State for a $25 fee.[2]

If you choose to use a DBA or trade name, you must also have it on file with the Secretary of State. You can register your trade name online or by mail with an Application to Register Trade Name, Trademark, or Service Mark.[3]

Even though it’s not a requirement, you should consider buying your domain name. All businesses will eventually need a website, so it’s wise to double-check if your domain is available before you reserve a business name and form your LLC. 

You can also decide to trademark your Louisiana LLC name. A registered trademark protects your brand identity by securing an exclusive right to recognizable brand assets, such as your logo or slogan. You typically form your LLC before you apply for a trademark. 

Step 2: Fill Out Your Louisiana Articles of Organization

The Articles of Organization is a formation document that officially establishes your LLC and provides essential information about your organization. 

You can file your Articles of Organization with the Louisiana Secretary of State online or by mail. Online filing is required for LLCs in these areas: 

• Ascension

• Bossier

• Caddo

• Calcasieu

• East Baton Rouge

• Jefferson

• Lafayette

• Livingston

• Orleans

• Ouachita

• Rapides

• St. Tammany

• Tangipahoa

• Terrebonne

The information needed to file your Articles of Organization depends on whether you file online or by mail. 

To file online, you need the following: 

• LLC name

• LLC street address and mailing address

• LLC purpose

• Business description, including NAICS Code

• Tax treatment (sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation) 

• Registered agent contact information

• Member- or manager-managed distinction

• Contact information for each manager

• Employer identification number (EIN) 

• Electronic signature

To file by mail, you only need your LLC name, purpose, duration, and a notarized signature. However, you must also provide an initial report that includes the following: 

• LLC name

• LLC street address

• Registered agent name, street address, and signature

• Initial member or manager’s names and street addresses

• Notarized signature from every person who signed the Articles of Organization 

The Secretary of State will review your documents and, if everything is correct, approve your LLC as a legal entity. You must pay the $100 state filing fee to form your LLC in Louisiana.

You will have to cover additional fees if you choose to reserve your LLC name ($25), file for a trade name ($75), obtain certified copies of your business documents ($15), or get a certificate of good standing ($20). 

If you have an LLC in another state and want to expand into Louisiana, you must register your business as a foreign LLC and cover a $150 state tax. 

According to the Louisiana state website, the turnaround time for forming an LLC is 7-20 business days. You can get expedited filings with a turnaround of 3-5 business days for an additional fee. 

Step 3: Elect a Louisiana Registered Agent

Your LLC must have a designated registered agent to receive service of process and other legal documents, such as subpoenas and IRS tax documents, on behalf of the business. 

You can appoint an individual or an entity to be your registered agent. If you decide to elect an individual, such as an employee of your LLC or yourself, they must meet specific requirements: 

• Be at least 18 years old

• Have a street address in Louisiana

• Be present during business hours 

Some business owners choose to be their own registered agent, but the role has downsides. A Louisiana registered agent must be at their designated location Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm, meaning your schedule and freedom is limited. The registered address becomes part of the public record, which can raise privacy concerns.

There’s also always the possibility of human error. Anyone can easily misplace an important document or forget to send it where it needs to go. Moreover, if your business moves, you must update the registered address. Failure to do so may result in legal issues for your LLC. 

Because of these reasons, businesses typically invest in a professional registered agent service instead. We offer an effective and affordable way to satisfy the registered agent LLC requirement in Louisiana and keep your business running smoothly. For just $199 annually, our reliable service provides immediate and secure access to your scanned documents with compliance assurance.

Step 4: Create an LLC Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is an official document that establishes how your limited liability company will conduct its business operations. Creating one is not a required step, but it’s highly recommended. It can help you protect yourself during potential disputes or other litigation. 

If you don’t have an operating agreement for your LLC, state law will govern the operation of your business entity. A written operating agreement ensures that courts will make decisions based on your business’s best interests, not the state’s.

The information you can include in your operating agreement can consist of, but is not limited to: 

• LLC’s members’ shares

• LLC’s members’ rights and responsibilities

• LLC’s members’ voting rights

• Rules for holding meetings

• Rules for admitting new members

• Rules for dividing profits and losses

• Rules for LLC’s management

• Duration of the LLC

• Indemnification and liability clauses

• LLC’s business purpose

Even if you are forming a single-member LLC, it’s still essential to establish an operating agreement in case your business grows or changes in the future.

Step 5: File for an Employer Identification Number

Your employer identification number (EIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS uses to identify your LLC for tax purposes. It’s essentially a social security number for your Louisiana business. 

All multi-member LLCs must file for an EIN. You will need your EIN to open a business bank account, file your tax returns on the state and federal levels, and hire employees. 

If you are forming a single-member LLC, you are only required to file for an EIN if you choose to be taxed as a corporation instead of a sole proprietorship. You will also need an EIN to hire employees, open a business bank account, or file your Articles of Organization online. 

We can obtain your EIN on your behalf, or you can apply by mail or online on the IRS website.[4]

Let Us Handle Your LLC Paperwork

Forming an LLC in Louisiana takes a lot of time and effort to ensure you complete all the necessary documents correctly. With our LLC filing service, you can apply for your Louisiana LLC in as few as 10 minutes, and rest assured that your filing is in good hands. 

Save Time and Money 

Forming your LLC with us only costs $0 + state fees. The process is simple, too. Answer a few straightforward questions about your business, and we will prepare your Articles of Organization so you can save time and avoid costly mistakes. 

Fast Turnaround Times

Our processing times are some of the fastest in the industry. Once you place your order, we’ll file your LLC formation documents with the state almost immediately. 

Form your Louisiana LLC today 

FAQs

How much does it cost to set up an LLC in Louisiana?

You must pay a $100 state filing fee for your Articles of Organization in Louisiana. You will also need to cover additional costs if you choose to reserve your LLC name ($25), file for a trade name ($75), obtain certified copies of your business documents ($15), or get a certificate of good standing ($20). 

How is an LLC taxed in Louisiana?

LLCs in Louisiana benefit from pass-through taxation. Profits and losses pass through to the member’s personal income tax returns. This method avoids double taxation on both business revenue and personal income.  

If you are collecting sales tax on goods or paying employment taxes, you must register your LLC with the Louisiana Department of Revenue (DOR). You can register when you file your Articles of Organization or with the Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point.

What are the benefits of a Louisiana LLC?

Forming an LLC in Louisiana is a great way to legally establish your business, protect yourself from personal liability, and take advantage of flexible tax status and pass-through taxation. Louisiana also offers a relatively low state filing fee and fast processing times to get your LLC up and running.

How do you dissolve an LLC in Louisiana?

You can dissolve your Louisiana LLC either online via the Louisiana Secretary of State website or by mail. If you dissolve by mail, you must submit a notarized Affidavit to Dissolve Limited Liability Company to receive your Certificate of Dissolution.[5]

Do I need a business license in Louisiana? 

You may have to obtain state and local business licenses depending on your business type and its location. You can check with your city or county clerk’s office to determine whether you need a local license. For state business licenses, you can refer to Louisiana’s GeauxBiz website.[3]

Bibliography

1. Louisiana Secretary of State. “Search for Louisiana Business Filings.” Accessed March 1, 2023.

2. Louisiana Secretary of State. “Get Forms & Fees Schedule.” Accessed March 1, 2023.

3. Louisiana Secretary of State. “GeauxBiz.” Accessed March 1, 2023.

4. Internal Revenue Service. “Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online.” Accessed March 1, 2023.

5. Louisiana Secretary of State. “Affidavit to Dissolve Limited Liability Company.” Accessed March 1, 2023.