How to Start Your LLC in Louisiana

Select an LLC name

The first step towards forming a Louisiana LLC should be picking a name for the company. This name must be unique and accurately depict your business’s services or products. The name should also include a term such as “limited liability company,” “LLC,” or “LC” to identify it as an LLC. You can review names currently in use on Louisiana’s Business Filings website.

Using Louisiana’s name reservation services is recommended to reserve your name. This reservation will cost $25 and last for up to 60 days.

Appoint a registered agent

All LLCs in Louisiana need a registered agent to receive the legal documents for the LLC. Your agent must be available during business hours and have a physical address in Louisiana. Your agent can be a friend, a professional corporation, or yourself. We recommend you hire a professional to act as your registered agent for legal safety reasons.

Submit the Articles of Organization

Once you have your name and registered agent, you must file your Articles of Organization. This document will tell the government about your business and what it plans to do. You will need your business’s name, address, registered agent information, and other essential information to complete this document. Completing and filing this document with the state will create your Louisiana LLC.

Filing your Articles of Organization will cost $100.

Form an operating agreement

Although optional in Louisiana, having an operating agreement that details how your LLC functions and the rights of its members is essential. This agreement will help your business run smoothly and ensure all members understand their responsibilities.

Acquire your Employer Identification Number (EIN)

LLCs with multiple members need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, even without employees. Single-member LLCs also need an EIN if they have employees or choose to be taxed as a different entity, such as a C Corporation. This number will allow business owners to do necessary business activities such as completing payroll, reporting taxes, or opening a business bank account. 

You can apply for your EIN for free through the IRS’s website.

Obtain business licenses and permits

While Louisiana does not require a state-mandated general license for businesses to operate, your LLC might need specific licenses based on its location and industry. For example, the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors must license a contractor before they can accept projects.

Be sure to check with the Louisiana Secretary of State for more information on licenses you will need for your company.

Stay compliant with annual reports

Annual reports update the government on your business’s basic information and activities. Every LLC in Louisiana should submit an annual report online to the Secretary of State each year on or before their anniversary of establishment.

Filing your annual reports will cost $30.

• Limited liability: One benefit of a Louisiana LLC is the protection of members’ assets. Limited liability protection will prevent the owners’ assets from being taken as payment if the business faces legal trouble or debts.
• Public perception: Incorporating a business as an LLC makes it appear more established and significant than sole proprietorships and partnerships. This extra level of professionalism allows LLCs to partner with investors more efficiently and increases customer trust in the company.

• Tax benefits: An LLC in Louisiana can be taxed as a corporation or select the pass-through tax model of sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S Corporations. This flexibility allows LLCs to choose an option that will best help save them money.
• Member benefits: In a Louisiana LLC, members have distinct voting rights, profit shares, loss shares, and distribution entitlements depending on their position in the company. There’s no cap on a Louisiana LLC’s number of members.