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How to Start an LLC in Louisiana

Here are the 7 steps to start a limited liability company (LLC) in Louisiana

For more information on how to form an LLC in any state, see the article How to Form an LLC.

Creating Louisiana LLC is Easy

Find out how to form a Louisiana LLC for yourself

Learn about Louisiana LLC formation, including information on Registered Agents, naming rules, business licenses, and more.

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how to start an llc in louisiana

Creating an LLC in Louisiana

A limited liability company (LLC) offers many benefits to small businesses, including liability protection and tax advantages.

An LLC must be formed in Louisiana by filing the Articles of Organization with the Louisiana Secretary of State and paying the $100 filing fee.

However, you’ll first need to choose a name and registered agent for your Louisiana LLC. You can set up an LLC in Louisiana in 2 – 4 business days if you file online (or 2 – 3 weeks if you file by mail). If you need your LA LLC processed faster, you may pay extra for expedited service.

An LLC can be easily formed in Louisiana. Our step-by-step guide on How to Start an LLC in Louisiana will help you get started today. Find out more about LLCs and their benefits in our What is an LLC guide.

Step 1. Choose a Name for Your LLC Louisiana

Creating an LLC in Louisiana requires you to choose a business name before you can file a Articles of Organization. Be sure that your business name complies with the Louisiana naming requirements and can be searched by potential customers.

  • Louisiana law requires an LLC name to contain the words “Limited Liability Company” or “Limited Company,” or the abbreviations “Ltd.,” “LLC,” or “LC.” “Limited” may be abbreviated as “Ltd.” or “LTD,” and “Company” as “Co.”
  • It is not acceptable for your Louisiana LLC to have words associated with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
  • You should avoid using words or abbreviations that may make your LLC Louisiana appear to be a different type of entity, such as “LP” or “corporation”.
  • There may be additional documentation and licensure paperwork required for certain restricted words (bank, lawyer, attorney, credit union, etc.).
  • Check the state’s business name database to ensure the name you want is not already taken(including businesses no longer in operation)

See a complete list of Louisiana naming rules here.

Check URL availability: You are likely to need a web page even if you don’t think you do. Buying your domain name now will at least give you the option of having one in the future. It’s a good idea to check the URL availability before finalizing your Louisiana LLC name.

Recommended: Consider setting up a business phone service after securing a domain name for your Louisiana LLC to establish credibility and improve customer satisfaction.
 
Wise business plans offer a variety of features for businesses, including Toll-free numbers, Coverage in US and Canada, team messaging and more. Try our business phone services today.
Is it possible to reserve a business name in Louisiana?

Yes, By submitting a Name Reservation form (Form #398) to the Secretary of State, you can reserve a name for up to 60 days. Reservations can be made either by mail or online.

What is an LLC?

An LLC stands for a Limited Liability Company. A simple business structure that is more flexible and offers many of the same benefits as a traditional corporation. For more information, see “What is a Limited Liability Company?”.

Does my business need a DBA or trade name?

A DBA isn’t required for most LLCs. The LLC’s name can also be used as your company’s brand name, and you can accept checks and other forms of payment under that name. If you want to do business under a different name, you might want to register a DBA. To learn more about DBAs, read our “What does DBA mean” Guide.

Step 2: Appoint Your Registered Agent in Louisiana

Your next step in forming an LLC in Louisiana is to appoint a Registered Agent, an individual or company authorized to receive legal and state mail on your behalf.

All Louisiana LLCs must have a registered agent. Please include your registered agent’s name and address on your Articles of Organization .

Registered Agent Requirements in Louisiana

To comply with Louisiana law, your LLC’s registered agent must be a resident or business entity that maintains a physical address in Louisiana. The “registered address” cannot be a P.O. box. It must be a real physical address that can be visited in person.

Further, in Louisiana, your registered agent must agree to perform this role and sign a form confirming their consent. Consent statements should include the following:

  • Written confirmation that the person designated consents to serve as the LLC’s registered agent
  • The name of your Louisiana LLC and the person designated as your registered agent
  • Registered agent’s signature
  • Date of execution

Although you do not have to submit this form to the Secretary of State, your business must record it. Learn more about Louisiana Registered Agents by reading our full guide.

Who can be a Registered Agent?

A Registered Agent must be a Louisiana resident or a corporation authorised to conduct business in Louisiana, such as a registered agent service. You have the option of electing someone from your company, including yourself.

Is it possible to change my registered agent after I form an LLC?

Yes, By submitting a change of registered agent form to the Secretary of State, you can change your Louisiana registered agent.

Are You looking for a Registered Agent?

Wise Business Plans offers a free year of registered agent service when forming an LLC in Louisiana.

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Step 3.Prepare and File the Articles of Organization

To create a Louisiana LLC, you will need to file Articles of Organization (Form #365) with the Louisiana Secretary of State. You may apply online, by mail, or in person.

There is a $100 filing fee. You must send the original and a copy of your certificate if you file by mail.

If you choose our business formation services, we can handle this step for you.

The following information is typically required to create a Articles of Organization :

  • Your LLC name and principal place of business.
  • Name, address, and signature of the LLC’s registered agent
  • Decide whether your Louisiana LLC will be member-managed or manager-managed. Indicate the names and addresses of each member and manager.
  • The reason for forming the LLC in Louisiana.
  • Name and address of the LLC’s organizer.
  • The effective date of the certificate,
  • The person forming the LLC must sign the Certificate.

Foreign LLCs: LLCs that are based in another state but intend to conduct business in Louisiana must complete a form called the Qualification of Foreign LLC.

A filing fee of $150 also applies to this form, and you need to attach your state’s certificate of good standing.

Two Ways to File the Articles of Organization

The 1st option is:

Online filing through the Louisiana geauxBIZ

File Online

The 2nd option is:

Filing the Articles of Organization  by Mail

Download Form

Address to Mail

There is a state filing fee of $100 payable to the Louisiana Department of State. (nonrefundable)

State of Louisiana Secretary of State
P.O. Box 94125
Baton Rouge, LA 70804

How does a member-managed LLC differ from a manager-managed LLC?

In a member-managed LLC, the members (owners) take on the business’s daily responsibilities. Manager-managed LLCs are managed by managers who are elected by the members. Those who manage your LLC will have the authority to do a wide range of tasks-from hiring staff to opening bank accounts.

How do Louisiana LLCs differ from foreign LLCs?

When an LLC conducts business in the state where it was formed, it is referred to as a “domestic LLC.” Normally, when we talk about an LLC, we’re talking about a domestic one. When an existing LLC wants to expand its operations to another state, it must form a foreign LLC.

How long does it take to form an LLC in Louisiana?

The formation of an LLC may take up to (2-3 weeks) by mail. It can take (2-4 business days) if you file your LLC online. unless you pay an $30 extra for expedited processing (3 hour).

Step 4. Get a Certificate From the State

Upon filing your Articles of Organization, the secretary of state will review it. As soon as the Articles of Organization is approved, the LLC becomes a legal entity.

By obtaining this certificate, LLCs will be able to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN), licenses, and business accounts.

Step 5. Write an Louisiana LLC Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is a legally-binding document that sets out how your LLC will operate, from the voting process to mergers.

Operating agreements are not required in Louisiana, but they are an essential part of your business.

Written operating agreements are helpful for different reasons, including resolving disputes over financial agreements and other potential litigation.

The LLC declaration can prove that your LLC is a separate entity, which can help preserve your limited liability.

An operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the possibility of future conflict.

How should an operating agreement be drafted?

The operating agreement should detail the LLC’s overall business purpose and other important matters, such as how the company will be taxed and how new members will be accepted. Legal agreements can clarify several important concerns, such as:

  • Who makes decisions for the company, especially those who decide if partners disagree.
  • Who is responsible for different aspects of the business as well as for strategic decisions.
  • If a partner leaves the company, what will happen to their ownership interests in the corporation.
  • The members and their contributions
  • How profits and losses will be divided
  • Procedures for admitting new members and removing outgoing members

In Louisiana, you can include just about anything in your operating agreement, as long as it doesn’t violate the state law or the Articles of Organization .

Should a single-member LLC have an operating agreement?

Yes. A single-member LLC in Louisiana is treated the same as a multi-member LLC for most purposes. When it comes to filing a tax return, single-member LLCs have more options.

Is my operating agreement required to be filed with the state of Louisiana?

An operating agreement should be in place for every Louisiana LLC owner to protect their company’s operations. While an operating agreement is not legally required by the state, it will establish clear rules and expectations for your LLC while also establishing your credibility as a legal entity.

Step 6. Get an EIN for Your Louisiana LLC

Basically, an employer identification number (EIN) is a social security number for your LLC in Louisiana.

To identify your LLC for tax purposes, the Internal Revenue Service assigns a nine-digit Employer Identification Number (EIN). You can apply for your EIN either by mail or online.

An EIN is used for the following purposes:

  • Manage state and federal taxes
  • Create a business bank account
  • Hire employees

Get an EIN Number in Louisiana

Getting an EIN number is easy and free, There are two ways to get an EIN number in Louisiana.

The 1st option is:

Apply online for an EIN from the IRS

File Online

The 2nd option is:

Get an EIN by Mail

Download Form

Address to Mail

Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999

 Is a Louisiana LLC required to have an EIN?

Yes.If you form a one-member LLC, you only need to get an EIN if it will have employees or if you choose to tax it as a corporation rather than a sole proprietorship (disregarded entity). An EIN is required if you file the LLC’s Articles of Organization online.

 What is the best tax structure for my LLC?

A tax classification will be discussed with you when you obtain an EIN. In most cases, LLCs choose the default status.
Some LLCs can reduce their federal tax obligation by electing S corporation status. Consult with a local accountant to find out which option is best for you.

Step 7. File Annual Reports

Every year, on or before the anniversary date of organising or qualifying in Louisiana, all LLCs doing business in Louisiana must file an annual report with the Secretary of State.

The annual report must be submitted to the Secretary of State via the online. Payment to the Secretary of State is $30. (Nonrefundable)

Late Fees: If you miss your filing deadline, Louisiana will not charge you a late fee, but if you fail to file an annual report for three years, your LLC will be dissolved or revoked.

Are you Looking for Louisiana LLC Formation Service?

Get the easiest and fastest Louisiana LLC formation online with Wise business Plans.

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What to do After Forming Your Louisiana LLC

Keep your personal and business assets separate

Your personal assets (such as your home, car, and other valuables) may be at risk when your Louisiana LLC is sued if they are mixed with your business accounts.

Here are some steps you can take to protect your LLC in Louisiana:

 

1. Create a Business Plan:

If you have decided that a Louisiana LLC will be a good choice for your business in Lousiana, your next step is to create a business plan (although it is not required), so that you have a roadmap for what you will do and how you will accomplish it.

Business Plan Template

Free: Business Plans Examples

Do you need help creating a business plan? Check out these six free, proven business plan examples from different industries to help you write your own.

Get Free Examples Of Business Plans
2. Open a Bank Account

As soon as your LLC is officially formed, you should open a business bank account. Why? Keeping separate bank accounts will help you maintain the legal distinction between the LLC and you (the owner).

Because LLCs are limited liability companies, creditors and litigants can’t take your assets.

It is essential for small business owners to partner with the right bank. Find out which banks offer the best business checking accounts, have low or no fees, ATM accessibility, and interest-earning accounts as well as online or mobile banking tools. 

Recommended: Check out our business bank account page to learn which banks offer the best business check accounts, ATM access, interest-bearing accounts, and online and mobile banking options for businesses.

3. Obtaining a business credit card:
  • Allows you to separate personal and business expenses.
  • Develops your company’s credit history, which can be helpful to raise capital (e.g., small business loans) later.
4. Hiring a business accountant:
  • It prevents your business from overpaying taxes while preventing penalties, fines, and other costly tax mistakes.
  • Gives you more time to focus on your growing business by simplifying bookkeeping and payroll.
  • Manage your business’s funding more effectively. Find out where extra profit or loss can be made

Recommended: Learn why you need to hire an accountant for your business?.

Getting Business Insurance for Your LLC

You can manage risks and grow your LLC with business insurance. Here are the most common types:

  • General liability insurance protects your business from lawsuits. Most small businesses purchase general liability coverage.
  • Professional liability insurance protects professionals and businesses from claims of negligence from their clients or customers. Liability insurance typically covers negligence, copyright infringement, personal injury, and more.
  • Workers’ compensation insurance: Covers illnesses, injuries, and deaths resulting from a worker’s work.

Ready to Protect Your Business

Let us help you with your business insurance needs.

 

  • General business liability insurance
  • Medical insurance
  • Term life insurance
  • Workers’ Comp
  • Surety bonds
  • Commercial auto
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Create Your Business Website

A website is an important step in legitimizing your business. It is essential for all businesses. You are missing out on a large percentage of potential customers and revenue if you don’t have a website, even if your business is too small or in an offline industry.

More than 90% of consumers begin their search for products and services online. If you don’t have a website that is ready to welcome your customers, then they will simply find your competitors.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • Every respectable firm has a website. When it comes to getting your firm online, size or sector isn’t a concern.
  • Creating a basic website has never been easier, thanks to website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder. To design a website, you don’t need to hire a web designer or developer.

Recommended: If you want to enhance your conversion rates and maximize revenue in order to help expand your business and meet objectives, you should always hire a professional business website design company to build your business website.

Wise Business Plans is a leading web design company, We have created over 2000 + websites across 20 countries for our clients but we are physically based in 7 major cities in the United States including Alabama web design, Pennsylvania, Las Vegas, Colorado Springs, Iowa, Michigan and San Diego.

Louisiana LLC FAQs

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Louisiana?

The cost of filing the Articles of Organization with the Louisiana State Corporations Commission is $100. For $25, you can reserve the name of your LLC with the Louisiana State Corporations Commission.

Is it a good idea to form an LLC in Louisiana?

LLC protects your personal assets from the liabilities and debts of your business. Tax filing is simple, and there are potential tax benefits. Filing, management, compliance, regulation, and administration can all be done quickly and easily. The cost of filing is low (only $100).

Is it possible to change the name of an LLC in Louisiana?

There is no form, paper or online, in Louisiana for filing amendments to your articles of incorporation. They accept amendments drafted legally by an LLC and mailed to the Secretary of State along with the filing fee.

What is the procedure for dissolving an LLC in Louisiana?

An Affadavit to Dissolve Limited Liability Company must be filed with the Secretary of State in Louisiana. Following that, the state will send you a Certificate of Dissolution. Business owners in Louisiana must submit their Certificate of Dissolution via mail, fax, in-person, or online.

Start an LLC in Your State

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