Start Your LLC In
Louisiana with One IBC
Got Questions? Call (949) 524-4399 to talk to a business expert.
Discover the Perfect Plan for Your Company
Basic
$199
Fees for filing legal documents to register or maintain a business.
02 weeks processing
Agent fee
Registered Address
Document filing with the Secretary of State
Standard
$499
Fees for filing legal documents to register or maintain a business.
05 days processing
Includes everything in basic package
Comprehensive name check
Preparation of Articles of Incorporation
Lifetime customer support (phone & email)
Federal Tax ID (EIN) Obtainment Service
Premium
$599
Fees for filing legal documents to register or maintain a business.
01 day processing
Includes everything in standard package
2 hours of free tax consultation
Key Points of Louisiana LLCs
Tax Alignment
Louisiana treats LLCs the same for state income and franchise purposes as they are classified for federal tax – pass-through or corporate.
Simplicity & Flexibility
Members can choose between member-managed or manager-managed structures, and compliance is handled via online portals and modest fees.
Ongoing Requirements
An Initial Report is required upon formation, and thereafter LLCs must file an annual report with the state to maintain good standing.
Understanding Louisiana LLCs
A Louisiana LLC offers liability protection combined with flexible management and tax treatment. Members enjoy a shield between personal and business assets, and the state aligns LLC taxation with federal classification to reduce complexity.
What is a Louisiana LLC?
A Louisiana LLC limits member liability and permits internal flexibility in governance. It can be managed by members or by appointed managers.
Such LLCs are treated by Louisiana for tax purposes according to their federal classification—typically pass-through (for partnerships or sole proprietorships) unless a corporate election is made.
Why choose an LLC in Louisiana?
Louisiana LLCs provide personal liability protection, tax consistency with federal rules, and relatively straightforward state compliance. Their flexibility and clarity make them a practical choice for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Why choose an LLC in Louisiana?
Louisiana LLCs provide personal liability protection, tax consistency with federal rules, and relatively straightforward state compliance. Their flexibility and clarity make them a practical choice for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Key Benefits Include:
Tax Alignment with Federal Rules
Liability Protection
Business Credibility
Simplicity & Flexibility
No Double Taxation (if pass-through)
Clear State Compliance
Pros and Cons of an LLC in Louisiana
Starting a Louisiana LLC: Benefits
A Louisiana LLC protects personal assets, supports flexible management, and benefits from tax alignment with federal treatment. Formation costs are moderate, and the state systems facilitate filings.
Taxation of a Louisiana LLC
Louisiana treats LLCs as pass-through entities unless they elect to be taxed as corporations. In that case, corporate and franchise taxes apply. LLCs with sales or services must collect sales tax and payroll taxes if employees are involved.
Starting a Louisiana LLC: Drawbacks
The requirement for an Initial Report plus annual reports adds ongoing compliance. Electing corporate treatment or specialized tax status increases complexity. Public records of agent and organizer info are required.
Who Can Form an LLC in Louisiana?
Any individual or business entity — whether resident or not — may form an LLC in Louisiana. A registered agent with a Louisiana address is required for service of process.
Types of LLCs in Louisiana
Domestic LLC (Louisiana‑based LLC)
Formed under Louisiana law and operating locally.
Foreign LLC (Out‑of‑state LLC registering in Louisiana)
Formed elsewhere but doing business in Louisiana; must obtain a Certificate of Authority and appoint a Louisiana registered agent.
Single‑Member LLC
Louisiana allows the formation of single‑member LLCs. These entities offer the same liability protection as multi‑member LLCs and are treated as disregarded entities for federal tax purposes by default.
How to Start an LLC in Louisiana
Choose a Business Name
Select a unique name that includes "LLC" or "L.L.C." and ensure it’s distinguishable from existing entities in Louisiana. Use the Secretary of State’s name search tool to verify availability.
Appoint a Registered Agent
Designate a registered agent to accept legal documents. This can be an individual or a registered service company with a physical address in Louisiana.
File the Articles of Organization
Submit Form LLC to the Louisiana Secretary of State, providing LLC name, principal office address, and registered agent details.
Create an Operating Agreement
Though not required, it’s recommended to draft an Operating Agreement outlining ownership, governance, and profit distribution to reinforce liability protection and support tax compliance.
Louisiana LLC Requirements
To form an LLC in Louisiana, the following legal and procedural requirements must be met in accordance with the Louisiana Revised Statutes, Title 12:
Age and Residency
Organizers must be at least 18 years old. Louisiana does not impose residency or citizenship requirements for LLC members or managers, allowing both U.S. residents and foreign individuals or entities to form an LLC.
Number of Members
A Louisiana LLC must have at least one member. There is no limit on the number of members, and they may include individuals, corporations, partnerships, other LLCs, or trusts—regardless of whether they are domestic or foreign entities.
Management Structure
Louisiana LLCs can be managed by members or designated managers. This choice must be stated in the Articles of Organization. If not specified, the LLC is presumed to be member-managed under default rules.
Registered Agent and Office
Every Louisiana LLC must appoint a registered agent with a physical street address in Louisiana (P.O. boxes are not permitted). The registered agent may be an individual residing in the state or a business entity authorized to operate in Louisiana. They must be available during standard business hours to accept legal correspondence.
Name Compliance
The LLC’s name must be distinguishable from existing entities registered in Louisiana and must include “Limited Liability Company,” “L.L.C.,” or “LLC.” Use of restricted words such as “bank,” “engineer,” or “insurance” may require additional state approval. Name availability can be checked through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s commercial database.
Governing Law
Louisiana LLCs are governed by the Louisiana Limited Liability Company Law. Professional LLCs (PLLCs) must meet state licensing requirements, and all members must be authorized to practice the licensed profession.
Privacy
Louisiana requires the name and address of at least one organizer in the Articles of Organization, but it does not require disclosure of all members or managers to the public. Business owners seeking greater privacy can use a commercial registered agent.
Additional Considerations
Louisiana does not currently recognize Series LLCs. Businesses operating multiple activities should establish separate LLCs. Foreign LLCs must file an Application for Authority to Transact Business in Louisiana and include a Certificate of Good Standing from their home jurisdiction.
Failure to meet Louisiana’s LLC formation requirements may result in rejected filings, administrative delays, or noncompliance penalties.
Louisiana LLC Application
To start an LLC in Louisiana, the key step is filing the Articles of Organization with the Louisiana Secretary of State. This legally establishes your business as a recognized LLC in the state.
Required Information
- LLC name (including “LLC” or “L.L.C.”),
- Registered agent’s name and physical Louisiana address,
- Business address (can be a P.O. Box with a separate physical location),
- Organizer’s name and signature,
- Whether the LLC will be member-managed or manager-managed.
- Louisiana permits most types of LLCs, including Professional LLCs for licensed occupations. There are no special designations for restricted or series LLCs in the state.
The Articles of Organization must include:
Filing Options
- Online: Use Louisiana’s GeauxBiz portal for quick online filing and secure payment.
- By Mail: Send completed Articles of Organization with payment to:
Secretary of State, P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125. - In Person: Deliver documents to the Secretary of State’s office in Baton Rouge for expedited service.
Post-Filing Requirements
- An Initial Report must be filed along with the Articles of Organization.
- An Operating Agreement is not filed with the state but is highly recommended.
- Annual Report: All LLCs must file an annual report and maintain a valid registered agent.
- Foreign LLCs: must file an Application for Authority and include a Certificate of Good Standing from their home state.
Louisiana LLC Taxation
Franchise Tax
Most LLCs in Louisiana are not subject to the state’s corporate franchise tax. However, if an LLC elects to be taxed as a corporation, it becomes liable for franchise tax, which is based on taxable capital employed in Louisiana.
Income Tax (Pass-Through Entities)
By default, Louisiana LLCs are treated as pass-through entities. The LLC itself does not pay state income tax. Instead, profits and losses are passed through to members, who report them on their personal state income tax returns.
Sales and Use Tax
LLCs engaged in retail sales or taxable services in Louisiana must collect and remit state sales tax. The base rate is 4.45%, with additional local taxes that can bring the total rate above 9% depending on the jurisdiction. Use tax applies to out-of-state purchases used within Louisiana.
Payroll Tax Obligations
If the LLC hires employees, it must register with the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Department of Revenue to handle state income tax withholding and unemployment insurance contributions.
Annual Report for Louisiana LLC LLC
Louisiana requires all LLCs to file an Annual Report with the Secretary of State to remain in good standing. This filing updates the state's records and ensures ongoing legal recognition of the business.
What to File
Every Louisiana LLC must submit an Annual Report that confirms or updates essential company details, including the principal office address, registered agent information, and business mailing address. The report helps the Secretary of State maintain accurate public records.
Due Date
The Annual Report is due every year by the anniversary date of the LLC’s formation. For example, if your Louisiana LLC was formed on June 10, the Annual Report is due by June 10 each following year.
Filing Method
The Annual Report must be filed online through the geauxBIZ platform operated by the Louisiana Secretary of State. Paper submissions are not accepted. Online filing provides instant confirmation and ensures the state’s records are immediately updated.
Fees
A filing fee is required when submitting the Annual Report. Payment is completed online through the geauxBIZ portal using available electronic payment options. Foreign LLCs are also required to file to maintain their authority to operate in Louisiana.
Penalties
Failure to file the Annual Report on time may result in the administrative dissolution of the Louisiana LLC. Once dissolved, the LLC loses legal status and liability protection. Reinstatement requires payment of all past-due filings and applicable reinstatement fees.
Exemptions
There are no exemptions for active Louisiana LLCs. Every domestic and foreign LLC must file annually unless it has been properly dissolved or withdrawn from the state.
Updates
If your registered agent, office address, or company name changes, these updates should be made through the Annual Report or via a separate amendment filing. Keeping this information current ensures smooth communication and compliance.
Staying compliant with Louisiana’s Annual Report requirements is critical to preserving your LLC’s good standing and limited liability protections. The Secretary of State sends reminders, but it is the business owner’s responsibility to file on time each year.
Expanding Your Louisiana LLC
As your business grows, you may want to expand your Louisiana LLC to operate in other states. This section outlines how to register your Louisiana LLC as a foreign entity in another state and how out-of-state LLCs can register to do business in Louisiana.
Registering a Foreign LLC in Louisiana
If your LLC was formed in another state and plans to operate in Louisiana, you must register it as a foreign LLC with the Louisiana Secretary of State. This requires submitting an Application for Authority to Transact Business and a Certificate of Existence or Good Standing from the home state, typically issued within 90 days of filing.
You must also appoint a registered agent with a physical Louisiana address and provide key business details, including the principal office address, management structure, and purpose of the LLC. While the foreign LLC is governed by its home state’s laws, it must comply with Louisiana’s legal and tax requirements when doing business in the state.
You must also appoint a registered agent with a physical Louisiana address, and provide key business details, including the principal office address, management structure, and purpose of the LLC. Although the foreign LLC remains governed by its original state’s laws, it must comply with Louisiana’s legal and tax obligations when operating within the state.
Once registered, your foreign LLC can lawfully conduct business in Louisiana, such as opening offices, hiring staff, signing contracts, or offering services.
Doing Business in Other States
If your Louisiana LLC intends to expand operations to another state, you must register as a foreign LLC in that state. This generally involves submitting a foreign registration application, appointing a registered agent in that state, and providing a Certificate of Good Standing from Louisiana.
Additional requirements may include business licenses, tax registration, or industry-specific permits, depending on the jurisdiction. Since rules vary widely by state, it’s essential to research and comply with each state’s regulations to avoid penalties or delays.
Expanding your Louisiana LLC into other states can unlock valuable growth opportunities. To ensure compliance across jurisdictions, consider working with legal or tax professionals experienced in multi-state business operations.
Find The Right State To
Form An LLC
Every state has different rules, costs, and considerations for LLC formation.
Start Your Business Today
Our Experts are ready to assist!
Doing Business in Louisiana
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most states require you to have a registered agent to handle legal documents and notices during business hours.
While not always required by law, having an operating agreement is a smart move to outline your LLC’s rules and avoid disputes down the road.
An EIN is a federal tax ID; most LLCs need one to open a business bank account, file taxes, or hire employees.