Forming an Louisiana LLC

(2025 Guide)

2025 LLC Guide

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How to Start an LLC in Louisiana (Step-by-Step Guide)

Discover how to start an LLC in Louisiana, our step-by-step guide. Learn the essential requirements and process to form your business today.

To establish an LLC in Louisiana, you need to submit Articles of Organization and an Initial Report to the Louisiana Secretary of State. The fee for this process is $100, and approval typically takes about 5 days.

Here are the 5 steps you should follow:

Choose an LLC Name
Select a Registered Agent
File Articles of Organization
Create an Operating Agreement
Get an EIN

For those who prefer a DIY approach, you can follow our free guide below.

If you’d rather have someone handle the process for you, we suggest hiring Northwest Registered Agent.

Need to save time?

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

What is the cost to establish an LLC?

Starting an LLC in Louisiana requires a payment of $100. Additionally, there is an annual fee of $35. What are these charges for? The $100 is the filing fee for the Articles of Organization, the document that officially forms the LLC. The $35 annual fee is for the Annual Report, a required filing to maintain your LLC’s good standing. For more details on LLC expenses, refer to LLC Costs in Louisiana.

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

When you file your LLC by mail, approval takes 3-5 business days, plus mailing time. If you choose to file online, the approval process also takes 3-5 business days. Check How long does it take to get an LLC in Louisiana for any potential delays.

Here’s how to establish an LLC in Louisiana

1. Check LLC Name Availability


Ensure your desired LLC name is available in the state. This step is crucial because duplicate business names are not permitted. Start by searching your business name and comparing it against existing entities in the state. Utilize the Louisiana Business Filings Search to confirm the uniqueness of your LLC name. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the state’s naming rules to ensure your LLC name gets approved. More details can be found in our guide on Louisiana LLC Name.

Note: 

Most people choose “LLC”.

2. Select a Louisiana Registered Agent

The following step involves selecting a Registered Agent. A Louisiana Registered Agent is an individual or company responsible for receiving legal mail and state notices on behalf of your Louisiana Limited Liability Company.

Who is eligible to be an LLC Registered Agent? You have three options for appointing a Registered Agent:

You
A friend or family member
A Registered Agent Service

Louisiana mandates that LLC Registered Agents must maintain a physical street address within the state. PO Boxes are not permissible. The name and address of the Registered Agent will be included in public records.

If you lack an address in Louisiana or desire increased privacy, you can opt for a Registered Agent Service for your LLC.

We suggest Northwest Registered Agent

One of the aspects we appreciate most about Northwest is their willingness to allow you to use their office address for your LLC filing. This ensures your personal address is not listed in public records.

Additionally, they provide a service to scan any mail addressed to your LLC and upload it to your online account. Northwest offers exceptional customer service, and we trust them as our own Registered Agent.

Special offer: 

Form your LLC with Northwest for $39 + state fee and get a free year of Registered Agent service.

(Read our Northwest Registered Agent review.)

3. Submit Articles of Organization & Initial Report

To establish an LLC, you must submit the Louisiana Articles of Organization along with the Initial Report. These documents are filed with the Louisiana Secretary of State.

The fee for filing the Articles of Organization & Initial Report is $100, whether you choose to file online or by mail. This is a one-time fee required for setting up your LLC. If you prefer to handle this process on your own, check out our detailed guide: Louisiana Articles of Organization. Alternatively, you can opt to hire a service to handle the filing for you.

Need to save time? 

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

4. Draft an LLC Operating Agreement

An LLC Operating Agreement acts as a complementary document to the Certificate of Formation. While the Certificate of Formation establishes your LLC, the Operating Agreement identifies the owners of the LLC.

Moreover, many banks require an Operating Agreement when setting up an LLC bank account. It is also invaluable if legal issues arise, as it demonstrates the proper management of your LLC. For these reasons, we advise all LLCs, including Single-Member LLCs, to have an Operating Agreement.

Additionally, an Operating Agreement is considered an “internal document.” This means you don’t need to file it with the state or the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). Simply keep a copy with your business records. You can download a free template below. Then, watch our Louisiana Operating Agreement video for a step-by-step guide on how to complete it.

Download a free LLC Operating Agreement:

Member-managed: Google Doc | Word | PDF
Manager-managed: Google Doc | Word

(What’s better? See Member-managed vs Manager-managed LLC)

5. Obtain an EIN for Your LLC

The following step is to secure a Louisiana EIN from the IRS for your LLC. Note: An EIN, also known as a Federal Tax ID Number or Federal Employer Identification Number, is essential.

An EIN is needed to:
– Identify your LLC for tax purposes
– Open a business bank account
– Apply for business licenses and permits

How much does an EIN cost? The IRS provides an EIN at no charge.

How long does it take to receive an EIN? Online applications are processed in 15 minutes, while mail or fax applications may take 1-3 months.

How can I obtain an EIN?
– US Citizens/Residents: With an SSN or ITIN, apply online. Follow these instructions: Apply for an EIN online.
– Non-US Residents: You can’t apply online, but you can obtain an EIN via fax or mail. See these instructions: How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.

6. Enroll for Limited Liability Entity Tax (LLET)

All LLCs in Kentucky are required to pay the Limited Liability Entity Tax (LLET) annually. If your LLC earns less than $3 million per year, it will be subject to a minimum tax of $175 each year. (The majority of LLCs pay this $175 minimum tax annually.) LLCs with earnings over $3 million will incur a higher tax, which is determined by the state’s sliding scale.

You can sign up for the Limited Liability Entity Tax through the Kentucky DOR: Business One Stop Portal online. For more information about the LLET, visit: Kentucky Department of Revenue: Corporate Income and Limited Liability Entity Tax.

What should I do after my LLC is approved?

After receiving approval for your LLC, there are several key steps to undertake.

File Your LLC Annual Report


Every Louisiana LLC must submit an Annual Report each year. This ensures your LLC remains in good standing with the state.

How much does it cost to file an LLC Annual Report?
The Annual Report filing fee is $35 annually.

When is the Annual Report due?
Your Annual Report is due each year on your LLC’s anniversary date, which is the date your LLC was initially approved. For example, if your LLC was approved on October 10, 2025, your Annual Report is due by October 10 every year.

When is my first Annual Report due?
The first Annual Report is due the year following your LLC’s approval. For instance, if your LLC was approved on October 15, 2025, the initial report is due by October 15, 2026.

How do I file my LLC Annual Report?
You have the option to file your LLC’s Annual Report online or by mail. We suggest online filing as it is more straightforward. Follow our step-by-step guide here: Louisiana LLC Annual Report.

Open an LLC Business Bank Account


It’s advisable to open a business bank account for your LLC. This simplifies accounting and record-keeping for your business. Maintaining a separate business account also preserves your personal liability protection by keeping business finances separate from personal finances.

Obtain Business Licenses and Permits


Fortunately, Louisiana does not require a state general business license. However, depending on the location of your LLC, a local business license or permit may be necessary. For example, starting a daycare may require a city or county business license. More information is available on our Louisiana Business License page.

File and Pay Taxes


LLCs themselves do not pay federal taxes; instead, the LLC members pay taxes as part of their personal tax returns. In other words, each owner reports LLC taxes on their personal return.

How will my LLC be taxed?
An LLC is taxed by the IRS based on the number of its owners: a Single-Member LLC is taxed like a Sole Proprietorship, while a Multi-Member LLC is taxed like a Partnership. Alternatively, you can request the IRS to tax your LLC as a C-Corporation or S-Corporation.

Married Couples: In Louisiana, married couples can choose to have their LLC taxed as a Single-Member LLC (also known as a Qualified Joint Venture) instead of a Partnership. This option is available because Louisiana is a community property state.

In addition to federal taxes, there are state and local income taxes, as well as sales tax. Learn more in Louisiana LLC Taxes.

Helpful Resources

How to Start an LLC in Louisiana FAQs

Can I start an LLC online in Louisiana?

Certainly, you can establish your LLC online in Louisiana. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $100. Once you file online, approval typically takes 3-5 business days.

The primary advantage of an LLC is safeguarding your personal assets. This means that if your business faces a lawsuit, your personal belongings—such as your home, vehicles, and bank accounts—remain protected. This protection is for all LLC owners, known as LLC Members, regardless of whether it’s a Single-Member or Multi-Member LLC. LLC owners are shielded from business debts and liabilities, unlike Sole Proprietorships or Partnerships, where owners aren’t protected in legal disputes. Consequently, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) have become a preferred business structure.

Another advantage is LLC pass-through taxation. This implies that the LLC itself doesn’t pay federal income taxes. Instead, the earnings “pass through” to the LLC Members, who then pay taxes on their personal tax returns. State income taxes work similarly, as the state acknowledges the federal tax treatment of your LLC. For more details, please see How are LLCs taxed.

Whether Louisiana is a suitable state to start an LLC depends on your residence and business location. If you live or do business in Louisiana, then it’s advisable to start your LLC there. Although some websites discuss tax rates and benefits in other states, these are irrelevant if it’s not your state of residence and business. For instance, establishing an LLC in Nevada while living and working in Louisiana requires registering your Nevada LLC in Louisiana, incurring extra fees and eventually paying Louisiana taxes. This results in higher costs and complications without benefits.

In summary, if you reside and operate in Louisiana, it’s a favorable state to start a business. If not, then it’s not ideal. Real estate exception: If buying property outside Louisiana, form your LLC in the property’s state. For further details, please see Best State to Form an LLC.

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