How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Louisiana?

Louisiana LLC Online Filing Fee: $100

The main cost tostart an LLC in Louisianais the $100 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the Louisiana Secretary of State.

For a look at LLC costs in every state, read our otherCost to Start an LLCandHow to Form an LLCguides.

Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Louisiana

If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Louisiana, you’ll need to register your LLC as aforeign LLC in Louisiana.

The cost for registering aLouisiana foreign LLC is $150. You can register a foreign LLC in Louisiana byfiling an Application for Authority to Transact Business in Louisiana(Form 972).

Optional LLC Formation Costs

There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:

LLC Name Reservation

Reserve your name for up to 120 days prior to LLC formation by filingForm 398and paying the$25filing fee.

Trade Name

File anAssignment of Trade Name(Form 397) and pay the75美元filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name.

Seven Basic Steps to Start an LLC in Louisiana

Step 1:Name Your Louisiana LLC
Step 2:Choose a Registered Agent
Step 3:File the Articles of Organization
Step 4:Create an Operating Agreement
步骤5:Get an EIN
Step 6:File the Annual Report
Step 7:Keep Your Company Compliant

Step 1: Name Your Louisiana LLC

When you name your Louisiana LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:

1. Is available for use in the state of Louisiana
2. Meets Louisiana naming requirements
3. Is available as a web domain

Recommended:Visit ourStart an LLC in Louisianaguide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in Louisiana.

Not sure what to name your business?Check out ourHow to Name a Businessguide and freeLLC Name Generator.

We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a网络域. Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

All LLCs in Louisiana must appoint aregistered agent. A registered agent primarily acts as your LLC’s main point of contact with the state. But most importantly, they are responsible for acceptingservice of processin the event your business is sued.

Your Louisiana registered agent must:

• Be at least 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in Louisiana
• Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process

In Louisiana, your registered agentmustconsent to appointment by signing theArticles of Organizationif filing by mail.

Step 3: File the Articles of Organization

The路易斯安那州的形式365 - Articles of Organizationis a document that is filed with the Louisiana Secretary of State to form an LLC. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $100 online. The Articles of Organization can also be提起的麦l.

For detailed instructions for completing the Articles of Organization, visit ourHow to File the Louisiana Articles of Organizationguide.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement isn't required for Louisiana LLCs, but it's a good practice to have one.

What is an operating agreement?An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important?A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read ourLouisiana LLC operating agreementguide.

步骤5:Get an EIN

What is an EIN?AnEINor Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by theInternal Revenue System (IRS)to identify a business for tax reporting purposes.An EIN is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.

If you are filing your LLC online, getting an EIN is included in the registration process on geauxBIZ.gov.

Why do I need an EIN?An EIN number is required for the following:

• Opening abusiness bank account
• Hiring employees

Step 6: File the Annual Report

Louisiana requires LLCs to file an annual report with the Louisiana Secretary of State. This can be submittedonline, along with the $30 fee, through the state's geauxBIZ filing portal.

Reports are due every year on or before the date on which the LLC was formed. Louisiana does not charge late fees if you miss your filing deadline but may dissolve or revoke your LLC after three years of failing to file an annual report.

Step 7: Keep Your Company Compliant

你的路易斯安那州LLC必须符合所有的法律要求s at federal, state, and local levels:

• Louisiana LLC Business Licenses & Permits:Your LLC must conform to all federal, state, and local laws. The necessary licenses and permits may vary based on your business operations.
• Tax Responsibilities for Louisiana LLCs:Staying updated with your tax obligations is crucial. Louisiana levies a state sales tax of 4.45%. Local jurisdictions may impose additional sales tax up to 7%. If you are planning to employ staff, you need to register for both UI Tax and Withholding Tax. Additionally, you will be responsible for state and federal income tax.
• Employing Staff in Louisiana:When hiring, ensure new employees are legally permitted to work in the US, report new hires to the state, provide workers' compensation insurance, handle employee tax withholdings, and display workplace compliance posters in clear sight. You can access further information at the Louisiana Workforce Commission website.