Benefits of Starting an LLC in Louisiana
Louisiana offers several advantages for LLC owners, from low ongoing costs to upcoming tax relief that makes the state even more business-friendly.
Franchise Tax Repealed in 2026
Louisiana’s corporate franchise tax is being eliminated for tax periods beginning on or after January 1, 2026, reducing ongoing costs for LLCs that elect corporate taxation.
Low Annual Report Fee
At just $30 per year, Louisiana’s annual report is one of the most affordable recurring compliance costs in the country.
No Publication Requirement
Unlike states such as New York and Arizona, Louisiana does not require you to publish a notice of your LLC formation in a newspaper.
Fast Online Filing
Louisiana processes online formations in 1-2 business days through its geauxBIZ portal, with 24-hour expedited processing available for an additional $30.
Quick Facts About Louisiana LLCs
1Name Your Louisiana LLC
Your LLC name must be distinguishable from any other business entity on file with the Louisiana Secretary of State. Before you get attached to a name, run a search using the Louisiana business name database to check availability.
Louisiana requires your LLC name to include one of the following designators:
- “Limited Liability Company”
- “L.L.C.”
- “LLC”
The name cannot include words that imply the LLC is a government agency or that it offers services requiring licensure (such as banking or insurance) without proper authorization.
A name reservation costs $25 and holds your name for 120 days. You can reserve online through the geauxBIZ portal.
Yes. You can amend your articles of organization by filing an amendment with the Louisiana Secretary of State. The amendment fee applies, and you will need to update your records with the IRS and any state agencies.
2Choose a Registered Agent in Louisiana
Every Louisiana LLC must designate a registered agent. This is the person or company authorized to receive legal documents, lawsuits, and official state correspondence on behalf of your LLC.
Your registered agent must meet these requirements:
- Be a Louisiana resident with a physical street address in the state, OR
- Be a business entity authorized to transact business in Louisiana
- P.O. boxes do not qualify as a registered office address
You have three options:
- Be your own registered agent. You must have a Louisiana street address and be available during business hours. Your address becomes public record.
- Appoint a friend or family member. Same requirements apply. Make sure they understand the responsibility.
- Hire a professional registered agent service. This keeps your personal address off public filings and ensures you never miss a legal notice. Most services cost $50-$300 per year. You can compare Louisiana registered agent services to find the right fit.
Yes. Louisiana law requires every LLC to maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. If your agent resigns or your address becomes invalid, the state will eventually lose the ability to serve your LLC, which can create serious legal problems.
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3File Your Louisiana Articles of Organization
This is the step that legally creates your LLC. You will file Form 365 (Articles of Organization for Louisiana Limited Liability Company) with the Louisiana Secretary of State. The filing fee is $100 whether you file online or by mail, and it includes both the articles of organization and an initial report that is filed simultaneously.
Your articles of organization require the following information:
- LLC name (must match your reservation if filing online)
- Principal office address
- Registered agent name and street address
- LLC duration (perpetual or a specific date)
- Purpose of the LLC
- Management structure (member-managed or manager-managed)
- Names and addresses of members or managers
| Filing Method | Fee | Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Online | $100 | 1-2 business days |
| $100 | 5-7 business days | |
| Expedited (online) | $130 | 24 hours |
Mail Filing Address
Louisiana Secretary of State
Commercial Division
P.O. Box 94125
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125
If you would rather have a professional handle the filing for you, see our recommended Louisiana LLC formation services.
The Initial Report is a companion document that gets filed at the same time as your articles of organization at no additional cost. It provides the state with basic information about your LLC’s members, managers, and business activity. You do not need to file it separately.
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4Get an EIN for Your Louisiana LLC
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a federal tax ID for your business. You need one to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes. The IRS issues EINs for free.
Apply online at the IRS EIN application page. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you receive your EIN immediately.
5Draft an Operating Agreement for Your Louisiana LLC
Louisiana does not legally require an operating agreement, but you should absolutely have one. This internal document defines how your LLC operates, including ownership percentages, profit distribution, voting rights, and what happens if a member leaves or the LLC dissolves.
An operating agreement protects you even as a single-member LLC. Without one, Louisiana’s default LLC rules govern your business, and those defaults may not match your intentions.
Your operating agreement should cover:
- Member ownership percentages and capital contributions
- Profit and loss allocation
- Management structure and voting procedures
- Rules for adding or removing members
- Dissolution and buyout provisions
You do not file this document with the state. Keep it with your business records and provide copies to all members.
It is not required by Louisiana law, but it is strongly recommended. An operating agreement prevents disputes by putting ownership terms, profit sharing, and management responsibilities in writing. Banks and investors may also ask to see one.
6Open a Business Bank Account
Open a dedicated bank account for your LLC as soon as you have your EIN and approved articles of organization. Mixing personal and business finances undermines your liability protection and can lead to “piercing the corporate veil.”
Bring these items to the bank:
- Approved articles of organization
- Your EIN confirmation letter
- Operating agreement
- Government-issued photo ID
How Much Does a Louisiana LLC Cost
Here is a full breakdown of the fees you can expect when forming and maintaining a Louisiana LLC.
| Item | Cost | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (online) | $100 | One-time | Includes initial report |
| Articles of Organization (mail) | $100 | One-time | Must be notarized |
| Expedited Processing | $130 total | One-time | 24-hour processing |
| Name Reservation | $25 | One-time | Required for online filing; holds name 120 days |
| Registered Agent Service | $50-$300 | Annual | Free if you serve as your own agent |
| EIN | $0 | One-time | Free from IRS |
| Operating Agreement | $0-$200 | One-time | Free if DIY; attorney-drafted costs more |
| Annual Report | $30 | Annual | Due on anniversary of formation |
| Certificate of Good Standing | $20 | As needed | Requested from Secretary of State |
Articles of Organization (online)
$100 · One-timeIncludes initial report
Articles of Organization (mail)
$100 · One-timeMust be notarized
Expedited Processing
$130 total · One-time24-hour processing
Name Reservation
$25 · One-timeRequired for online filing; holds name 120 days
Registered Agent Service
$50-$300 · AnnualFree if you serve as your own agent
EIN
$0 · One-timeFree from IRS
Operating Agreement
$0-$200 · One-timeFree if DIY; attorney-drafted costs more
Annual Report
$30 · AnnualDue on anniversary of formation
Certificate of Good Standing
$20 · As neededRequested from Secretary of State
How Does Louisiana Compare?
Louisiana Filing Fee
$100
National Average
$127
Louisiana’s $100 filing fee is below the national average. Combined with a $30 annual report and the upcoming elimination of the franchise tax in 2026, Louisiana is a cost-effective state for LLC formation and maintenance.
Louisiana LLC Taxes
Louisiana imposes multiple tax obligations on LLCs depending on how your business is structured and what type of income it generates.
State Income Tax
Louisiana has a state income tax. Single-member LLCs taxed as sole proprietorships and multi-member LLCs taxed as partnerships pass their income through to the members’ personal tax returns, where it is taxed at Louisiana’s individual income tax rates. LLCs that elect corporate taxation file a separate corporate income tax return with the state.
Franchise Tax
Louisiana currently imposes a corporate franchise tax on LLCs that are taxed as corporations. The initial franchise tax is $110. However, this tax has been repealed for tax periods beginning on or after January 1, 2026. If your LLC is taxed as a pass-through entity (sole proprietorship or partnership), the franchise tax generally does not apply to you.
Sales Tax
Louisiana has a 5% state sales tax rate. If your LLC sells taxable goods or services, you must collect and remit sales tax. Local parishes add their own sales tax on top of the state rate, which can push the combined rate significantly higher. Register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue to obtain a sales tax permit before making taxable sales.
Federal Tax Classification
By default, a single-member Louisiana LLC is treated as a disregarded entity (taxed as a sole proprietorship) and a multi-member LLC is taxed as a partnership. Both follow federal classification. You can elect to be taxed as an S-corp or C-corp by filing the appropriate forms with the IRS.
By default, a single-member LLC is taxed as a sole proprietorship and a multi-member LLC is taxed as a partnership. In both cases, income passes through to the members’ personal returns. You can also elect S-corp or C-corp taxation with the IRS. Louisiana has both a state income tax and a franchise tax (though the franchise tax is being repealed starting in 2026).
After Forming Your Louisiana LLC
Formation is just the first step. Louisiana has ongoing compliance requirements you need to stay on top of to keep your LLC in good standing.
Annual Report
Louisiana requires every LLC to file an annual report. The fee is $30, and it is due each year by the anniversary date of your LLC’s formation. You can file online through the Louisiana CORA portal.
There is no late fee for missing your deadline, but your LLC will lose its good standing status. If you fail to file for three consecutive years, the state will administratively dissolve your LLC.
BOI Report
FinCEN revised its Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting rule in March 2025. Domestic LLCs are now exempt from BOI reporting requirements. Only companies formed outside the United States are required to file.
Business Licenses and Permits
Louisiana does not require a general state business license. However, your city or parish may require a local occupational license or business permit. Certain industries (such as construction, food service, and healthcare) require specific state-level licenses. Check with your local parish government and any relevant state licensing boards.
Yes. Louisiana LLCs must file a $30 annual report each year by the anniversary date of formation. You can file online through the CORA portal. Failure to file for three consecutive years results in administrative dissolution.
Dissolving a Louisiana LLC
If you decide to close your LLC, you need to formally dissolve it with the Louisiana Secretary of State. The dissolution filing fee is $100. Filing dissolution documents ensures you are no longer responsible for annual reports or other state obligations going forward.
If your LLC was administratively dissolved due to non-filing, you can apply for reinstatement. The reinstatement fee is $75, plus all delinquent annual report fees for the years you missed. The longer you wait, the more expensive reinstatement becomes.
A Louisiana LLC does not expire on its own. It continues indefinitely unless you voluntarily dissolve it or the state administratively dissolves it after three years of missed annual reports. You can choose a specific end date when filing your articles of organization, but most LLCs are formed with perpetual duration.
Frequently Asked Questions
The minimum cost to form a Louisiana LLC is $125, which covers the $100 articles of organization filing fee and the $25 name reservation (required for online filing). If you file by mail and do not reserve a name, the minimum is $100. Add $30 for expedited 24-hour processing if you need it fast.
Online filings are typically processed in 1-2 business days. Mail filings take approximately 5-7 business days. Expedited processing is available for an additional $30 and reduces the turnaround to 24 hours.
Yes. Louisiana allows single-member LLCs. One person can form, own, and manage an LLC. A single-member LLC is taxed as a disregarded entity (sole proprietorship) by default unless you elect otherwise with the IRS.
Only if you file by mail. Paper filings submitted to the Louisiana Secretary of State must be notarized. Online filings through the geauxBIZ portal do not require notarization, which is one of the key advantages of filing electronically.
