If you’re thinking about starting an LLC in Louisiana, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through all the steps you need to take to register a Louisiana LLC from naming your business to meeting federal requirements. Let’s dive in!
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Louisiana LLC Quick Notes
- To register an LLC in Louisiana, you must file Articles of Organization with the Louisiana Secretary of State.
- The filing fee to start an LLC in Louisiana is $100.
- LLCs in Louisiana are required to appoint a registered agent.
- Annual reports are required by the state for all LLCs.
6 Steps to Register an LLC in Louisiana
Form your LLC in Louisiana with these six steps.
Starting an LLC in Louisiana is easy, just follow these steps:
- Choose a Name for Your Louisiana LLC
- Select a Registered Agent
- File Articles of Organization and Initial Report
- Create an Operating Agreement
- Obtain an EIN and Handle Taxes
- File a Beneficial Ownership Information Report
Step 1: Choose a Name for Your Louisiana LLC
To start, you need to decide on a name for your Louisiana LLC. Louisiana business names must meet the following criteria:
There are a few basic naming rules Louisiana LLCs must follow:
- Include “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation such as “LLC” or “LC”
- Must be distinguishable from any other business entity in the state
- Cannot include terms that imply the LLC is organized for a purpose that is not lawful for LLCs in the state
For the full list of naming requirements for Louisiana LLCs, refer to this list provided by the Louisiana State Legislature.
To ensure your business name is unique, you will need to conduct a name search on the Louisiana Secretary of State website.
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Step 2: Select a Registered Agent
When registering an LLC in Louisiana, it is important to select a registered agent. A registered agent in Louisiana is a person or entity that is designated to receive important notices such as tax forms and government correspondence on behalf of the LLC.
In Louisiana, the registered agent must:
- Have a physical address in Louisiana
- Not be the LLC itself
- Be present at the designated address during normal business hours
It is important to note that your registered agent will be required to sign an Agent’s Affidavit and Acknowledgment of Acceptance Section when you file your LLC formation documents.
Who is Eligible to Serve as a Registered Agent in Louisiana?
A registered agent can be an individual within the company, such as the owner or an employee, or even a friend or family member. Alternatively, you can choose to hire a registered agent service to fulfill this role.
Step 3: File the Articles of Organization and Initial Report
To officially form your LLC, you need to file Articles of Organization and Initial Report with the Louisiana Secretary of State. You can complete this filing online or by submitting this form by mail or in person.
The filing fee is $100.
We recommend that you prepare the following details:
- Your LLC’s name and address
- Your registered agent’s name, address, and signature
- The purpose of your LLC’s formation
- Your LLC’s duration
- All LLC member’s names and addresses
What Is an Initial Report?
In Louisiana, LLCs are required to submit an Initial Report along with their Articles of Organization. This document provides information on your LLC’s address, registered agent, and members. If all LLCs members aren’t able to be listed on the Initial Report, businesses must file a Supplemental Initial Report to update the filing.
Quick Note: If your business is already established in another state, you will need to register as a Louisiana Foreign LLC. This can be done online or by submitting these forms online, by mail, or in person. The filing fee is $150.
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
In Louisiana, creating an operating agreement for your LLC is not a legal requirement, however, it can be extremely beneficial for your LLC to draft one.
An operating agreement outlines the internal workings of your company, including ownership percentages, meeting procedures, and member roles. Having this document in place can help prevent disputes among members and clarify expectations.
Step 5: Obtain an EIN and Handle Taxes
Next, you need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This is similar to a social security number for your business, allowing the IRS to identify your LLC for tax reporting purposes.
An EIN also allows you to complete important tasks for your LLC such as hiring employees and opening a business bank account.
You can obtain an EIN for free on the IRS website.
This is also a good chance to address any tax obligations your business may have. Visit the Louisiana Department of Revenue website to learn about additional tax requirements specific to your LLC.
Step 6: File a Beneficial Ownership Information Report
After you register an LLC in Louisiana, you must submit a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with the US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
New LLCs must file the report within 90 days of formation, while existing LLCs must complete the filing between January 1st, 2024, and January 1st, 2025.
Failure to do so will result in a $500 per day fine.
The report can be filed for free online on the FinCEN website.
Next Steps
- Open a business bank account to keep your personal and business finances separate. This will help protect your personal assets in case of any legal issues or debts incurred by the business. Open an account with Lili in just minutes.
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- Apply for any necessary licenses and permits required by the state of Louisiana to operate your LLC legally. You can find information on the specific requirements through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s business license checklist.
- File your annual report with the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office to maintain your LLC’s good standing. Learn more on the Louisiana GeauxBiz website.
- Obtain business insurance to protect your business. General liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and personal liability insurance are the most common policies to secure early on. We recommend Next Insurance for fast, affordable coverage.
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Additional Tips for Success
- Stay compliant: Once your LLC is registered, make sure to stay compliant with all ongoing requirements, such as filing annual reports and paying state fees. Failure to do so can result in penalties or even the dissolution of your LLC.
- Seek professional guidance: If you are unsure about any aspect of registering an LLC in Louisiana, consider seeking professional guidance from an attorney or a business consultant. They can provide valuable insights and ensure that you complete the registration process correctly.
- Plan for the future: Map out the goals and ambitions of your company to ensure you’re hitting important milestones.
Conclusion
Louisiana is a great state to register your LLC. By following the proper steps and requirements, you can ensure a smooth formation process and set your business up for success. Remember to conduct thorough research and diligently follow the steps outlined in the registration process to make sure everything is done correctly. By taking the time to register your LLC properly in Louisiana, you can start your business on the right foot.