Filing the Articles of Incorporation is a critical step in starting a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit in Louisiana. Whether you have been running a charity for a while or are just starting out, your nonprofit organization will need to fill out the Articles of Incorporation and file them with the State of Louisiana. This will allow you to file for 501(c)(3) status and reap the benefits of having an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
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Starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Louisiana is easy, just follow these easy steps to file the Louisiana Articles of Incorporation:
If you are starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Louisiana, you have come to the right place. After reading the comprehensive guide for Louisiana nonprofit formation, follow this guide to file the Louisiana Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State.
What is covered in this guide:
Information you will need to file the Louisiana Articles of Incorporation
To become a nonprofit corporation in Louisiana you must file the Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State.
Here are the sections that you will need to complete.
Section 1: Name
Enter the name you have selected.
For help with selecting a name for your nonprofit read our comprehensive guide on how to name a Louisiana nonprofit.
Section 2: Purpose
Attach a document describing the purpose of your nonprofit organization.
In order to qualify for 501(c)(3) status, the organization’s purpose must explicitly be limited to one or more of the following:
- Charitable
- Religious
- Educational
- Scientific
- Literary
- Testing for public safety
- Fostering national/international amateur sports competition
- Preventing cruelty to animals/children
NOTE: You can read the IRS guidelines to learn more.
Section 3: Duration
If your organization is planning to be in existence for a fixed amount of time, put the end date here.
Most organizations are not started with an end date in mind. If this is the case for your nonprofit, write ‘perpetual’.
Section 5: Registered Office
Enter the address of the office of your organization.
Section 6: Registered Agent
Enter the full name and address of the registered agent you have appointed.
For more information read our guide: What is a registered agent? And The Louisiana Registered Agent Guide.
Section 7: Incorporator
An incorporator is any person filing the Articles of Incorporation for an organization. This may be you or a lawyer helping you with the process.
Section 8: Board of Directors
The organizer, commonly known as the incorporator, is the person who completes, signs and submits the certification of formation. This person does not need to be a part of your organization. This can be you or a lawyer helping you with the process of formation.
Section 9: Other Provisions
Use this space to include provisions ensuring that in the event your organization is dissolved, the assets of the organization will be used towards tax exempt purposes.
Section 5 of this sample document provides an example of these provisions required for 501(c)(3) eligibility.
Section 10: Execution
When you sign and date the form as an incorporator you are affirming everything written in the form.
Your registered agent must sign acknowledging that they have consented to act as the registered agent for the organization.
You will also need the form to be signed by a Notary Public affirming that they have witnessed the signatures on the form.
How to file the Louisiana Articles of Incorporation
You can file the Articles of Incorporation in one of three ways: online, by mail, or in-person.
Online:
File the Articles of Incorporation through the Secretary of State's online portal.
By mail:
Submit the Articles of Incorporation to the following address:
Secretary of State
P.O. Box 94125
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125
In person:
Submit the Articles of Incorporation at the following address:
8585 Archives Ave
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Louisiana Nonprofit Formation FAQ
How much does it cost to file the Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana?
The standard fee is $75. Processing can be expedited to 24 hours for an additional $30. An expedite fee of $50 will ensure that your paperwork is processed within 2-4 hours.
How do I contact the Department of Financial Institutions for more information?
You can call for information at (225) 925-4704 or visit them at their website.