Belle Wong is a freelance writer specializing in small business, personal finance, banking, and tech/SAAS. She spends her spare moments testing out the latest productivity apps and plotting her latest novel. Connect with Belle on LinkedIn or Twitter.
Belle Wong, J.D. ContributorBelle Wong is a freelance writer specializing in small business, personal finance, banking, and tech/SAAS. She spends her spare moments testing out the latest productivity apps and plotting her latest novel. Connect with Belle on LinkedIn or Twitter.
Written By Belle Wong, J.D. ContributorBelle Wong is a freelance writer specializing in small business, personal finance, banking, and tech/SAAS. She spends her spare moments testing out the latest productivity apps and plotting her latest novel. Connect with Belle on LinkedIn or Twitter.
Belle Wong, J.D. ContributorBelle Wong is a freelance writer specializing in small business, personal finance, banking, and tech/SAAS. She spends her spare moments testing out the latest productivity apps and plotting her latest novel. Connect with Belle on LinkedIn or Twitter.
ContributorCassie is a deputy editor collaborating with teams around the world while living in the beautiful hills of Kentucky. Focusing on bringing growth to small businesses, she is passionate about economic development and has held positions on the boards of.
Cassie is a deputy editor collaborating with teams around the world while living in the beautiful hills of Kentucky. Focusing on bringing growth to small businesses, she is passionate about economic development and has held positions on the boards of.
Written ByCassie is a deputy editor collaborating with teams around the world while living in the beautiful hills of Kentucky. Focusing on bringing growth to small businesses, she is passionate about economic development and has held positions on the boards of.
Cassie is a deputy editor collaborating with teams around the world while living in the beautiful hills of Kentucky. Focusing on bringing growth to small businesses, she is passionate about economic development and has held positions on the boards of.
Brette Sember, J.D. contributorBrette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that.
Brette Sember, J.D. contributorBrette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that.
Brette Sember, J.D. contributorBrette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that.
Brette Sember, J.D. contributorBrette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that.
Updated: Jul 16, 2024, 8:02am
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When it comes to new business formation, Louisiana is in the midst of a very busy period. From January 2021 until now, the state received tens of thousands of new business applications. A growing number of entrepreneurs are taking advantage of this new economic boom, including those seeking to set up Louisiana LLCs. Creating a limited liability company (LLC) in Louisiana or elsewhere is usually straightforward, but there are some crucial details you need to know. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to start an LLC in Louisiana in 2024, from start to finish.
Prior to filing your LLC forms, there are a few items you will want and need to take care of. Some are required, while others will help your new business to thrive. These steps are discussed in the following sections.
Business owners in the following parishes must file available business documents online through the state’s geauxBIZ portal: Ascension, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafayette, Livingston, Orleans, Ouachita, Rapides, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Terrebonne. Business owners in other parishes have the option to file either online or by paper.
Online filings are done through geauxBIZ, Louisiana’s one-stop portal for a variety of state business registrations. The steps for filing differ based on whether you choose to file online or want to go with a paper filing (we’ll cover both options below).
Selecting the right name for your Louisiana LLC isn’t just a creative endeavor or all about branding: It’s a critical step that involves meeting state regulations, ensuring availability and even looking ahead to establishing your online presence.
Louisiana LLC Naming Rules
When choosing a name for your Louisiana LLC, you’ll need to meet certain requirements:
You’ll also need to make sure the name you choose isn’t already being used or reserved by another business—if it is, your paperwork will be rejected, even if you’ve met all of the naming rules listed above.
Here’s how to make sure the name you’ve chosen is available before you start your paperwork:
You should also do a trademark search to make sure you aren’t using a trademarked term in your name.
Reserving Your LLC Name
If you plan to file your LLC formation documents in paper form and want to make sure your business name remains available, you have the option to submit a form to reserve the name for 120 days for a standard filing fee of $25 (or $30 for 24-hour expedited service and $50 for two- to four-hour priority processing). Be sure to make checks or money orders payable to the “Secretary of State,” and send completed documents to the Commercial Division, P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125.
Walk-in service for paper filing is also available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 8585 Archives Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (located in the building behind the Louisiana State Archives). The fee options are the same as those noted above, but if you opt for the $50 priority processing, your papers will be processed while you wait.
If you plan to file your LLC formation documents using the state’s online geauxBIZ portal, you are required to file a name reservation. The fee for this is $25, but you also need to pay a $5 electronic commerce fee.
Buy a Web Domain (Optional)
If you do not already have one, it’s a good idea to take the time to buy a web domain name that matches (or is a close match to) your company name. You may even want to search for domain names at the same time as you’re choosing your LLC name, to make sure an appropriate domain name is available.
While it can be difficult to purchase a domain name with a .com extension that matches your chosen LLC name, there are now many different domain extensions available. Domain registration is inexpensive and it ensures you’ll have the URL you want when you get ready to set up a company website.
Step 3: Assign a Registered Agent
By law, your LLC requires a Louisiana registered agent. Agents receive any legal or official documents, such as annual renewal forms, on behalf of your company. You or an LLC member can be appointed to the role, provided you are a Louisiana resident who is at least 18 and has a physical Louisiana address.
You can also hire a company that’s registered in Louisiana to provide registered agent services. The price range is between $49 and $300 on average.
Many businesses require a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), which can be obtained for free at the IRS website. Single-member LLCs, however, don’t need EINs, as their owners can use their Social Security numbers (SSNs) instead.
Even if your LLC doesn’t need an EIN, it’s still a good idea to get one. In addition to the extra privacy and security of using an EIN on various business forms, most banks require LLCs to have an EIN to open a business bank account.
To finalize the formation of your Louisiana LLC, you need to complete and submit the Articles of Organization (Form 365). This form also includes your LLC’s Initial Report—you must complete this as well and file it with the Articles of Organization.
What To Include in Your Louisiana Articles of Organization
The Articles of Organization serve as the legal blueprint for your LLC. At a minimum, you’ll need to include:
Depending on the needs of your LLC, you can include any other necessary provisions. You need to have the document signed before a notary.
Where To Submit the Articles of Organization
For paper filings, submit your Articles of Organization and Initial Report by mail to:
Commercial Division
PO Box 94125
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125
If you’re filing online via geauxBIZ, you’ll convert your name reservation to an LLC filing via the portal.
What To Include in the Initial Report
Your filing won’t be valid without your LLC’s Initial Report, which can also be found in Form 365. You need to include the following information:
The Initial Report must be signed by each person who signed the articles of organization. It also includes an Agent’s Affidavit and Acknowledgement of Acceptance, which must be signed by your registered agent before a notary.
If you haven’t selected your first managers or members at the time you file your Articles of Organization and Initial Report, you need to complete and file a Supplemental Initial Report (Form 366) once they’ve been selected.
Foreign or Out-of-State Entities
If your LLC is a foreign or out-of-state entity, you need to file an Application for Authority to Transact Business in Louisiana (Form 972) and include certificates of existence and good standing from the jurisdiction your LLC was formed in.
