How to Start an LLC in Louisiana

Why Create a Louisiana LLC?

The state offers numerous business incentives, provided your LLC meets certain criteria. For example, a $1,000 or $3,500 tax credit for every certified net, new job created, or a rebate of up to 6 percent on annual payroll expenses for up to 10 years. These kinds of programs make Louisiana a great place to form your LLC.

For most Louisiana entrepreneurs, the fastest and easiest way to start a business is to create a Louisiana limited liability company (LLC), an entity ideal for startups and small- to medium-sized businesses. It gives you the advantages and protections that larger Louisiana corporations benefit from, but with simplified rules and regulations.

If an LLC isn't the right entity for the type of business you're starting, you may want to consider forming a Louisiana Corporation instead.

The benefits of starting a Louisiana LLC:

• Protects your personal assets from your business liability and debts

• Easy tax filing and potential advantages for tax treatment

• Quick and simple filing, management, compliance, regulation and administration

• Low cost to file (Just $100)

Learn more about the advantages of an LLC business structure.

In this guide, you’ll find information on naming your LLC, getting a Registered Agent, the fees you’ll need to pay, Louisiana business taxes and much more. We also cover what you'll need to register and file your LLC, and how you'll interact with the Louisiana Secretary of State.

How to Form a Louisiana LLC Yourself in 6 Steps

1

Choose a Unique Business Name and Complete a Lousiana Business Search

You’ll need a distinctive and original name for your LLC that’s not used by any other business in the state. If you’re having trouble coming up with a name, try using Incfile’s Business Name Generator to brainstorm ideas. You'll need to follow a few naming rules, which you can read about in detail on the Louisiana Business Names page.

Once you’ve chosen a name, you’ll need to make sure it’s available in Louisiana. To find out whether another company in the state is using your chosen business name, use our tool to do a business name search. You can also carry out a name search on the Louisiana Secretary of State website.

2

Provide an Official Address for Your LLC

Whether it’s an office building, a home (if the company is run from a residence) or any other physical location, every LLC in Louisiana must have a designated street address. It can be outside the state, but it cannot be a P.O. box.

You can file your Louisiana Articles of Organization online with the Secretary of State geauxBIZ online business portal, mail a form to the Office of the Secretary of State or have Incfile do it on your behalf. The Louisiana LLC filing fee is $100.

You only need to file your Articles of Organization once, but every year after, you'll need to file an annual report. This is also something Incfile can remind you to do, or we can do it for you.

What are the fees and requirements to form a business in Louisiana?

Other Louisiana LLC Types

Foreign LLC

If your business is already operating in another state and expanding to Louisiana—or vice versa—you’ll need to form a Foreign LLC.

Learn more about Louisiana Foreign LLC registration.

Professional LLC

Some states allow certain types of businesses to form Professional Limited Liability Companies (PLLCs). This type of LLC will typically require members to be licensed, and impose other specialized requirements as well.

Unlike what is available in other states, there is no Louisiana PLLC option. Instead, groups of licensed professionals, such as attorneys, architects, engineers and physicians can choose to form a Professional Corporation.

Learn more about PLLC vs. LLC and which one is right for your business.

Helpful Resources from the State of Louisiana