How to Register an LLC in Louisiana: 2025 Guide for Entrepreneurs

Starting a business is an exciting journey, and for many entrepreneurs, forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a preferred path. An LLC provides flexibility, personal liability protection, and tax advantages, making it a popular choice for small and medium-sized businesses. If you’re planning to start an LLC in Louisiana, you’re in luck—Louisiana offers a straightforward process for business formation, along with plenty of support and resources for new entrepreneurs.

Creating an LLC in Louisiana can seem daunting at first, but with the right information and a step-by-step approach, you can navigate the process with ease. Whether you’re launching a local service business, opening a retail shop, or starting a consulting firm, an LLC is a great choice for many types of businesses due to its ability to protect your personal assets from business debts and liabilities. Additionally, it offers pass-through taxation, which can simplify your tax filings.

In this guide, we will take you through the essential steps to form an LLC in Louisiana in 2025. From choosing your LLC name to filing the necessary paperwork and obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN), we will cover everything you need to know to get your business up and running. Plus, we’ll provide helpful tips along the way to ensure you avoid common mistakes and stay compliant with state laws.

Whether you’re a first-time business owner or a seasoned entrepreneur, this guide will give you the tools and knowledge to form an LLC in Louisiana confidently. Let’s dive into the details and set you on the right path to launching your LLC in Louisiana!

Let’s dive in!

Cost to file an LLC in Louisiana:

Expense	Cost
Filing Articles of Organization	$100
Registered Agent	Varies ($100 – $300/year)
Operating Agreement (optional)	Free (if done yourself) or varies (if using a lawyer)
Annual Report	$30 (due annually)

Steps to Forming an LLC in Louisiana

Step 1: Search Your LLC Name

Before you can file the necessary paperwork to form your LLC, you need to choose a unique name. In Louisiana, as in any state, the name of your LLC must be distinguishable from other business entities that are already registered in the state.

The name of your LLC must also comply with Louisiana state regulations. It must include one of the following phrases or abbreviations:

“Limited Liability Company”
“L.L.C.”
“LLC”

Additionally, you must avoid using words that are restricted or that imply your LLC is part of a regulated industry. For example, terms like “bank,” “insurance,” or “attorney” may be off-limits unless you meet specific licensing requirements for that profession.

To check whether your desired LLC name is available, you’ll need to conduct a business name search. Fortunately, the Louisiana Secretary of State offers an online search tool that allows you to check if your business name is already in use.

Additional Tips for Naming Your LLC:

It’s wise to check the availability of a domain name for your business website. If you plan to build an online presence, having a matching domain name will help you build brand consistency.
Consider social media availability as well. Having consistent handles across platforms is important for marketing and customer engagement.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

In Louisiana, like in other states, every LLC is required to designate a Registered Agent. A Registered Agent is an individual or company that acts as the official point of contact for your LLC. They receive legal documents, notices from the state, and other important communications on behalf of your LLC.

Your LLC must have a Registered Agent with a physical address in Louisiana (P.O. Boxes are not acceptable), and the agent must be available to receive documents during normal business hours.

There are three options for selecting a Registered Agent:

Self-Designation: You can act as your own Registered Agent if you have a physical address in Louisiana and can make yourself available during regular business hours to receive legal documents.
Appoint a Friend or Family Member: You can appoint someone you trust who meets the requirements to be your Registered Agent.
Hire a Professional Registered Agent Service: Many LLC owners choose to hire a professional Registered Agent service. These companies specialize in handling legal and government documents, and their services typically include privacy protection and compliance reminders.

If you decide to go with a professional service, you may want to consider using a service like Northwest Registered Agent, which is popular for its affordable pricing and high level of customer service.

Step 3: File Articles of Organization and Initial Report

The next step in forming your LLC in Louisiana is to file the Articles of Organization. This document is the official paperwork that registers your LLC with the state. You must submit the Articles of Organization to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office, along with the filing fee. You’ll also need to submit an Initial Report at the same time.

To file your Articles of Organization, you have the option to submit them online through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website, or you can mail in the forms. Filing online is the fastest option and typically takes about 3-5 business days for processing.

Key Information You’ll Need to Provide in the Articles of Organization:

The name of your LLC.
The physical address of your LLC.
The name and address of your Registered Agent.
The management structure of your LLC (whether it is member-managed or manager-managed).
The names and addresses of your LLC’s members or managers.

Filing Fee:

The filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $100.

Once filed, your LLC will officially be recognized by the state, and you’ll receive a Certificate of Formation.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

Although Louisiana doesn’t require LLCs to have an Operating Agreement, creating one is highly recommended. An Operating Agreement is a legal document that outlines the ownership structure and operating procedures of your LLC. It serves as an internal document that helps to avoid disputes and ensures that everyone involved understands their roles and responsibilities.

Your Operating Agreement will address several important topics, such as:

Ownership percentages of members.
Distribution of profits and losses.
Responsibilities of LLC members or managers.
Procedures for adding or removing members.
How decisions are made within the LLC.

Even if you’re the sole owner of the LLC, it’s a good idea to create an Operating Agreement. This helps reinforce your LLC’s legal status as a separate entity and can prevent future complications with taxes or legal issues.

Step 5: Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Once your LLC is officially formed, the next step is to get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This unique number is used to identify your business for federal tax purposes. An EIN is necessary for:

Opening a business bank account.
Filing taxes.
Hiring employees.

You can apply for an EIN for free directly on the IRS website. The process is quick and can be completed entirely online. Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive your EIN immediately.

Step 6: Register for State Taxes and Permits

Depending on your business activities, you may be required to register for state taxes and obtain specific licenses or permits. For example, if you plan to sell goods or services in Louisiana, you may need to register for sales tax with the Louisiana Department of Revenue. Additionally, certain professions and industries require specialized permits or licenses.

It’s essential to check whether your business needs any specific permits or licenses to legally operate in Louisiana. You can contact the Louisiana Department of Revenue or use the Louisiana GeauxBiz portal to determine what is required for your business type.

What to Do After Your LLC Is Approved

Once your LLC is officially approved, there are several important tasks you’ll need to take care of to keep your business in good standing with the state.

File Your Annual Report

In Louisiana, all LLCs are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State. This report keeps your LLC’s information up to date in the state’s records. The annual report is due every year in the month that corresponds with the month your LLC was formed.

The filing fee for the Annual Report is $30, and you can file it online through the GeauxBiz portal. Be sure to file your Annual Report on time to avoid penalties or the risk of your LLC being administratively dissolved.

Pay Your LLC’s State Taxes

As an LLC in Louisiana, you’ll be required to pay state income taxes, along with any other applicable business taxes. Louisiana imposes a state income tax on LLCs, but the good news is that LLCs are generally considered pass-through entities, meaning that the LLC itself doesn’t pay income taxes. Instead, the profits and losses “pass through” to the members, who report them on their individual tax returns.

However, if your LLC elects to be taxed as an S Corporation or C Corporation, you may be subject to different tax requirements. Be sure to consult with an accountant or tax advisor to ensure that your LLC is complying with all state and federal tax obligations.

Maintain Your LLC’s Good Standing

To keep your LLC in good standing in Louisiana, you must continue to meet all ongoing compliance requirements. This includes filing your Annual Report on time, paying taxes, and keeping your contact information up to date with the Secretary of State. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in penalties, and in some cases, the administrative dissolution of your LLC.

Conclusion

Starting an LLC in Louisiana is a relatively simple process when you follow the steps outlined in this guide. From choosing a unique name to filing the necessary documents and getting an EIN, each step is an important part of getting your business up and running. By understanding the requirements and maintaining compliance, you can successfully establish and grow your LLC in Louisiana.

Whether you’re starting a small local business or planning to scale, Louisiana’s LLC structure offers the flexibility, liability protection, and tax advantages that many entrepreneurs seek. Just be sure to stay organized, file your reports on time, and keep track of any ongoing obligations to ensure the success and longevity of your LLC.

FAQ’s

Can I start an LLC online in Louisiana?

Yes, the process to start an LLC in Louisiana can be done online through the GeauxBiz portal. This is the fastest and most convenient way to file your LLC paperwork.

Do I need a business license to operate in Louisiana?

It depends on your business. Certain professions and industries require licenses or permits to operate legally in Louisiana. Use the GeauxBiz portal to check if your business needs any additional licenses or permits.

Can I change my LLC’s name after it’s formed?

Yes, you can change your LLC’s name by filing an amendment with the Louisiana Secretary of State and paying the required filing fee.

How do I dissolve my LLC in Louisiana?

To dissolve your LLC in Louisiana, you must file a Certificate of Dissolution with the Secretary of State and pay any applicable fees. You should also ensure that all taxes and fees are paid before dissolving your LLC.