How To Get An Llc In Louisiana

How to Get an LLC in Louisiana

L L C members happy after starting an L L C in Louisiana

LLCs are the most popular structure for small businesses in Louisiana. That's because starting and running a limited liability company (LLC) is very simple and offers important benefits.

LLCs can protect your personal assets (car, house, savings) if something happens to your business. LLCs also offer credibility and options to save on taxes.

It's easy to form an LLC in Louisiana online yourself. Just follow these steps:

Name Your LLC
Choose a Registered Agent
File the LA Articles of Organization
Create an LLC Operating Agreement
Get an EIN

Or, you can use an online LLC service to form an LLC:

ZenBusiness ($39 + State Fees)

LegalZoom ($149 + State Fees)

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How to Get an LLC in Louisiana

Starting an LLC in Louisiana is Easy

You can start a Louisiana LLC online by registering the Louisiana Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. The cost to apply for an LLC in Louisiana is $100.

Follow our How to Get an LLC in Louisiana guide below to get started.

Steps to form an L L C in Louisiana

Step 1: Create A Name For Your Louisiana LLC

Before you register your LLC, you'll need to come up with a name. Your business name needs to be catchy for branding purposes and legitimate for legal purposes.

We go into depth on this topic in our LLC naming guide. We'll go over the basics below.

Naming Your LLC

First, brainstorm some possibilities. Use our LLC name generator to get the ideas flowing.

Next, make sure your name meets Louisiana guidelines:

it contains the words limited liability company, limited company, LLC or L.L.C.
it doesn't contain the words bank, banker, banking, savings, safe deposit, trust, trustee, building and loan, homestead, or credit union without approval
it's distinguishable from any other entity or trade name registered in Louisiana
full list of Louisiana naming guidelines

Next, do a Louisiana LLC name search with the Secretary of State to find out if your name is available in Louisiana.

If your business name is available and meets guidelines, you'll be able to register it when you file your Louisiana Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State.

Is the URL available? Before you commit 100% to a name, check to see if there's a good web domain available.

We recommend buying your domain right away because even if launching a business website isn't on your radar right now, it will be soon.

Once you register a domain name for your LLC, consider setting up a business phone system to establish credibility and enhance your customer service. Nextiva provides a plethora of useful features and a quick, easy setup. Try Nextiva.

Step 2: Appoint A Louisiana Registered Agent

When you file your Articles of Organization, you'll need to list a registered agent.

A registered agent's job is to accept legal documents like service of process and tax notices for your LLC.

Your registered agent can be a person or a registered agent service. You can act as your own registered agent, but many business owners choose to use a registered agent service.

Here are a few things to think about before you decide to act as your own registered agent:

You'll need to be available during normal (9 am - 5 pm) business hours at the address you provide
If you run your business from home, you'll have to make your personal address public
You could be served with a lawsuit in front of your family or coworkers

Step 3: File The Louisiana Articles Of Organization

It's time to officially form your LLC by filing your Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State.

You can file online with the Secretary of State or fill out a hard copy of the Louisiana Articles of Organization and initial report to mail in. The filing fee is $100.

Recommended:Now is a good time to decide if your LLC will be member-managed vs manager-managed.

You'll need to know the following information to complete each Article:

Entity Name and Address
Registered Agent Name and Address
Business Purpose
Duration of Company

For more detailed help with completing the form, visit our Louisiana Articles of Organization guide.

Mail Your Articles of Organization and Initial Report:

Send the form and payment (payable to the Secretary of State) to:

State of Louisiana Secretary of State
P.O. Box 94125
Baton Rouge, LA 70804

How long does it take to get an LLC approved? LLC Processing time is about 2 to 3 business days, but this can be expedited for a fee.

Step 4: Create A Louisiana LLC Operating Agreement

Creating aLouisianaLLC operating agreement is the only way to legally lock down your LLC's management and ownership structure. Having this document in place will give you something to return to if a dispute or lawsuit arises.

Even single-member LLCs benefit from having an operating agreement.

Your operating agreement should outline the following:

Each member's responsibilities
How new members will be admitted
How existing members may transfer or terminate their membership
How profits and dividends will be distributed

You can add as many provisions as you want, as long as they don't conflict with Louisiana business law. Take a look at our What is an Operating Agreement guide to learn more.

Download a template or create a custom Free Operating Agreement using our tool.

Step 5: Get an EIN

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like a Social Security number (SSN) for your company. The IRS and the State of Louisiana will use this number to track your business activity.

Note:If you are filing your LLC online, getting an EIN is included in the registration process on geauxBIZ.gov.

Your EIN will come in handy when it's time to:

Open a business bank account
File Federal and State taxes
Hire employees

Thebest way to get an EIN for your LLC in Louisiana is by using the free online application on the IRS website.

Read our Get an EIN guide for instructions.

Steps After Forming an LLC

Need Help Forming an LLC?

Read our Best LLC Services review to learn more about pricing and packages.

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