How to Start an LLC in Louisiana

Step 1: Name your Louisiana LLC

Choosing a company name is the first and most important step of starting an LLC in Louisiana. Be sure to choose a name that complies with Louisiana naming requirements and is easily searchable by potential clients.

1. Follow the naming guidelines:

• Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
• Your name cannot include words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
• Restricted words (e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your LLC.

For a complete list of naming rules in Louisiana, you can read the State Legislature's naming conventions.

2. Is the name available in Louisiana? Make sure the name you want isn't already taken by doing a name search on the State of Louisiana website.

To learn more about searching for a Louisiana LLC name, read our full guide.

3. Are you registering your LLC online? If you are registering your LLC online, you'll need to reserve your name first. We will cover this topic in Step 3.

4. Is the URL available? We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to make a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.

We reviewed and ranked the best LLC services. Find out which is best for you.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Louisiana

You are required to nominate a Louisiana registered agent for your Louisiana LLC.

What is a Registered Agent? A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important legal documents on behalf of your business. Think of your registered agent as your business's point of contact with the state.

Who can be a Registered Agent? A Registered Agent must be a resident of Louisiana or a corporation, such as a registered agent service, authorized to transact business in Louisiana. You may elect an individual within the company including yourself.

Step 3: File the Louisiana LLC Articles of Organization

To register your Louisiana LLC, you'll need to file the Articles of Organization with the Louisiana Secretary of State. You can apply online, by mail, by fax, or in person.

Now is a good time to determine whether your LLC will be member-managed vs. manager-managed.

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

If you’re expanding your existing LLC to the State of Louisiana, you will need to form a foreign LLC.

Step 4: Create a Louisiana LLC Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is not required in Louisiana, but it's a good practice to have one.

What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read our Louisiana LLC operating agreement guide.

Step 5: Get an EIN

You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify a business entity and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. It is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.

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

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number is required for the following:

• To open a business bank account for the company
• For federal and state tax purposes
• To hire employees for the company

Where do I get an EIN? An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.

FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: You do not need an SSN to get an EIN. Learn more here.

Step 6: File the Annual Report

Louisiana requires LLCs to file an annual report with the Louisiana Secretary of State. This can be done online.

Step 7: Keep Your Company Compliant

Louisiana LLC Business Permits & Licenses

Do I need business licenses and permits?

To operate your LLC you must comply with federal, state, and local government regulations. For example, restaurants likely need health permits, building permits, signage permits, etc.

The details of business licenses and permits vary from state to state. Make sure you read carefully. Don't be surprised if there are short classes required as well.

Fees for business licenses and permits will vary depending on what sort of license you are seeking to obtain.

Find out how to obtain necessary licenses and permits for your business or have a professional service do it for you:

• Business License Guide: Use our detailed Louisiana Business License guide.
• Federal: Use the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) guide.
• State: Visit the Louisiana Secretary of State website.
• Local: Contact your local county clerk and ask about local licenses and permits.

Louisiana LLC Tax Filing Requirements

In order to keep your business in good standing, it's important to stay up to date on your Louisiana LLC Taxes.

Depending on the nature of your business, you may be required to register for one or more forms of state tax.

Louisiana Sales Tax

If you are selling a physical product, you’ll typically need to register for a seller's permit through the Louisiana Department of Revenue website.

This certificate allows a business to collect sales tax on taxable sales.

Sales tax, also called "Sales and Use Tax," is a tax levied by states, counties, and municipalities on business transactions involving the exchange of certain taxable goods or services.

Read our Louisiana sales tax guide to find out more.

Louisiana Employer Taxes

If you have employees in Louisiana, you will have to register for Unemployment Insurance Tax through the Louisiana Workforce Commission on behalf of your employees. Employers will also need to sign up for Employee Withholding Tax through the Louisiana Department of Revenue.

Federal LLC Tax Filing Requirements

Most LLCs will need to report their income to the IRS each year using:

• Form 1065 Partnership Return (most multi-member LLCs use this form)
• Form 1040 Schedule C (most single-member LLCs use this form)

How you pay yourself as an owner will also affect your federal taxes. Visit our guide to learn more about how to pay yourself from your LLC.

Hiring Employees in Louisiana

If you plan to hire employees, stay compliant with the law by following these steps:

• Verify that new employees are able to work in the US
• Report employees as "new hires" to the State
• Provide workers' compensation insurance for employees
• Withhold employee taxes
• Print workplace compliance posters and place them in visible areas of your workspace

Find out more from the Louisiana Workforce Commission.

Common Questions About Louisiana LLCs

Louisiana Business Resources

Get Help Starting a Business in Louisiana

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State of Louisiana Quick Links

• Louisiana Secretary of State Start a Business
• Louisiana LLC Statutes