Quick facts about forming a Louisiana LLC
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Filing Fee | $125 (online or by mail) |
| Credit card convenience fee | $5 (charged by the state on card payments) |
| Processing Time | Online filings are usually faster than mail; expedited processing is available. |
| Annual Report Fee | $35, filed within 30 days before the LLC’s anniversary date |
| Registered Agent Required | Yes, must have a physical address in Louisiana |
| State Franchise Tax | None. Louisiana repealed its corporation franchise tax for tax periods beginning on or after January 1, 2026. |
| Business License | No statewide license, but local permits or occupational licenses may apply |
| Managing Authority | Louisiana Secretary of State, Commercial Division |
Under Act 921 of 2026, the Articles of Organization fee rose to $125 and the annual report fee to $35, effective October 1, 2026.
Forming an LLC in Louisiana is one of the smartest moves you can make to protect your personal assets, build business credibility, and unlock tax flexibility. Whether you’re launching a new venture in New Orleans, Lafayette, or anywhere else in the state, Tailor Brands makes the entire process of forming an LLC easy, fast, and stress-free, so you can focus on building your business instead of getting stuck in paperwork.
How to form an LLC in Louisiana
Starting an LLC in Louisiana follows a few key steps. Here’s what you need to know to get it done the right way:
- Name your Louisiana LLC
- Choose a registered agent
- File articles of organization
- Submit an Initial Report
- Create an operating agreement
- Apply for an EIN
Below, you’ll find a detailed explanation to walk you through each step and a video overview.
Step 1: Choose a name for your LLC
Your LLC’s name must be distinguishable from all other businesses registered in Louisiana and must include a designator like “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” “L.L.C.” or “L.C.” Certain words (like “bank,” “engineer,” or “insurance”) require special approval, so it’s important to check Louisiana’s naming rules carefully.
You can run a Louisiana business entity search through the Secretary of State’s database to confirm your name is available before filing. If you plan to do business under a different name, learn how to register a Louisiana DBA.
Step 2: Appoint a registered agent
Every LLC is required to designate a Louisiana registered agent, an individual or service authorized to accept official documents on your behalf. Your registered agent must have a physical address (not just a P.O. Box) in Louisiana. An individual agent must be a Louisiana resident.
Choosing a professional registered agent service, like Tailor Brands offers, can ensure you never miss important deadlines or legal notices.
Step 3: File articles of organization
The Articles of Organization officially create your LLC. You’ll submit this document to the Louisiana Secretary of State online or by mail. It includes basic information about your business, like its name, principal office address, and registered agent information.
The Louisiana LLC filing fee is $125 for the Articles of Organization and Initial Report, which are filed together, and is paid to the Secretary of State.
Step 4: Submit an initial report
In Louisiana, your Initial Report must be filed alongside your Articles of Organization. This report lists the names and addresses of your LLC’s managers or members and your registered agent.
Skipping this step could delay your LLC’s approval, so it’s important to complete it correctly.
Step 5: Create an operating agreement
Louisiana doesn’t require an operating agreement. Under state law it can be written or oral, but a single-member LLC’s operating agreement must be in writing, and it isn’t filed with the Secretary of State. Creating a written Louisiana LLC operating agreement is still highly recommended. This internal document outlines how your LLC will be managed, how profits and losses will be distributed, and how decisions will be made among members.
Having an Operating Agreement can also strengthen your LLC’s limited liability protection by showing your business is being operated formally.
Step 6: Apply for an EIN
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required if your LLC has employees or more than one member, and most banks ask for this nine-digit number before you can open a business bank account.
You can get an EIN for free through the IRS website, or Tailor Brands can help you apply for an EIN during the formation process.
Louisiana LLC fees and requirements
Starting and maintaining your Louisiana LLC involves a few important costs (see all Louisiana LLC costs in detail here):
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Articles of Organization Filing | $125 |
| Credit card convenience fee | $5 |
| Initial Report Filing | Included with Articles of Organization |
| Annual Report Fee | $35 per year |
| Registered Agent | $50–$300 per year (or free if you serve as your own) |
| Business Licenses | Varies based on industry and location |
A couple things to keep in mind:
- Annual Reports:
LLCs in the state must file a Louisiana LLC annual report within 30 days before their formation anniversary date each year. There’s no late fee, but an LLC that misses 3 consecutive annual reports has its articles revoked. - Louisiana State Taxes:
Louisiana does not impose a separate LLC franchise tax for standard pass-through LLCs. However, if your LLC elects corporate taxation, you may be subject to Louisiana corporate income tax. Louisiana’s corporation franchise tax was repealed for tax periods beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
What to Do After You’ve Formed a Louisiana LLC
Comply with Louisiana’s Tax Requirements
LLC tax rules and obligations vary from state to state. In Louisiana, taxation policies are generally favorable to small business owners, but it’s still essential to comply with all state and federal requirements. Missing deadlines or overlooking a filing can lead to penalties or the loss of good standing with the state.
How Your LLC Will Be Taxed
Your Louisiana LLC may be subject to several types of taxes, both at the state and federal levels. Some taxes will be passed through to members, while others are collected and remitted by your business directly.
Because most LLCs are treated as pass-through entities, profits and losses flow to members, who then report them on their personal income tax returns. However, your LLC can choose to be taxed as a corporation if that structure better suits your financial goals.
Depending on your type of business and where you operate, you may need a state or local Louisiana business license, permits, or zoning approvals. Each parish (county) and city in Louisiana may have its own rules, so it’s important to check the local requirements.
Income Tax
Louisiana does not impose a separate state-level income tax on the LLC itself unless you elect corporate taxation. Instead, profits pass through to members, who pay state income tax on their personal returns.
Louisiana has a flat 3% individual income tax (since 2025).
If your LLC chooses to be taxed as a corporation, it pays a flat 5.5% corporate income tax.
Sales Tax
Louisiana LLCs that sell goods or certain services must collect and remit state and local sales tax. The state rate is 5% (January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2029), plus parish and local taxes; combined rates often exceed 9%.
You’ll need to register for a Louisiana Sales Tax Account through the Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) and may also need to file with your parish tax office. Collected taxes must be remitted monthly or quarterly, depending on your business volume.
Self-Employment Tax
If you operate as a single-member LLC or partnership, you’ll be responsible for paying self-employment tax to cover Social Security and Medicare contributions. This rate is 15.3% of your self-employment income.
You can calculate and pay this using IRS Schedule SE when filing your federal tax return. LLC members are not considered employees, so these taxes aren’t automatically withheld from business income.
Payroll Tax
If your Louisiana LLC hires employees, you’ll need to withhold and remit payroll taxes, including federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and Louisiana state income tax.
Employers must file Form L-1 (Employer’s Quarterly Return) with the Louisiana Department of Revenue and Form 940/941 with the IRS. Deposit schedules depend on payroll size.
Other State Taxes
If your business operates across multiple states, be aware that Louisiana’s economic nexus laws may require you to collect and remit sales tax even if you don’t maintain a physical location in the state. You may have nexus if you:
- Generate more than $100,000 in gross sales into Louisiana in the current or previous year.
Obtain Relevant Business Licenses and Permits
There is no single statewide business license in Louisiana, but many parishes and cities require local occupational licenses or permits. The requirements depend on your business type and where you operate.
Examples include:
- Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) permits for businesses that sell or serve alcoholic beverages.
- Louisiana Contractors Licensing Board licenses for construction professionals.
- State Board of Cosmetology or Board of Barber Examiners licenses for personal care businesses.
- Local occupational licenses from parish or city governments, such as those in Orleans, Jefferson, or East Baton Rouge Parish.
Because Louisiana regulations can vary widely by parish, it’s best to check with your local city hall or parish clerk’s office to confirm requirements before opening your business. For typical fees, see our guide to Louisiana business license costs.
Understand Your Ongoing Annual LLC Fees
In Louisiana, all LLCs must file an annual report each year within 30 days before their formation anniversary date. The annual report filing fee is $35 (a $5 convenience fee applies to card payments), and you can easily complete this online through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s geauxBIZ portal.
An LLC that misses 3 consecutive annual reports has its articles revoked, so it’s important to mark your calendar for renewal each year.
Open a Separate Business Bank Account
To maintain your LLC’s liability protection, keep your business finances completely separate from your personal accounts. Mixing funds, known as commingling, can lead to legal and financial risks and potentially “pierce the corporate veil.”
Opening a dedicated business bank account helps you:
- Track income and expenses for taxes
- Simplify bookkeeping and reporting
- Build business credit
- Preserve your personal liability protection
When opening your account, you’ll typically need to provide:
- Your Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- A copy of your Articles of Organization
- Your Operating Agreement (if you have one)
Next steps: if you’re looking for funding, explore Louisiana small business grants. And if you ever decide to close your business, here’s how to dissolve a Louisiana LLC.
FAQ
It costs $125 to file your Articles of Organization with the Louisiana Secretary of State, either online or by mail.
Online filings are usually faster than mail, and expedited processing is available.
Yes, every Louisiana LLC must have a registered agent with a physical address in the state to receive legal and official documents.
Louisiana doesn’t require an operating agreement. It can be written or oral (a single-member LLC’s must be in writing), and it isn’t filed with the state, but a written agreement is highly recommended to define ownership, management, and profit-sharing rules.
Yes, all Louisiana LLCs must file an annual report each year within the 30 days before their anniversary date and pay a $35 filing fee.
Louisiana repealed its corporation franchise tax for tax periods beginning on or after January 1, 2026, so LLCs (including those taxed as corporations) no longer owe it.
Yes, nonresidents can form an LLC in Louisiana as long as they appoint a registered agent with a Louisiana street address.
There is no general statewide business license in Louisiana, but many parishes and cities require local occupational licenses or permits.
