Updated on: April 25th, 2024

Price to Form LLC in Louisiana: Various Costs Revealed for Louisiana LLC

Hire Professionals to Start a Louisiana LLC for You for The Best Price

Louisiana is now seeing a surge in the number of new enterprises being established. Since January 2021, the state has received tens of thousands of new company applications. A rising number of company owners, including those wishing to create Louisiana limited liability company (LLC), are taking advantage of the current economic boom. Although forming a LLC in Louisiana or elsewhere is usually straightforward, there are a few things you should be aware of. We’ll guide you through the whole process of incorporating an LLC in Louisiana in 2022 in this document.

You may register your LLC online or via mail. Both cases have a filing fee of $100. If you submit your LLC by mail, it will be approved in 3-7 business days (unless you pay an extra $30 for fast processing). Online LLC filings take 1-2 working days to process.

This article will walk you through each stage of forming a Louisiana LLC and effectively launching your business. Save this page carefully since the operation may take many days to finish.

You may also look at our full Louisiana LLC incorporation guide here.

If you want to skip the hassle of starting a Louisiana LLC yourself, consider using professional help for the best price in the market:

Forming LLC in Louisiana: Various Costs

DescriptionFee
Fee for Filing an LLC Online in Louisiana$100
Louisiana Annual Report Fee$30
Fee for Registered Agent$39 on its 1st yr.
Cost in Louisiana to Form a Foreign LLC$150
Reservation of Louisiana LLC Name$25
DBA (Doing Business As) Name$75
Certified Document Copies$15
Certificate of Good Standing$20

$100 – Fee for Filing an LLC Online in Louisiana

The $100 price to submit your LLC’s Articles of Organization online with the Louisiana Secretary of State is the most expensive part of incorporating an LLC.

You must submit Articles of Organization and a Certificate of Name Reservation to the Secretary of State in order to establish a Louisiana LLC. Before you can fulfill the filing requirements, you need to gather a number of pieces of information. You may get guidance from our business specialists throughout the procedure. With our Louisiana LLC Formation Service, you may launch your LLC fast and easily.

The $100 price to submit your LLC’s Articles of Organization online with the Louisiana Secretary of State is the most expensive part of incorporating an LLC.

$30 – Louisiana Annual Report Fee

Whether you’re founding a new domestic Louisiana LLC or relocating an existing firm from another state, your LLC must file Annual Reports every year. The report keeps the state informed of critical facts regarding your LLC. There are multiple filing fees for different company kinds, however filing fees for LLCs are merely $30.

The Secretary of State requires firms in most states, including Louisiana, to file an annual (or other periodic) report.

$39 on its 1st yr. – Fee for Registered Agent

Every Louisiana LLC is required to establish an agent for local service of process. This is a person or company that consents to take court documents on behalf of the LLC if it is sued. An individual who resides in Louisiana, a Louisiana individual attorney, a partnership, or a domestic or international business that is permitted to serve as a registered agent for other organizations are all acceptable candidates for the position of registered agent. The registered agent needs a real Louisiana street address.

The type of your firm may still need you to seek professional or industry-specific licenses even if Louisiana does not offer a basic state business license. This is another possible expense you’ll need to be aware of because there are several different licenses and permissions that may be relevant to your Louisiana LLC and some of them may cost you money when you apply for or renew them.

$150 – Cost in Louisiana to Form a Foreign LLC

If you currently have an LLC established in another state and want to extend your business into Louisiana, you’ll need to register it as a foreign LLC.

Let’s say you created your LLC outside of Louisiana but wish to conduct business there. If so, you should register your company as a foreign LLC. You must submit an Application of Foreign Limited Liability Company to the Secretary of State in order to be able to lawfully function as an out-of-state LLC.

The cost of forming a foreign LLC in Louisiana is $150. An Application for Authority to Transact Business in Louisiana is required to register a foreign LLC in Louisiana (Form 972).

Permits and Licenses for Businesses

Your business may require federal, state, and municipal permits/licenses to lawfully operate in Louisiana, depending on your industry and geographic area. This is true whether you create an LLC or any other sort of business entity.

Total Costs for Louisiana LLC Breakdown & Best Options

Maybe your goal is to set up an LLC in Louisiana. People believe that forming an LLC is challenging and expensive. Although normally not challenging, the price would differ between states. We have all the information you want on the price of creating an LLC, notably the price of founding an LLC in Louisiana.

Who forms the LLC?Total fees
You form the LLC in Louisiana yourself$100 ($30 Annual Report + $25 LLC Name +$20 Certificate of Good Standing)
by using ZenBusiness$49+
by using Northwest Registered Agent$39/mo
see our other top-rated LLC service providersvaries

Other Fees for Forming an LLC in Louisiana

You’ll also need to pay corporate franchise taxes, a filing fee for your articles of organization, and a name reservation charge when incorporating a Louisiana LLC. These recurring and yearly costs could also be part of your Louisiana LLC expense.

$25 – Reservation of Louisiana LLC Name

By completing Form 398 and paying the $25 filing fee, you can reserve your name for up to 120 days prior to the establishment of your LLC.

According to Louisiana law, a limited liability company’s name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or the initials “L.L.C.” or “L.C.” (The name of a low-profit SMLLC must contain the words “Low-Profit Limited Liability Company,” the abbreviation “L3C”, or the abbreviation “l3c.”)

$75 – “Doing Business As” (DBA) Name

Consider registering a DBA name if you operate your business under a name different than the legal one. In Louisiana, a company must register its DBA name with the parish clerk of court. Local registration enables customers to recognize your company. To create a name different than your official LLC business name, file an Assignment of Trade Name (Form 397) and pay the $75 filing fee.

$15 – Certified Document Copies

In Louisiana, there is a set price of $15 to receive a copy of any sort of certified document. or $25 if you ask for multiple copies of the same document.

When filing for a company bank account, credit card, or dealing with new vendors, you’ll need verified copies of legal documents like your Articles of Organization.

$20 – Certificate of Good Standing

A Louisiana certificate of good standing can be obtained by placing an order with the Secretary of State and paying a $20 fee. Banks and lending institutions frequently demand a certificate of good standing.

A Certificate of Good Standing certifies to third parties that your LLC has submitted its yearly reports and paid all required state taxes. A Certificate of Good Standing is available from the Department of Revenue or the Secretary of State. An individual certified document costs $15. The price is $25 for the entirety of the entity’s filing or for several documents filed by the same entity.


How to Form a Louisiana LLC on Your Own

LLC Louisiana is a state in the United States. To incorporate a Louisiana LLC, you must submit the Articles of Organization to the Louisiana Secretary of State for a fee of $100. You have the option of applying online or by mail. These are the only initial costs necessary for many LLCs. However, your Louisiana LLC will undoubtedly incur additional charges in the future, and there are some that are elective. Understanding how many of these fees will apply to your company is critical to determining how much it will cost to incorporate your Louisiana LLC.

The Louisiana Limited Liability Company’s Articles of Organization are the legal documents that establish the company. In Louisiana, there are five basic steps to forming an LLC:

  • Step 1: Choose a Name for your Louisiana LLC
  • Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent 
  • Step 3: File an Organization Articles
  • Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement 
  • Step 5: Obtain an Employer Identification Number 

Step 1: Choose a Name for your Louisiana LLC [Price: $25]

Name-Your-LLC

It would be a shame to submit your application just to discover that your LLC name has already been registered by someone else. You may readily prevent this by doing a simple search for business entity filings on the Secretary of State’s website.

If you wish to complete your LLC formation papers on paper and confirm that your business name is still available, you can submit a form to reserve the name for 120 days. The usual filing fee is $25; but, if you want your paperwork processed quickly—within 24 hours—you can pay an additional $30 or $50. Completed documentation can be mailed to the Commercial Division, P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125, but make checks or money orders payable to the “Secretary of State.”

If you want to use the state’s online geauxBIZ portal to submit your LLC formation papers, you must first submit a name reservation and get a federal tax ID number before submitting your LLC articles of incorporation.

When picking a business name, keep in mind that it must include the words “limited liability corporation” or the abbreviation “LLC” or “L.C.”


LOUISIANA APPLICATION FOR RESERVATION OF NAME

File Online with GeauxBiz

FILE ONLINE

– OR –

File by Mail

DOWNLOAD FORM

Fee: $25 + $30 for 24-hour filing or $50 for 2-4 hour processing (optional)

Mail to:

Commercial Division
P.O. Box 94125
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125

While choosing a name, you should undertake the following searches before deciding on the best option:

The names of all “taxable entities” in Louisiana are included in this database. Your name must be unique among all existing entities in the state.

  • Domain Name Search – In order to maintain your company’s branding online, you’ll want to be sure the name of your company is available as a URL. In many cases, the.com domain name has already been taken. If this is the case, you can try changing your name or using another TLD (.co,.net,.biz, etc.) until you find a domain name that is available. Do not skip this step. Even if you aren’t ready to start a website, you should register your domain name to prevent someone else from grabbing it up in the meanwhile.
  • Social Media Search – Depending on your sector, having a big presence on various social media platforms may be desirable or crucial for your business. Even if you don’t think you’ll use them, it’s a good idea to check Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and any other social networking networks to see whether your handle is available.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent [Price: $39 on its 1st yr.]

Registered-Agent

Every formal business in the state of Louisiana is required by law to have a registered agent. A registered agent receives all official documents from the state of Louisiana, as well as any service of process that may be served on a company in the course of a litigation. You must name a registered agent in Louisiana for your Louisiana LLC.

We’ll go over everything about what a registered agent is, what they do, and how to choose one in our Louisiana Registered Agent guide.

What is a Registered Agent in Louisiana?

A Louisiana registered agent is an individual or corporate organization that serves as your company’s point of contact for:

  • Receives all service of process for the business in any litigation from the State of Louisiana, such as the Louisiana Annual Report and certificate of good standing.
  • A registered agent is needed by law for any formal business in Louisiana, such as an LLC, corporation, or partnership.

A registered agent is an individual or corporate organization that is in charge of receiving significant legal papers on your behalf. Consider your registered agent to be your company’s point of contact with the government.

Who is eligible to serve as a Registered Agent?

A Registered Agent must be a Louisiana resident or a corporation allowed to conduct business in Louisiana, such as a registered agent service. You have the option of electing someone from your organization, including yourself.

Your LLC must have a registered agent per legal requirements. Any legal or official paperwork, including yearly renewal forms, are received by agents on your company’s behalf. If you are a resident of Louisiana, are at least 18 years old, and have a physical address in Louisiana, you or an LLC member may be appointed to the position.

Additionally, you can employ a business with a Louisiana registration to serve as your registered agent. On average, the price range is between $49 and $300.

Take into consideration that operating as your own registered agent entails making your name and address public. You will also be needed to keep normal business hours in order to receive any service or procedure in person. If this seems like something you can manage, go ahead and do it. However, if you want to go on vacation or keep your address or phone number private, a registered agent is your best choice.

The law mandates the selection of a registered agent, thus doing so is crucial. Your LLC’s registered agent will be whoever or whatever is open during regular business hours to accept any official mail on the company’s behalf. Prior to submitting your Articles of Organization, you’ll also need the contact information for your registered agent. You won’t be able to create an LLC without one. Choose carefully.


Step 3: File the Articles of Organization [Price: $100]

Articles-of-Organization

You may also wish to obtain your company’s domain name and website, which may add to your expenses. We usually urge our readers to register their domain names as soon as possible after filing the Articles of Organization since getting the URL you want for your website is critical. Getting the domain name you want is nearly as vital as acquiring your chosen LLC name these days, especially given how much business is conducted online. The cost of a domain name might vary, but in general, it should cost you $20 per year or less.

_______

GET YOUR LOUISIANA ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION FORMS

Option 1: Create an account on the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website to file your Articles of Organization. Select “Register a New Business” from the user dashboard after authenticating your new account and following the procedures.

CREATE ACCOUNT

– OR –

Option 2: Access the Articles of Organization PDF from the Louisiana Secretary of State website. This form will need to be mailed to the Louisiana Secretary of State with the filing fee.

DOWNLOAD PDF

________

Articles of Organization are finished by domestic or in-state LLC organizations. There is a $100 filing fee involved. Meanwhile, out-of-state or foreign organizations must complete an Application for Authority and pay $150. Certificates of existence and good standing issued by foreign businesses must be no more than 90 days older than the completed LLC application.

When filing by mail, there are choices for expediting; spend $30 to have your documents filed within a day, or $50 to have them processed within a few hours. You may normally anticipate that your paperwork will be processed within one to three weeks if you don’t expedite your file.

You will change your name registration to an LLC filing if you file with geauxBIZ. The IRS must first issue you an EIN, so keep that in mind.


FILE THE LOUISIANA ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION

Option 1: Log in or create an account on the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website. Then, from the user dashboard, click “Register a New Business,” fill in the needed details, and submit.

FILE ONLINE

– OR –

Option 2: The Articles of Organization PDF can be downloaded and mailed in at the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website.

DOWNLOAD PDF

State Filing Cost: $100

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

Submit In-Person:
8585 Archives Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70809


The documents aren’t divided up like they are on paper when you file online. When you submit articles online, you might not always notice the terms “transmittal form” or “first report.” However, the Secretary of State will lead you through a protracted procedure as she makes an effort to merge tax registration, Workforce Commission registration, and business registration into a single file. The cost of filing electronically is $100 plus a $5 credit card processing charge.


Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement [Price: FREE]

Operating-Agreement

An operating agreement should be in place for every Louisiana LLC owner to secure their company’s activities. While an operating agreement is not legally needed by the state, it will create clear norms and expectations for your LLC while also establishing your legitimacy as a legal company.

Operating agreements should define ownership stakes, voting rights, profit and loss allocation, and termination processes in detail. The agreement does not need to be filed, but it must be signed by all members and kept with the LLC’s other essential records.

Although it is highly recommended, an LLC operating agreement is not necessary in Louisiana. This internal document lays out how your LLC will operate. It outlines the duties and rights of the management and members, as well as how the LLC will be run. By demonstrating that your LLC is really a separate legal organization from other businesses, it can also aid in maintaining your restricted liability. If your LLC does not have an operating agreement, state LLC legislation will control its operations.

Purpose of an Operating Agreement for a Louisiana LLC

Regardless of the sort of Louisiana LLC you form, you must have an operating agreement. Here’s why:

  • The state has recommended it. Every Louisiana LLC should establish a written or oral operating agreement to manage the company’s operating operations, according to Louisiana Business Statutes Section 12:1301(16).
  • It will keep your company partners from fighting. If you’re forming a multi-member LLC, having an operating agreement in place will help you avoid misunderstandings by defining each partner’s position and obligations.
  • It aids in the preservation of your limited liability status. If you’re the only owner of a single-member LLC in Louisiana, an operating agreement will assist guarantee that your limited liability status is sustained by court authorities, as well as contribute to your company’s overall credibility.

Is it required for me to file my operating agreement with the state of Louisiana? The operational agreement, on the other hand, is a private contract that you should keep for future reference. Many states, on the other hand, require that LLCs have an operating agreement in existence.

After you’ve completed your Louisiana LLC Working Agreement

Once you’ve finished your operating agreement, you don’t need to fill it with your state. Make a copy for yourself and distribute copies to your LLC members. It is prudent to review and consider changing the operating agreement after every important business event, such as the addition or departure of a member. An amendment to your operating agreement may require the consent of some or all of the members, depending on how your operating agreement is written.

A draft of your operating agreement. It will guide the LLC through good and difficult times. In order to create an impermeable agreement, you will need to foresee some potential issues that you may face as a business owner. Most operating agreements include the following major topics: Early returns, losses, and payouts on investments; the firm is dissolved as a consequence of voting, management transfer of membership interest, and decision-making powers.

Your operating agreement can cover pretty much whatever you or the other members think is important, as long as it doesn’t violate Louisiana law or your LLC’s Articles of Organization.


Step 5: Obtain an Employer Identification Number [Price: FREE]

Employer-Identification-Number-IEN

Even if your LLC has no workers, each additional member must get their own IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN). If you establish a one-member LLC, you only need to acquire an EIN if it will employ people or if you choose to have it taxed as a corporation rather than a sole proprietorship (disregarded entity). An EIN is necessary if you submit the LLC’s articles of organization online. By submitting an online EIN application on the IRS website, you may get an EIN. There isn’t a filing charge.

Getting an EIN is included in the registration procedure on geauxBIZ.gov if you’re registering your LLC online.

You won’t apply for an EIN until after you have formally created your LLC if you intend to file your articles of organization in paper form.

The IRS website offers free EINs, which are necessary for the majority of enterprises. EINs are not necessary for single-member LLCs because the proprietor may get away with just their Social Security number (SSN). In light of this, EINs are preferred to SSNs in terms of security and privacy.

If you choose to be taxed as a corporation or recruit workers, your LLC just requires an EIN. But to create a bank account, you’ll probably need one. Additionally, not needing to provide your social security number to potential clients or total strangers is another benefit of having an EIN.

If I don’t have a Social Security number, how can I acquire an EIN?

Obtaining an EIN does not necessitate the use of a Social Security number. You can just leave section 7b blank on the IRS Form SS-4. Then, to finish your application, call the IRS at (267) 941-1099. Find out more about how to apply as an overseas student.

What is the best tax structure for my Louisiana LLC?

When you apply for an EIN, you will be told of the many tax categorization options accessible to you. The default tax status is chosen by the majority of LLCs.

Is an EIN required for my LLC?

An EIN is required for an LLC with employees or more than one member. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires this.


Steps to Take After Creating a Louisiana LLC

As we’ve already indicated, filing yearly reports is essential to maintaining an LLC in this state, and failing to file annual reports can result in severe financial penalties. Additionally, although this is an optional step, you might wish to have an annual meeting to talk about the objectives and priorities for your LLC. In Louisiana, you may begin safeguarding your LLC by taking the following tips:

1. Open a checking account for your business:

  • After you’ve done all of the requirements in the previous section, you’ll need to concentrate on keeping your LLC running smoothly. Opening a business bank account is the initial stage in this procedure. This will assist you in keeping your professional and personal costs completely separate, as well as greatly assisting you with your accounting and taxes duties.

2. Obtaining a business credit card:

  • Assists in categorizing and separating all business costs for tax purposes at the end of the year.
  • Aids in the development of your business credit score, which is a necessary step in obtaining a line of credit or a business loan in the future.
  • Allows you to keep track of department spending by giving your staff various cards (each with a different budget).

3. Hiring a business accountant:

  • Avoids overpaying taxes and helps you avoid penalties, fines, and other costly tax mistakes by hiring a company accountant.
  • Allows you to concentrate more time on your expanding business by simplifying bookkeeping and payroll.
  • Improves the management of your company’s funds by identifying areas of unanticipated loss or profit.

Employee Recruitment in Louisiana

If you want to hire staff, follow these measures to keep in compliance with the law:

  • Verify that new hires are eligible to work in the United States.
  • Employees should be reported to the state as “new hires.”
  • Employees should be covered by workers’ compensation insurance.
  • Employee taxes should be withheld.
  • Print workplace compliance posters and install them in prominent locations across your office.

What is Louisiana’s minimum wage? Louisiana’s minimum wage is $7.25 per hour.

When do I have to pay my employees? Wages must be paid at least twice a month in Louisiana.


How Much Does it Cost to Keep an LLC in Louisiana?

How much does Louisiana LLC upkeep cost? There are various options. Online filing normally takes 1-2 working days. Filing by mail may take 5-7 working days. If you need your documentation processed immediately, you can pay an expedited fee of $30 or $50. You may also request an expedited name reservation for your company for an additional fee. A commercial registered agent’s yearly fee ranges from $100 to $300.

Before incorporating an LLC in Louisiana, you must file an Application for Authority. If your LLC is headquartered outside of the nation and you wish to expand there, you must apply for a foreign authorization. If you are not a Louisiana resident, you must pay a $150 fee. You can save money on your application by submitting it online. If you have any questions, you may contact the Secretary of State.

In Louisiana, an LLC can be formed at a little cost. You may protect your personal assets and build your business while saving money on other expenditures. Annual reports cost $30, and LLC formation costs $100. There will be additional charges if you hire an attorney, such as their fees. However, these expenditures might quickly pile up, so it’s worthwhile to make the extra investment. Investing the smallest amount of money to protect your organization is undeniably valuable.

Additionally, you need to maintain thorough records of all business dealings involving your LLC. This entails keeping a record of all receipts for purchases and sales, as well as details on your staff or contractors and the job they do for your company.

After forming your LLC, you must name a registered agent. A registered agent is a person or corporation who receives legal paperwork on your behalf. This person or object might be the owner of your LLC, or you could hire a registered agent service. In any event, you must ensure that your LLC is registered with a registered agent in Louisiana. If you don’t want to spend the extra money on an agent, you may always utilize a registered agent service to handle this operation.


Louisiana LLC Costs: Frequently Asked Questions


Get Professional Help in Forming an LLC in Louisiana

It can be difficult and time-consuming to form a Louisiana LLC. It might be beneficial to have some assistance, and we’ve compiled a list of two of the top LLC creation services available.

#1 – ZenBusiness can help you form an LLC in Louisiana

ZenBusiness provides LLC creation services at a low cost and with several useful features. Most LLCs will benefit from two of these aspects. All ZenBusiness’s products include a year of complimentary registered agent service. With their Pro and Premium Packages, they offer ensure worry-free compliance. ZenBusiness will file your yearly report and notify you if there is anything further you need to do to follow the state under this assurance. For $119 per year, those with the basic package can purchase worry-free compliance.

ZenBusiness will help you form an LLC in Louisiana for $208. They have a customer satisfaction rating of 98 percent and over 4500 verified reviews.

$0 + State Fees

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Rating: 4.8/5
Review count: 4830+

ZenBusiness-new logo

Form an LLC today with ZenBusiness for only $0 + State fees. They Have 98% customer satisfaction rating and over 4830+ verified reviews.


#2 – Create an LLC in Louisiana using Northwest Registered Agent

With decades of expertise, Northwest Registered Agent is an exceptional LLC creation service. They deliver excellent, well-informed customer service. Their biggest benefit, though, is the seclusion they provide. They don’t outsource any of their services to third parties, don’t sell your information, and even build their own code.

Northwest can help you form an LLC in Louisiana right now. They have a customer satisfaction rating of 98 percent and over 4150 verified reviews. They’ll come with a complimentary year of registered agent service!

$39+State Fees

star rating image

Rating: 4.9/5
Review count: 4850+

northwest-logo

Form an LLC today with Nortwest. They have 98% customer satisfaction rating and over 4150+ verified reviews. They will include 1 year of free registered agent service!


In Conclusion

In Louisiana, you may form an LLC for as little as $100, plus the cost of a local company license. Then plan on spending $30 each year for renewal fees. That is the basic minimum.=

In reality, if you choose a commercial registered agent with yearly costs ranging from $100 to $300, you may end up paying more on company formation. Both the $25 name reservation charge and the $75 registration price for trade names, service marks, and trademarks are good investments. In addition, starting a Louisiana LLC isn’t as expensive as it seems.

In addition, starting a Louisiana LLC isn’t as expensive as it seems.
The total cost shouldn’t exceed:

  • $49 if you’re forming a basic LLC with all the basic options with ZenBusiness.
  • $39/mo if you’re forming a top-notch LLC with Northwest.
  • ~$100 if you’re forming an LLC yourself.

A Louisiana LLC will thus cost you between $100 and $500. It’s a wonderful offer for a business structure that will protect your assets while reducing your personal liability.

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