How to Start Your LLC in Louisiana
Legal Bueno helps with everything you need to start your business. We take care of all the paperwork so you don't have to worry about it. Want to learn more about the process we handle? Keep reading!
Quick Summary:
- Filing Fee: $100
- Turnaround time: 3-5 business days
How do I start an LLC in Louisiana?
Thinking about starting an LLC? The process is pretty similar across the states. You'll start by picking a unique name for your business (you'll need to check to make sure it hasn't been taken!) and then filing some paperwork—usually called Articles of Organization or a Certificate of Formation—with your state's agency.
If you want to check the name availability for Louisiana, visit https://coraweb.sos.la.gov/commercialsearch/CommercialSearch.aspx.
After that's taken care of, you'll want to draft a governing doc for your business called an operating agreement & find any licenses you might need. Just keep in mind that each state has its own little quirks, so it's always a good idea to double-check specific requirements for your area.
What are the costs & processing times of starting a business in Louisiana?
Here's the rundown for Louisiana:
- The filing fee is: $100
- There are ongoing fees of $35 (every year)
- It usually takes 3-5 business days if you're filing online or 3-5 business days (plus mail time) if by mail.
Why Louisiana is a great state for your LLC
Starting a company in Louisiana presents several compelling advantages that can significantly benefit entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized businesses. Here are the key reasons to consider launching your business in this state:
- Incentives for Job Creation: Louisiana offers attractive tax credits, such as $1,000 or $3,500 for every certified net new job created, along with a rebate of up to 6% on annual payroll expenses for 10 years. These financial incentives can greatly reduce operational costs and encourage growth.
- Favorable Business Structure: Forming a Louisiana Limited Liability Company (LLC) is often the quickest and simplest way to establish a business. This structure combines the benefits of protection from personal liability with less complexity compared to larger corporate entities.
- Asset Protection: An LLC protects your personal assets from business debts and liabilities. This separation helps safeguard your investments and personal wealth, providing peace of mind as you grow your business.
- Tax Advantages: LLCs allow for simpler tax filing with potential benefits concerning tax treatment, making it easier for entrepreneurs to manage their financial obligations effectively.
- Cost-Effective Formation: The cost to file an LLC in Louisiana is notably low, at just $100, making it an accessible option for new business owners.
- Streamlined Operations: The regulations surrounding LLCs are relatively straightforward, enabling efficient filing, management, compliance, and administration. This means less time dealing with red tape and more time focused on building your business.
In summary, Louisiana stands out as a favorable environment for starting a business, offering a combination of economic incentives, protective structures, and practical advantages that can foster success and growth for entrepreneurs.
Legal Requirements
Remember! Legal Bueno will handle all of these requirements for you, but if you're interested, here are the legal requirements for Louisiana:
Articles of Organization
The articles of organization must include:1. The name of the LLC;
- The purposes for which the LLC is formed or that its purpose is to engage in any lawful activity for which LLCs may be formed.
- Whether the company is a low-profit LLC.
The articles of organization may include:1. A statement of whether and to what extent there are limitations on the authority of members to bind the LLC or that such limitations are contained in a written operating agreement;
- A statement of whether and to what extent the LLC will be managed by managers;
- A statement regarding restrictions on the authority of managers or that such restrictions are contained in a written operating agreement.
- The latest date, if any, on which the LLC is to dissolve.
- A statement that persons dealing with the LLC may rely upon a certificate of one or more named managers, members, or other certifying officials, whose names are included in the statement, to establish the membership of any member, the authenticity of any records of the LLC, or the authority of any person to act on behalf of the LLC.
- Any other provision, not inconsistent with law, that the members elect to set forth in the articles of organization.
La. Rev. Stat. § 12:1305
Filing fee: $100
Filing Process
After you've prepared the initial formation documents, you need to file it! Here is what Louisiana laws require for filing:
If the secretary of state finds that the articles of organization and initial report are in compliance with the requirements of the LLC Law, and after all fees have been paid as required by law, the secretary of state must record the articles of organization and initial report, endorse on each the date, and if requested, the hour of filing, and issue a certificate of organization which will show the date and, if endorsed on the articles of organization, the hour of filing of the articles of organization.
La. Rev. Stat. § 12:1304
The secretary of state may accept any authorized filing by electronic, online, or facsimile transmission.
La. Rev. Stat. § 12:1701
Additional Legal Considerations
Here are some additional relevant laws that might be useful when operating your business in Louisiana:
Annual report
La. Rev. Stat. § 12:1308.1