How to Apply
Filing Fees
- Domestic: $100 (online); $100 (paper)
- Foreign: $150 (online); $150 (paper)[1]
How to Form an LLC
1. Find a Business Name
- Business Search: sos.la.gov
Use the Louisiana Secretary of State’s business entity search engine to check whether your desired LLC name is available. Enter your LLC name and click “Search.” If no businesses appear on the results page, the name is most likely free to use.
The name of your business must end with the words “limited liability company” or abbreviation “L.L.C.” or “L.C.” If your business is a low-profit LLC, it must contain the words “low-profit LLC” or the abbreviation “L3C.”[2]
2. Select a Registered Agent
All LLCs in Louisiana are required to appoint a registered agent for service of process. The registered agent must be a Louisiana resident or a business entity authorized to conduct business in the state.[3]
3. Register the LLC
There are two ways to apply for the registration of your LLC: online or by mail.
Option 1: File Online
Go to geauxbiz.sos.la.gov to access the state’s online filing system.
Enter your email address and create a password. You will then be prompted to enter your name, mailing address, and phone number. After creating an account, verify your email address and sign into geauxBIZ.
After clicking “Get Started” on your dashboard, begin the process of registering a new LLC by selecting the third option.
Choose the first option for a limited liability company and indicate whether it will be a domestic or foreign business.
Indicate your LLC’s tax type (select “no accounts needed” if it does not apply), whether your business has employees in the state, and whether your business is subject to federal unemployment taxes in another state.
Select the ownership type for your LLC — whether it is a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship.
After checking for its availability in the business entity search engine or by making a name reservation, enter your business name.
Answer the following questions about your LLC. For other provisions, write them in the provided textbox.
The rest of the application asks for the following information:
- The address of your LLC’s registered office
- Registered agent’s name and address
- Whether your company is managed by members or managers
- Member/manager name, address, email, and phone number
Type your full name and enter your title. After signing the application, you will be prompted to pay the filing fee of $100.
Option 2: File By Mail
Complete the appropriate form and mail it to the provided address with an enclosed payment.
Articles of Organization (Domestic Limited Liability Company) – For in-state entities
Filing fee: $100 check or money order made payable to the Secretary of State
Mailing address: Commercial Division, P. O. Box 94125
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125
Application for Authority to Transact Business in Louisiana (Foreign Limited Liability Company) – For out-of-state entities
Filing fee: $100 check or money order made payable to the Secretary of State
Mailing address: Commercial Division, P. O. Box 94125
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125
4. Obtain an EIN
- Apply Online: www.irs.gov
- Apply by Fax/Mail: Form SS-4
Every operating business is required to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes.
5. Write an Operating Agreement
In Louisiana, LLCs are not legally required to adopt an operating agreement. It is still recommended to create one.
Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument
6. Choose a Tax Classification
Below are the most common types of LLC tax classification:
- LLC – By default, a sole proprietorship or partnership is considered a “pass-through entity.” All profits are taxed as income tax for the members/owners.
- S-Corporation – This is another “pass-through entity” in which all business profits and losses are sent to the shareholders, who must pay income tax on the profits. To file as an S-corp, an LLC must file IRS Form 2553 within 75 days of formation.
- C-Corporation – This formation allows taxes to be filed as a separate corporate entity. To file as a C-corp, an LLC must file IRS Form 8832 within 75 days of formation.