Initial Registration Fees
Initial registration fees depend on the business structure:
- Louisiana LLC: $100
- Louisiana Corporation: $75
- Louisiana Non-Profit: $75
- Foreign LLC to do business in Louisiana: $150
- Foreign Corporation to do business in Louisiana: $125
- Limited Partnership (LP): $100
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): $100
Choosing a Business Structure
You can choose different structures when forming your Louisiana business, which determines operations, taxes and investment. The most common are:
- Sole proprietorships default to a one-person operation, taxed at the owner’s rate.
- Partnerships are similar but with two or more owners, also taxed personally.
- LLCs are owned by members with limited personal liability.
Starting a Business in Louisiana
Louisiana’s lower business costs make it great for new entrepreneurs. This guide covers starting a small business – from picking an idea to registering and launching. Louisiana has advantages and disadvantages for business.
To register a Louisiana corporation appoint a registered agent to receive paperwork. An LLC combines corporation and sole proprietorship characteristics. As the name suggests, owners have limited personal liability. LLCs choose taxation either as an LLC or S Corp. To form an LLC, file Articles of Organization with a $100 state fee.
How to Get a Louisiana Business License
To get a Louisiana business license:
- Complete the Occupational License Application
- Pay the associated fees
Some licenses are issued locally, with criteria depending on municipality, county or parish.
Additional Expenses for LLCs
Additional expenses you may have after approval of your LLC include licenses, permits, annual reports, insurance, taxes, and other documents. Compare prices of professional LLC services and choose the most affordable one.
When an LLC fails to pay its annual report or franchise tax fee by the due date, the Secretary of State may revoke its Articles of Organization. This means the LLC is no longer legally recognized in Louisiana. To reinstate articles of organization, complete the Certificate of Reinstatement form and submit fees.
The Secretary of State requires appointing a registered agent when forming an LLC. Costs range from $50-$100 a year. A registered agent receives legal documents on behalf of the LLC.
The cost of forming an LLC in Louisiana includes a $100 filing fee for Articles of Organization. You may also need to pay a Registered Agent service fee of $50-$500 per year. There are also annual report fees of $15 and minimum taxes of $45 per year. LLCs earning income in Louisiana pay state income taxes from 2-6% of total income.
Timeframe to Register a Business in Louisiana
How long does it take to register a business in Louisiana?
It largely depends on the type of business structure you choose and how quickly you complete the necessary documentation.