How to Start Your Own LLC in Louisiana

Louisiana offers a clear formation process, strong liability protection, and a centralized online portal—geauxBIZ—that simplifies many state filings. This guide walks you through each required step, from choosing a legally compliant name to filing your Articles of Organization, obtaining an EIN, securing licenses, and staying compliant year after year.

1. Name Your Louisiana LLC

Choosing the right name for your LLC is a foundational step that deserves careful attention. Your business name represents your brand, influences customer trust, and must meet Louisiana's legal requirements. A strong name should be unique, easy to remember, and aligned with your products or services.

Before settling on a name, it helps to clarify your business concept and long-term goals. Understanding what your company does—and where it may grow in the future—can prevent the need for rebranding later. Many entrepreneurs also ask trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues for feedback to ensure the name is clear and appealing.

Once you have several name ideas, perform a general online search to see if similar businesses already exist. This helps avoid brand confusion and highlights potential domain name opportunities. While online business name generators can provide inspiration, they should be used as brainstorming tools rather than final decision-makers.

Check Name Availability in Louisiana

After narrowing your list, conduct an official business name search on the Louisiana Secretary of State's website. This confirms whether the name is already in use or too similar to an existing Louisiana business.

Louisiana LLC Naming Rules

Louisiana law requires LLC names to follow specific rules. Your name must include "Limited Liability Company" or an approved abbreviation such as LLC or L.L.C. It cannot contain language that implies affiliation with a government agency, and it must be distinguishable from all other registered business names in the state. Certain words—such as bank, insurance, or university—are restricted and require special approval.

Check Federal Trademarks

You should also check the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to ensure your chosen name is not federally trademarked. This is especially important if you plan to operate outside Louisiana or build a nationwide brand.

Reserve Your Louisiana LLC Name

If you're not ready to file your LLC immediately, Louisiana allows you to reserve your business name. To do this, visit the state's business services portal, create an account, and complete the online name reservation application. You may also submit a paper form by mail if preferred.

The name reservation fee is $25, and once approved, your LLC name is reserved for 120 days, giving you time to prepare the remaining formation documents.

Doing Business As (DBA) in Louisiana

Even after registering your LLC, you may decide to operate under a different name for branding or marketing purposes. This is commonly known as a Doing Business As (DBA), and in Louisiana, it is referred to as a trade name.

For example, if your LLC is named JJ's Waffles, LLC and you later expand into baked goods under the name JJ's Muffins, you can register JJ's Muffins as a trade name instead of forming a new LLC. This allows you to accept payments, advertise, and open bank accounts under the alternate name while maintaining one legal entity.

In Louisiana, trade names are registered online through the business services portal. After logging into your account, select the option to register a trade name and complete the application.

The trade name (DBA) registration fee is $75.

2. Select a Registered Agent

Every Louisiana LLC is required to appoint a registered agent. This individual or business entity serves as the official point of contact for receiving legal documents, tax notices, and state correspondence.

The registered agent plays a critical role in keeping your LLC compliant and informed. In Louisiana, the registered agent may be an LLC member, another individual, or a business entity authorized to operate in the state.

Registered Agent Requirements

To qualify, the registered agent must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Maintain a physical street address in Louisiana (P.O. Boxes are not allowed)
• Be available during normal business hours
• If the registered agent is a business, it must be properly registered to do business in Louisiana

While you are allowed to act as your own registered agent, many business owners choose to hire a professional registered agent service. These services help protect privacy, reduce the risk of missed deadlines, and allow owners to focus on running and growing their business rather than managing compliance details.

3. Determine Your Management Structure

Louisiana LLCs can be structured as either member-managed or manager-managed, and choosing the right structure depends on how involved the owners want to be in daily operations.

Member-Managed LLC

In a member-managed LLC, all members participate in managing the business. This structure is common for small businesses where owners want hands-on control.

Manager-Managed LLC

In a manager-managed LLC, one or more managers handle daily operations, while other members act as passive investors. A member may serve as a manager, but only alongside at least one non-member manager.

Most Louisiana LLCs default to member-managed unless otherwise specified in the Articles of Organization. Choosing the correct structure helps clarify authority, reduce internal conflict, and support long-term growth.

4. File Articles of Organization with the Louisiana Secretary of State

To officially form your LLC, you must file Articles of Organization with the Louisiana Secretary of State. This process is completed through the geauxBIZ online portal.

After creating an account and signing in, select "Register a Louisiana business just starting up," then choose "Start New Business Filing," followed by "LLC" and "Domestic."

Information Required

The Articles of Organization require details such as:

• LLC's legal name
• Principal office address
• Registered agent information
• Registered office address
• Organizer's contact information

You will also answer several tax-related questions before submitting payment.

Filing Fee & Processing

• Filing fee: $100
• Online filings are typically processed within two to four business days
• Mailed filings may take up to three weeks

Louisiana Secretary of State Contact Information

Louisiana Secretary of State
8585 Archives Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70809

Phone: 225-922-2880
Fax: 225-922-2003

5. Draft an Operating Agreement

An Operating Agreement is an internal legal document that defines how your LLC is owned and operated. Although Louisiana does not legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement, it is strongly recommended—even for single-member LLCs.

This document helps establish rules for management authority, voting rights, profit and loss distribution, dispute resolution, and procedures for adding or removing members. It also strengthens your liability protection by showing that the LLC operates as a separate legal entity.

While templates are available online, many business owners choose to have an attorney draft or review their operating agreement to ensure it reflects their specific business needs.

6. Get Your Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is issued by the IRS and functions like a Social Security number for your business. It is required if your LLC has more than one member, hires employees, or opens a business bank account.

You can apply for an EIN for free through the IRS website. During the application, you must designate a responsible party, who is the individual with authority over the LLC's finances and operations.

7. Obtain Business Licenses and Permits

Depending on your industry and location, your Louisiana LLC may need licenses or permits at the federal, state, or local level. Industry-specific licenses are common in fields such as construction, childcare, food service, healthcare, finance, and professional services.

Through the geauxBIZ portal, you can generate a customized list of licenses and permits that may apply to your business. If you sell taxable goods or services, you will also need to register for a sales tax license.

Failing to obtain required licenses can lead to fines, penalties, or business closure, so it's important to verify all requirements before operating.

8. Determine Your Tax Status

By default, LLCs are treated as pass-through entities for federal tax purposes. This means the LLC itself does not pay income tax. Instead, profits and losses pass through to the members' personal tax returns.

Default Tax Treatment

Single-member LLCs are taxed like sole proprietorships, while multi-member LLCs are taxed as partnerships unless an election is made. LLCs may also choose to be taxed as a C-Corporation or S-Corporation by filing the appropriate IRS forms, depending on their financial strategy.

In Louisiana, LLC members pay personal income tax on their share of profits. As of 2025, the corporate franchise tax has been eliminated, and the corporate income tax rate is 5.5% for businesses taxed as corporations.

Other Ongoing Requirements for Louisiana LLCs

Open a Business Bank Account

After formation, it's essential to open a dedicated business bank account to keep personal and business finances separate. Mixing funds can weaken your liability protection and complicate tax reporting.

Apply for a Business Credit Card

Many LLCs also apply for business credit cards to establish business credit and manage expenses.

Get Business Insurance

Additionally, business insurance—such as general liability, professional liability, workers' compensation, and commercial auto insurance—helps protect your company from financial risks.

Maintain LLC Records

Maintaining organized records, including formation documents, operating agreements, contracts, and financial statements, is critical for compliance and long-term success.

Annual Reporting Requirements in Louisiana

Louisiana LLCs must file an annual report to remain in good standing. The fee is $30, and the report is due each year by the anniversary date of the LLC's formation. Reports are filed through the geauxBIZ portal.

Louisiana LLC FAQs