What Do I Need to Start a Business in Louisiana?
Starting a business in any state can be daunting if you don't know what you need and where to go. For most, the first stop is the state website. Unfortunately for Louisiana businesses, the state website provides little assistance for those looking to start a new business. Instead, check out the website of the city in which you wish to start your business for a more comprehensive and user-friendly experience.
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Louisiana Revenue Account
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No matter what city in which you wish to locate, you must register your business with the State of Louisiana Department of Revenue. This can be done online or in person and will take approximately three business days to process. Once you have your Louisiana Revenue Account Number, you can complete the other applications.
Corporation Requirement
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If you are planning to form a more structured company, such as a corporation or LLC, you will need to file with the state of Louisiana. If you plan to start your company as a sole proprietorship, you can skip this step.
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Zoning Regulations
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Zoning regulations and rules are different for every city in the state of Louisiana. To make sure your business isn't violating any such regulations, contact the Department of Public Works (DPW) in your area before securing a lease or otherwise opening your business doors. The DPW can also assist you in finding an ideal location for your business if you haven't already chosen one.
Local Municipality Registration
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Regardless of whether your business will be collecting sales tax or not, you must register with the city's department of revenue in addition to the state department of revenue. Each major city in Louisiana has its own sales tax rate and collection/payment requirements. The state of Louisiana does not collect sales tax revenues from businesses.
Professional & Occupational License
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Depending on the type of business you plan to operate, you will most likely need to apply for a specific professional and occupational license. A complete listing of these licenses and their associated application costs can be found in the resources section of this article.
Specialized Permits/Licenses
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Specialized permits and licenses may be required if your business routinely does specific tasks, some of the most common being liquor license, food handlers permits, second hand goods reseller permit and gambling license.
IRS
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No matter what type of company you form, it is always a good idea to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS. This is a more secure number to be handing out rather than your personal Social Security number, especially given the rise in identity theft.
The state of Louisiana offers a tailored application checklist to ensure you have applied for all of the proper permits and licenses for your new business. The state also has a listing of helpful resources to get you started, such as free business guidance and counseling.
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References
Resources
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