How to Start a Louisiana LLC

Limited liability companies (LLCs) represent a type of business entity. Other business entities include sole proprietorships, corporations, general partnerships and limited partnerships. You should start a LLC to decrease your personal liability or protect assets like your home. The Louisiana Secretary of State's Commercial Department manages domestic and foreign business registrations for the entire state.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access

Instructions

1. Determine whether you will create a domestic or foreign LLC based on your company's primary place of business or headquarters. If the business operates within the state of Louisiana, it is considered a domestic business. If the primary place of business is in another state like Texas or outside the United States, you will register as a foreign corporation.

2. Describe the business in detail as preparation. For instance, gather information about the complete business location (physical and mailing), essential services or products and owners (full name plus contact information). Differentiate whether the LLC will be manager-managed (by non-owners) or member-managed (directly run by owners).

3. Complete the necessary paperwork (LLC Articles of Organization) through the Louisiana Secretary of State's website. For instance, you must identify how long the LLC will exist (limited or perpetual). Louisiana's LLC filing fee is posted online and currently is $75.

4. Retain your certificate of good standing, which demonstrates that you correctly formed the LLC. You will receive the certificate by mail about four weeks after your business registration application has been processed. Review the certificate to ensure that all of the information is accurate. Contact the Louisiana Commercial Division at 225-925-4704 if any errors exist.

5. Comply with state and federal regulations. Contact the Louisiana Bar Association for a referral to a licensed business attorney. A certified accountant found through the Society of Louisiana CPAs, will explain your tax exposure and mandatory annual report that highlights gross and net earnings.

Tips & Warnings

• Your company's name must contain Limited Liability Company, LLC, L.L.C., L.C, or LC.

• File an Affidavit to Dissolve a Louisiana LLC if you decide to shut down the business.

• File a Change of Members or Managers if the ownership or management changes.

References

• Louisiana Secretary of State: LLC filing
• Louisiana State Bar Association: Contact

Resources

• Society of Louisiana CPAs: Overview