Louisiana LLC overview
Louisiana offers moderate LLC formation at $100 filing and a $35/year annual report. The Pelican State is a critical hub for energy, petrochemicals, maritime shipping, and international trade through the Port of New Orleans.
Louisiana's economy is anchored by oil and gas, petrochemicals, maritime, agriculture, tourism, and a growing tech sector in New Orleans.
For non-residents, Louisiana's income tax and local taxes make it more expensive than formation-friendly states. Wyoming or Delaware offer lower-friction alternatives. Louisiana is best for businesses with Gulf Coast operations.
Louisiana LLC costs and fees
All fees below are sourced from the Louisiana Secretary of State fee schedule.
| Fee | Amount | When due |
|---|
| Articles of Organization (online) | $100 | One-time (at formation) |
| Annual report | $35/year | Anniversary date each year |
| Registered agent | $100–150/year (third party) | Ongoing |
| State income tax | 3%–4.25% (graduated) | On Louisiana-sourced income |
| Sales tax | 4.45% state + local (up to 11.45%) | On taxable goods/services |
| Amendment | $100 | When needed |
| Certificate of Good Standing | $25 | When needed |
Gulf Coast advantage: Louisiana makes sense for energy, maritime, international trade, or tourism businesses. The $0 franchise tax on the first $300K of capital is a bonus for small LLCs.
Step-by-step: how to form a Louisiana LLC
Step 1: Choose your LLC name
Search for available names on the Louisiana Business Entity Search. Your name must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." Ensure the name is distinguishable from existing entities on file.
Step 2: Appoint a registered agent
Every Louisiana LLC must have a registered agent with a physical street address in Louisiana. The agent must be available during normal business hours to accept legal documents on behalf of the LLC.
Step 3: File Articles of Organization
File online through the Louisiana Secretary of State via the GEAUX BIZ portal. The filing requires:
- LLC name with designator
- Registered agent name and Louisiana address
- Principal business address
- Purpose of the LLC
- Duration
- Name and address of initial member(s)/manager(s)
- $100 filing fee
Step 4: Create an operating agreement
While not always legally required in Louisiana, an operating agreement is essential for banking, tax compliance, and internal governance. It establishes member rights, profit distribution, and management structure. We include a custom operating agreement in every formation package.
Step 5: Obtain an EIN
Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This is your LLC's tax ID number, required for banking, hiring, and tax filings. Online application is available for those with an SSN; fax or mail application for international applicants without an SSN. (A ready-made company skips this entirely — the EIN already exists.)
Step 6: Register for Louisiana taxes (if applicable)
If you will sell taxable goods or services in Louisiana, register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue for applicable tax accounts including sales tax and income tax withholding if you have employees.
Annual compliance requirements
- Annual report: Due on anniversary date. Fee: $35.
- Federal tax filing: Form 5472 with pro forma 1120 for foreign-owned LLCs.
- Louisiana income tax: 3%–4.25% graduated.
- Franchise tax: $0 on first $300K capital. Graduated above.
- Sales tax: 4.45% + local (up to 11.45%).
- Registered agent: Maintain agent with LA address.
- FinCEN BOI Report: Required.
Louisiana taxes for LLCs
| Tax type | Rate | Notes |
|---|
| State income tax | 3%–4.25% | Graduated rates |
| Franchise tax | $0 on first $300K | $1.50/$1,000 above $300K |
| Sales tax | 4.45% + local | Up to 11.45% combined |
| Annual report | $35/year | Anniversary date |
Louisiana exempts the first $300K of capital from franchise tax. The $35/year report is moderate. Combined sales tax can be among the highest in the US — one reason no-income-tax Wyoming appeals to founders who don't need a physical Louisiana presence.
Processing times
| Processing option | Time | Additional fee |
|---|
| Online filing | 3–5 business days | $0 |
| Expedited (24 hour) | 1 business day | $50 |
| Paper filing | 7–14 business days | $0 |
24-hour expedited filing is available for $50 through the GEAUX BIZ portal.
Pros and cons of a Louisiana LLC
✓
AdvantagesGulf Coast energy economy · major port infrastructure · $0 franchise tax on first $300K · moderate $35/year report · low cost of living · unique tourism market · growing New Orleans tech sector · international trade connections.
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Disadvantages3%–4.25% income tax · very high combined sales tax (up to 11.45%) · complex local tax jurisdictions · natural disaster risk (hurricanes) · less privacy-friendly than Wyoming · moderate processing times.
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