1. Louisiana LLC Overview

If you live or operate a business in Louisiana, forming a local LLC is required. Louisiana has a low cost of compliance, making it favorable for small business owners.

  • Affordable formation fee — $100 to file Articles of Organization
  • Low annual fee — Just $30 per year
  • No franchise tax — Standard LLCs don't pay a state franchise tax

2. Louisiana LLC Requirements

  • Name must contain "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C."
  • Appoint a registered agent with a Louisiana physical address
  • File Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State ($100)
  • File an Annual Report by the anniversary date each year ($30)

3. Louisiana LLC Costs and Fees (2026)

Cost Item Amount Notes
Articles of Organization$100One-time state filing fee
Annual Report$30/yearDue on anniversary date
Registered Agent$50–$150/yearRequired LA physical address
EINFreeApply at IRS.gov
Operating Agreement$0–$1,000Recommended, not legally required

4. How to Start a Louisiana LLC (Step by Step)

  1. 1 Choose your LLC name (must include "Limited Liability Company," "L.L.C.," or "L.C.")
  2. 2 Appoint a registered agent with a Louisiana physical address
  3. 3 File Articles of Organization with the LA Secretary of State ($100)
  4. 4 Obtain an EIN from the IRS (free at IRS.gov)
  5. 5 Draft an Operating Agreement (not filed, but highly recommended)
  6. 6 Register with the LA Department of Revenue (geauxBIZ portal)
  7. 7 File the Annual Report by your anniversary date each year ($30)
  8. 8 Open a business bank account

5. Louisiana Annual Report

Louisiana LLCs must file an Annual Report to maintain their active status with the Secretary of State.

  • Due Date: On or before the exact anniversary date of the LLC's formation.
  • Fee: $30.
  • Filing: Done easily online via the geauxBIZ portal.

6. Louisiana LLC Taxes (2026)

  • State income tax — 1.85% to 4.25% graduated rate on pass-through profits
  • Federal income tax — Pass-through to personal return
  • Self-employment tax — 15.3% on net earnings
  • Sales tax — 4.45% state base rate + local parish additions (typically 8.5%–10% combined)

7. Best For / Not Best For

Best For

  • Entrepreneurs living and operating in Louisiana
  • Cost-sensitive founders ($100 formation, $30/year)

Not Best For

  • Out-of-state owners without Louisiana nexus
  • Founders wanting high privacy (Wyoming or New Mexico are better)