Form Your Louisiana LLC
State filing fee: $100 • Processing: 5-7 business days
Start Your Louisiana LLC in the Pelican State
Louisiana offers entrepreneurs a strategic Gulf Coast location with strong energy, petrochemical, and shipping sectors. With major ports, cultural diversity, and growing technology industries, Louisiana provides unique business opportunities.
Compare Top 5 LLC Formation Services
| Service | Price | Processing Time | Registered Agent |
|---|---|---|---|
ZenBusiness Best Overall Value | $0 + state fees | 7-10 days Expedited: 1 day | $199/yr |
Bizee Fastest Formation | $0 + state fees | 3 weeks Expedited: 1 day | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr |
Inc Authority Free Formation | $0 + state fees | 7-10 days Expedited: 2 days | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr |
LegalZoom Best for Legal Support | $0 + state fees | 5-14 days Expedited: 1 day | $249/yr |
Rocket Lawyer Legal Documents | $99.99 + state fees | 5-7 days Expedited: Not available | $149/yr |
Top 3 Recommended Services for Louisiana
ZenBusiness
Entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and compliance tools at an affordable price
ZenBusiness stands out as our top pick for LLC formation services thanks to its unbeatable combination of value, features, and support. With formation starting at $0 plus state fees, you can rest easy with their worry-free compliance service, award-winning customer support, and 100% accuracy guarantee. The Pro and Premium packages add even more value with 1-day processing, an employer ID number, operating agreement, and services to get your business online like domain name registration, AI business website builder, and more.
Pros:
- ✓ Starter package is $0 plus state fees
- ✓ Registered agent and compliance services
- ✓ Free worry-free compliance for 1 year
- ✓ Fast 1-day processing time available
- ✓ 100% accuracy guarantee
- ✓ Award-winning customer support
Cons:
- ✗ Some features require upgraded plans
- ✗ More expensive Registered Agent service
Bizee
Budget-conscious startups needing fast formation
Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers lightning-fast LLC formation with their $0 package. They're perfect for entrepreneurs who need to form their LLC quickly and affordably. With same-day processing in many states and a year of free registered agent service, Bizee provides exceptional value for basic LLC formation needs.
Pros:
- ✓ $0 basic formation package
- ✓ Same-day processing available
- ✓ Free registered agent for first year
- ✓ Compliance alerts included
- ✓ Dashboard for document management
- ✓ Free business tools and templates
Cons:
- ✗ Operating agreement not included in basic package
- ✗ Limited customer support hours
Tailor Brands
Creative businesses wanting formation plus branding
Tailor Brands combines LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Their unique approach includes AI-powered logo design, website creation, and marketing materials. Perfect for creative entrepreneurs who want to establish their brand identity alongside their legal structure.
Pros:
- ✓ Includes logo design and branding
- ✓ Website builder included
- ✓ Business card designs
- ✓ Mobile app available
- ✓ Operating agreement included
- ✓ EIN service included
Cons:
- ✗ No rush processing available
- ✗ Monthly subscription required
- ✗ Customer service via chat/email only
Louisiana LLC Formation Costs
Louisiana LLC Cost Breakdown
Additional Costs to Consider:
- • Formation service fees: $0 - $299 (depending on provider)
- • Registered agent service: $99 - $299/year
- • EIN from IRS: Free (or $99+ if using a service)
Frequently Asked Questions
The Louisiana LLC formation fee is $100 when filed online with the Secretary of State. Louisiana requires an annual report with a $35 fee, due by the anniversary date of formation. The first annual report is due one year after formation. Additional costs may include registered agent service ($99-$299/year) and optional services like EIN filing or operating agreements.
- Standard online filing: 5-7 business days
- Paper filing: 7-10 business days
- Expedited processing: Available through GeauxBiz portal
Louisiana requires all LLCs to file an annual report by the anniversary date of formation with a $35 fee. The report maintains your LLC's good standing and updates basic company information including registered agent, principal office, and member/manager details. Failure to file results in administrative dissolution.
Yes, Louisiana law requires all LLCs to maintain a registered agent with a Louisiana street address who is available during normal business hours to receive legal documents and official correspondence. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Louisiana address, or hire a professional service for privacy and reliability.
Louisiana attracts businesses with its strategic Gulf Coast location, major ports, and strong energy sector. The state offers access to international markets through the Port of New Orleans and other facilities, established petrochemical and energy industries, and growing technology and film production sectors. Louisiana's unique culture and business incentives make it attractive for diverse industries.
- Strategic Gulf Coast location with major ports
- Strong energy and petrochemical industries
- Access to international markets
- Competitive business incentives and tax credits
- Growing film and digital media sectors
- Unique cultural attractions for tourism-related businesses
Louisiana doesn't legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement, but it's strongly recommended for both single-member and multi-member LLCs. An operating agreement establishes ownership structure, management procedures, and operational guidelines. It's essential for multi-member LLCs and beneficial for establishing business legitimacy and protecting limited liability status.
- Annual report filing ($35) due on anniversary date
- Registered agent with Louisiana address
- Basic company records and operating agreement
- Current business licenses as required
- Workers' compensation insurance if applicable
Yes, non-US residents can form and own a Louisiana LLC with no citizenship or residency requirements for members or managers. You must maintain a Louisiana registered agent and obtain necessary tax identification numbers. Non-residents should consult with tax professionals regarding potential tax obligations and international reporting requirements.
- Local business licenses (varies by parish/municipality)
- State licenses for regulated industries
- Professional licenses for licensed occupations
- Sales tax permit for taxable goods and services
- Employer registration if hiring employees
- Industry-specific permits and certifications
- Apply online at IRS.gov (immediate)
- Apply by fax (4 business days)
- Apply by mail (4-5 weeks)
- Use a formation service ($99-$159)
- Strategic location for international trade
- Major port facilities and transportation infrastructure
- Strong energy and petrochemical sectors
- Growing technology and digital media industries
- Competitive business incentive programs
- Cultural diversity and tourism attractions
- Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP)
- Quality Jobs Program for job creation
- Digital Interactive Media tax credits
- Research and Development tax credits
- Enterprise Zone program benefits
- Port-related logistics incentives
- Only state with Napoleonic legal system (for certain matters)
- Strategic location for Gulf of Mexico operations
- Major Mississippi River port access
- Strong cultural tourism and entertainment sectors
- Growing film and digital media production
- International business connections, particularly Latin America
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