Start a Business in Louisiana

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This guide on starting your business in Louisiana provides step-by-step instructions on the paperwork to file formation documents, obtain tax IDs, and set up company records.

how to start a business

Step-By-Step Startup

Below is an overview of the paperwork, cost, and time to form each of the most popular business structures. Simply click on the link for your desired structure to view detailed step-by-step instructions.

  • If you have not decided whether you want to form an LLC, corporation, or other business structure, click here.
  • If wish to form your business in a different state than Louisiana, click here.
Structure Paperwork Cost Time

Louisiana Limited Liability Company

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  • Form 365: Articles of Organization for Louisiana Limited Liability Company
  • Form 973: LLC Initial Report
  • Operating Agreement
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • Form R-16019: Application for Louisiana Revenue Account Number
  • Formation: $100 + optional $30-$50 expedite fee
  • Formation: ~1 week. ~24 hours for $30 expedite fee. While-you-wait with in-person filing for $50 expedite fee.

Louisiana Corporation

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  • Transmittal Information cover form
  • Form 399: Articles of Incorporation for Louisiana Business
  • Form 341: Domestic Business Corporation Initial Report
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • Form 2553: S-Corp Election, if desired
  • Form R-16019: Application for Louisiana Revenue Account Number
  • Incorporation: $75 + optional $30-$50 expedite fee
  • Incorporation: ~1 week. ~24 hours for $30 expedite fee. While-you-wait with in-person filing for $50 expedite fee.

Louisiana Nonprofit

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  • Form 395: Non-profit Corporation Articles of Incorporation
  • Initial report with recorder of mortgages
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form R-16019: Application for Louisiana Revenue Account Number
  • Form R-1048: Application for Exemption from Collection of Louisiana Sales Tax at Certain Fund-Raising Activities
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Louisiana Charitable Registration, if required
  • Incorporation: $75 + optional $30-$50 expedite fee
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Louisiana Charitable Registration: $25 (no filing if exempt)
  • Incorporation: ~1 week. ~24 hours for $30 expedite fee. While-you-wait with in-person filing for $50 expedite fee.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Louisiana

  1. The signature on your formation document must be notarized. A complete formation packet will contain about three forms, the notarized signature, and the filing fee.
  2. Both LLCs and corporations are obligated to file an initial report at the same time as their formation documents.
  3. Your business must obtain a Louisiana Revenue Account Number. Apply by filing Form R-16019.
  4. Louisiana has specific record-keeping requirements for corporations. They must be held at the registered office or principal place of business a list of documents, which we'll explain.
  5. Corporations and LLCs must file an annual report. A postcard with your Charter Number / Renewal ID is mailed from the Louisiana Secretary of State to your principal address of record.
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