How to Register a Business in Louisiana

Structure

Understand your business structure

The Secretary of State provides entity filing and start-up instructions; select the correct domestic or foreign form. LA-SOS-001

Name

Search the proposed business name

The SOS directs a preliminary proposed-name search through its Commercial Database. Search without the corporate ending; the search returns identical or similar records and does not itself reserve the name. LA-SOS-005

State Filing

Complete the applicable Louisiana filing

Domestic LLC Articles of Organization, form #365, cost $125; foreign LLC form #972 costs $185. Filing options and additional charges should be checked at submission. LA-SOS-002

Federal EIN

Use the shared IRS EIN guidance

Use current IRS guidance to decide whether your business needs an EIN and which application method is available. An EIN is a federal identifier, separate from state formation, licensing and state tax accounts. IRS-EIN-002

The IRS issues EINs free. If forming a legal entity, complete the state formation before applying, as instructed by the IRS. Use the IRS eligibility and responsible-party instructions directly. IRS-EIN-002

State Taxes

Determine Louisiana tax-registration needs

The Department of Revenue directs businesses to determine sales, withholding and other state tax accounts. LA-DOR-001

Register applicable tax accounts through LaTAP according to Revenue instructions. LA-DOR-002

Licenses and Permits

Check state and local licenses and permits

Check the responsible agency for occupation- or industry-specific licensing and the locality for permits. Applicable approvals depend on activity and location. LA-SOS-001

Local licenses, zoning and permits depend on the location and activity; verify with the relevant local authority.

Employers

Complete applicable employer registrations and coverage

Every employing unit completes the state unemployment application for a liability determination; entity formation alone does not create the UI account. LA-LWC-001

Unemployment insurance

Use the Workforce Commission employer-registration route to determine UI liability; employer categories have different tests. LA-LWC-002

Workers compensation

Review the Workers Compensation coverage FAQ for covered employment and specific excluded worker categories. LA-LWC-003

Registered Agent

Confirm registered-agent requirements

LLC filings distinguish registered office and agent; review form #365 instructions before filing. LA-SOS-002

Trade Name

Check trade, fictitious or assumed names

The SOS permits a person, corporation, LLC or partnership to apply for a trade name; its fee schedule lists form #309 at $95. The SOS says a DBA is not filed with its office. Determine the appropriate filing and local requirements for the proposed use. LA-SOS-005, LA-SOS-002

Ongoing Requirements

Track ongoing Louisiana requirements

A Louisiana LLC annual report is due on or before the anniversary date of organization. The SOS lists a $35 fee and directs online annual reporting through GeauxBiz or the business record in its Commercial Database. LA-LAW-001, LA-SOS-002, LA-SOS-005

Record the applicable deadlines, agency accounts, responsible person and official sources. Review current instructions before filing.

Final Review

Questions to verify before operating

• Has the correct formation or foreign-authority filing been completed?
• Which tax accounts, professional or activity licenses and local permits apply?
• Are employer registration, reporting and coverage ready?
• Which entity-specific reports and renewals need calendar reminders?

Educational Notice

Verify current requirements with the responsible agency

This is general educational navigation, not legal, tax, accounting, employment or licensing advice. NINZ does not submit government applications and is not affiliated with Louisiana, the IRS or other government agencies.

Confirm current forms, deadlines, fees and exceptions directly with the responsible agency. A verified general rule does not establish that it applies to every business.