How To Form an LLC In Louisiana
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1. Choose a Name for Your Louisiana Limited Liability Company
Check for an Available Name for the LLC in Louisiana: To be ready to file to form an LLC in Louisiana, you will need to have a name for your LLC that is unique. You should perform a thorough search of online databases and other records to find out if the name that you want to use for your LLC is available and not in use by another LLC in Louisiana. One online database that you can search is available on the official website of the Louisiana Secretary of State at Louisiana LLC.
Reserve a Name for Your Louisiana LLC: Although it is not a requirement to reserve a name before you file to form your LLC in Louisiana, you can reserve a name for your LLC before you file by submitting a name reservation application. The application form can be found online at Louisiana LLC. The name reservation will be active in the state of Louisiana for a period of 60 days. There is a $25.00 filing fee to reserve a name for your LLC.
Filing for Trademarks Protection and Doing an LLC Name Search: You might find during your search of databases and other records in Louisiana that the name that you want to use for your LLC is available in Louisiana but in use by an LLC in another state. There may be restrictions on the way that you use the name that you have chosen for your LLC. To find more useful information about choosing a name for your LLC, visit how to choose a name for your llc.
Louisiana LLC Name Requirements: In thinking of possible names for your LLC, remember that in Louisiana the name of your LLC needs to include the designation "LLC," “L.L.C.,” or "Limited Liability Company." Remember that the term “LLC” stands for “Limited Liability Company.” “LLC” does not stand for “LLC Corporation, “Limited Liability Corporation,” or anything else related to a corporation. An LLC is a different type of business entity than a corporation.
2. Find a Registered Agent in Louisiana
To be ready to file to form an LLC in Louisiana, you will need to select a registered agent. Your registered agent will act as an agent for service of process and will receive tax documents, legal notices, and other official notices for your LLC. There are corporate service companies that offer registered agent services for LLCs, usually for a fee of around $75.00 to $150.00.
3. File Articles of Organization with the Louisiana Secretary of State
Minimum Requirements for the Articles of Organization: The Articles of Organization that you file for your Louisiana LLC needs to contain the name and purpose of your LLC and the name and address of the organizer. The organizer needs to sign the Articles of Organization. You can download a form for this document or file online at Louisiana LLC .
Other Louisiana Legal Provisions: Think about including additional clauses along with the minimum requirements in the Articles of Organization of your LLC. You can consult a lawyer for assistance in including additional clauses that are relevant to your company.
Where to Submit the Articles of Organization for Filing: Submit your Articles of Organization to the Commercial Division, P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125.
Filing Fee: The fee to file Articles of Organization in Louisiana is $75.00.
4. Form a Louisiana Limited Liability Company Agreement (Operating Agreement)
Once you have filed Articles of Organization to form your Louisiana LLC, you will need to create an LLC Agreement that will govern all aspects of your LLC as well as the actions between the members of the LLC. All members of your LLC must sign the LLC Agreement. When you create an LLC Agreement, remember that the details of the LLC Agreement will depend on factors such as how many people are involved, how much money is being invested, how the money will be distributed, and whether the company will be managed by a manager or by the members of the LLC. LLCs that are formed for different purposes may have different needs in an LLC Agreement. For example, an LLC that will operate a retail store may need to include different items in an LLC Agreement than an LLC that was formed to own and develop real estate. A lawyer and an accountant can provide assistance in creating an LLC Agreement that complies with all state requirements and federal tax laws.
Along with creating an LLC Agreement, you will need to get ready to take actions such as making securities filings, obtaining an EIN from the IRS, and obtaining a business license in the locale where you will be conducting business. Some corporate services companies offer to make these kinds of filings for LLCs and obtain form documents for a fee. If you want more information about how to get a business license in your city, check out our online guide at http://www.cityapplications.com/business-licenses.html.
5. Qualify Your Louisiana LLC to Do Business in Other States
In most states, you will need to register or qualify your LLC to do business. You will need to register or qualify your LLC to do business in your home state if your main office is located outside of Louisiana. You will most likely be required to pay taxes in your home state when you do business in another state. If you want to find out how to qualify your LLC to do business in other states, go to [Qualifying to Do Business in Other States].
6. Make Annual Filings and Pay Annual Taxes in Louisiana
In Louisiana you must file an annual report for your LLC. Go to Louisiana LLC to file this report online. The filing fee is $25.00. You must also file a tax report annually and pay taxes. Go to the official website of the Louisiana Department of Revenue at Louisiana LLC to learn about the taxes that may apply to your LLC and to download tax forms.
You will face complicated decisions when you are forming an LLC in Louisiana. These decisions can be especially complicated when several people are involved. An accountant and an attorney can guide you in the process of forming an LLC so that you can be sure that an LLC is right for your company and that all your paperwork is being processed correctly.
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This site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advise. The information on this site should not be relied upon as an official source of information and should be independently verified.
