✨ ZenBusiness ✨

If you’re looking for an excellent Louisiana LLC service then choose ZenBusiness. We’ve already formed 700,000+ businesses since 2017!

  • Free LLC Service: We’ll form your LLC for free (plus your state’s required fee), while some competitors charge hundreds of dollars for similar services.
  • $5,000 Grant Program: As a ZenBusiness customer you’re eligible to enter our grant program which includes $5,000 and other special resources to help start your business. In 2023, 40 grants will be awarded. As a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) we’re focused on more than just profits – we strongly believe in giving back.
  • Stellar Reviews: With more than 12,900 ZenBusiness reviews available online and high average ratings, it’s clear that our customers are typically quite pleased with our services.
  • Quality Guarantee: We offer a 60-day money-back guarantee on our services. While some competitors have steep service charges or short windows of availability for refunds, our 100% satisfaction guarantee provides significant peace of mind.

If you want a socially conscious Louisiana LLC service with a service discount, choose ZenBusiness.

Northwest

Northwest Registered Agent charges $225 (plus state fee) for LLC filing services. That said, Northwest’s personalized customer support is a feature that could make their prices worth paying for some entrepreneurs.

  • Higher Prices: Northwest charges $225 + state fee to form an LLC in Louisiana. However, that $225 package does at least include a year of registered agent service.
  • Customer Reviews: Northwest receives mostly positive customer feedback, but with several hundred reviews instead of the thousands you’ll find with the other companies in this guide, they can’t match competitors like us for review volume.
  • Known for Service: While some competitors outsource customer service to third-party call centers, Northwest keeps its support team in-house.

Overall, Northwest does have some points in its favor. However, keep in mind that it charges $225 (plus your state’s required fee) for its LLC filing services.

Want to learn more? See this Northwest LLC review.

LegalZoom

LegalZoom is one of the biggest names in the industry, with millions of customers served and frequent advertising efforts. LegalZoom provides an LLC filing package for free (plus the state’s fee).

  • Higher Average Prices: While LegalZoom charges $0 (+ your state fee) for LLC service, it has higher price points for some other services. For instance, it typically charges a rate of $199 per year for registered agent service and at least $149 to form a corporation.
  • Features: LegalZoom sometimes excludes valuable features from its LLC filing service packages. For instance, its Basic LLC service package includes only a digital welcome packet and a trial for a third-party web design service.
  • Service Guarantee: Much like ZenBusiness, LegalZoom offers a 60-day, 100% satisfaction guarantee that is among the best in the industry.

LegalZoom is a huge company, so while it offers extended support hours, the quality of its customer support may vary a bit from representative to representative.

Want to learn more? See this LegalZoom LLC review.

Incfile/Bizee

Incfile/Bizee offers LLC formations for free, as long as you pay your state’s fee. Incfile and ZenBusiness have some similar characteristics, but there are also some significant differences that set the two apart.

  • Lots of Reviews: Incfile/Bizee has tens of thousands of customer reviews with strong average rating scores.
  • Customer Support: If you prioritize responsive customer support, Incfile/Bizee may not be your best option. At times, their responses can be slow and some customers complain that they don’t get a response at all to emailed support inquiries.
  • Upsells: Incfile/Bizee can also pile on the upsells, with lots of suggested add-on services sprinkled throughout the order form.

If you’re looking for a cheap LLC formation service in Louisiana and ZenBusiness doesn’t feel right for some reason, Incfile/Bizee could be worth a closer look.

Want to learn more? See this Incfile/Bizee LLC review.

Compare Packages

Identify the LLC package and
services that fit your needs and
then get started.

Starter

Premium

Starter

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Premium

$299/yr

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Process in 7-10 business days*

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PLUS STATE FEES

Premium

Processes in 1 business day*

$299/yr

PLUS STATE FEES

Top Features

Make it official
More InfoWe do everything needed to file your application with the state and make your business official. Standard LLC filing
More InfoWe’ll file your paperwork quickly and accurately. If there are any errors with your filing, our team will do what’s needed to make it right. 100% accuracy guarantee
More InfoKeeps you compliant with all state-required annual report and amendment filings to maintain LLC protections and avoid fines. Worry-Free Compliance
More InfoThis essential document is like the constitution for your business. Operating agreement
More InfoOur team will secure your EIN from the IRS so you can open a business bank account, hire employees, and pay taxes. Employer ID Number (EIN)
More InfoOur fastest service puts you to the front of our line of filings. Our fastest filing speed
More InfoIncludes over 25 templates for contracts, service agreements, waivers, and more. Business documents
Get customers
More InfoGet online with a website builder tool optimized for traffic and customers. Business website builder
More InfoBuild and protect your brand by registering a private domain name that matches your business name. Domain name with privacy
More InfoStay organized and give your business more credibility with a business email. Business email address
Manage finances
More InfoGet a business bank account with no minimum balance, opening deposit, or monthly activities required Business banking
More InfoManage finances in one place: maximize tax deductions, send invoices, and get paid fast. Money Pro bookkeeping
More InfoTax prep and filing for your business, and unlimited tax advice year-round. Unlimited tax advice
Guidance and support
More InfoAccess your online dashboard for all-in-one-place convenience. See your business docs, important reminders, and more. Online dashboard access
More InfoOur highly-rated customer support team is here to help. Reach out by chat, phone, or email with your questions. Customer service
More InfoGet personalized guidance from our Premium Support team to set up your new products and services quickly and without a hassle. Premium Support

Process in 7-10 business days*

 
1 year free, then $199/yr**
+$99
+$99
+$79
+$99
 
+$15/mo
+$35/yr
+$25/yr
 
+$5/mo
+$30/mo
+$49/mo
 

Processes in 1 business day*

 
 
 
+$5/mo
+$30/mo
+$49/mo
 

*Processing times are based on receiving complete information. ZenBusiness processing times do not include Secretary of State processing times, which can vary.
**SPECIAL OFFER – Get Starter for $0 plus state fees. Includes one optional free year of Worry-Free Compliance that renews at $199/yr.
† ZenBusiness is a financial technology company and is not a bank. Banking services provided by Thread Bank, Member FDIC.

How to Set Up a Louisiana LLC on Your Own

Technically speaking, you don’t have to use an LLC formation service like ZenBusiness or LegalZoom. These services are incredibly helpful, but you can save money by completing the process yourself.

Creating a Louisiana LLC is exciting, but it’s also a legal process. Thankfully, though, there’s not a whole lot of “legalese” involved. Follow these steps, and creating your Louisiana LLC will be a cinch:

1. Name your LLC

Your Louisiana business name is a big deal — it goes on all of your official documents and advertising, and it’s how your customers will get to know your business.

Name recognition goes a long way, right? And when it comes to what name you pick, the sky’s the limit…mostly. There are a couple of general best practices to follow, and of course, there are a couple of Louisiana-specific restrictions, too.

For example, a business name should be…

  • Unique
  • Easy to say and spell
  • Memorable
  • Communicating to customers what good or service you offer
  • Something you like!

Every name must also include the words “Limited Liability Company,” the abbreviation “LLC,” or some variation of the business type designation.

One last note: if your name includes specific words like “education,” “academy,” “bank,” or something similar, you may need to get additional approval from the relevant state agency.

Beyond that, there are a few Louisiana-specific rules you’ll want to follow. Most importantly, you cannot use a name that’s already been claimed by another business in Louisiana. Thankfully, you can check if your desired name is still available by running an Entity Name Search.

If your desired name is available, you shouldn’t hesitate to claim it! Ultimately, you’ll officially claim the name when you file your Articles of Organization (see Step 3). But if you’re not quite ready to file the Articles, you can reserve your name with the state. Simply fill out the Reservation of Corporate/Limited Liability Company/L3C/Partnership Name form and pay the applicable $25 fee. This will protect your chosen name for 120 days, giving you time to prepare anything else you need.

2. Choose a registered agent

In your Articles of Organization, you’ll be required to list the name and address of your registered agent. “Registered agent” sounds fancy, but don’t let the name overwhelm you: an agent acts as your primary contact for all official communications.

A Louisiana registered agent accepts what the state calls “service of process” on your behalf. Basically, if your business ever falls out of good standing (or something similar), the state will send an official alert to your registered agent. Because of that, the registered agent needs to be available during all regular business hours.

In Louisiana, you can serve as your own registered agent, but we don’t recommend it. You’d be tied down to your listed address, or worse, you might run the risk of missing an important letter. Plus, appointing someone else keeps your personal address private and cuts down on junk mail.

3. File the formation documents

Once you’ve chosen your name and appointed a registered agent, you’re ready to file your Louisiana LLC. This all-important filing is what will legally create your business in the state of Louisiana, so it’s important to fill it out carefully.

Louisiana needs a lot of important information from you, including:

  • County of the business
  • Your chosen business name
  • Purpose of your business
  • Duration (usually perpetual)
  • Signature of organizer
  • Signature of notary witness

You can file your Articles online or by mail. Either way, you’ll need to pay the $100 filing fee. You can pay by check, money order, or by credit card. All checks should be made payable to the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Louisiana LLC Fast Facts

  • LLC Formation Speed: Online filings processed in 24-48 hours, hard copies take up to five business days
  • Cost to File an LA LLC: $100, plus the service’s fee if you use one
  • How to File Your Articles of Organization: Online or by mail
  • Annual Reports: Due each year by the date the LA Secretary of State approved your business; costs $30 to file
  • State General Business License: Not required, but industry licenses may apply
  • PLLCs: Available for 12 different industries; however, LA prefers professional corporations to PLLCs

Louisiana Secretary of State Contact Information

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 94125,
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125
Physical Address:
8585 Archives Ave.,
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Phone:
(225) 922-2880
Website:
https://www.sos.la.gov/Pages/default.aspx

What Is a Louisiana LLC?

LLCs are formal legal entities that are typically taxed similarly to sole proprietorships and general partnership vs LLC, in that the owners include any company profits or losses into their personal returns — the LLC itself does not owe income taxes. For more a more in-depth description see: What is an LLC?

The Total Cost of Forming and Maintaining an LLC in Louisiana

In addition to the costs of a business formation service or hiring an attorney (which are optional, as we’ve discussed), there are quite a few other required and optional expenses when forming and maintaining a Louisiana business. You cannot form an LLC in Louisiana without filing the Articles of Organization, as this document is what officially registers your business within the state. It costs $100 to submit this filing.

Your LLC will be responsible for submitting annual reports each year. This filing is pretty simple, but it keeps the state up-to-date about some basic but vital business information like your address and registered agent. LLCs will pay $30 to submit the report. Read more about Louisiana costs – Louisiana LLC costs.

FAQ's

  • We invite you to take a look at our comprehensive guide to forming a limited liability company in Louisiana. This article walks you through the LLC formation process in this state step by step, ensuring that you don’t miss any crucial elements.

  • One of the most important steps in forming a Louisiana LLC is choosing a business name. Once you come up with ideas for your name, you should search through the Secretary of State’s commercial search to make sure your desired name is available. For more information on conducting a business name search in Louisiana, check out Louisiana business search on the topic.

  • You can fill out the Louisiana Articles of Organization on the Secretary of State’s website.

  • All LLCs operating in the state of Louisiana are required to submit an annual report to the Secretary of State. It’s due by your LLC’s anniversary date, and there is a $30 filing fee.

  • Chances are, you’ll require at least one license or permit to operate your LLC in compliance with Louisiana state law. For more information about business licenses in this state, check out Louisiana’s convenient business licensing portal.

  • The Secretary of State will process your hard copy filing in 3-5 business days or your electronic filing in 24-48 hours. If you’re filing a paper application, but don’t want to wait 3-5 days, you have two expedited processing options: 24-hour service for a $30 fee or immediate service for a $50 fee.

  • If you want more details about what these companies can offer in this state, or you’d like to take a look at some other options, check out our complete guide to Louisiana registered agents.

  • Unfortunately, not all businesses last forever. If the time comes when you need to close your LLC’s doors, you’ll need to do so in a manner consistent with the state’s regulations. That’s why we wrote our guide to Louisiana LLC dissolutions, so you can complete the process in a compliant manner.

  • If your LLC already exists in another state, you don’t actually need to “form” it in Louisiana. Instead, you’ll need to foreign qualify the business in this state. This process is somewhat similar to LLC formation, but there are some crucial differences as well. Take a look at our guide to foreign qualifications in Louisiana for more information.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.

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Written by Team ZenBusiness

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