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Perhaps you are hoping to form an LLC in Louisiana. People assume that starting an LLC is difficult and costly. However, it’s generally not difficult, and the cost would vary across states. We have all the info you need to know about the cost of forming an LLC, particularly the LLC cost in Louisiana.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
Louisiana LLC Cost of Filing
Here are the costs involved in forming an LLC in Louisiana.
Cost of Filing Formation Certificates
The Louisiana Certificate of Formation is responsible for the majority of the cost, which could also vary depending on whether you’re forming a domestic LLC or a foreign LLC. Still, you can file both at the Louisiana Secretary of State.
Louisiana Domestic LLC
- Online filing costs $100
- Annual Report filing costs $30
- Name Reservation costs $25
- By mail: Fill out the Application Form PDF, and submit it to the following address: State of Louisiana Secretary of State P.O. Box 94125 Baton Rouge, LA 70804.
Louisiana Foreign LLC
- Online filing costs $150
- Annual Report filing costs $30
- Name Reservation costs $25
- By mail: Fill out the Application Form PDF, and submit it to the following address: State of Louisiana Secretary of State P.O. Box 94125 Baton Rouge, LA 70804.
You can visit the Louisiana Secretary of State website to learn more about the forms and fees.
Note that filing online is ideal, not only because you need to go to the Secretary of State office, but also it would be faster. You won’t have to wait in a queue in doing so.
Louisiana LLC Formation Service or Registered Agent Fee
You need a registered agent to form an LLC in Louisiana, hence, added costs for service fees. Here are three of the best LLC services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries.
LLC Service | Our Rating & Pricing | Top Features | Learn More |
#1 TOP PICK  | $0 + State Fees |
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Business Permits and Licenses
The business licenses depend on your business’s activity and location and are renewed yearly. As such, the cost will vary. Check the Louisiana Department of Revenue for regulatory boards or agencies requiring licensing.
Louisiana Taxes to be Paid
The business LLCs in the State of Louisiana are subject to different State tax filing obligations. Though the fees may vary from county to county.
Louisiana State Income Tax
This is the State Tax levied on any income you pay to yourself. The tax rate in the State varies between 2% to 6% depending on the total amount of taxable income.
Louisiana Sales tax
The standard rate of sales tax applicable is at the rate of 6.25%. Though the taxes may vary depending on the county and city.
Louisiana Federal Self-Employment Tax
Any profit that Louisiana LLC Business members draw out from the business is liable to pay self-employment tax. The standard tax rate is 15.3%.
Louisiana Payroll tax withholding
If you hire employees in Louisiana, you must withhold payroll tax from their salaries. The standard rate of withholding is 7.65% of the taxable salary of the employees.
Cost Comparison among States
Every state has different costs of filing for an LLC to their respective State Authorities. If you wish to gain a better understanding of the costs of opening an LLC in a different state in comparison to Louisiana, read the table below:
| State | Filing Fee | Annual Fee/Biennial Fee | Sales tax |
| Louisiana LLC | $100 | $30 (annual) | 6.25% |
| Arkansas LLC | $45 | $150 (annual) | 6.50% |
| Mississippi LLC | $50 | $0 | 7.00% |
| Texas LLC | $300 | $0 | 6.25% |
| Oklahoma LLC | $100 | $25 | 4.25% |
Louisiana is a strategically located state with a higher growth rate. The major contributing industries in the State are natural resource production and agriculture, commercial fishing, natural gas, and petroleum.
Other Costs
- Louisiana Name Reservation: $25 for online fillings or by mail
- Doing Business As (DBA): $75 for online filling or if filing by mail
- Certified Document Copies: $15 per document.
- Certified of Good Standing: $20
- Business Domain Name and Website: depend on your preference, but domain name could be as low as $2.99/yr at NameCheap, and web hosting is at least $30/mo at Kinsta.
- Online workspace: at least $4.20/mo for GSuite.
- Business Insurance: would vary depending on insurance type–whether general liability insurance or professional liability insurance–and coverage.
- Dissolution of Louisiana LLC: $75
F.A.Qs
It is possible to form an LLC without professional help, but forms still have associated costs, regardless of where your LLC is formed.
It is difficult to say whether forming an LLC is expensive. Nevertheless, the cost could be anywhere from $40 to $500. If you refuse to hire professionals, you’ll still have expenses like form fees to cover.
The need to separate personal money from business funds, thus necessitating the creation of a business bank account for your LLC.
How Much Does It Cost to Maintain an LLC in Louisiana
To maintain an LLC in Louisiana you will need to pay an annual fee of $30 along with sales tax at 6.25%, income tax at 2% to 6% and federal taxes.
One of the first costs to consider when forming an LLC in Louisiana is the filing fee required by the Louisiana Secretary of State. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with processing your LLC formation documents and officially establishing your business entity. In addition to the initial filing fee, there may be additional costs associated with obtaining any required business licenses and permits at the state or local level. These costs can vary depending on the type and location of your business.
Once your LLC is up and running, there are ongoing maintenance costs to consider. In Louisiana, LLCs are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State and pay the associated filing fee. Failure to file this report or pay the fee can result in your LLC being dissolved or facing other penalties. Additionally, maintaining an LLC in good standing involves adhering to the state’s annual franchise tax requirements. These taxes are based on the LLC’s net worth or business capital and can vary depending on the size and financial status of your company.
Other costs to consider when maintaining an LLC in Louisiana include any necessary insurance premiums, lease or rent payments for business space, utilities, and employee wages. These expenses will vary depending on the size and nature of your business operations. It’s important to stay on top of these financial obligations to ensure the smooth operation and compliance of your LLC in Louisiana.
Aside from the financial aspect, business owners should also consider the time and effort required to maintain an LLC in Louisiana. This includes staying informed about changes in state laws and regulations that may impact your business, keeping accurate financial records, and fulfilling any necessary reporting and compliance requirements. While hiring professional services such as accountants or legal advisors can help with these tasks, it’s essential to factor in the potential costs associated with these services when budgeting for overall LLC maintenance expenses.
As business owners navigate the complexities of maintaining an LLC in Louisiana, it’s important to view these costs as necessary investments in the long-term success and viability of their business. By understanding and accounting for these expenses, business owners can better plan and manage their finances to ensure their LLC remains compliant and operational in the state of Louisiana. Ultimately, staying informed and proactive in managing the costs of maintaining an LLC will contribute to the overall sustainability and growth of your business endeavors.
In Conclusion
The cost of Louisiana is much lower compared to other forms of business. Apart from the state filing fees and annual taxes, you might bear the cost of the registered agent. Compare the price of professional LLC services and choose the most affordable one.