How to Amend Louisiana Articles of Incorporation


Steve Goldstein
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Amend Louisiana Articles of Incorporation

Starting a corporation in Louisiana is an exciting journey. But as your company grows, you may find it necessary to make changes to its structure and governance. Making any changes to your established corporation in Louisiana requires filing the Amendment of Articles of Incorporation. An amendment is a process through which you report the structural or any change in your corporation to the Louisiana Secretary of State. To do so, you require to follow a few simple steps. You need to get the amendment form, enter the details of changes, and submit it to the appropriate address with the filing fee will make things done.

In this article, we have shared the process in detail. You will learn how to amend Louisiana Articles of Incorporation in easy steps. It will be helpful for you if you read the article till the end.

What is Louisiana Articles of Incorporation?

The Louisiana Articles of Incorporation is a legal document that you need to file with the Secretary of State while registering your corporation in Louisiana. It is similar to the Articles of Organization you file while creating an LLC in Louisiana. If you already own a corporation in Louisiana, you must know what the Articles of Incorporation is. However, those who are not aware of this document can get all the required details from this page. The Articles of Incorporation is a set of papers that have all the information regarding your corporation and are filed with the Secretary of State. You must pay the filing fees to register your Articles of Incorporation.

This document has information related to your corporation. Details like the name of the corp, principal address, Louisiana Resident Agent details, corporation structure, directors, shareholders, and signature of the incorporators should be mentioned in the document. An online or offline form mentioning these details should be filed with the SOS at the time of forming your corporation. You must pay the filing fee to the state online or by check.

Like forming an LLC, for the corporation, it takes some time to form your business in Louisiana after filing the documents. You can expedite the filing process by paying additional money over the filing fees.

It is good to make changes in your Articles of Incorporation. When you change anything, specifcally the name, it brings good and bad effects to the company. Make sure the name change does not affect your revenue or status adversely.

LLCBuddy Editorial Team

Why Amend Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana?

There can be several reasons why you make changes to your corporation. A business runs based on diverse components. From economic conditions to internal structures (shareholders and directors), the corporation can change many times in its life based on external or internal reasons.

Change of Louisiana Corporation Name: The name of the corporation does not often change because it is the primary identity of any business. Sometimes, a spelling or the entire name requires to be changed for many reasons. In that case, the corporation has to file the amendment with the SOS mentioning the old and new names. They have to submit the business name change form with the amendment form.

Change of Statement of Purpose: This is a document where you explain the purpose of your corporation. The purpose says that you are involved in legal and lawful activities through your business. If you are having a nonprofit, you must have a community purpose. If you change that purpose, you must file the amendment. If you change the nature of the business or the purpose of the corporation overall, then you must file an amendment.

Change in Numbers of Stocks and Shares: Finally, if you change the number of shares or stock issues in your company, then you must amend it. It can be reduced or increased if you decide to remove or add a shareholder/partner to the corporation. In that case, it must be amended with the SOS.

How to Amend the Louisiana Articles of Incorporation

There are three main steps to file your amendment to the Louisiana Articles of Incorporation. Before you proceed with the steps of filing the form, you must know what changes you can make in your corporation and what changes you cannot. Let’s start with the first step and some related information,

Step 1: Determine What Changes You Need in Louisiana Corporation

Updating your Articles of Incorporation periodically can be beneficial by making necessary changes. However, frequent alterations in structure or name may not be advisable. The first step involves determining which changes are needed and assessing their potential impact. Modifying aspects of your existing business can affect your revenue or client relationships, so it’s crucial to carefully consider whether the changes are truly necessary and what consequences they may bring.

An up-to-date Articles of Incorporation reflects the current status of a corporation in Louisiana. The key elements of your updated Articles of Incorporation may include the advantages of being a Resident Agent, the company’s contact information, and the process for receiving legal notices, among other details.

Step 2: Review the Changes You Made in the Articles of Incorporation

The subsequent step involves reviewing the changes. The Louisiana Secretary of State may request additional supporting documents based on the modifications made to your corporation. After finalizing the changes, you can proceed to draft the Louisiana corporate amendment. Consult with the SOS to determine if any other documents need to be submitted. For instance, if you are changing the business name, you might be required to submit a name change/reservation form along with the Louisiana Corporate Amendment form.

What Can Be Changed in Articles of Incorporation

It is not easy to change things in your business. Besides, there are some restrictions in changing things in your corporation in Louisiana. There are things you can change, but there are things that you cannot change. I have mentioned a few points in this article that you can change above, such as the name, statement of purpose, and the number of shares issued. Now, there are things that you cannot change in the Articles of Incorporation.

What Can not Be Changed in Louisiana Corporate Amendment?

If you started a corporation in Louisiana, you must initially have appointed a Resident Agent. You cannot change the initial registered agent in the Articles of Incorporation Corporate Amendment. You can change it using other methods and forms available in the Louisiana SOS.

Another point is the initial mailing address of your corporation cannot be changed in the Louisiana Corporate Amendment. In this case, you can change it through other methods requiring different forms.

The third point is the initial directors who formed the corporation in Louisiana. The details of the initial directors cannot be changed in the Louisiana Corporate Amendment. There is no other way to change the directors’ details.

Step 3: File the Louisiana Corporate Amendment

Finally, file the Louisiana Corporate Amendment with the Secretary of State by the methods (online or offline) available. You must go through the filing process mentioned on the SOS official website before you start the filing process. You must pay the state fees for filing the Louisiana Corporate Amendment.

Penalties for Not Filing the Amendment in Louisiana

Now, one question arises when we talk about filing the amendment what happens if you don’t amend the Louisiana Articles of Incorporation? The answer is simple. You might have to pay heavy penalties if you do not file it. Besides, you may lose existing clients as they may not be interested in continuing to work with your company.

They might cancel the existing contract; you might lose the bank loan or advance opportunities, or you may lose the business bank accounts for not complying with the amendment filing requirements. Hence, it is highly recommended to amend the Louisiana Articles of Incorporation.

FAQs

How do I amend the Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana?
To amend the Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana, you must file an amendment form with the Louisiana Secretary of State. The form must include the existing articles of incorporation, the amendment, and the signature of all the directors and shareholders.
What information is required to amend Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana?
To amend the Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana, you must provide the existing articles of incorporation, the amendment, and the signature of all the directors and shareholders.
What is the cost to amend Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana?
The cost to amend Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana is $50.
How long does it take to amend Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana?
It typically takes two to three weeks to amend Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana.
How do I file an amendment to Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana?
To file an amendment to Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana, you must submit the amendment form to the Louisiana Secretary of State along with the existing articles of incorporation and the signatures of all the directors and shareholders.
What happens after I file an amendment to Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana?
After you file an amendment to Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana, the Louisiana Secretary of State will review the amendment and either approve or deny it. If it is approved, the amendment will become effective and you will receive a stamped copy of the filed amendment for your records.
Is there a time limit for amending Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana?
No, there is no time limit for amending Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana.
What is the purpose of an amendment to Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana?
The purpose of an amendment to Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana is to make changes to the existing Articles of Incorporation. Common changes include changing the corporation’s name, changing the number of directors, or changing the type of stock the corporation issues.
Can I make changes to the corporate name in my Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana?
Yes, you can make changes to the corporate name in your Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana. To do so, you must file an amendment form with the Louisiana Secretary of State.
Does an amendment to Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana need to be notarized?
Yes, an amendment to Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana must be notarized prior to filing.
Is there a minimum number of directors required for a corporation in Louisiana?
Yes, the minimum number of directors for a corporation in Louisiana is three.
What type of stock can a corporation in Louisiana issue?
A corporation in Louisiana can issue common and preferred stock.
What type of documents must be filed with the Louisiana Secretary of State?
The documents that must be filed with the Louisiana Secretary of State include the Articles of Incorporation, amendments to the Articles of Incorporation, and the annual report.
What is the filing deadline for the annual report in Louisiana?
The filing deadline for the annual report in Louisiana is April 15th.
What is the penalty for late filing of the annual report in Louisiana?
The penalty for late filing of the annual report in Louisiana is a $50 late fee.
Is it necessary to register with the Louisiana Secretary of State to do business in Louisiana?
Yes, it is necessary to register with the Louisiana Secretary of State to do business in Louisiana.
Is there a fee for registering a corporation in Louisiana?
Yes, there is a fee for registering a corporation in Louisiana. The fee is currently $75.
Is it possible to register a corporation in Louisiana online?
Yes, it is possible to register a corporation in Louisiana online. You can do so by filing the Articles of Incorporation form with the Louisiana Secretary of State.
What is the minimum amount of capital required to start a corporation in Louisiana?
There is no minimum amount of capital required to start a corporation in Louisiana.
How do I dissolve a corporation in Louisiana?
To dissolve a corporation in Louisiana, you must file articles of dissolution with the Louisiana Secretary of State.
What is the penalty for failing to file the annual report in Louisiana?
The penalty for failing to file the annual report in Louisiana is a fine of up to $500.
Is it necessary to obtain a certificate of good standing from the Louisiana Secretary of State?
Yes, it is necessary to obtain a certificate of good standing from the Louisiana Secretary of State in order to do business in the state.
Is there a fee for obtaining a certificate of good standing in Louisiana?
Yes, there is a fee for obtaining a certificate of good standing in Louisiana. The fee is currently $50.
Is it possible to obtain a certificate of good standing in Louisiana online?
Yes, it is possible to obtain a certificate of good standing in Louisiana online.
What is the penalty for failing to file the annual report in subsequent years in Louisiana?
The penalty for failing to file the annual report in subsequent years in Louisiana is a fine of up to $2,000.
When does the corporation’s fiscal year end in Louisiana?
The corporation’s fiscal year ends on December 31st in Louisiana.
Is it necessary to obtain a business license in order to do business in Louisiana?
Yes, it is necessary to obtain a business license in order to do business in Louisiana.
Can I amend the Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana without notarizing the document?
No, it is not possible to amend the Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana without notarizing the document.
What information do I need to amend the Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana?
To amend the Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana, you will need the name of the corporation, the state of incorporation, and the specific changes you want to make.
What are the filing fees for amending the Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana?
The filing fee for amending the Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana is $75.
How long does it take to amend the Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana?
It typically takes about 7-10 business days for the Louisiana Secretary of State to process an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation.
Do I need to publish the amendment to the Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana?
No, you do not need to publish the amendment to the Articles of Incorporation in Louisiana.
Does Louisiana require a certified copy of the amendment to the Articles of Incorporation?
Yes, Louisiana requires a certified copy of the amendment to the Articles of Incorporation.

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Why Louisiana Corp Amendment is So Important

At its core, the Louisiana Corporation Amendment serves to modernize and streamline the processes and procedures for corporations operating within the state. By updating and clarifying various aspects of corporate law, this amendment aims to create a more business-friendly environment that promotes growth, innovation, and economic development.

One of the key aspects of the Louisiana Corporation Amendment is its emphasis on transparency and accountability within corporate governance. By requiring corporations to maintain more detailed and accurate records, the amendment aims to promote greater trust and confidence among shareholders, employees, and other stakeholders. This increased transparency not only benefits those directly involved with the corporation but also helps to instill public trust in the business community as a whole.

Additionally, the Louisiana Corporation Amendment addresses the issue of corporate citizenship and responsibility. By encouraging corporations to prioritize ethical business practices, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship, the amendment aims to create a more sustainable and resilient business community. In an era where consumers and investors are increasingly conscious of the impact of their choices on society and the environment, these considerations can no longer be overlooked by corporations seeking to remain competitive and relevant.

Furthermore, the Louisiana Corporation Amendment seeks to level the playing field for businesses of all sizes and types. By simplifying regulations and reducing administrative burdens, the amendment aims to create a more equitable and inclusive business environment where small and medium-sized enterprises can thrive alongside larger corporations. This emphasis on diversity and competition not only benefits individual businesses but also promotes a healthier and more dynamic economy as a whole.

Ultimately, the Louisiana Corporation Amendment represents a crucial step towards creating a more modern, efficient, and responsible corporate legal framework. By updating and clarifying various aspects of corporate law, this amendment aims to promote transparency, accountability, sustainability, and competitiveness within the business community. As the global economy continues to evolve and grow increasingly interconnected, it is essential for states like Louisiana to adapt and innovate in order to remain relevant and competitive in the marketplace. The Louisiana Corporation Amendment is an important piece of this puzzle, and its implementation will likely have significant and lasting implications for the state’s business community.

Conclusion

Amending the Louisiana Articles of Incorporation may not involve numerous steps, but the process can be more complex than it appears. It’s crucial to carefully consider any changes to ensure they do not negatively impact your business or client relationships. Before proceeding with modifications and amendments, it is advisable to consult with an attorney or legal professional for guidance.

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