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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 | $299 + 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
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.
Starting a business in Louisiana can be both exciting and intimidating. Louisiana is home to a flourishing business community and entrepreneurship is thriving in the Bayou state. Entrepreneurs in Louisiana have several business structures to consider such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation, and limited liability company (LLC). An LLC is a popular choice among entrepreneurs in the state due to benefits such as limited liability, flexible management, and tax advantages. However, one of the most crucial factors to consider when starting any business is the cost of maintaining it, especially an LLC.
Maintaining an LLC in Louisiana may seem daunting to entrepreneurs who are new to this business structure. However, the cost of maintaining an LLC is relatively affordable when compared to other forms of business structures. One of the main costs to consider is the annual report fee which is paid every year and can vary depending on the company type, size, and location. In Louisiana, the annual report fee for an LLC is $30 which is relatively low when compared to other states. Other costs to consider include taxes, legal fees, and operating expenses.
Taxes are also a significant cost associated with maintaining an LLC in Louisiana. LLCs are pass-through entities, and thus are not taxed federally, but owners are required to file individual tax returns. The business is required to pay state taxes for every taxable transaction. There are also local taxes that vary from city to city; therefore, entrepreneurs need to research the local tax codes before starting a business. Business owners should also keep accurate and up-to-date records of their transactions as documentation for taxes.
Legal fees differ depending on the legal structure of a company. Transactions that take place within an LLC are generally easier to document and oversee and have fewer laws/rules that they must adhere to. Because of this ease, attorneys with experience specialization in this can offer flat or lower rates for legal services than for other businesses.
Operating expenses include any expenses related to the LLC’s business operations such as staffing, office rent, utilities, supplies, and business insurance amongst many others. These type of expenses are related to the daily operations of the company. The cost of those expenses will depend not only in the industry but the city you are conducting the operations.
When starting an LLC in Louisiana, business owners should consult with a certified public accountant, lawyer and other professionals for guidance to ensure that they correctly file all necessary documents and pay all necessary fees. DIY legal websites can’t guarantee that your self-created LLC will comply with all local codes and regulations, and as a result, bring liabilities.
In conclusion, when compared to other types of businesses like a corporation, maintaining an LLC in Louisiana is much more affordable. The costs associated with an LLC are relatively low as long as business owners keep up with annual reports, pay state and local taxes, and keep accurate records of transactions. Being debt-responsible coupled with affordable LLC maintenance makes it a desirable option among entrepreneurs. When you start a new business, entrepreneurs should consult professionals to help them navigate the complexities of the legal and financial requirements to continue growing their prospering Louisiana businesses.
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.
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.
