How to File an LLC Articles of Organization in Louisiana

Articles of Organization or a Certificate of Formation are the main documents used in establishing your LLC in Louisiana. The document is required to be filed with the Secretary of State in Wyoming. Each form has a long list of details to be shared by the limited liability company owner before sending or uploading the document.

On this page, LLCBuddy editors put all the information together about how to file the Articles of Organization in Louisiana. There might be several ways to file the formation document, online, by mail, fax, or by in-person visit to the office. Let’s dig more to check the available and easy ways in Louisiana to file the Articles of Organization while forming the LLC.

Articles of Organization in Louisiana

The Articles of Organization for an LLC are the most important document of all. In general, establishing an LLC is much simpler than other types of business structures, such as a corporation or partnership. Among a few mandatory documents to file, the Articles of Organization are one of the main papers.

By submitting the Articles of Organization, the LLC owners provide all sorts of information related to the LLC. Upon approval of the documents and information provided by the LLC, they can register their business with the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Each state has different requirements to fill out a form. The Articles of Organization usually include the following:

The name of the LLC in Louisiana,
The effective date of the LLC,
The company’s principal office,
The business purpose,
The duration of the business,
A copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
The name and address of the Resident Agent, organizers, and
At least one member of the company

Note that the Articles of Organization in Louisiana are a legal requirement, not to mention the core of your LLC. It even makes up the bulk of your Louisiana LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.

How to File Louisiana LLC Articles of Organization

Filing an LLC Articles of Organization with the State is easy. There are several ways to file it. As mentioned, the filing can be done online, by sending the PDF form by mail, or by other means (physical visit or fax). State-wise filing methods can be different. Alternatively, hiring a third-party service can make a lot of difference compared to doing it on your own. They help the LLCs to file documents easily without any complications. In Louisiana, the following methods are available.

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Step 1: Find Forms Online

Go to the Louisiana Secretary of State to download the Articles of Organization form for your LLC or to log into the online service.

Offline Filing: Articles of Organization PDF Form
Online Filing: Articles of Organization Online Form

Step 2: Fill Out Form

When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to the Louisiana LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.

You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Articles of Organization form when filing. You also need to mention the name and address of the Resident Agent in Louisiana. It is recommended to explore the best LLC services in Louisiana for hiring a professional registered agent and other formation-related services.

For the ones who are residing outside of Louisiana and want to set up a foreign LLC in Louisiana, you must file another type of document, similar yet different from the Articles of Organization. For filing a foreign LLC, you can explore the best LLC services that operate in 50 other states, along with Louisiana.

What information does the Articles of Organization application need in Louisiana?

The application form for the Articles of Organization needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.

Step 3: File Formation Certificates

File your formation certificate either online or by mail (whichever is available and convenient for you) by filling out the form and sending it to the State of Louisiana Secretary of State, P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804. For online filing, you must log in to the Louisiana Secretary of State or register with the portal. Submit the form online (if available).

Pay the required filing fee at the time of form submission to complete the LLC registration. For online filing, payment should be made using Credit or Debit Cards. For offline filing, payment should be made using a Cheque or in cash (if available).

Cost of Filing Louisiana Articles of Organization

LLC cost in Louisiana includes all types of fees, starting from the name reservation fee, DBA filing fee ($75 Filing Fee and $300 for 24-hour Expedited filing), Resident Agent costs, and Articles of Organization fee. In Louisiana, the filing fee for a formation document is $100. The standard fee for filing the Articles of Organization allows one to file the LLC within the standard time. However, by paying additional fees, you can expedite the process, and it can be done as soon as within a few hours (depending on state rules).

Hiring a professional service can reduce some of the costs while forming an LLC. However, the state filing fee is mandatory and has to be paid at the time of registration. We recommend hiring LegalZoom as it offers filing an LLC at $0 (plus state filing fee).

Amend Louisiana Articles of Organization: Amending the articles of organization is required when any changes are made. Change of a registered agent, change of a physical address, or any information related to your existing LLC must be filed. Hence, you need to amend the Louisiana Articles of Organization.

FAQs

What is the purpose of filing LLC Articles of Organization in Louisiana?

The purpose of filing LLC Articles of Organization in Louisiana is to officially form a limited liability company in the state.

How do I file LLC Articles of Organization in Louisiana?

To file LLC Articles of Organization in Louisiana, you must submit the necessary paperwork and fees to the Louisiana Secretary of State.

What information is required in the LLC Articles of Organization in Louisiana?

The LLC Articles of Organization in Louisiana must include the LLC’s name, purpose, duration, registered agent, and organizers’ information.

Do I need to publish LLC Articles of Organization in Louisiana?

No, there is no requirement to publish LLC Articles of Organization in Louisiana.

What is the filing fee for LLC Articles of Organization in Louisiana?

The filing fee for LLC Articles of Organization in Louisiana is $100.

Can I file LLC Articles of Organization online in Louisiana?

Yes, you can file LLC Articles of Organization online in Louisiana through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website.

How long does it take to process LLC Articles of Organization in Louisiana?

LLC Articles of Organization in Louisiana are typically processed within 3-5 business days.

Can I reserve a name for my LLC before filing Articles of Organization in Louisiana?

Yes, you can reserve a name for your LLC before filing Articles of Organization in Louisiana for a fee.

Are there any restrictions on the name I can choose for my LLC in Louisiana?

Yes, the name of your LLC in Louisiana must be distinguishable from other entities registered in the state.

Can I change the name of my LLC after filing Articles of Organization in Louisiana?

Yes, you can change the name of your LLC after filing Articles of Organization in Louisiana by filing an Amendment to Articles of Organization.

Do I need an operating agreement for my LLC in Louisiana?

Although not required by the state, it is highly recommended to have an operating agreement for your LLC in Louisiana.

Is a registered agent required for my LLC in Louisiana?

Yes, a registered agent is required for your LLC in Louisiana to receive legal notifications and documents on behalf of the company.

Can I be my LLC’s registered agent in Louisiana?

Yes, you can be your LLC’s registered agent in Louisiana if you have a physical address in the state where legal documents can be served.

What is the role of the registered agent for an LLC in Louisiana?

The registered agent for an LLC in Louisiana is responsible for receiving legal notifications and documents on behalf of the company.

Can I add members to my LLC after filing Articles of Organization in Louisiana?

Yes, you can add members to your LLC after filing Articles of Organization in Louisiana by filing an Amendment to Articles of Organization.

Do I need an EIN for my LLC in Louisiana?

If your LLC has more than one member, you will need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes.

Can I operate my LLC in Louisiana without filing LLC Articles of Organization?

No, you must file LLC Articles of Organization in Louisiana to legally operate as a limited liability company in the state.

Can I dissolve my LLC in Louisiana?

Yes, you can dissolve your LLC in Louisiana by filing Articles of Dissolution with the Louisiana Secretary of State.

What is the penalty for not filing LLC Articles of Organization in Louisiana?

The penalty for not filing LLC Articles of Organization in Louisiana is the inability to legally operate as a limited liability company in the state.

Can I convert my existing business entity into an LLC in Louisiana?

Yes, you can convert your existing business entity into an LLC in Louisiana by filing Articles of Conversion with the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Do foreign LLCs need to file Articles of Organization in Louisiana?

Foreign LLCs operating in Louisiana must file an Application for Registration with the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Can I reserve a specific duration for my LLC in Louisiana?

Yes, you can specify a duration for your LLC in Louisiana, which can be perpetual or for a specific period.

Can I amend my LLC Articles of Organization in Louisiana?

Yes, you can amend your LLC Articles of Organization in Louisiana by filing an Amendment to Articles of Organization with the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Can I use a trade name for my LLC in Louisiana?

Yes, you can use a trade name for your LLC in Louisiana, but it must be registered with the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Are annual reports required for LLCs in Louisiana?

Yes, LLCs in Louisiana are required to file an annual report with the Louisiana Secretary of State and pay the associated fee.

Can an LLC be formed by a single person in Louisiana?

Yes, a single-member LLC can be formed by one person in Louisiana by filing LLC Articles of Organization with the state.

Can I transfer my LLC into Louisiana from another state?

Yes, you can transfer your LLC into Louisiana from another state by filing foreign registration paperwork with the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Can I add restrictions on the activities of my LLC in Louisiana?

Yes, you can add restrictions on the activities of your LLC in Louisiana by including specific language in the LLC Articles of Organization.

Can I withdraw my foreign LLC from Louisiana?

Yes, you can withdraw your foreign LLC from Louisiana by filing a Certificate of Withdrawal with the Louisiana Secretary of State.

What is an LLC Articles of Organization in Louisiana?

The LLC Articles of Organization in Louisiana is a document filed with the Louisiana Secretary of State to officially create a limited liability company.

In Conclusion

The formation document, or the Articles of Organization, is the main document you need while forming your limited liability company in Louisiana. Certainly, you must attach supporting documents such as a name reservation certificate, registered agent name and address, and others. In Louisiana, filing the Articles of Organization is easy. However, mistakes can happen if you are a beginner or a first-time business filer. It is suggested to hire a professional service.

LLCBuddy editors recommend LegalZoom, as it not only offers free LLC formation service ($0), but also offers other services such as Resident Agent, operating agreement, EIN, Certificate of Good Standing for foreign LLC establishment, business name search, and many more.