How To Start An LLC In Louisiana In 2025
Everything you need to know about forming an LLC in Louisiana, plus our expert-tested recommendations for the best formation services in the Pelican State.
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Louisiana has made LLC formation more attractive than ever with major tax reforms in 2025. With a $100 state filing fee, new flat tax rates (3% individual, 5.5% corporate), and the elimination of the corporate franchise tax starting in 2026, Louisiana offers significant advantages for business formation. Whether you're in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, or anywhere else in the Pelican State, you can establish your Louisiana LLC efficiently.
Our top pick for Louisiana LLC formation is ZenBusiness. They offer fast processing for Louisiana LLCs, include a year of free Worry-Free Compliance, and their $0 formation package means you only pay the $100 Louisiana state fee. With their expertise in Louisiana business law and excellent customer support, they make the entire process simple and stress-free.
Featured Partners
- Best filing & protections
- Fastest processing
- Free compliance for 1 yr
- Award-winning support
On ZenBusiness's Website
- Best for standard filing
- Fast processing options
- Free yr registered agent
- Lifetime company alerts
On Bizee's Website
- Best legal services
- Fast processing options
- AI legal forms
- Trusted since 1999
On LegalZoom's Website
- Best branding services
- Fast processing options
- Logo & website builder
- Establish your brand
On Tailor Brands's Website
Compare the Best Louisiana LLC Services of 2025
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and capabilities
| Feature | ZenBusiness Best Overall Value | Bizee Fastest Formation |  Inc Authority Free Formation | Tailor Brands Best for Branding | LegalZoom Best for Legal Support |  Rocket Lawyer Legal Documents |  BetterLegal Speed & Simplicity |  Active Filings Traditional Service |  Filenow Budget Option |  Northwest Basic Formation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $99.99 + state fees | $299 all-inclusive | $199 + state fees | $99 + state fees | $39 + state fees |
| Our Rating | 4.9 /5 | 4.6 /5 | 4.4 /5 | 4.3 /5 | 4.2 /5 | 4.0 /5 | 3.9 /5 | 3.8 /5 | 3.6 /5 | 3.4 /5 |
| Standard Processing | 7-10 days | 3 weeks | 7-10 days | 3 weeks | 5-14 days | 5-7 days | 2 days | 5-10 days | 7-10 days | 7-10 days |
| Rush Processing | 1 day +$79 | 1 day +$49 | 2 days +$99 | 1 day +$99 | Standard speed | 2 days +$100 | 3 days +$50 | |||
| Compliance Tools | Worry-Free Compliance Free 1st year | Alerts only Basic monitoring | Basic tools Included | Basic alerts Included | Premium only Extra cost | Document library With membership | Limited Basic support | Basic tools Limited | None Not available | None Not included |
| Registered Agent | $199/yr Not included | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr | Free Year 1 Then $199/yr | $119/yr Not included | $249/yr Not included | $149/yr Not included | Included In base price | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr | +$125/yr Not included | $125/yr Available |
| Operating Agreement | +$99 | +$99 | +$50 | Included | +$99 | Included | Included | +$99 | +$40 | +$39 |
| EIN Service | +$99 | +$70 | +$70 | Included | +$159 | +$99 | Included | +$70 | +$50 | +$70 |
| Customer Support | Phone, Chat, Email | Limited | Phone, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Chat | Phone, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Email | Email only | Email only |
| Mobile App | ||||||||||
| Attorney Access | ||||||||||
| Get Started | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → |
Note: State filing fees are additional for all services except where noted. Features and pricing may vary by state.
Our Top Picks for Louisiana LLC Services
Best Overall for Louisiana ZenBusiness excels at Louisiana LLC formation with their fast filing option and deep knowledge of Louisiana's specific requirements. They include their Worry-Free Compliance for the first year (saving you $199+), handle your geauxBIZ registration, and provide ongoing compliance support. Their team is well-versed in Louisiana's anniversary-based annual report requirements and can help ensure you stay compliant with all state regulations.
Best For:
Louisiana entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and accurate filing
Pros
- Fast Louisiana LLC filing available
- Free Worry-Free Compliance for 1 year
- Handles Louisiana annual report requirements
- Expert support familiar with Louisiana requirements
- 100% accuracy guarantee on Louisiana filings
- Free EIN and operating agreement with Pro plan
Cons
- Premium features require upgraded plans
- Registered agent is $199/year
Fastest Louisiana Formation Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers lightning-fast Louisiana LLC formation with guaranteed fast processing. They provide a free Louisiana registered agent for the first year and their dashboard specifically tracks Louisiana's anniversary-based annual report deadlines. Perfect for entrepreneurs who need their Louisiana LLC formed quickly.
Best For:
Louisiana businesses needing the fastest possible formation
Pros
- Fast Louisiana processing guaranteed
- Free Louisiana registered agent for first year
- Lifetime company alerts for Louisiana compliance
- Dashboard tracks Louisiana annual report deadlines
- Free business tools and templates
- No hidden fees on basic package
Cons
- Operating agreement costs extra
- Limited phone support hours
Best Legal Support in LA LegalZoom brings decades of experience with Louisiana business formation. Their attorney network includes Louisiana-licensed lawyers who can provide state-specific legal advice. While their add-ons are pricier, they're ideal for Louisiana businesses with complex legal needs or those who want the security of professional legal backing.
Best For:
Louisiana businesses needing ongoing legal support and guidance
Pros
- Attorney consultations for Louisiana law
- Rush filing available for Louisiana
- Comprehensive Louisiana legal forms library
- Phone support with Louisiana expertise
- 30+ years serving Louisiana businesses
- Peace of mind guarantee
Cons
- Louisiana registered agent costs $249/year
- Operating agreement extra (+$99)
Best Louisiana Branding Package Tailor Brands combines Louisiana LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Perfect for Louisiana's growing creative and energy sectors, they help establish your brand identity while handling the legal formation. Their packages include everything needed to launch a professional Louisiana business presence online and offline.
Best For:
Louisiana creative businesses and startups needing branding
Pros
- Logo design and branding included
- Website builder with Louisiana business info
- Business cards with Louisiana address
- Fast Louisiana processing
- EIN and operating agreement included
- Social media kit for Louisiana business
Cons
- Monthly subscription required
- No same-day processing for Louisiana
Free Louisiana Formation Inc Authority offers genuinely free Louisiana LLC formation where you only pay the $100 state fee. They include a free Louisiana registered agent for the first year and handle all geauxBIZ filings. While processing is slower than competitors, they're perfect for Louisiana entrepreneurs prioritizing cost savings over speed.
Best For:
Budget-conscious Louisiana entrepreneurs
Pros
- Truly free Louisiana LLC formation
- Free Louisiana registered agent for first year
- Free tax consultation for Louisiana businesses
- Handles geauxBIZ filing
- No hidden fees on basic package
- Louisiana business forms included
Cons
- Processing takes 7-10 business days
- Louisiana registered agent renews at $119/year
- Aggressive upselling reported
Privacy Focused Northwest Registered Agent takes a minimalist approach to Louisiana LLC formation, focusing on privacy and straightforward service without the bells and whistles. They handle your Louisiana geauxBIZ registration efficiently and provide registered agent services at competitive rates, making them ideal for business owners who prefer a simple, direct approach to LLC formation.
Best For:
Louisiana entrepreneurs who prioritize privacy and simple, no-frills service
Pros
- Strong privacy protection for Louisiana businesses
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Handles Louisiana geauxBIZ filing
- No aggressive marketing or upselling
- Straightforward Louisiana LLC process
- Low-cost registered agent service
Cons
- Email-only customer support
- No rush processing for Louisiana filings
- Limited business tools and resources
- Basic operating agreement template
All-Inclusive & Fast BetterLegal offers a streamlined approach to Louisiana LLC formation with their comprehensive $299 service package plus Louisiana's $100 state filing fee. With guaranteed fast turnaround and transparent pricing, they're perfect for entrepreneurs who want speed and simplicity without hidden costs in their Louisiana LLC formation process.
Best For:
Louisiana businesses needing everything done quickly with transparent pricing
Pros
- Guaranteed fast Louisiana formation
- Everything included: formation, EIN, operating agreement, registered agent
- Transparent flat-rate pricing structure
- Louisiana-specific compliance guidance
- No hidden fees or surprise costs
- Streamlined single-package approach
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than budget options
- State filing fees are additional cost
- Limited ongoing support after formation
- Fewer customization options
Legal Platform Rocket Lawyer goes beyond simple Louisiana LLC formation to provide a comprehensive legal platform. With access to Louisiana-licensed attorneys and an extensive library of legal documents, they're ideal for businesses that need ongoing legal support. While formation takes longer than specialized services, the added legal resources make it worthwhile for complex Louisiana business needs.
Best For:
Louisiana businesses anticipating ongoing legal needs and document creation
Pros
- Access to Louisiana-licensed attorneys
- Comprehensive legal document library
- Ongoing legal support beyond formation
- Rush Louisiana processing available (additional fee)
- Louisiana business law resources
- Attorney consultations included with membership
Cons
- Monthly membership required for best value
- Louisiana formation takes 5-7 business days
- Higher costs compared to formation-only services
- Complex pricing structure
Traditional Service Active Filings provides reliable Louisiana LLC formation with a focus on personal service and phone support. While their pricing is higher than newer competitors, they offer a traditional approach that many Louisiana business owners appreciate, with knowledgeable representatives who understand Louisiana's specific LLC requirements and anniversary-based annual reporting deadlines.
Best For:
Louisiana entrepreneurs who prefer phone support and traditional business services
Pros
- Phone support with Louisiana expertise
- First year registered agent included
- Rush processing available for Louisiana
- Traditional, reliable service approach
- Louisiana annual report reminders
- Basic compliance tools included
Cons
- Higher starting price than competitors
- Limited online tools and resources
- Standard processing takes 5-7 days
- Fewer modern business features
Compliance Specialists Harbor Compliance specializes in the ongoing administrative and compliance aspects of Louisiana business ownership. While their basic LLC formation is straightforward, their real strength lies in helping established Louisiana businesses navigate complex regulatory requirements, making them ideal for companies planning significant growth or those with specialized compliance needs.
Best For:
Louisiana businesses with complex compliance needs or planning to expand
Pros
- Specialized in ongoing Louisiana compliance
- Corporate services and advanced structures
- Louisiana annual report filing services
- Business licensing assistance
- Registered agent services statewide
- Focus on regulatory requirements
Cons
- Higher fees for premium services
- Complex pricing for basic formation
- Longer processing times (7-10 days)
- Limited customer support hours
Louisiana LLC Requirements & Steps
What You Need to Form a Louisiana LLC
- ✓ Unique LLC Name: Must include "Limited Liability Company" or "LLC" and be distinguishable from other Louisiana businesses
- ✓ Louisiana Registered Agent: Required by law - must have a Louisiana street address (no P.O. boxes)
- ✓ Articles of Organization: Filed with Louisiana Secretary of State on geauxBIZ (must be notarized)
- ✓ Initial Report: Filed simultaneously with Articles of Organization
- ✓ EIN (Federal Tax ID): Required to open a business bank account and hire employees
- ✓ Operating Agreement: Not required by Louisiana but highly recommended
- ✓ Annual Report: Due by your LLC's anniversary date each year
Louisiana LLC Costs
- • State Filing Fee: $100 (includes Articles of Organization and Initial Report)
- • Registered Agent: $100-$300/year (or free first year with most services)
- • EIN: Free from IRS, $50-$150 through formation services
- • Annual Report: $30
- • Business License: Varies by parish/municipality ($50-$400)
Louisiana LLC Timeline
- • Name Approval: Instant online check via geauxBIZ
- • Processing Time: 3-7 business days (expedited options available)
- • EIN Application: Instant online or 4 weeks by mail
- • Total Time to Launch: 3-10 business days with professional service
Why Form Your LLC in Louisiana?
Tax Advantages (2025 Reforms)
- • New 3% flat income tax rate
- • 5.5% flat corporate tax rate
- • Corporate franchise tax eliminated (2026)
- • Low annual report fee ($30)
- • Business-friendly tax reforms
Business Environment
- • Strategic Gulf Coast location
- • Major energy sector hub
- • Growing technology sector
- • Access to international ports
- • Strong tourism industry
Legal Protections
- • Strong asset protection laws
- • Charging order protection
- • Privacy for members
- • Flexible management structure
Easy Administration
- • Low state filing fee ($100)
- • Streamlined online filing
- • Anniversary-based reporting
- • Low property tax rates
Louisiana LLC Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Louisiana?
The Louisiana state filing fee is $100, which covers both the Articles of Organization and Initial Report. Additional costs include a registered agent ($100-$300/year, though many services offer the first year free), EIN application (free from IRS or $50-$150 through a service), and the annual report fee of $30-35. Most Louisiana entrepreneurs spend between $100-$500 total to form their LLC, depending on which services they choose.
Do I need a registered agent for my Louisiana LLC?
Yes, Louisiana law requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a Louisiana street address (P.O. boxes are not acceptable). The registered agent receives legal documents and official state correspondence on behalf of your LLC. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Louisiana address, but most business owners use a professional service for privacy and reliability. Some services include the first year free.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Louisiana?
Louisiana LLC processing typically takes 3-7 business days through the Louisiana Secretary of State. With professional formation services, you can often get faster processing and expedited options. Online filing through geauxBIZ is generally faster than mail filing. Total time from start to having your EIN and being ready to operate is usually 1-2 weeks with a professional service.
What is Louisiana's annual report requirement?
Louisiana LLCs must file an annual report by the anniversary date of their formation each year. The report costs $30 if filed online. It updates your business information including address, registered agent, and member/manager details. Failure to file can result in administrative dissolution. Most formation services provide reminders and some will file it for you.
Can I form a Louisiana LLC if I don't live in Louisiana?
Yes, you don't need to be a Louisiana resident to form a Louisiana LLC. However, you must have a registered agent with a Louisiana street address. This is where professional registered agent services become essential for out-of-state business owners. Keep in mind you may also need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state if you're conducting business there.
What name requirements exist for Louisiana LLCs?
Your Louisiana LLC name must be unique and distinguishable from other businesses registered in the state. It must include "Limited Liability Company," "L.L.C.," or "LLC" at the end. You can check name availability instantly on geauxBIZ. Certain words like "bank," "insurance," or "trust" may require additional approval. You can also reserve a name for a fee if you're not ready to form your LLC yet.
Do Louisiana Articles of Organization need to be notarized?
Yes, Louisiana is unique in requiring that Articles of Organization be notarized before submission to the Secretary of State. Professional formation services handle these notarization requirements as part of their service, making the process much easier for business owners.
Popular Louisiana Cities for LLCs
- • New Orleans
- • Metairie
- • Kenner
- • Slidell
- • Baton Rouge
- • Zachary
- • Baker
- • Denham Springs
- • Shreveport
- • Bossier City
- • Monroe
- • Ruston
- • Lafayette
- • Lake Charles
- • Alexandria
- • Opelousas
Ready to Start Your Louisiana LLC?
Join thousands of entrepreneurs who've successfully formed their Louisiana LLCs. Get started today with our top-rated formation services.