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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.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that there are both initial and ongoing costs associated with operating an LLC in Louisiana. The initial costs usually involve filing fees for registering the business with the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office. These fees can vary depending on the type of LLC and whether you use a professional service to assist with the filing process.
Once your LLC is up and running, there are also ongoing costs to consider. One of the main expenses associated with maintaining an LLC in Louisiana is the annual report fee. All LLCs in the state are required to file an annual report and pay a fee to keep the business in good standing with the Secretary of State. Failure to file this annual report on time can result in delinquency fees and even potential dissolution of the LLC.
In addition to the annual report fee, LLCs in Louisiana may also need to consider other operating costs such as business licenses, permits, and insurance premiums. These costs can vary depending on the size and scope of the business, as well as the industry in which you operate.
Another important cost to consider when maintaining an LLC in Louisiana is the cost of professional services. Many business owners choose to work with an attorney or accountant to assist with various aspects of LLC maintenance, such as preparing annual reports, complying with state regulations, and managing tax obligations. While hiring these professionals can add to the overall cost of maintaining an LLC, their expertise can be invaluable in helping navigate the complexities of running a business.
It is also important for business owners to budget for unexpected costs that may arise while maintaining an LLC in Louisiana. This includes potential legal fees for disputes or litigation, as well as costs associated with changes in ownership, structure, or operations of the business. By planning ahead and setting aside funds for these contingencies, business owners can better protect their LLC and ensure its long-term success.
In conclusion, while there are costs associated with maintaining an LLC in Louisiana, the benefits of this corporate structure often outweigh the expenses. By understanding and budgeting for these costs, business owners can protect their assets, limit personal liability, and take advantage of the many tax benefits associated with operating an LLC. To ensure the continued success of your business, it is crucial to stay informed about the various costs of maintaining an LLC in Louisiana and to plan accordingly.
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.