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This guide on starting your business in Louisiana provides step-by-step instructions on the paperwork to file formation documents, obtain tax IDs, and set up company records.

Step-By-Step Startup

Below is an overview of the paperwork, cost, and time to form each of the most popular business structures. Simply click on the link for your desired structure to view detailed step-by-step instructions.

If you have not decided whether you want to form an LLC, corporation, or other business structure, click here.
If wish to form your business in a different state than Louisiana, click here.

Structure	Paperwork	Cost	Time
Louisiana Limited Liability Company Click for step-by-step instructions	Form 365: Articles of Organization for Louisiana Limited Liability Company Form 973: LLC Initial Report Operating Agreement IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN Form R-16019: Application for Louisiana Revenue Account Number FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report	Formation: $100 + optional $30-$50 expedite fee	Formation: ~1 week. ~24 hours for $30 expedite fee. While-you-wait with in-person filing for $50 expedite fee.
Louisiana Corporation Click for step-by-step instructions	Transmittal Information cover form Form 399: Articles of Incorporation for Louisiana Business Form 341: Domestic Business Corporation Initial Report Bylaws IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN Form 2553: S-Corp Election, if desired Form R-16019: Application for Louisiana Revenue Account Number FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report	Incorporation: $75 + optional $30-$50 expedite fee	Incorporation: ~1 week. ~24 hours for $30 expedite fee. While-you-wait with in-person filing for $50 expedite fee.
Louisiana Nonprofit Click for step-by-step instructions	Form 395: Non-profit Corporation Articles of Incorporation Initial report with recorder of mortgages Bylaws IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application IRS Determination Letter Form R-16019: Application for Louisiana Revenue Account Number Form R-1048: Application for Exemption from Collection of Louisiana Sales Tax at Certain Fund-Raising Activities URS Charitable Registration, if applicable Louisiana Charitable Registration, if required FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report	Incorporation: $75 + optional $30-$50 expedite fee 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee Louisiana Charitable Registration: $25 (no filing if exempt)	Incorporation: ~1 week. ~24 hours for $30 expedite fee. While-you-wait with in-person filing for $50 expedite fee. 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Louisiana

The signature on your formation document must be notarized. A complete formation packet will contain about three forms, the notarized signature, and the filing fee.
Both LLCs and corporations are obligated to file an initial report at the same time as their formation documents.
Your business must obtain a Louisiana Revenue Account Number. Apply by filing Form R-16019.
Louisiana has specific record-keeping requirements for corporations. They must be held at the registered office or principal place of business a list of documents, which we'll explain.
Corporations and LLCs must file an annual report. A postcard with your Charter Number / Renewal ID is mailed from the Louisiana Secretary of State to your principal address of record.

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Start a Business in Louisiana

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Step-By-Step Startup

Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Louisiana