Learning how to start an LLC in Louisiana costs at least $125, the state filing fee for the Articles of Organization. According to the Louisiana Secretary of State, Commercial Division, that fee is part of the schedule that took effect October 1, 2026. You can file directly with the state, so a formation service is optional.
“Free” here means no middleman fee, not no state fee. The $125 goes to Louisiana no matter how you file.
This guide walks you through each step, what the first year costs both ways, and which extras you can skip. Prices and rules are current as of October 11, 2026.
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Key Takeaways
- The Louisiana Articles of Organization filing fee is $125.
- Louisiana requires an annual report every year. The fee is $35.
- An EIN from the IRS is free. Never pay a third party for one.
- A formation service is optional. It adds its own fee on top of the $125.
Louisiana LLC Costs at a Glance
| Item | Cost | When |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (formation) | $125 | Once, when you form |
| Annual report | $35 | Every year; your due date appears in the state’s business database |
| EIN from the IRS | $0 | Once, when you need it |
Sources: Louisiana Secretary of State fee schedule (effective 10/1/26); IRS. Figures current as of October 11, 2026.
How to Start an LLC in Louisiana: 7 Steps
An LLC, or limited liability company, is a business structure registered with the state. It is designed to keep your personal assets separate from the business’s debts in many situations. For the big-picture view, see our 7-step overview.
1. Choose and Check Your Name
Your LLC needs a name that is distinguishable from other businesses already registered with the state. Use the business name search on the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website to see what’s taken. Search a few variations before you settle on one.
For rules about required words such as “LLC” or “L.L.C.” and about name reservation, check the Secretary of State’s website for current requirements.
2. Appoint a Registered Agent
A registered agent is the person or company designated to receive legal papers and official state mail for your LLC. You have three options:
- Yourself, if you have a physical address in Louisiana and are reliably available there.
- Someone you trust who meets the state’s requirements.
- A commercial registered agent service, which is a paid option. It’s useful if you want privacy or don’t want your address on public record.
Check the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website for the exact eligibility requirements for agents.
3. File the Articles of Organization
The Articles of Organization is the document that officially creates your LLC. You file it with the Louisiana Secretary of State, Commercial Division. The fee is $125.
Expect to provide your LLC’s name, your registered agent’s name and address, and details about the LLC’s organizers or management. Check the Commercial Division’s website for the current form, accepted filing methods, and processing times, since those can change.
4. Create an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is an internal document that sets out who owns the LLC (the members), how decisions are made, and how profits are shared. A member is simply an owner.
Even if you’re the only member, a written agreement helps show that the LLC is a separate entity and keeps your records clear. Whether Louisiana requires one to be written is a detail to confirm on the Secretary of State’s website or with an attorney. You don’t file it with the state.
Say you’re forming a one-person LLC to sell handmade candles in Baton Rouge. Your operating agreement can be a short document. It states that you own 100 percent, that you manage the business, and that profits belong to you. You keep it with your records.
5. Get Your Free EIN
An EIN, or employer identification number, is your business’s federal tax ID. According to the IRS, you can get one directly from the agency online in minutes, for free. You never have to pay a fee for an EIN.
Apply only on IRS.gov. Sites that charge for EINs are third parties.
You typically need an EIN to open a business bank account and to hire employees. If you’re deciding how your LLC will be taxed, see our guide on LLC vs. S corp differences.
6. Open a Business Bank Account
Bring your filed Articles of Organization, your EIN confirmation, and your operating agreement to the bank. A separate account is one of the simplest ways to keep business money apart from your personal money.
Online business banking, such as Novo, is one option if you’d rather skip the branch visit. Compare fees and features before choosing any bank.
7. File Your Annual Report on Time
Louisiana requires an annual report every year. The fee is $35 under the fee schedule effective October 1, 2026.
Here’s the part people tend to skip: your due date. It’s shown in the state’s business database, so look up your LLC there and note the date right after you form.
How to Start an LLC in Louisiana Yourself or With a Service
Do it yourself: $125 state fee. That’s your formation cost, and the $35 annual report follows on the state’s schedule.
With a formation service: $125 state fee plus the service’s own fee, which varies by company and package. Check the provider’s current pricing, since it changes.
What does a service add? Guided forms, document templates, and sometimes a registered agent for a limited period or for an extra charge. Bizee is one such service. You can read our walkthrough of incorporating with Bizee to see how it works.
A service can save time if you dislike paperwork or want everything bundled. But you can file the Articles yourself on the state’s website. To weigh your options, see our guide to the best LLC formation services.
Extras you can usually skip: paid EIN filing (the IRS is free), rush services unless you truly need speed, and bundled add-ons you won’t use.
Comparing costs elsewhere? See LLC filing fees by state.
Keeping Your Louisiana LLC in Good Standing
Good standing means your LLC is current on its state filings. In Louisiana, that means filing the annual report every year and paying the $35 fee. Your due date is listed in the state’s business database.
Check the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website for any late fees or consequences of missing a deadline, since those details can change.
Three habits help:
- Put your due date on your calendar as soon as your LLC is formed.
- Keep your registered agent’s information up to date.
- Keep business and personal money separate.
Before you file, skim our list of common mistakes to avoid when incorporating.
FAQ: Starting an LLC in Louisiana
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Louisiana?
The state filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $125, according to the Louisiana Secretary of State, Commercial Division. An EIN is free from the IRS. A formation service is optional and adds its own fee.
Do I have to file an annual report?
Yes. The Secretary of State says filing an annual report every year is required. The LLC annual report fee is $35 under the fee schedule that took effect October 1, 2026.
When is my annual report due?
Your due date is shown in the state’s business database. Look up your LLC there for the exact date.
Do I need to pay for an EIN?
No. According to the IRS, you can get an EIN for free directly from IRS.gov and never have to pay a fee for one.
Do I need a formation service to start an LLC in Louisiana?
No. You can file the Articles of Organization yourself with the Louisiana Secretary of State, Commercial Division. A service is a convenience that costs extra on top of the $125 state fee.
Your Next Step
Run your name through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s business name search today. Then open our 7-step overview and use it as your checklist while you file.
Last updated: October 11, 2026
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Business formation rules, fees, and deadlines vary by state and change often. Always consult a qualified attorney, CPA, or tax professional before making decisions about your business.
