How much does it cost to start an LLC in Louisiana in 2026?

Forming an LLC in Louisiana requires a one-time initial filing fee of $100 paid to the Louisiana Secretary of State (geauxBIZ). When accounting for standard registered agent compliance ($39-$125/yr), expect initial Year 1 costs to be approximately $139.

What are the annual recurring fees for a Louisiana LLC?

Louisiana charges an annual report fee of $30 filed on a annual basis (due Anniversary date annually (geauxBIZ)). There is no state franchise tax on standard LLCs in Louisiana.

What is the true 5-year cost of maintaining a Louisiana LLC?

Over 5 years, the true cost of a Louisiana LLC is approximately $415. This includes initial formation ($100), recurring annual reports ($30), statutory franchise taxes, and compliance support.

Can I form an out-of-state LLC (e.g. Wyoming or Delaware) if I live in Louisiana?

While you can legally form an entity in Delaware or Wyoming, if your principal place of business, employees, or operations are located in Louisiana, you must register as a Foreign LLC in Louisiana. In Louisiana, the foreign qualification filing fee is $150 plus ongoing maintenance of $30/year, often resulting in double fees.

Verified 2026 Statutory Guide

Louisiana LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes

Initial state filing fee: $100. Ongoing annual report fee: $30 (annual). No state franchise tax.

Compare Louisiana vs Others

Direct Answer • 2026 Official Fee Schedule

Starting an LLC in Louisiana costs $100 for the one-time Articles of Organization filing fee, plus $30/yr in recurring annual report fees. Over 5 years, maintaining a Louisiana LLC costs an estimated $415.

Initial State Filing$100One-time payment

Annual Report$30Due Anniversary date annually (geauxBIZ)

Franchise Tax$0none

Registered Agent$39–$125Annual service

Statutory Department: Louisiana Secretary of State (geauxBIZ)

Verify on State Website (.gov)

Louisiana LLC 5-Year Cost Model

Adjust parameters below to model state filing fees, recurring franchise taxes, and compliance overhead.

Popular:

1. State of LLC FormationInitial: $100

Approval speed: 1-2 business days online•Public Privacy: Standard

2. Where do you conduct business?

If you reside or hire employees in a different state from your LLC, that state requires Foreign Qualification registration.

3. Estimated Annual Gross Revenue$150,000

Louisiana Tax Rule: Corporation franchise tax does not apply to pass-through LLCs.

4. Registered Agent ServiceMandatory by law

5. Expedited State Processing

Expedited State Processing (+$30)

Accelerates state filing from 1-2 business days online to 24-48 hours.

Deciding where to incorporate?

Compare Louisiana vs Wyoming & Delaware →

Year 1 Setup Cost

$139

Initial formation fee ($100) + registered agent

Annual Maintenance

$69 /yr avg

Annual report ($30/yr)

5-Year True CostAll Hidden Fees Included

$415(~$7/mo)

Total 5-year statutory commitment to maintain legal compliance in Louisiana.

5-Year Cost Trajectory & Fee Composition(Click any year to inspect)

Notice how initial filing fees are often dwarfed by recurring franchise taxes and maintenance.

Inspecting: Year 1 ($139)

$139

Year 1Formation

$69

Year 2Renewal

$69

Year 3Renewal

$69

Year 4Renewal

$69

Year 5Renewal

State Formation & Expedited

Franchise & Entity Taxes

Annual / Biennial Reports

Special Mandates (Publication, etc.)

Registered Agent Compliance

Home State Foreign Qualification

Year 1 Itemized Line Items

Total: $139

State Filing$100

Franchise Tax$0

Annual Report$0

Special / Pub$0

Registered Agent$39

Foreign Qual.$0

5-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category

Total State Filings

$100

24% of 5-yr budget

Total Franchise Taxes

0% of 5-yr budget

Annual / Biennial Reports

$120

29% of 5-yr budget

Registered Agent Service

$195

47% of 5-yr budget

Publication / Mandates

0% of 5-yr budget

Founder Cost-Reduction Tip

Save on your Louisiana filing fees & protect your personal privacy

Pro Tip: Filing directly through the state exposes your personal home address on public government records forever. You can keep your private details off the public registry and save time by using a top-rated Registered Agent service starting at $39 + state fees.

Free Home Address RedactionInstant Louisiana Compliance AlertsAnnual Report Reminders

Get Started for $39 + State FeesRated 4.8/5 by 10,000+ founders • No hidden renewal spikes

Recommended Business BankingFDIC Insured up to $5M

Open a zero-fee business checking account for your Louisiana LLC

Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.

Explore Mercury ($0 Monthly Fees)

Louisiana LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)

Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Louisiana Secretary of State (geauxBIZ).

Official State Portal (.gov)

Annual Report Due DateAnniversary date annually (geauxBIZ)Frequency: ANNUAL

Normal Turnaround1-2 business days onlineExpedited: +$30

Public Record PrivacyStandardRegistered agent protects personal address

State Personal Income Tax1.85% to 4.25%LLC pass-through profits flow to owners

Louisiana Franchise Tax & Business Privilege Tax Rules

Corporation franchise tax does not apply to pass-through LLCs.

Advantages of a Louisiana LLC

Affordable $100 formation and $30 annual report
GeauxBIZ portal integration

Drawbacks & Hidden Costs

Civil law legal system unique to Louisiana compared to other 49 common law states

Founder Pro-Tip for Louisiana

Ensure operating agreements adhere to Louisiana civil code property and contract rules.

Step-by-Step Louisiana LLC Formation Checklist (2026)

Choose an Available Entity Name

Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable on the Louisiana Secretary of State (geauxBIZ) registry.

Appoint a Louisiana Registered Agent

Must have a physical street address in Louisiana (no P.O. boxes) to receive official service of process during regular business hours.

File Articles of Organization ($100 State Fee)

Submit electronically to the Louisiana Secretary of State (geauxBIZ). Approval is typically granted within 1-2 business days online.

Execute an Operating Agreement & Obtain Federal EIN

Establish member capital contributions, voting rights, and obtain a free 9-digit EIN from IRS.gov for business checking accounts.

Maintain Ongoing Legal Good Standing (Anniversary date annually (geauxBIZ))

Submit the annual report with the $30 fee to prevent automatic forfeiture or late fee assessments.

Compare Louisiana with Rival & Neighboring States

Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions:

Filing: $100

Filing: $110

Filing: $300

Filing: $70