Louisiana LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes
Initial state filing fee: $100. Ongoing annual report fee: $30 (annual). No state franchise tax.
Check if your LLC name is taken on official Louisiana database
Every LLC name must be legally distinguishable on state records. Perform a free corporate name lookup on the official Louisiana Secretary of State (geauxBIZ) registry before submitting your $100 Articles of Organization.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Louisiana?
An LLC in Louisiana costs $100 to form (one-time state filing fee) and $30 per year in annual report fees. The estimated total 5-year cost is $415, including state fees, annual reports, and registered agent service.
| Fee Component | Statutory Cost | Frequency | Due Date / Requirement | Recipient Entity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Filing Fee) | $100 | One-time | Upon LLC formation | Louisiana Secretary of State (geauxBIZ) |
| Periodic Annual / Biennial Report | $30 | annual | Due Anniversary date annually (geauxBIZ) | Louisiana Secretary of State (geauxBIZ) |
| State Franchise Tax / Entity Fee | $0 | None | No franchise tax | N/A |
| Registered Agent Service | $0 (Self) or $39–$125 | Annual | Continuous requirement | Appointed agent / Commercial service |
| Operating Agreement & Federal EIN | $0 (Free) | One-time | Internal record / IRS issuance | Internal Company Record / IRS |
| Total Minimum Initial Formation | $100 (State statutory fees to open LLC) | |||
Louisiana LLC 5-Year Cost Model
LAChoose a state and assumptions. Your five-year estimate updates instantly.
Future years assume today's reviewed rates remain unchanged. Historical estimates are not enabled because older rules have not been fully verified.
This estimate covers liabilities incurred in five taxable years (2026–2030), even when payment is due later.
Future years use an unchanged-current-law assumption. Income tax, legal advice, penalties, and unselected optional services are excluded.
Initial formation fee ($100) + registered agent
Annual report ($30/yr)
Estimated liability for the selected inputs and disclosed scope in Louisiana.
Five taxable years by cost category(Click any year to inspect)
Select a year to inspect its included liabilities and applicable tax due date.
Tax year 2026 included items
Total: $1395-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category
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.
Open a zero-fee business checking account for your Louisiana LLC
Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.
Louisiana LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)
Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Louisiana Secretary of State (geauxBIZ).
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.
Louisiana LLC Cost FAQ
Common questions about forming and maintaining an LLC in Louisiana.
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Louisiana?
The state filing fee to form an LLC in Louisiana is $100, paid to the Louisiana Secretary of State (geauxBIZ) when you file your Articles of Organization. With a registered agent service ($39–$125/yr), expect to pay approximately $139 in your first year.
What is the Louisiana LLC filing fee for 2026?
The Louisiana LLC filing fee is $100. This is a one-time fee paid to the Louisiana Secretary of State (geauxBIZ) to register your Articles of Organization. Expedited processing is available for an additional $30. Normal processing time is 1-2 business days online.
What are the annual fees for an LLC in Louisiana?
Louisiana charges a annual report fee of $30, due Anniversary date annually (geauxBIZ). There is no state franchise tax for standard LLCs in Louisiana, making ongoing costs relatively low.
How much does it cost to maintain a Louisiana LLC per year?
The annual cost to maintain a Louisiana LLC includes the annual report fee ($30), and a registered agent ($39–$125/yr). Over 5 years, the estimated total cost is $415.
Does Louisiana have a franchise tax for LLCs?
No. Louisiana does not impose a franchise tax or entity-level tax on standard domestic LLCs. This makes Louisiana one of the more affordable states for LLC maintenance.
Can I form an LLC in Louisiana if I live in another state?
Yes, you can form a domestic LLC in Louisiana regardless of where you live. However, if your principal business operations are in a different state, you will also need to register as a Foreign LLC in that state. In Louisiana, foreign LLC registration costs $150 plus $30/year in ongoing fees — often resulting in paying double.
Compare Louisiana with Rival & Neighboring States
Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions: