Form a Corporation in Louisiana
Everything you need to know about forming a Corporation in Louisiana. Filing fees, requirements, timeline, and step-by-step guidance.
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How to File
Choose a Corporate Name
Select a unique name for your corporation that includes a required designator such as 'Corporation,' 'Incorporated,' 'Limited,' or an abbreviation (Corp., Inc., Ltd.). Verify name availability using the Louisiana Secretary of State's online business name search tool.
30 minutes
Appoint a Registered Agent
Designate a registered agent with a physical street address in Louisiana who is authorized to receive legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of the corporation. The registered agent can be an individual Louisiana resident or a qualified commercial registered agent service.
1-2 hours
File Articles of Incorporation
Prepare and file the Articles of Incorporation with the Louisiana Secretary of State, either online through the geauxBIZ portal or by mail. The articles must include the corporate name, registered agent information, number of authorized shares, and incorporator details.
1-2 hours
Create Corporate Bylaws
Draft corporate bylaws that govern the internal management structure of the corporation, including rules for shareholder meetings, board of directors procedures, officer roles, and voting rights. While bylaws are not filed with the state, they are legally required under Louisiana law.
2-4 hours
What's Next After Filing
Once your Corporation is officially formed, you'll want to complete these important steps:
- •Hold an Organizational Meeting — Conduct the initial organizational meeting of the board of directors to adopt bylaws, elect officers, authorize the issuance of stock, and address other foundational corporate matters. Document the meeting with written minutes for the corporate records.
- •Obtain an EIN and Open a Bank Account — Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS at no cost, which is required for tax purposes, hiring employees, and opening a corporate bank account. Use the EIN to open a dedicated business bank account to maintain separation between personal and corporate finances.
- •Register for State Taxes and Obtain Licenses — Register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue for applicable state taxes, including corporate income tax and sales tax if selling taxable goods or services. Obtain any required local business licenses or industry-specific permits from Louisiana state agencies or local parish governments.
Advantages
- ✓Limited liability protection shields shareholders' personal assets from corporate debts and legal judgments
- ✓Corporations can raise capital by issuing multiple classes of stock, making them attractive to investors and venture capital
- ✓Corporations have perpetual existence, meaning the entity continues regardless of changes in ownership or the death of a shareholder
- ✓Electing S-Corp tax status can help shareholders avoid double taxation by passing income directly to personal tax returns
Considerations
- •C-Corporations face double taxation, where corporate profits are taxed at the entity level and again when dividends are distributed to shareholders
- •Corporations require more formalities than LLCs, including maintaining bylaws, holding annual meetings, and keeping detailed corporate minutes
- •Formation and ongoing compliance costs, including franchise taxes and professional fees, are generally higher than those for LLCs or sole proprietorships
Annual Obligations
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