Forming an LLC in
Louisiana LA
Checked November 4, 2026 · How we score
Filing fee
$125
Articles of Organization
Annual fee
$35
per year, normalised
State income tax
3%
top rate
Cost rank
#23
of 51, first-year fees
Louisiana LLC costs
| Filing fee | $125 |
|---|---|
| Annual report / franchise fee | $35 Annual report: $35, due on your formation anniversary date. Online card payments add a small service fee. Fees rose on October 1, 2026 (Act 921). |
| First-year state fees | $160 |
| Registered agent | Required (about $50–$300/year if you don't use your own address in the state) |
| Newspaper publication | No |
| Anonymous ownership | No |
| Processing time | 3 days |
Louisiana taxes for LLCs
| Personal income tax (top) | 3% Flat 3% since 2025. |
|---|---|
| Corporate income tax | 5.5% Flat 5.5% on net income since 2025. |
| State sales tax | 5% |
| Franchise / gross receipts | State sales tax is 5% (from January 2025); parish and local rates bring combined rates close to 10%. Louisiana's corporate franchise tax was repealed beginning in 2026. |
A single-member LLC is a disregarded entity: profit flows to the owner's personal return. Federal income tax applies in every state. Non-US owners without US-source business income generally owe no US income tax but must file Form 5472 with a pro-forma 1120 each year.
Pros and cons
Why form in Louisiana
- Flat 3% income tax
- Low $35 annual report
- Online filing via geauxBIZ
Watch out for
- Civil-law system differs from other states
- Local parish sales taxes make compliance complex
Best for: Louisiana-based oil, gas and hospitality businesses · Founders who want a flat 3% income tax
Louisiana LLC: common questions
How much does an LLC cost in Louisiana?
Filing the Articles of Organization in Louisiana costs $125. After that, expect $35 a year for the annual report. Annual report: $35, due on your formation anniversary date. Online card payments add a small service fee. Fees rose on October 1, 2026 (Act 921). A commercial registered agent, if you need one, is typically $50–$300 a year extra.
Do I need a registered agent in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana requires every LLC to keep a registered agent with a physical street address in the state to accept legal and tax notices. You can act as your own agent if you live there, but non-residents and owners who want privacy usually pay a commercial agent, typically $50–$300 a year.
Can a non-US resident form an LLC in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana does not require US citizenship, residency or an SSN to own an LLC; you need a Louisiana registered agent address and then an EIN from the IRS (by fax or mail with Form SS-4 if you have no SSN). A foreign-owned single-member LLC must also file Form 5472 with the IRS every year, even with no US income. Check what Louisiana publishes, since member or manager names may appear in public filings.
Does Louisiana have a state income tax?
Yes. Flat 3% since 2025. LLC profits normally pass through to the owners' personal returns. Corporate income tax: Flat 5.5% on net income since 2025.
How much does an LLC cost in Louisiana?
The Articles of Organization cost $125, and the annual report costs $35. Both figures reflect increases that took effect October 1, 2026, and online credit card payments add a small service charge.
Sources
Louisiana Secretary of State business filings
- Louisiana Secretary of State / business filing office
- Tax Foundation – 2026 state income tax rates
- LLC University – LLC filing and annual fees by state (cross-check)
Similar states
Not tax or legal advice. Rates and rules change; we check official sources and update every page, but verify with a licensed adviser in the country before acting. Spotted something out of date? Use the correction form below.