Whether you are starting a business or incorporating an existing one in Louisiana, you’ll want to understand state requirements for Louisiana corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs).
Louisiana Corporation Formation Requirements
Cost to incorporate. BizFilings clearly outlines our fees and the state fees to form a corporation in Louisiana. View our pricing to plainly see:
- BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
- State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in Louisiana with standard turn-around.
- Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
- Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Articles of Incorporation.
Corporate name. The name of the corporation must contain the word "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Limited," or an abbreviation thereof. The name may contain the word "Company" or the abbreviation "Co.," if "Company" or "Co." is not immediately preceded by the word "and" or the symbol "&." It must not be the same or deceptively similar to any other reserved or registered names of another corporation. The name cannot use certain enumerated words relating to banking, savings and loans, or insurance. The words “State” and “Security” cannot be used in the name. Words such as “Bank,” “Cooperative,” “Guarantee,” “Loan,” “Mutual,” “Savings,” “Trust,” and others require approval from the Office of Financial Institutions.
Director information. The following are Louisiana’s requirements for directors of corporations.
- Minimum number. Corporations must have one or more directors.
- Residence requirements. Louisiana requires directors to have a physical address (no P.O. Boxes).
- Age requirements. Louisiana does not have age requirements.
- Inclusion in the Articles of Incorporation. Director names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation, but do need to be listed in the initial report which is due at the time of incorporation.
Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Articles of Incorporation. An increase in the number of shares or par value does not affect initial filing fees.
Registered agent. Corporations must list (in the initial report) the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no P.O. Boxes) in Louisiana. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.
Professional services businesses. Professional corporations (PCs) are allowed to be formed in Louisiana for professional services businesses
.