Forming a Louisiana limited liability company
The instructions below can help walk you through the document preparation work that needs to be completed in order to form your LLC in Louisiana. If you could use a little extra information, like an article regarding the pros and cons of choosing to operate as a limited liability company as well as sample forms and operating agreements, you should check out our Louisiana state kit for $34.95.
1. Check if the LLC name you want is available
As a first step, verify that the LLC name you want to use is even available.
A preliminary check may be at:
http://www.sos.louisiana.gov/Home/Commercial/Corporations/SearchDatabase/tabid/819/Default.aspx
2. Download the Transmittal, Articles of Organization, and Initial Report forms from the Louisiana Secretary of State’s web site, and then print these forms
The URL, or web page address, for these forms (available as single five page pdf) is.
Tip: You can also prepare and submit an online version of the forms at:
http://www.sos.la.gov/tabid/1011/Default.aspx
Online forms are basically the same as the printed forms which you mail.
3. Provide your LLC’s name and the name and address of the person filing using the Transmittal Information form
The Transmittal Information form is used for all business filings. On this form, you need to provide your business name exactly as it appears in your other documents, along with your name, phone number, and address. The address needs to be a mailing address so that evidence of filing can be sent to you.
The name shall contain the words “limited liability Company”, the abbreviation “L.L.C.,” or the abbreviation “L.C.” For example, the following would be acceptable:
- Bayou Explosives Limited Liability Company
- Bayou Explosives L.L.C.
- Bayou Explosives L.C.
4. Identify the LLC, its name, and its organizer using the Articles of Organization form
You use the Articles of Organization form to identify the location of the LLC’s operations, the name and purpose of the LLC, and the LLC’s organizer. Note that a notary will need to witness the organizer’s signature. Accordingly, you don’t sign the Articles of Organization form until you’re in front of the notary public. But here are brief descriptions of the information that goes into the form’s various boxes and blanks:
LLC location
Describe where the LLC will operate by putting LA or Louisiana on the first line, and your parish/county name on the second line.
LLC name
Enter your business or investment name onto the line provided. (you could use “Acme Explosives L.L.C.”) The name must include “Limited Liability Company” or “L.L.C.” or “L.C.”
LLC purpose
You can describe the LLC’s operating purpose as “anything that’s allowed” by marking the “Engaging in Any Lawful Activity…” check box. Alternatively, you can check the other box and specify just what the LLC is limited to doing. For example, I could have chosen the second line and stated “Wholesaling to mining companies.”
LLC duration
If you have a specific date on which the company will be dissolved, put that date on line 3. If you do not have a specific date, put the word “perpetual” on line 3..
Other LLC provisions
If you have other provisions to list, you can do so on line 4. This line also can be left blank.
5. Fill out the Limited Liability Company Initial Report
In addition to the Transmittal Information and Articles of Organization documents, you will need to include the Limited Liability Company Initial Report. The Articles of Organization cannot be accepted for filing unless an Initial Report is also filed. You downloaded this form with your Articles of Organization. To complete this form, you identify the LLC, provide the address of the registered agent and the LLC’s principal office, and then the names and signatures of the LLC’s members and registered agent. You may find yourself duplicating address and name information if you’re operating a small one member LLC where you work from home and function as the registered agent.
6. Sign in front of a notary public
A notary public will need to notarize your signature at the bottom of the articles of organization document. Accordingly, after you complete the articles, locate a local notary, bring your LLC formation documents to him or her and then sign your name in front of a notary public. Be sure that the notary either types his/her name or prints it along with their notary number.
7. Submit the complete LLC application, including the transmittal, articles, and initial report
After you complete the formation documents, mail them and a check for $75 to:
Commercial Division
P.O. Box 94125
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125
All filings may be expedited (24 hour service). In addition to the filing fee, an expedite fee of $30 is required. Advise the Secretary of State employee of your request when phoning or within your letter.
