How to Form an LLC in Louisiana Yourself (2026 Costs and Steps)

Last verified against official Louisiana sources on 2026-09-17.

State filing fee: $100
Form: Articles of Organization and Initial Report
Filed with: Louisiana Secretary of State
Processing time: Not published by the state
Annual report: $30 (annual)
Be your own registered agent: Yes, if you meet the rules below

Quick answer

The filing fee, whether you file online or by mail, is $100 through September 30, 2026 (R.S. 49:222) and $125 from October 1, 2026 (Act 921 of 2026). That fee is for filing the Articles of Organization, which you file together with the Initial Report with the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Step 1: Check that your LLC name is available

Search the Louisiana Secretary of State's business name records before filing to check whether your desired name is available.

Step 2: Choose a registered agent

An LLC must maintain a registered office in Louisiana and at least one registered agent. A registered agent may be a citizen of the state who resides in Louisiana, so a resident member may serve. The initial report must give the agent's full name and municipal address, if any (not a P.O. box only) and include the agent's notarized affidavit of acknowledgment and acceptance.

Step 3: File your Articles of Organization and Initial Report

File your Articles of Organization and Initial Report with the Louisiana Secretary of State. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization, whether you file online or by mail, is $100 through September 30, 2026 (R.S. 49:222) and $125 from October 1, 2026 (Act 921 of 2026). Louisiana law sets general Secretary of State special fees for expedited service. Expedited "while you wait" service is $50 through September 30, 2026 (R.S. 49:222) and $60 from October 1, 2026 (Act 921 of 2026). Expedited twenty-four-hour service is $30 through September 30, 2026 (R.S. 49:222) and $35 from October 1, 2026 (Act 921 of 2026). These are general fees, not LLC-specific, so confirm with the Secretary of State whether they apply to your filing.

Step 4: Create an operating agreement

Create an operating agreement to outline the internal structure of your LLC. This document typically covers ownership percentages, member and manager roles, voting rights, and procedures for what happens if a member leaves or if the company needs to be dissolved.

Step 5: Get your EIN from the IRS

Get your Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. The EIN is free from the IRS. You can apply at https://www.irs.gov/ein.

Step 6: Keep your LLC in good standing

File an Annual Report on or before the anniversary date of organization each year. The Annual Report fee is $30 through September 30, 2026 (R.S. 49:222) and $35 from October 1, 2026 (Act 921 of 2026). R.S. 12:1308.1 requires this report to list the registered office, registered agents and managers/members.

Three ways to get it done

State fees are always extra and go straight to the state.

Free

Do it yourself

Follow this guide in Louisiana. Every fee and form comes from the state’s own pages.

Download the PDF guide

$249 + state fees

We file it for you

We prepare and file your LLC paperwork in Louisiana so you don’t have to learn the portal.

Have us file it

$1,497 + state fees

Done for you

Business in a box: the LLC plus the setup to run it, built so it doesn’t depend on you.

Book a call

This is general information, not legal or tax advice. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney or CPA.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Louisiana?

The filing fee, whether you file online or by mail, is $100 through September 30, 2026 (R.S. 49:222) and $125 from October 1, 2026 (Act 921 of 2026). The Annual Report fee is $30 through September 30, 2026 (R.S. 49:222) and $35 from October 1, 2026 (Act 921 of 2026).

Can I serve as my own registered agent in Louisiana?

Yes. An LLC must maintain a registered office in Louisiana and at least one registered agent, who may be a citizen of the state who resides in Louisiana. The initial report must give the agent's full name and municipal address, if any (not a P.O. box only) and include the agent's notarized affidavit of acknowledgment and acceptance.

When is the initial report due?

The Initial Report is due when filed with the articles of organization.

What expedited services are available for filing?

Louisiana law sets general Secretary of State special fees for expedited service. Expedited "while you wait" service is $50 through September 30, 2026 (R.S. 49:222) and $60 from October 1, 2026 (Act 921 of 2026). Expedited twenty-four-hour service is $30 through September 30, 2026 (R.S. 49:222) and $35 from October 1, 2026 (Act 921 of 2026). These are general fees, not LLC-specific, so confirm with the Secretary of State whether they apply to your filing.

Sources

Official sources, last verified 2026-09-17: