No matter what kind of business you choose to start, there are a few common steps every prospective business owner needs to take to get their business off the ground. Here are the first 4 steps:
- Naming your business
- Choosing a registered agent: an individual or business entity that accepts tax and legal documents on behalf of your business.
- Getting an Employer Identification Number (EIN): a number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to help identify businesses for tax purposes.
- Filing formation documents.
In addition to these steps, you’ll have to choose a business structure & of course, each business structure has its own requirements that are unique to that business structure. That’s what this article is about: the steps you need to take to register your business type.
Forming an LLC in Louisiana
LLCs – or limited-liability corporations – are the simplest formal business structure to form and maintain. With less paperwork than other business structures, you can easily form an LLC in five easy steps.
- Name Your LLC
- Choose a Registered Agent
- File Your LLC With the State
- Create an LLC Operating Agreement
- Get an EIN
To file the Articles of Organization for an LLC in Louisiana, you must submit formation documents to the Secretary of State online, by mail, by fax, or in person, along with the $100 filing fee.
Forming a Corporation in Louisiana
If you think starting a corporation is right for your business, there are five steps to starting your business as a corporation. Additionally, you’ll need to decide the type of corporation your business will be, such as a C corporation or S corporation.
- Name Your Corporation
- Choose a Registered Agent
- Hold an Organizational Meeting
- File Formation Documents
- Get an EIN
To file the Articles of Incorporation for a corporation in Louisiana, you must submit formation documents to the Secretary of State online, by mail, by fax, or in person, along with a minimum $75 filing fee.
Forming a Non-profit in Louisiana
Choosing to form a nonprofit involves many of the same steps as a corporation or LLC; however, with this business structure, you can apply for tax exemption, otherwise known as 501(c)(3) status, through the IRS.
- Name Your Nonprofit
- Choose a Registered Agent
- Select Your Board Members and Officers
- Adopt Bylaws and Conflict of Interest Policy
- File the Articles of Incorporation
- File With the Recorder of Mortgages
- Get an EIN
- Apply for 501(c)(3) Status
To file the Articles of Incorporation for a nonprofit in Louisiana, you must submit formation documents to the Secretary of State online, by mail, by fax, or in person, along with the $75 filing fee.