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How to Start an LLC in Louisiana (2026): 7 Steps and the 3 Best LLC Services
We would send a new founder in Louisiana to Mainstay Filing ($199), LA Registered Agent.org ($199) and Louisiana Registered Agent.co ($199) for starting an LLC in 2026, in that order. Whichever route you take, the state charges $125 to file; the 7 steps below show the rest.
The Founder Classroom teaching team · Updated November 12, 2026
Disclosure Founder Classroom is reader-supported. We may earn money when you buy through links on this page, and the companies we rank are our partners. Prices come from each company's own pages and official state sources.
Lesson map Picks The steps Cost by step Check your understanding References Lesson at a glance
Annual report $35 a year Payable on or before the anniversary date of organization
State fees, first three years $195 State charges only
How many steps 7 Each one explained Lesson goals The official Louisiana fee and form What the agent rule says How to stay in good standing The services we recommend
Teacher's pick
Who we'd use in Louisiana Steps handled (35%) and three-year cost (30%) carry the most weight. Full rubric:
how we grade .
First choice
1. Mainstay Filing: best for skipping the annual report paperwork
$199/year + $125 state fee
Mainstay Filing gets the top grade here. Why: formation, registered agent service and the annual report sit under one $199 yearly price.
Three years with it costs $200 more than LA Registered Agent.org; it wins on what it handles.
You will not file the annual report yourself; only the $35 state fee is added.
What you get Formation prepared and filed Registered agent for the full year Annual report filed each cycle EIN application State fee passed through at cost What we like Handles the EIN application Renewal holds at $199 $199/year for the bundle Watch out for $100 a year more than LA Registered Agent.org's renewal
Louisiana focus
2. LA Registered Agent.org: best for founders staying in Louisiana
$199 to start, $99 a year from year two
In second, LA Registered Agent.org: formation at $199 over the state fee, then a $99 agent renewal.
Budget time for the annual report every year; it is not in the price.
What you get The formation filing First year of agent service What we like Low $99 renewal $199 over the state fee Agent included for year one Watch out for Annual report filing not included $99 add-on for the EIN application
Louisiana focus
3. Louisiana Registered Agent.co: best for LLCs that stay in Louisiana
$199 to start, $99 a year from year two
In third, Louisiana Registered Agent.co: formation at $199 over the state fee, then a $99 agent renewal.
Budget time for the annual report every year; it is not in the price.
Its prices match LA Registered Agent.org, so either is a fine choice.
What you get The formation filing First year of agent service What we like Agent included for year one Low $99 renewal $199 over the state fee Watch out for Annual report filing not included $99 add-on for the EIN application
Prices at a glance
Prices from each company's own site, read November 12, 2026. Add Louisiana's $125 fee to each row.
The steps
Step 1
Step 1: Pick the LLC's nameSearch the register kept by the Louisiana Secretary of State first. If the name is taken, choose another before you file.
Tip Write down two backup names before you search.
Step 2
Step 2: Name a registered agentEvery LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address. A Louisiana citizen who lives in the state, a law partnership or professional law corporation, or a corporation or LLC formed in Louisiana or authorized there. A new agent signs a notarized acceptance.
The address has to be a registered office in Louisiana, which the law treats as the company's domicile. P.O. boxes and virtual offices are not accepted.
Tip Each pick above can serve as the registered agent.
Official source: legis.la.gov (October 2026)
Step 3
Step 3: Choose between doing it yourself and a serviceYou can do this on your own for $125, or hand it to a service we picked for $199 on top.
Step 4
Step 4: Complete and file the Articles of Organization-Louisiana Limited Liability CompanyThe Louisiana Secretary of State receives the Articles of Organization-Louisiana Limited Liability Company (Form 365) along with $125.
Official source: static.sos.la.gov (October 2026)
Step 5
Step 5: Get the company's tax ID (EIN)Next, the federal side: an EIN from the IRS, applied for after the Louisiana approval. Mainstay Filing's yearly price includes the EIN application.
Step 6
Step 6: Sign an operating agreementPut ownership and decision rules into an operating agreement and keep it with the company papers.
Step 7
Step 7: Mark the yearly deadlinesMark the annual report in your calendar: every year, due on or before the anniversary date of organization, fee $35.
Official source: legis.la.gov (October 2026)
What you will pay
What Payee Amount
Filing fee The state $125 Annual report The state $35 every year Optional service Service $199 year one Three-year state total The state $195
Every state figure links to its source under References; service prices come from each company's site.
Why Mainstay Filing comes first Lesson note: first place in Louisiana came down to lesson steps handled, worth 35% of the grade.
Handling the annual report beat the lower price on our weights.
Quick answers
What does it cost to form an LLC in Louisiana? $125 to the state. Our picks charge $199 on top.
Which form creates the LLC? You submit the Articles of Organization-Louisiana Limited Liability Company (Form 365) to the Louisiana Secretary of State.
Is a registered agent required? Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
What does Louisiana require each year? The annual report: $35, every year, due on or before the anniversary date of organization.
Can I form the LLC without a service? Yes, by filing yourself for $125 and naming a registered agent.
Which LLC service should a first-time founder use? Mainstay Filing first, then LA Registered Agent.org and Louisiana Registered Agent.co; Mainstay Filing leads on lesson steps handled.
Where these facts come from Louisiana Secretary of State, published at geauxbiz.sos.la.gov , as of August 2026 Louisiana Secretary of State, published at sos.la.gov , as of August 2026 Louisiana yearly filing: Annual report, official source, published at legis.la.gov , as of October 2026 Louisiana Secretary of State fee changes effective October, published at static.sos.la.gov , as of October 2026 Louisiana registered agent statute, published at legis.la.gov , as of October 2026 Mainstay Filing Louisiana service page: prices as shown November 12, 2026 LA Registered Agent.org pricing page: prices as shown November 12, 2026 Louisiana Registered Agent.co pricing page: prices as shown November 12, 2026