How to Conduct a Louisiana Business Entity Search

There is no central database in Louisiana to keep track of all registered businesses. However, the Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy reports that there are more than 470,000 small businesses, and they make up 99.5% of all companies in the state. These businesses employ roughly 900,000 people. Between March 2020 and March 2021, 11,023 new businesses opened in Louisiana, and 10,428 businesses closed, resulting in a net increase of 595.

Registering a business in Louisiana offers some key advantages, like limited liability, protecting personal assets, flexible taxation (especially for LLCs as pass-through entities), enhanced credibility, and access to state-specific incentive programs, tax credits, loans, and grants, alongside a strong infrastructure, skilled workforce, and simple formation process, making it easier to grow and secure capital. Louisiana offers relatively low filing fees and quick processing for LLCs, simplifying the setup. The state provides programs such as the Enterprise Zone, ITEP (Industrial Ad Valorem Tax Exemption), and Small Business Loan Guarantees, as well as grants and loans.

The most common types of businesses in Louisiana by industry are in the health care and social assistance, accommodation and food services, and retail trade sectors. The state's economy is also heavily influenced by core industries like energy (oil and gas), manufacturing, and agriculture and forestry. Construction businesses are also prevalent, with a high share of employment from small firms. Louisiana also has a strong foothold in professional, scientific, and technical services, including consulting and IT firms, which are growing. The state's ports, such as the Port of New Orleans and the Port of South Louisiana, are among the busiest in the country, supporting a large shipping and logistics industry.

Allowable Entity Types in Louisiana

In Louisiana, you can form several business entity types, including Sole Proprietorship, General Partnership, Limited Partnership (LP), Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), Limited Liability Company (LLC), Professional LLC (PLLC), Corporation (C-Corp), and S Corporation (S-Corp), each offering different liability, taxation, and management structures, with the Louisiana Secretary of State handling registration for most, while Sole Proprietorships need no formal state filing unless using a DBA.

In Louisiana, the most common type of business entity is the sole proprietorship, followed by partnerships, and then LLCs, which are extremely popular for small businesses seeking liability protection. The Louisiana Secretary of State lists sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations as options, with sole proprietorships and partnerships being the simplest and LLCs offering liability protection without the complexity of corporations.

Why Search for a Louisiana Business Entity

Searching for a Louisiana business entity helps you verify a company's legal status, find its official details (address, officers, agent), check name availability, ensure compliance, and research potential partners or competitors using the free Louisiana Secretary of State (SOS) database. It's crucial for due diligence, confirming legitimacy, and understanding a business's structure before engaging in transactions or partnerships in the state.

Some of the reasons to search for a Louisiana business entity include:

• Verify Legitimacy & Status: Confirm whether a business is actively registered (active or dissolved) and operating legally in Louisiana.
• Find Official Information: Get crucial details like the registered agent, physical address, officers/members, and incorporation dates.
• Check Business Name Availability: See if a desired business name is already taken before you register.
• Due Diligence: Research potential partners, vendors, or companies you plan to work with to assess credibility and potential issues.
• Confirm Compliance: Ensure the business meets state requirements by reviewing its official records.
• Find Registered Agent: To locate the official contact person (Registered Agent) responsible for receiving legal documents, as required by law.
• Legal Compliance: To ensure your chosen name meets state requirements (e.g., includes "LLC") and to check if a name is already too similar, preventing future legal issues.
• Trademark Check: See if a name is already trademarked in Louisiana.
• Identify Officers and Directors: You can search for the names of officers or directors associated with a business entity.
• Confirm a Business's Legal Structure: This search confirms the specific legal entity type, such as an LLC, corporation, or limited partnership, as it appears on file with the state.
• Research Competitors: It is a valuable tool for researching other businesses in the state for various purposes.
• Find Legal Information: The search can provide information on a business's past names, managers, and other public filings.
• Performing Due Diligence: To research potential partners, suppliers, or competitors, and to check the legitimacy of a company before investing.
• Market Analysis: To understand the competitive landscape by reviewing existing businesses in a particular industry.
• Track Your Own Business Registration: You can also use the search to find details about a business you already own, such as its registration number or filing history.
• Ensure Tax Compliance: A unique business name is crucial for tax purposes, as it ensures your business is correctly identified and associated with its tax obligations.
• Investigate Potential Partners or Competitors: Researching a company can help you understand its history, structure, and regulatory compliance before making a business decision and jeopardizing your own company.
• Name Reservations: To see if a preferred name is available to be reserved for a limited time, which can help secure a domain name and other branding elements while preparing to register the business formally.
• Before Investing: Conducting thorough due diligence when acquiring or investing in a business.

How to Search for Business Entities

Whether you are investigating the legitimacy of a Louisiana business or looking for detailed information before entering into a contract with a company, finding detailed information about a Louisiana business is reasonably straightforward. To search for a business entity in Louisiana, visit the Louisiana Secretary of State's website and go to the Louisiana Secretary of State's Business Filings search page.

First, choose your search criteria from the following:

The page usually allows you to search by entity name, charter number, trade registration number, name reservation number, officer name, or agent name.

• Entity Name: Search using the full or partial name of the business.
• Charter Number: Enter the unique charter number assigned to the business.
• Trade Registration Number: Search using the trade name registration number, if applicable.
• Name Reservation Number: Used to look up reserved business names before registration.
• Officer Name: Search using the name of a listed officer of the business.
• Agent Name: Search using the name of the business's registered agent.

Next, review the results.

What Information Can You Find with the Secretary of State?

After entering your search criteria, click the "Search" button to view a list of matching business entities. In addition to the name, the search results will display the entity type (LLC, LP, nonprofit, or other type of business), city, and status (active or inactive). When you click "Details," more detailed information about the entity should appear.

The Louisiana Secretary of State's website generally offers a variety of other services, including:

• Service Options: Online searches, filings, document requests, and status reports.
• Name Reservations: Reserve a name for up to 120 days for $25.
• Forms & Fees: Business forms, document samples, and associated fees.
• Statements of Information: Biennial information reports and other disclosure filings.
• Small Business Protections: Info and notifications on proposed state rules that may affect small businesses.
• Business Startup Tool: The GeauxBIZ startup tool offers step-by-step guidance.
• Service of Process: Details on substituted service procedures.
• Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Information: Access UCC filings and search tools.

How to Access Detailed Information

Once you choose a business in the search results, you should be able to view further details about the business entity, including, but not limited to:

• Charter Number: The official charter number assigned to the entity.
• Registration Date: The date the business entity was registered.
• Physical Address: The principal place of business.
• Mailing Address: The entity's mailing address on file.
• Resident Agent Contact Information: Details of the registered agent who receives legal correspondence.
• Company Officers and Directors: A list of officers and directors, if applicable.
• Filing Amendments: Any amendments or changes to the business filing.

Contact the Louisiana Secretary of State's office if you need assistance when performing a business entity search.

What Business Entity Information is Not Public

In Louisiana, while basic business registration info is public, sensitive personal data (SSNs, home addresses/phones), tax records, and proprietary trade secrets/internal financial data are generally not public, protected by laws like RS 44:11 (personnel privacy) and RS 47:1508 (tax confidentiality), ensuring private business details stay confidential unless legally compelled. Things you can easily find include the business name, registered agent, principal office address, formation dates, and status (active/dissolved).

Some information that is not public includes:

• Personal Data: Social Security Numbers, home addresses, personal phone numbers, personal emails, health records, and biometric data.
• Tax Information: Tax filings and related data are highly confidential.
• Proprietary Information: Business materials containing trade secrets, confidential privileged info, or internal financial data.
• Internal Meeting Minutes/Records: For private companies, annual meeting records aren't typically filed with the public.
• Trade Secrets: Formulas, processes, methods, or other proprietary information that derives economic value from not being generally known to the public and is the subject of reasonable efforts to maintain its secrecy.
• Private Employee Medical Records: Medical and health insurance information.
• Customer and Employee Identifying Information: Identifying information like Social Security Numbers, driver's license numbers, and passport numbers.
• Revenue and Profit Numbers (unless a public company): Smaller companies that are not publicly traded can keep their financial data private.
• Financial Data: Bank and credit card numbers, as well as loan information.

How to Find EIN and UCC Records in Louisiana

To find EIN records in Louisiana, you generally cannot search a single public database that lists all EINs, as the IRS does not provide one for non-tax-exempt entities. When looking for your own company's EIN, check your original IRS confirmation letter, tax forms (1120, 1065, or 1040 Schedule C), or contact the IRS directly. For another company's EIN, check the Louisiana Secretary of State's Office, request a W-9, check the IRS Tax Exempt search for nonprofits, or try the SEC EDGAR database for public companies.

You can also use EntityCheck's EIN Lookup tool to find Louisiana EIN records.

To find Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings in Louisiana, you must contact any one of the 64 Parish Clerks of Court. The Louisiana Secretary of State's office does not directly process search requests for the general public, but it maintains a statewide database that all parish offices access. Requests for a certified search of the UCC records must be submitted in writing and cost $30 per debtor name. The Louisiana Secretary of State offers a subscription service to its UCC database for an annual fee of $400, which allows unlimited usage. This is typically for businesses that conduct frequent searches.

You can also try using EntityCheck's UCC Filings search tool to find UCC filings in Louisiana.

How to Find DBA Records in Louisiana

To find Louisiana DBA (Doing Business As) records, search the Louisiana Secretary of State's Business Entity Search for registered business names, but remember DBAs (called trade names in LA) are often filed locally with the Parish Clerk of Court where the business operates, requiring separate searches at each parish's Clerk of Court website or office for comprehensive results. Visit the website for the Parish Clerk of Court or contact their office directly, as they handle DBA/trade name filings for sole proprietors and partnerships. You'll need to search their public records or business filings section.

EntityCheck Business Background Reports Make Searching Easier

An even more insightful way to search for Louisiana business entities and access additional information is to utilize EntityCheck's powerful search engine. Search quickly and easily by business name, EIN, owner, phone number, or email address. Along with the information above, you can dig deeper to find incredibly illuminating details such as:

• UCC Filings: Discover Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings, showing creditors' attachment to business assets. These files provide insight into the organization's financial stability by examining its standing debt and the resulting risk. Also find lien details, creditor and debtor information, filing and expiration dates, and collateral and asset claims.
• Court Cases: Evaluate a company's legal record to assess potential risks associated with its operations and identify any outstanding issues. Review bankruptcy filings, liens and judgments, federal court cases, litigation, and legal history of ongoing and past court cases.
• Licenses: Verify business credentials, including licenses, permits, and government certifications, as well as the educational backgrounds of decision-makers, to assess credibility.
• Filing & Compliance: Review a company's financial performance reports, DBAs (Doing Business As), and government Tax IDs.
• Trademarks & Patents: Find out what intellectual properties a company controls and review the details of any trademarks and patents it holds.
• Registered Individuals: Identify key decision-makers, registered agents, corporate officers, and leadership, even if this information is not readily available through official records.

Alternative Resources Beyond the SOS (Secretary of State) Search

The Louisiana Secretary of State's Office offers some business information, but not all of it. Many other government offices also hold data for companies within the state.

The following agencies may hold relevant information about Louisiana business entities:

• Louisiana Secretary of State: The Louisiana Secretary of State oversees elections and business filings, maintains state records, and serves as the state's chief election officer, archivist, and a key figure in business registration and certification. This includes preparing ballots, certifying election results, managing corporate filings, issuing certifications (such as apostilles), and preserving state history, making the office crucial to both democratic processes and commercial activity in Louisiana.
• Louisiana Department of Revenue: The Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) is primarily responsible for reasonably and efficiently administering the state's tax laws to collect revenue that funds public services. The department is also tasked with specific regulatory functions. Some of this office's key functions include tax collection and compliance, taxpayer services, and education (such as the Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point ( LaTAP)) for filing and paying taxes, policy and guidance, regulation of specific industries like alcohol, tobacco, and gaming, and support for state agencies by assisting in the collection of overdue debts owed to them and ensuring that contractors doing business with the state are current on their tax obligations.
• Louisiana Uniform Commercial Code Filing Office: The Louisiana Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filing office, primarily managed through local Clerks of Court and the Secretary of State, records public notices (UCC-1 forms) of secured loans against personal property (collateral), creating a statewide public record that establishes lenders' priority claims, replaces old chattel mortgages, and ensures transparency in commercial lending for things like equipment, inventory, or accounts receivable, all accessible statewide online via the Secretary of State's website. Their functions include public notices, establishing priority, replacing chattel mortgages, providing a centralized system, and serving as an information hub.
• Louisiana State Bar Association: The Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) serves its lawyer members through education, resources (such as legal research), and networking, while also upholding the integrity of the legal profession by helping the Supreme Court regulate the practice, promoting access to justice for the public, and offering ethics guidance. They provide continuing legal education (CLEs), ethical advice, and public resources, but the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board handles lawyer discipline.
• Louisiana Department of Insurance: The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) regulates the state's insurance industry to protect consumers, ensuring fair markets, enforcing laws, licensing agents/companies, and investigating fraud, while also serving as a resource to help residents understand and resolve issues with their insurance providers, from auto to health. Essentially, they act as the watchdog for policyholders and the industry in Louisiana.
• Louisiana Workforce Commission: The Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC), also known as Louisiana Works, is Louisiana's primary agency connecting job seekers with opportunities and businesses with skilled workers, offering free services like job placement, training (like CDL grants), resume help, unemployment insurance, and workforce development programs to boost economic growth and individual financial independence.
• Louisiana Public Service Commission: The Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) regulates essential services such as electricity, gas, water, telecommunications, and intrastate transportation, ensuring they're safe, reliable, and affordable for consumers while allowing companies to earn a fair return on their investments. It sets rates, approves resource additions (such as new power plants), oversees energy efficiency programs, and handles issues such as storm cost recovery and eminent domain for utilities. The LPSC is an independent body with five elected commissioners who make decisions affecting your utility costs and services.
• Louisiana Clerks of Court Offices: Louisiana Clerks of Court offices are multi-faceted parish offices that serve as the official record-keepers for courts and public records, handling filings for civil/criminal cases, mortgages, marriages, and deeds, while also serving as the parish's chief election official by managing elections, training poll workers, and tabulating results. They maintain vital documents, manage court dockets, and provide public access to property records, legal filings, and vital statistics, all funded by service fees.
• Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ): The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) protects Louisiana's environment and public health by regulating pollution, issuing permits for air, water, and waste, monitoring environmental conditions, and enforcing regulations, all while promoting public participation to ensure clean air, water, and land for residents. They manage issues like air quality, hazardous waste, and water quality, working with businesses and the public.

How to Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Louisiana

Although a quick search using a major search engine may help you glean general information about a company, its officers, and its executives, it is usually insufficient to uncover the business's ownership structure. You'll probably have to search government records or other public databases to find detailed information about who owns a business entity in Louisiana.

Begin by accessing the Louisiana Secretary of State's Business Filings search page. Typically, the results will reveal useful details about a registered Louisiana business and will often list the names of officers, directors, and owners. Following the outlined steps might help you find the information you seek.

Additional Resources for Business Ownership Info

Some of the other local resources that may help you identify local business owners include:

• Chambers of Commerce: Local chambers of commerce often maintain public directories of members, which sometimes include ownership details.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB of Louisiana sometimes publishes business profiles, which may include information about the company's ownership, along with customer reviews and complaints.
• Other Public Records: Business licenses, real estate records, and court documents involving the business entity may reveal ownership.
• WHOIS Lookup: Perform a WHOIS search to find the owner of the business's domain name.
• Professional Networks: Check sites like LinkedIn, which may list owners and key personnel.
• The Business's Website: Many businesses have an "about us" or "leadership" page where the business owner may be mentioned. Note that some companies may refer to their owners as president, founder, or principal.

Types of Owners and Their Roles

In Louisiana, like other states, business owners choose structures (Sole Prop, LLC, Corp) and take on leadership roles (CEO, Owner, Founder, Manager, VP), with common industries including healthcare (Ochsner), retail (Walmart), real estate, digital marketing, and home improvement, all relying on roles like operations managers, financial analysts, and sales leaders to help run the business, with Louisiana's own business scene reflecting national trends but also strong local roles in key sectors.

Common Leadership Roles & Titles in Louisiana

These roles guide strategy and operations, relevant in any Louisiana business:

• Top Executives: CEO (Chief Executive Officer), President, Owner, Founder, Managing Director, Chairman, COO (Chief Operating Officer), CFO (Chief Financial Officer).
• Department Heads: Marketing Manager, Operations Manager, Sales Leader, HR Manager, IT Director.
• Team Leads: Supervisors, Project Managers, Forepersons.

Whether starting a retail firm or a major corporation, owners and leaders in Louisiana adopt roles that fit their business goals, often combining titles like "Owner-Operator" or "CEO & Founder" for smaller firms, or leading specific departments in large organizations like Acadia Healthcare or regional banks.

Different entity structures have various roles and types of ownership. Some individuals who have control over a company may not hold a traditional role within it. Leadership is a crucial factor to understand before working with a company.

Some of the more conventional roles within companies include:

• Shareholders (or Stockholders): They own the corporation by purchasing stock, which grants them voting rights to elect the Board of Directors and influence major corporate decisions.
• Directors: Directors set the strategic course for the corporation, make major decisions, and oversee the conduct of the officers.
• Officers: Officers, such as presidents (CEOs) and secretaries, manage the day-to-day operations of the business and are appointed and removed by the Board of Directors.
• Members: Members are the owners of the LLC. They can also serve as managers or delegate management to others. Members are typically protected from personal liability for the company's debts.
• Managers: Managers, whether members or non-members, are responsible for managing the business and affairs of the LLC.
• General Partners: They manage the business affairs as outlined in the partnership agreement. General partners are entirely liable for all business debts and obligations.
• Limited Partners: Limited partners have limited management rights. Their liability is typically limited to their investment in the business, providing them with some protection from business debts.

Red Flags to Look for When Searching Business Entities

When searching Louisiana business entities, red flags include generic contact info (no real address/landline), no online presence, lack of relevant licenses/registrations, cloudy ownership, poor financial records (undisclosed debt/income issues), frequent name changes (DBAs), or a "Good Standing" certificate that's missing or expired, indicating potential hidden risks or non-compliance with Louisiana Secretary of State rules. Always check the Louisiana Secretary of State's website for official filings and status.

Some general red flags to watch out for include:

• No Physical Presence: Only a PO Box or generic email (e.g., @gmail.com) instead of a proper business address/email.
• No Online Footprint: Lack of a professional website, social media, or online reviews.
• Phone Issues: No landline or calls go unanswered/unreturned.
• DBA/Trade Name Issues: Frequent use of different trade names (DBAs) without an apparent reason.

Some more serious red flags to watch for are as follows:

Entity Status Problems

One of the first things to check when researching a Louisiana business entity is its registered status with the Secretary of State's office. A lack of "Good Standing" may indicate that the company is not compliant with state regulations, such as filing annual reports.

Common entity status violations in Louisiana often relate to a lack of corporate formalities, improper financial management, and failure to comply with state and federal filing requirements.

Failing to maintain the distinction between a business entity and its owners can lead courts to impose personal liability on business owners for the entity's debts (known as "piercing the corporate veil"). Common violations include:

• Commingling of Funds: Mixing personal and business bank accounts and finances.
• Disregarding Formalities: Failure to follow statutory requirements for incorporating and transacting corporate affairs.
• Lack of Meetings and Records: Failure to hold regular shareholder and director meetings or to maintain separate bookkeeping records.
• Undercapitalization: Insufficient funding of the business entity at its formation.

Inconsistent or Suspicious Information

Always keep an eye out for missing or inconsistent information. Look for any inconsistencies in the registered agent's name, address, or other details. A lack of clear contact information can be a significant concern.

Another red flag is a misleading name. A business name that is too similar to an existing one or that incorrectly implies government affiliation can be a warning sign that the company is attempting to deceive the public.

A legitimate business should have a verifiable physical address, not just a P.O. box or no address.

A business with a poorly designed website or that uses excessive grammatical errors and spelling mistakes might also be a red flag.

Some common fraudulent companies in Louisiana pose as government agencies and perpetrate scams on the general public. Others involve IT/tech support fraud, fake job opportunities, cryptocurrency scams, and business filing solicitations.

Ownership and Management Concerns

Poor management or ownership issues can indicate larger problems. Look for a management team with a history of causing investor losses in previous businesses and stay away from these firms.

Over-dependence on one or two customers or suppliers is a big red flag that could become an issue down the road.

Difficulty identifying who truly owns or controls the business is another major issue.

In Louisiana, the most common employment lawsuits center on retaliation, followed closely by claims of discrimination (race, sex, disability, etc.) and issues leading to wrongful termination, often involving unpaid wages, harassment, or violations of employee rights, with Louisiana being an "at-will" state, making it tricky but still possible to sue for illegal terminations.

Financial and Legal Warning Signs

Most importantly, financial insolvency can have a drastic impact on you if you invest in or partner with a troubled company. Some financial warning signs in Louisiana to look out for are:

• Unexplained Expenses/Debt: High liabilities or unusual costs that suggest mismanagement.
• Poor Record Keeping: Inaccurate financial reports or failure to document cash.
• Income Issues: Errors in reporting income or underreporting.

The most common types of business lawsuits in Louisiana generally include breach of contract, various forms of personal injury liability (such as auto accidents and premises liability), and employment disputes. Louisiana also sees significant specialized litigation related to its industries, such as environmental "legacy lawsuits" against energy companies.

Compliance Gaps

It's very dangerous to partner with a noncompliant company, as you could be penalized for associating with them. Some of the compliance issues in Louisiana include:

• Missing Licenses: No relevant professional licenses or recently acquired ones.
• Regulatory Violations: Past disciplinary actions or unresolved legal issues.

Connections & Affiliations

A company's connections and affiliations can tell quite a story. Sometimes one person runs multiple dissolved/failed companies. Look for recurring patterns of dissolution followed by new formation. That is a significant indicator of potential fraud. One thing to be cautious of is a company with ties to organized crime figures and politically exposed persons (PEPs). If the company makes a concerted effort to conceal its actual owner or person in charge, that should be a clear warning to stay away.

Some red flags in broader business records include the following:

Inconsistent Public Records

Company filings don't match what's listed in:

• Court records
• Tax records
• Property ownership filings
• An example is that the registered address differs from the address listed in lawsuits or liens.

Poor Record-Keeping

• Missing meeting minutes (for corporations).
• No updated ownership/member list for LLCs.
• Lack of transparency in accounting records.

Regulatory Issues

• Fines, sanctions, or loss of licenses with state agencies.
• Businesses flagged by the Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General's office.

Unusual Patterns

• Very recent incorporation with sudden high activity.
• Foreign entities registered but not compliant with local laws.
• Shell-company indicators (multiple entities tied to the same registered agent at the same address).

Best Practices When Reviewing Business Entity Records

Utilize the best practices outlined below to maximize the benefits of your research. A business background check can take time, but it can yield a wealth of information that could help you avoid any costly mistakes.

• Cross-reference everything.
• Compare the UCC filing data with records from litigation and bankruptcy courts. Look for discrepancies between the documents.
• Check annual reports for consistency year-over-year.
• Research the owners of a company to detect possible bankruptcies, felonies, fraud, and other legal issues that could affect your business.
• Use business verification services or business background reports from EntityCheck.
• Keep in mind the context. For example, a single lien may not be alarming, but multiple filings, lawsuits, and frequent leadership turnover together signal real risk.

How to Register an Entity in Louisiana

When choosing a business entity name in Louisiana, careful consideration is recommended. You want your business name to comply with applicable laws and not be currently used. It is also essential to avoid any trademark or copyright infringement.

You can set up a business entity in Louisiana by filing the appropriate documents with the Louisiana Secretary of State. The office generally recognizes the following types, each with unique filing requirements:

• Sole proprietorships
• Partnerships
• Corporations
• LLCs, LLPs, and LPs
• Nonprofits
• Foreign (out-of-state) entities

Next, you'll usually follow these steps:

• Confirm that the business name you choose is available.
• File the appropriate documents with the Secretary of State.
• Report your company's beneficial ownership information ( BOI).
• Obtain an Employer Identification Number ( EIN) from the IRS.
• Register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue.
• Register with the Louisiana Workforce Commission.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Louisiana?

To start a business in Louisiana, you usually file paperwork with the Secretary of State. The filing fees for most business structures range from $75 to $100, and for foreign entities (businesses from out of state), they range from $125 to $150.

All business entities typically file an annual report with the Secretary of State for $30 per filing. The annual report is due on the anniversary of the business's formation.

Louisiana business naming rules require names to be unique and distinguishable from existing registered entities, and to include specific identifiers based on business structure (e.g., "LLC" or "Inc."). Prohibited words include those implying a governmental or non-profit affiliation.

The general naming rules include:

• Uniqueness: Your chosen name must be distinguishable from other corporations, LLCs, partnerships, or trade names already registered with the Louisiana Secretary of State. You can check name availability using the commercial database search tool. The state checks for both spelling and phonetic similarity (e.g., Cajun vs. Kajun).

• Required Identifiers: The legal name must include specific terms based on the business type:

  • Limited Liability Company (LLC): Must contain "Limited Liability Company," "L.L.C.," or "L.C". "L3C" or "l3c" is used for low-profit LLCs.
  • Corporation: Must contain "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Company," or "Limited," or their abbreviations (e.g., "Corp..," "Inc.," "Co.," "Ltd.").

• Prohibited Words: Names cannot contain words that:

  • Falsely suggests a charitable or non-profit nature.
  • Imply the business is an administrative agency of Louisiana, any parish, or the United States (e.g., FBI, Treasury).
  • Suggest banking or insurance activities without the appropriate state authority permission.

• No "d/b/a" in Legal Name: The phrases "doing business as" or "d/b/a" are not allowed in the formal legal entity name.

• Professional Entities: Businesses in specialized fields like engineering, land surveying, medicine, law, or accountancy may require additional licensing verification with their respective state boards before registration.

• Trade Names (DBAs): If an existing registered business (LLC, corporation, etc.) wants to operate under a different name for marketing purposes, it can register a trade name (or DBA) with the Secretary of State and the local Parish Clerk of Court. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships must register a trade name if they operate under anything other than the owner(s) full name(s).

You can reserve a name for 120 days by filing an application and paying a fee to the Secretary of State, which is helpful if you are not ready to file formation documents immediately.

FAQs

1. How do I look up who owns an LLC in Louisiana (members vs. managers)?

   To find who owns a Louisiana LLC, search the free online Louisiana Secretary of State (SOS) Commercial Search portal by name or entity number, then check the filed Articles of Organization or Annual Reports; while LLCs list managers/members on these public filings, sometimes only the Registered Agent is listed publicly, requiring further investigation into alternative records or direct contact if ownership isn't clear.

2. How can I find a corporation's officers and directors in the state?

   To find a corporation's officers and directors in a specific state, use the Secretary of State's business search portal for that state, as they maintain public records of filed documents like Articles of Incorporation and Statements of Information listing key personnel, or check the company's website and SEC filings (EDGAR) for public companies for more details.

   EntityCheck's search tool can also provide information about a company's owners, directors, officers, and associates.

3. Are business owners' names public or private in Louisiana?

   In Louisiana, business owner names are generally public record for entities like LLCs and Corporations, filed with the Secretary of State, but you can add layers of privacy by using structures like trusts or forming in anonymous states (DE, WY) first, though it's more complex and involves federal CTA reporting for beneficial owners to FinCEN anyway.

4. Where do I search official business records in the state?

   To search official Louisiana business records, use the Louisiana Secretary of State (SOS) Business Entity Search portal, which is free and allows you to look up entities by name or ID for status, registered agent, and filing history, with options to order official documents online or by mail for a fee. You can also use third-party tools like EntityCheck to find official business records.

5. How do I check if a business name is available or reserved in Louisiana?

   To check if a business name is available or reserved in Louisiana, use the free Louisiana Secretary of State Business Entity Search, entering your desired name to see if it's in use or dissolved, and also check their Name Reservation services if you want to secure it for later. Always review state naming rules first, then search the SOS database, and consider checking USPTO trademarks and domain availability for a complete check.

6. How can I view recent filings (Articles, amendments, mergers, annual/biennial reports) for a company in Louisiana?

   To see a Louisiana company's filings (Articles, Amendments, Annual Reports, Mergers), use the Louisiana Secretary of State's Business Entity Search tool, searching by company name or charter number, where you can review history and order copies of documents directly from their database for a fee.

7. How do I get a Certificate of Good Standing/Existence in Louisiana?

   To get a Certificate of Good Standing/Existence in Louisiana, you can order it online, by fax, by mail, or in person through the Commercial Division of the Louisiana Secretary of State's office. Ordering online is the quickest method, and after paying the $20 fee, you can immediately download and print the certificate. You can print multiple copies for up to 120 days.

8. How do I obtain certified copies of formation documents and amendments in the state?

   To get certified copies of Louisiana formation documents or amendments, use the Louisiana Secretary of State's online commercial database or submit a written/fax request/walk-in to their office in Baton Rouge; the sos.la.gov website is your main resource, allowing you to order online via their commercial database, via fax, or in person for a fee (around $20 per certificate) for official authenticated copies needed for banking, loans, or foreign qualification.

9. How do I search UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) liens against a company in Louisiana?

   To search UCC liens against a company in Louisiana, you visit the Louisiana Secretary of State (SOS) website, navigate to their UCC search portal, and enter the company's exact legal name (as a debtor) to find filings like financing statements that show creditors' claims on business assets. Searches are typically done online through the Secretary of State's office, which handles these filings statewide, and may involve a small fee for detailed results or copies.

   You can also use EntityCheck's search tool to find UCC Filings in Louisiana.

10. What are the steps to register an LLC in Louisiana (forms, fees, timeline)?

    To register an LLC in Louisiana, you'll name your business, choose a Registered Agent, file Articles of Organization (Form 412) with the Louisiana Secretary of State via the GeauxBIZ portal for a $100 fee, file an Initial Report (included), get an EIN from the IRS, create an Operating Agreement, and secure necessary licenses/permits, with timelines varying but typically a few days for state processing.

11. What are the steps to incorporate (C-Corp/S-Corp) in Louisiana?

    To incorporate in Louisiana (C-Corp or S-Corp), you must name your business, appoint a Registered Agent, file Articles of Incorporation and an Initial Report with the Louisiana Secretary of State (SOS) via geauxBIZ, get an EIN from the IRS, create bylaws, hold an organizational meeting, issue stock, and handle tax/permit registrations; an S-Corp designation is an IRS election (Form 2553) after forming the corporation.

12. Do I need a registered agent in the state, and who can serve as one?

    Yes, you must have a registered agent with a physical Louisiana address for your LLC or corporation to receive legal documents (service of process) and official mail. They can be you, a trusted person, or a professional service, as long as they are available during business hours and are a resident/entity in Louisiana.

13. What annual reports, franchise/margin taxes, or license renewals are required in Louisiana?

    Louisiana requires businesses to file an annual report with the Secretary of State, and corporations may be subject to an annual franchise tax with the Department of Revenue. Most occupational and professional licenses also require annual renewal.

14. How long does state approval take in Louisiana, and are expedited options available?

    Louisiana state approval, especially for business filings like LLCs, typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks standard, but expedited options are readily available through the Secretary of State (SOS) for faster service, often reducing processing to hours or a few business days for an extra fee, with options like "while you wait" or 24-hour processing for documents. The specific time depends on the filing type and volume, but expect around 3-5 business days normally, with rush options for a fee, like $50 for a 3-hour service.

15. Do I need to foreign-qualify to do business in Louisiana if my company is formed elsewhere?

    Yes, if your company (LLC, Corporation, etc.) formed outside Louisiana plans to "do business" there with a substantial presence, you must foreign-qualify with the Louisiana Secretary of State by filing for a Certificate of Authority to avoid penalties and legal issues. This involves registering as a foreign entity, appointing a Louisiana registered agent, and maintaining compliance through annual filings and fees, even if you already have an EIN and operate online.

16. What activities count as "doing business" in the state?

    In Louisiana, "doing business" means operating extensively enough to be subject to state laws, involving activities like having an office or employees in the state, using property, or deriving income, but generally excludes isolated transactions or pure interstate commerce; the key is a systematic presence, requiring foreign entities to get often a Certificate of Authority and meet economic nexus (such as $100k in sales or 200 transactions) for sales tax.

17. How do I file a DBA/fictitious business name in Louisiana, and is county/city filing required?

    In Louisiana, filing a DBA (Trade Name) involves registering with the Louisiana Secretary of State (SOS) and the Parish Clerk of Court where your business operates, requires publishing notice in a local paper, and involves fees, with the exact process differing slightly for sole props/partnerships (parish focus) vs. LLCs/Corps (state focus). Yes, parish-level filing is required, plus publication, and fees vary for online/mail filing with the SOS.

18. How do I change my company's name, address, officers, or members with the state?

    To change your Louisiana company's name, address, officers, or members, you generally file an Amendment to your Articles of Incorporation/Organization or specific Notices/Statements of Change with the Louisiana Secretary of State via their GeauxBIZ portal or by mail/fax, updating details like officers/members (using Notice of Change of Officer/Director or Member/Manager forms), addresses, or the company name, with associated fees and potential internal approvals required.

19. How do I reinstate or revive a company that's been administratively dissolved in Louisiana?

    To reinstate a dissolved Louisiana company, visit the LA Secretary of State (SOS) website, search for your business, file the required Articles of Reinstatement, or use the online portal to file delinquent annual reports, update information, pay fees (around $75-$100+ depending on entity/reports), and confirm registered agent consent for corporations. The process often involves fixing the underlying issue (like missed reports) and paying fees, with online, mail, or in-person filing options available.

20. Do I need to file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) with FinCEN, and how does that interact with Louisiana filings?

    Yes, if your Louisiana business (like an LLC or Corp) was formed or registered in the U.S., you likely needed to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with FinCEN, though recent (March 2025) rule changes have removed the requirement for U.S.-formed companies, focusing it now on foreign companies registered in the U.S.; the FinCEN filing is a separate federal requirement from your Louisiana Secretary of State (SOS) filings, but both involve your business registration data. You must file with FinCEN (not Louisiana SOS) if your entity is a foreign company registered in LA, but not now if it's a U.S.-formed business.