Do you offer a free consultation for startups?

Yes. The Rhodes Law Firm offers a free initial consultation — no obligation, no pressure.

What legal services do you offer for startups and entrepreneurs?

We offer corporate formation, contract drafting, outside general counsel, IP protection, regulatory compliance, and investor agreement support for startups in Louisiana and nationally.

Do you handle divorce and child custody cases in Louisiana?

Yes. The Rhodes Law Firm provides compassionate family law representation including divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support, and adoption throughout Louisiana.

How much does a family law attorney cost in New Orleans?

The Rhodes Law Firm offers a free initial consultation so you can understand your options before making any financial commitment. Contact us at (504) 475-0975 to get started.

Where is The Rhodes Law Firm located?

The firm is based in New Orleans, Louisiana and serves clients statewide and nationally.

How do I contact The Rhodes Law Firm?

Call (504) 475-0975 or schedule a consultation at therhodeslawfirm.com.

How do you form an LLC in Louisiana?

To form an LLC in Louisiana, you must: (1) choose a unique business name that includes 'LLC' or 'Limited Liability Company'; (2) file Articles of Organization with the Louisiana Secretary of State (online at sos.la.gov); (3) pay the filing fee; (4) designate a registered agent in Louisiana; and (5) draft an Operating Agreement (not required by state law but strongly recommended). The process typically takes 1–5 business days for online filings.

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

Louisiana's standard LLC filing fee is $100 for online filing. There is also an annual report fee of $30 due each year. Additional costs include registered agent fees if you use a professional service, and attorney fees if you hire a business attorney to draft the Operating Agreement and advise on structure.

Do I need an Operating Agreement for my Louisiana LLC?

Louisiana does not legally require LLCs to have an Operating Agreement, but it is strongly recommended. An Operating Agreement governs the internal operations of the LLC — member rights, profit distributions, management authority, buy-sell provisions, and dissolution procedures. Without one, the state's default LLC statutes govern these issues, which may not reflect what you want.

What should a Louisiana LLC Operating Agreement include?

A well-drafted Louisiana LLC Operating Agreement should include: member names and ownership percentages; capital contributions; profit and loss allocation; management structure (member-managed vs. manager-managed); voting rights; transfer restrictions; buy-sell provisions; dissolution procedures; and indemnification provisions. These terms protect all members and prevent future disputes.

Can one person own a Louisiana LLC?

Yes. Louisiana allows single-member LLCs. A sole owner forms and operates the LLC with all rights and obligations, enjoys limited liability protection, and can elect how the LLC is taxed (as a disregarded entity/sole proprietorship or as a corporation).

What is the difference between a member-managed and manager-managed Louisiana LLC?

In a member-managed LLC, all members have authority to act on behalf of the company and make day-to-day decisions. In a manager-managed LLC, one or more designated managers (who may or may not be members) run day-to-day operations, while non-managing members are passive investors. The choice is specified in the Articles of Organization and Operating Agreement.

Do I need a business attorney to form an LLC in Louisiana?

Technically no, but an attorney adds significant value. A business attorney ensures your Operating Agreement actually protects your interests, advises on the optimal tax structure, reviews the IP assignment framework, and helps you understand your legal obligations — preventing costly disputes and compliance failures down the road.

How do I protect my personal assets with a Louisiana LLC?

The LLC's limited liability protection only holds if you maintain the separation between personal and business affairs. This means: maintaining a separate bank account, not commingling personal and business funds, documenting major decisions in writing, following the Operating Agreement, and adequately capitalizing the business. Failure to do so exposes members to 'piercing the corporate veil' claims.

What taxes does a Louisiana LLC pay?

By default, a single-member LLC is taxed as a sole proprietorship (disregarded entity) and a multi-member LLC is taxed as a partnership — income passes through to members who pay personal income tax. An LLC can elect to be taxed as an S-Corp or C-Corp for federal purposes. Louisiana also imposes a franchise tax and state income tax on LLCs.

What is the difference between an LLC and a corporation in Louisiana?

An LLC offers more flexible management and ownership structures and simpler compliance requirements. A corporation issues stock, requires a board of directors, and has more formal governance requirements, but is typically required for venture-backed companies and employee stock option plans. The right choice depends on your funding plans, tax situation, and growth goals.

Business Law Guide

How to Start an LLC in Louisiana

Updated 2026 · Serving New Orleans, Metairie & Southeast Louisiana

To start an LLC in Louisiana, file Articles of Organization with the Louisiana Secretary of State online at sos.la.gov and pay the $100 filing fee. You must designate a registered agent with a Louisiana physical address. While not legally required, an Operating Agreement is strongly recommended to govern member rights, profit distributions, and management authority. The entire state filing process typically takes 1–5 business days online.

Written & Reviewed By

Jonathan M. Rhodes

Attorney at Law — The Rhodes Law Firm

Practice Areas: Business Law — Entity Formation & Startup Counsel · Last Updated: September 24, 2026

Serving: Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish, St. Charles Parish, Louisiana

Step-by-Step: How to Form a Louisiana LLC

Choose Your LLC Name

Your name must be unique and available in Louisiana. Search the Louisiana Secretary of State's business name database. The name must include 'LLC', 'L.L.C.', 'Limited Liability Company', or 'Ltd. Liability Co.'.

Designate a Registered Agent

Your LLC must have a registered agent — a person or entity with a physical Louisiana address who accepts legal documents on behalf of the LLC during business hours. You can serve as your own registered agent or hire a professional service.

File Articles of Organization

File online at geauxbiz.com (Louisiana's business portal) or sos.la.gov. Include the LLC name, registered agent information, and whether the LLC is member-managed or manager-managed. The filing fee is $100.

Draft an Operating Agreement

While not required by Louisiana law, an Operating Agreement is essential for multi-member LLCs. It governs member rights, profit distributions, management authority, voting, buy-sell provisions, and what happens when a member leaves or dies. A business attorney can draft a comprehensive agreement tailored to your specific situation.

Obtain an EIN from the IRS

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS at irs.gov. This is required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file business taxes. The online application is free and instant.

Open a Business Bank Account

Maintain a separate business bank account to preserve the LLC's liability protection. Commingling personal and business funds is one of the most common reasons courts pierce the corporate veil and hold members personally liable.

File Annual Reports

Louisiana LLCs must file an annual report with the Secretary of State and pay a $30 fee. Failure to file can result in the LLC being administratively dissolved.

Let a Business Attorney Build Your LLC Right

Formation is just the beginning. Jonathan M. Rhodes ensures your Operating Agreement, IP assignments, and business structure are built for success. Free consultation.

Schedule a Consultation (504) 475-0975

Related Business Law Resources

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Louisiana Business Law Guide

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Louisiana Legal Resource Center

All legal resources.

Starting an LLC in Louisiana — FAQ

Start Your Business the Right Way

Free initial consultation with a Louisiana business formation attorney. Serving New Orleans, Metairie, and Southeast Louisiana.

Schedule a Free Consultation (504) 475-0975