Louisiana LLC Cost (2026): New Fees from October 1, 2026
Louisiana’s LLC fees are changing this week. Act 921 of the 2026 legislative session raises most Secretary of State business filing fees effective October 1, 2026. The Articles of Organization go from $100 to $125 and the annual report from $30 to $35. Guides written before the change, including older versions of this one, show the lower numbers. This page uses the new fees, since any filing made from October 1 onward pays them.
What Act 921 Changes on October 1, 2026
Act 921 updates the fee schedule of the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Commercial Division. For LLC owners, the changes that matter are:
| Filing | Before Oct 1, 2026 | From Oct 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (domestic LLC) | $100 | $125 |
| Annual report | $30 | $35 |
| 24-hour expedite | $30 | $35 |
| Priority expedite | $50 | $60 |
| Change of registered agent | $25 | $30 |
| Certified copy | $15 | $20 |
| Foreign LLC registration | $150 | $185 |
If you are forming right now, filing before October 1 still pays the old $100. From October 1, the Articles cost $125.
Northwest Registered Agent
Louisiana’s business database lists your registered agent’s address publicly. $39 formation + $125 state fee, free registered agent for year one, then $125/yr.
$39 formation fee · Free registered agent for 12 months · Your address stays off public records · No data selling · No hidden fees
Form Your LLC with Northwest ($39) →Lowest 3-year cost we found: Northwest $289 vs Bizee $298 vs ZenBusiness $497 (service fees; state fees extra). Northwest also puts its address on your public filings instead of yours where the state allows.
The $35 Anniversary-Date Annual Report
Louisiana LLCs file an annual report with the Secretary of State every year, due by the anniversary of the date the LLC was formed. From October 1, 2026, the fee is $35. Filing online through geauxBIZ, the state’s business portal, is the fastest way, and online transactions carry a small convenience fee, around $5.
An LLC that stops filing annual reports can have its articles revoked, which removes its good standing. Keeping the anniversary date in a calendar, or using a registered agent that sends reminders, avoids that.
Expedite Tiers and Other Filing Fees
- 24-hour expedite: $35 from October 1, 2026.
- Priority expedite: $60 for faster handling.
- Trade name (DBA): registering a trade name costs $95.
- Registered agent change: $30, useful to know if you switch agents after year one.
Franchise Tax and Local Costs
Louisiana’s corporation franchise tax does not apply to LLCs taxed as partnerships or disregarded entities. Their profit passes through to the owners’ Louisiana income tax returns. An LLC that elects to be taxed as a corporation is a different case and should check the Department of Revenue’s rules.
Parishes and municipalities may require occupational licenses, with fees set locally, and sales tax registration is required if you sell taxable goods.
Louisiana 3-Year Cost
The table uses the fees in effect from October 1, 2026.
| Scenario | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Registered Agent | $164 ($125 + $39, RA free) | $160 ($35 annual report + $125 RA) | $160 (same) | $484 |
| ZenBusiness (Starter) | $224 ($125 + $0 + $99 RA) | $234 ($35 + $199 RA) | $234 (same) | $692 |
| DIY, self as registered agent | $125 (Articles of Organization) | $35 (annual report) | $35 (annual report) | $195 |
A DIY Louisiana LLC costs $195 in state fees over three years. The $289 extra with Northwest Registered Agent is registered agent service after the free first year, with anniversary-date reminders so the $35 report is not missed.
Form your Louisiana LLC for $39 + $125 state fee.
Northwest Registered Agent: $39 formation, free Year 1 registered agent, compliance reminders, and your home address kept off public records.
Form My Louisiana LLC for $39
Prefer a $0 upfront starter plan? Compare ZenBusiness (registered agent $199/yr).
When a Louisiana LLC may not be worth it yet: if you were going to form in the next few weeks anyway, filing before October 1 saves $25. If you have no revenue or contracts yet, the fee change alone is not a reason to rush.
Why I Choose Northwest Registered Agent
After forming 3 LLCs myself and helping clients through the process, I keep coming back to Northwest Registered Agent. Here is why:
- Remarkable Customer Support: Quick, human responses every time.
- Caring & Privacy-Focused: Genuine service with full respect for your privacy.
- Lightning-Fast Formation: Often faster than promised.
- Incredible Value: $39 includes a free business address, mail scanning, and more.
- Clear & Transparent: No hidden fees or surprises.
Ready to form your business? Choose Northwest today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Louisiana?
$125 for Articles of Organization filed on or after October 1, 2026 ($100 before that date). With Northwest Registered Agent the first-year total is $164, including a free first year of registered agent service.
How much is the Louisiana LLC annual report?
$35 from October 1, 2026 (it was $30), due each year on the LLC’s formation anniversary date.
Why did Louisiana LLC fees go up?
Act 921 of the 2026 legislative session raised most Secretary of State business filing fees, effective October 1, 2026.
Do Louisiana LLCs pay franchise tax?
Not LLCs taxed as partnerships or disregarded entities. Profit passes through to the owners’ Louisiana income tax returns.
