Register your Louisiana business with the state

In Louisiana, you make your business official through the Secretary of State — most of it online via geauxBIZ. Registering correctly is the first legal step and unlocks everything after it: tax accounts, licenses, and a business bank account.

Do this

1. Pick your structure (an LLC is the common choice for small businesses — confirm with an attorney/accountant).
2. Check your business name is available on the Secretary of State's site.
3. File your formation (Articles + Initial Report) through geauxBIZ.
4. Save your charter/registration confirmation — you'll need it for tax and bank setup.

Register in Louisiana — Where to Go

Do it online through geauxBIZ (the state's one-stop portal): geauxbiz.sos.la.gov

Steps: 1. Choose a structure (Sole Prop, Partnership, LLC, or Corporation) 2. Search your name for availability 3. File Articles of Organization/Incorporation + Initial Report 4. Pay the filing fee and save your confirmation

Questions on structure? A free Louisiana SBDC advisor or SCORE mentor can help (see the "Free Help" lesson).