As you already know, a big part of starting a new LLC in Louisiana is filing paperwork with the state to ensure your business is legal and in good standing. However, while you have to file various documents to establish your business, you must also file an annual report each year.
Although filing this report is a relatively straightforward process, it can be tricky to make sure you get all the details submitted correctly and on time. To help you do everything correctly, we’ve compiled all the information you need to know about what to include, how to file, and how to avoid potential penalties.
An annual report is a document providing information about your business with the Louisiana Secretary of State. The purpose of this document is so the SOS knows who to contact with official correspondence regarding your company. Almost all states require LLCs and corporations to file annual reports, although not all states set the same deadlines or filing fees.
In Louisiana, the filing cost is $30, and the report is due by the anniversary of your formation date. So, if your business was officially created on July 13th, you would have to file your annual report by July 13th each following year. You can send your report up to 30 days before the due date.
Thankfully, Louisiana makes it easy to file your report either by mail or online. However, because the due date is different for each business, it’s up to you to keep track of your filings, including the information to put on the form itself. Here’s a quick breakdown of the steps involved and what you must do in each step.
Another reason why filing an annual report in Louisiana can be somewhat tricky is that the Secretary of State’s office does not send out a form or reminder. Instead, you must download and fill out the form yourself, and it will only be available up to 30 days before your due date. You can look up your business on the Commercial Entity Website. When it’s time to file your report, a bar will appear that reads, “Print Annual Report Form for Filing.”
The information on the form includes:
Fortunately, Louisiana makes it really easy to adjust your annual report if information changes from one year to the next. When filing your report online, simply change any data (like adding or removing members and managers or changing your primary business address) and update the form.
Once you file, however, it’s a little trickier to amend the form with changes. If you’re updating your registered agent (either the office or the agent), you must fill out a Change of Registered Office or Agent Form and pay an additional $25 filing fee. If you’re changing, adding, or removing members or managers, you must file a Change of Members and/or Managers form and pay a separate $25 filing fee.
Because of these additional costs, it’s always best to ensure your annual report information is up to date once you file. If you make changes after the due date, you can simply update the form the following year.
There are three filing options when submitting an annual report in Louisiana.
Standard filing of an annual report is $30. As we mentioned, if you have to file additional forms, like the Change of Registered Agent or Office form, you must pay an additional $25. For expedited service, it’s $30, and for immediate service (within two to four hours), it’s $50.
You only have a 30-day window to file your annual report. Remember, the Secretary of State doesn’t send the form to your primary business address or your registered agent. Instead, it’s up to you to download, fill out, and file the form on time. If you have a large business and multiple deadlines occurring around the same time, it’s often best to use an Annual Compliance service for convenience and peace of mind.
Louisiana handles late filings much differently than other states. Typically, states will incur penalties or fees if you file past the deadline, or there will be a strict late filing window. If you don’t file within that window, you could risk the Secretary of State dissolving your business entirely, meaning you can’t operate in the state.
In Louisiana, though, the state doesn’t take any action for late filings for up to three years. If you don’t file a report three years in a row, the Secretary of State will dissolve your business.
That said, just because you don’t have to pay late fees doesn’t mean you shouldn’t file on time. As soon as you miss the deadline, your company is in bad standing with the SOS office. Although you have three years to reconcile late forms and fees, it’s better to keep your LLC in good standing, especially when it comes to working with vendors, partners, or lenders.
Overall, filing an annual report in Louisiana isn’t hard, but it’s not quite as smooth as it is in other states. Because you have to be more responsible with filing your report on time, you can consider using a third-party compliance service. This way, you never have to worry about missing the deadline and putting your LLC in bad standing. Now is the perfect time to set up annual compliance and start focusing more on your business.
Technically, yes, you can amend your annual report after filing in Louisiana. However, if you’re amending officers, members, or your registered agent, you must submit a separate form and pay an additional fee.
Yes, the state requires all LLCs to have a registered agent. If you’re a single-member LLC, it may make sense to act as your own agent. However, bigger companies do better by outsourcing this role to a third party so no correspondence is missed or ignored.
The best way to check is to see your official LLC formation date, as that is what the Secretary of State will use. Alternatively, you can use the SOS’s online business search portal to see when your annual report is due.
This portion of our website is for informational or educational purposes only. Tailor Brands is not a law firm, and the information on this website does not constitute legal advice. All statements, opinions, recommendations, and conclusions are solely the expression of the author and provided on an as-is basis. Accordingly, Tailor Brands is not responsible for the information and/or its accuracy or completeness. It also does not indicate any affiliation between Tailor Brands and any other brands, services or logos on this page.
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