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Small Business Resources

Start a Business in Louisiana

New Business Guide

Louisiana Secretary of State Business Services

The Commercial Division encompasses the Corporations, GeauxBiz, Administrative Services and Uniform Commercial Code departments of the Secretary of State's Office. This page is a clearinghouse for all business related information, from searching our database, filing a business online to business licensing information. Access is also available to our Administrative Services department for service of process information and UCC department.

For additional information about the the services provided by the various section in the Commercial Division, please use the following directory to contact them.

Corporations
Phone: 225.925.4704
Fax: 225.932.5314

Legal Services
Phone: 225.925.4704
Fax: (225) 932-5317

UCC
Phone: 225.925.4701, 225.922.1193
Fax: 225.932.5318

GeauxBiz
Phone: 225.925.4704
Fax: 225.932.5319

Louisiana Small Business Development Center

The Louisiana Small Business Development Center is the state’s largest and most accessible source of assistance for entrepreneurs and the only statewide nationally accredited program that provides business consulting to entrepreneurs at no cost. Through a network of 10 centers, the LSBDC provides high quality one-on-one consulting, training and information resources to help your business start, grow and succeed.



The LSBDC empowers businesses by providing:
   
 
  On-going consulting help for the duration of the business.
  Cutting-edge and contemporary business solutions.
  Resources that can address any aspect of a business’ operations.
  Access to capital and other resources necessary to grow a business.
  Honest and forthright advice
   
 
 
 
Our Mission
To facilitate the formation and growth of small businesses through individual consulting services, entrepreneurial training programs, and business information resources to develop and diversify the Louisiana economy.

Louisiana Department of Revenue

Online Applications for Louisiana Tax Account Numbers:

Whether you are opening a new business, adding a new location, or a new tax type to an existing business, you now can register your tax accounts online from your computer! Just think, no more completing a paper application, stuffing an envelope, or taking trips to the post office for stamps. It's fast, it's easy, and it's free. Simply complete the online question-based application and submit.

The following information is needed before you begin:

  1. Legal name, location, and mailing address of your business.
  2. Federal Identification Number (if applicable).
  3. Charter Number (if applicable).
  4. Louisiana tax account number (if it is an existing business).
  5. Name and address of owners, partners, or officers.
  6. Social Security Number(s) of owners, partners, or officers.
  7. Email address (if available).
How long will it take to get my Louisiana Revenue Account Number?

By submitting your application online including a valid e-mail address, a confirmation message will be sent to you within 3 business days. You will be required to log back into the system using the Application Code and Password you entered to retrieve your Louisiana Revenue Account Number.

If an e-mail address is not entered, you will still be able to log back into the system within 3 business days to retrieve your Louisiana Revenue Account Number, however you will not receive automated notification when it is generated.

In addition, your Louisiana Revenue Account Number will be mailed to you within 4-6 weeks.

If you experience any difficulties completing the application refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) on the LDR Website or contact the Taxpayer Services Division at 225-219-7318.

START THE ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS

Other Application Options:
Download the paper form (pdf)

 

Contact the Louisiana Department of Revenue with your Business Questions

What type of business structure should I use?

An important step in forming a new business is to determine the type of business structure that you will use. There are several business structures to choose from, including sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company and limited liability partnership. Each has advantages and disadvantages as well as tax consequences of which you should be aware. You must decide which of these structures best suits your business objectives and needs. The Secretary of State cannot advise you on choosing a business structure. For help in making this decision, you may wish to consult a tax practitioner, accountant or attorney.

The Commercial Division administers the state corporation, partnership, trademark and public opinion poll laws under the following statutes:

For more information, See Frequently Asked Questions.