Louisiana Business License

1. Tax Registration

If a business receives income from residents of Louisiana or operates within the state, it may owe a yearly tax. It is necessary for all business owners to register for tax identification numbers. They are also required to register for any permits, licenses, income tax withholding, use and sales tax, and unemployment insurance tax. Be sure to get in touch with the Louisiana Dept. of Revenue to apply for a Louisiana tax account number, which is needed to start the application process. You will find instructions for the application online and on the actual form.

Here is the phone number for the US IRS: 1-800-829-4933

The location of the business, mailing address, and legal name

If necessary, the Federal Identification Number

If applicable, the Charter Number

If a business is already in operation, the Louisiana tax account number

Owners contact information: the name and address of officers, owners, or partners

Owners, officers, and partners will need to provide their Social Security Numbers

Email address

Louisiana Revenue Account Number Application

The Louisiana Tax Number Application Instructions

General Forms and Tax Information

2. Business Licenses

Businesses may be required to get one or more business and occupational permits and licenses. What is required depends on the type of business, services, and products offered.

Though the process may require additional registration or applications, you should contact the Louisiana Secretary of State so that a search can be performed. This will reveal what licenses and permits will be required for your business.

Permits & Business Licenses

3. Local Permits

Your city or county may require special permits and licenses as well. Local governments are known to have their own regulations. The following are common licenses that may be required.

Occupational Permit

Building Permit

Health Permit

Zoning Permit

Signage Permit

Alarm Permit

Business License and/or Tax Permit

4. Incorporation Filing

Some businesses must register with the Louisiana Secretary of State Office, such as non-profits, corporations, partnerships (limited liability, or limited), and limited liability companies. Businesses that are sole proprietorships do not have to register with the state nor do they have to file names with the state or county. One can find business entity registration applications and forms at the Louisiana Secretary of State Office.

Forms, Applications, and Registration for Business Entities

5. Doing Business As

Business owners and partners can operate under a Doing Business As or DBA in Louisiana, which is also called a fictitious name filing. This allows a business to operate under a name that is not the owner's legal name or partners' name. It also allows a business to operate under a different name from which it is officially registered. You should know that filing a DBA is not necessary for a sole proprietor.

Registering a Business Name

6. Withholding Taxes

Income Tax Withholding

An employer must maintain records of employment taxes for a minimum of four years. This is required by the IRS. Keeping these records in order will help with the preparation of catalog receipts, invoices, financial statements, organizing deductible expenses, and your tax return.

Federal Income Tax Withholding (Form W-4)

In Louisiana, all employees are required to date and sign a withholding exemption certificate, Form W-4. A copy must be on file with the IRS, and the form must be distributed to an employee before or on the date of employment. Check out the IRS Employer's tax guide to get more information about your responsibilities for withholding federal taxes.

Federal Wage and Tax Statement (Form W-2)

Wages paid and taxes deducted for each employee must be reported to the Federal government. This report should be filed annually with a Wage and Tax Statement form (Form W-2).

Copy A of the Wage and Tax Statement form W-2 must be sent to the (SSA) Social Security Administration. The deadline is the last day of February, but Employers who file electronically have until the end of March. Wages and taxes of employees must be reported for the previous calendar year, and employees must be provided with a copy of Form W-2 by January 31st the following year.

You can find out more information in the Social Security Administration's Employer W-2 Filing Instructions and Information.

State Taxes

Depending on employees' location in Louisiana, business owners could be required to withhold state income taxes. For more information, you can visit Louisiana's state tax agency.

7. I-9 Form

After November 6, 1986, Federal law requires written proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Employers must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification form within three days of a new hire. This form is also known as I-9.

For each new hire, US employers must complete and retain Form I-9; this must be done for citizens and non-citizens, according to Federal law.

To get more information about immigration laws for small businesses, the Small Business Guide to Immigration Regulations will provide relevant information regarding immigration laws, as well as instructions for completing and filing Form 1-9

A Download for Form I-9, including instructions

8. New Hire Reporting

Employers must report re-hired and newly hired workers to Louisiana Directory of New Hires. This must be done within 20 days of their hire or re-hire.

9. Insurance Requirements

It is mandatory for Louisiana business owners to have Worker's Compensation Insurance and Unemployment Insurance. Worker's Compensation insurance will be used to pay injured employees or employees who become ill while working. This insurance is available on a self-insured basis. You can also go through a commercial carrier of the state Workers' compensation Insurance program.

Unemployment insurance will pay money to employees who are laid off, as long as this was through no fault of their own.

Hopefully, these tips help you on your business ownership journey. If you have more questions, you can always contact the Louisiana Secretary of State or your local government. These branches may be able to direct you to the appropriate department or help with other forms or requirements.