Baton Rouge Small Business Start Up Attorney

1

Start

Choose a structure and file the documents that create or register the business.

2

Document

Record ownership, management authority, contributions, voting rules, and initial company decisions.

3

Maintain

File annual reports and update the company when its people, addresses, or governing terms change.

Sole Proprietorship

Simple to operate, but it does not create a separate liability-protection entity.

Limited Liability Company

Offers flexible ownership and management. The operating agreement should explain how the company actually works.

Partnership

Allows two or more people to operate together. Written terms can prevent assumptions about money, authority, and departure.

Corporation

Uses shareholders, directors, and officers. It requires accurate governance and ownership records.

Public Filings

• Business name review.
• Articles or formation filing.
• Initial report when required.
• Registered office and agent information.
• Local registrations and licenses.

Internal Records

• Operating agreement or bylaws.
• Ownership and contribution records.
• Initial resolutions and approvals.
• Banking and signing authority.
• Transfer and departure provisions.

Louisiana Annual Report

A Louisiana LLC must file its annual report on or before the anniversary of organization.

The report identifies the registered office, registered agent, and listed managers or members.

Company Changes

Update records when an owner, manager, officer, registered agent, address, or governing rule changes.

Some changes require state filings. Others require internal approvals or amended agreements.

Written Approvals

Document major contracts, property purchases, loans, ownership transfers, and other decisions when appropriate.

Local Requirements

Businesses operating in East Baton Rouge Parish may need occupational licenses, tax registrations, zoning approval, or industry permits.

Banking and Contracts

Third parties may ask who owns the company and who has authority to sign.

Ownership Changes

Incomplete records can create disputes about percentages, contributions, distributions, and voting rights.

Future Succession

Current records help an owner plan for incapacity, sale, retirement, or death.