Starting business under a sole proprietorship as a trade name is the simplest way to start business in the State of Louisiana.
Legal requirements to operate a business under a trade name
- The name must not be identical with the existing name is registered with the Louisiana Secretary of State.
- Trade name application should be filed with the state along with the applicable fee.
- It is not a separate entity from personal like a corporation and a limited liability company.
- A trade name is created under your legal given name and is not protected as a corporation or a limited liability company.
- No annual report is to be filed to maintain a trade name in the state of Louisiana.
- Secretary of state does not issue a good standing letter to a dba.
- Employer Identification Number is only required for a dba, if you are hiring employee(s).
- Sales and Use Tax license may be required, if selling taxable products and services in the state of Louisiana.
- Business license in the state of Louisiana may be required to conduct business in the state of Louisiana.
Louisiana Trade Name Registration of a legal entity
A trade name can also be added under your LLC or a Corporation to advertise different products or services. You can add more than one trade name under your legal entity.
Filing Taxes Under a Trade Name
Income and Loss reports on Form 1040 end of the year.
Processing Time
Secretary of state usually takes 2-3 working days to process the trade name application.
Renewal of Louisiana Trade Name
It is valid for ten years and may be requested to renew before six months from expiration.
