Louisiana Articles of Incorporation

What Are Louisiana Articles of Incorporation?

Louisiana articles of incorporation are the document you file with the Louisiana Secretary of State to form a corporation in Louisiana. They must list the corporation's name, authorized shares, registered and principal office street addresses, registered agent, and each incorporator. (La. Stat. Ann. § 12:1-202)

These public records outline the basic facts about your corporation, which often include:

• Corporate name
• Principal office address
• Registered agent information
• Initial directors, where the state requires them
• Stock information

When to Use Louisiana Articles of Incorporation

Louisiana articles of incorporation are essential to establishing a corporation at the state level. Use them to do the following:

• Form a new corporation: This document officially creates your company as a distinct legal entity
• Register with the state: Filing is required to register your corporation with the Louisiana Secretary of State
• Define company structure: Your articles outline the basic structure of your corporation
• Protect personal assets: A properly maintained corporation can help shield personal assets from business liabilities
• Plan your tax approach: Forming a corporation is the first step toward choosing C corporation or S corporation tax treatment
• Comply with state law: Louisiana sets specific requirements for forming a corporation, and your articles help you meet them
• Prepare for future growth: Well-drafted formation documents give your business room to expand

Louisiana Articles of Incorporation Requirements

Louisiana sets its own rules for what your articles must include, who can sign them, and what else you must file. These are the Louisiana rules to know before you file.

What Must Louisiana Articles of Incorporation Include?

Louisiana requires your articles to include the following:

• A corporate name that meets Louisiana naming rules
• The number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue
• The street address of the initial registered office and, if different, the initial principal office (a post office box alone is not enough)
• The name and street address of the initial registered agent
• A statement rejecting or limiting the state's liability protection for directors and officers, if you choose to do so
• The name and address of each incorporator

Louisiana does not require you to name initial directors in your articles, but you may include them.

Who Can Sign and File Louisiana Articles of Incorporation?

One or more persons capable of contracting may act as incorporators by delivering the articles and the registered agent's written consent. You file your articles with the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Does a Louisiana Corporation Need a Registered Agent?

Louisiana requires your articles to name a registered agent and attach the agent's signed written consent to the appointment. The agent may be a Louisiana resident or a qualifying business entity.

What Else Is Required to File Louisiana Articles of Incorporation?

Louisiana has this additional requirement when you file:

• The initial registered agent's signed written consent to appointment must be attached to the articles.

These requirements reflect Louisiana's corporation statutes, and some filings may call for more information.