State guide · rules version 2026.08
Starting a nonprofit in Louisiana
Everything below is generated from the same Louisiana rules dataset that powers your guided journey in the platform — filing forms, real fees, and the traps DIY templates fall into.
Incorporation
- Filing
- Articles of Incorporation — Louisiana Nonprofit Corporation (Form 395)
- Agency
- Louisiana Secretary of State (file via geauxBIZ)
- State fee
- $75 — never marked up by us
- Processing
- About a week routine; expedited options bring it to hours or a day
- Expedite
- $30 (24-hour) / $50 (2–4 hour)
- Watch out
- Louisiana requires the articles AND the registered agent affidavit to be notarized — the most common rejection reason for DIY filers.
- The standard Form 395 does NOT include the IRS-required 501(c)(3) purpose and dissolution clauses — they must be added to the articles.
- Paying by credit card online adds a small processing fee.
Ongoing compliance
- Registered agent
- Must have a Louisiana street address and sign a notarized affidavit of acceptance; the corporation cannot serve as its own agent.
- Charitable registration
- Louisiana requires charitable registration with the Attorney General only for organizations that use professional solicitors ($25/yr when it applies) — self-run nonprofits generally don't register.
- Annual report
- Annually by the anniversary of incorporation, via geauxBIZ — $10
- State tax exemption
- Submit the IRS determination letter to the Department of Revenue for income tax exemption. Louisiana offers little general sales tax relief on nonprofit purchases — exemptions attach to specific activities and events.
Or let the checklist do this for you
Your guided journey sequences every Louisiana step — with the federal track (EIN, bylaws, Form 1023) woven in at the right moments. From $499 flat.