What Business Licenses & Permits are Needed in Louisiana?
Starting a in will mean potentially registering with a number of federal, and local agencies. Let’s take a look at common licenses and permits a will register for in .
Before applying for any licenses, the legal structure of the will need to be established. Learn more about the differences between the , general , , and (LLC). Corporations and LLCs will register with the of ‘s Commercial Division.
Related: Comparison of Entities
Learn more about forming an LLC in Louisiana
Also see: Steps to starting a business in Louisiana
There is no general of , however many parishes/cities require businesses to be licensed in order to operate. Rules for registration vary depending on location and what the does. Below are a few cities that have licensing requirements.
New Orleans – Businesses operating in the will need to get an Occupational or a General . New businesses can register with the One Stop Shop at City Hall to get assistance with the potential licenses they may need.
The cost of the varies depending on the annual sales but starts at $50.
– The City of requires businesses to submit a Business Registration Application.Â
Shreveport – All businesses operating in Shreveport will need to obtain an Occupational/ from the City of Shreveport’s Division.
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Building & Zoning Permits
Zoning – Depending on the location of the , it’s important to verify whether the needs an occupancy  or has specific zoning regulations to follow. Depending on city requirements, home-based businesses may need to apply for a home occupation .
Building – A building may be needed from the city or parish’s building and planning department if there is any construction or renovations to a facility.
Signage – Some municipalities require a before adding signage.
Louisiana Tax Account Number
All new businesses will need to register with the of . The has simplified the registration process by centralizing the sign-up process, which allows a to register a Louisiana Tax Account Number to get for their , employer registration, and more. To register a in , visit GeauxBiz.
Resale Certificate
Businesses purchasing merchandise to resell will usually want to obtain a Resale Certificate in order to not pay for merchandise that is being resold to customers.
Professional
A variety of professions in the are regulated and need to be registered before offering certain services. A few common professions that require licensing in include; physical therapists, interior designers, detectives, cosmetologists, barbers, massage therapists, and many more. Additional information, fees, and licensing requirements for professions are available from the of .
In addition to professional licenses, businesses in a variety of industries such as food establishments, daycares, salvage yards, and many others require licensing.
/ Tobacco
Businesses selling liquor or tobacco products will need to be licensed. Visit the of Alcohol and Tobacco Control for more information on licensing requirements.
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Many small businesses will register with the Internal Service (IRS) for an EIN (also referred to as a FEIN, Federal Employer Identification Number, or Federal Identification Number). The EIN is the equivalent for a Social Security Number for an individual. Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, Partnerships, and Sole Proprietorships with employees will all need to register for one. Sole Proprietorships without employees can use the owner’s Social Security Number.
There is no cost for an EIN, and it only takes a few minutes to get.
Assumed Name Registration
While not a , it’s common for Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships operating under a name that is different from the full name of the owner(s) to register for an Assumed Name (also known as a Doing As, DBA, or Trade Name) with the Clerk of Court in the where the is located.
These are some of the most common licenses, but there are far too many licenses and permits for us to keep track of. Before starting your , be sure to check with the of ‘s geauxBiz website, City Hall, Chamber of Commerce, and/or Economic Developer in your area to get more information regarding licensing.
