autoants checklist · Orleans and Jefferson parishes
The official steps to open a business here, in the order most owners take them, then the steps that get customers to find you and reach you. Every link goes to the agency itself.
Checked November 10, 2026
This checklist is general information, not legal or tax advice. Forming an entity is a legal step — file it yourself or use an attorney or formation service.
autoants does not form entities or file legal documents. Rules and fees change, so confirm each step at its official link before you file.
Search the Secretary of State's business database. It's a first look: the state runs the full check when you file. Reserving a name holds it for 120 days ($25), and you only need to if you'll wait to file. A sole owner's "doing business as" name is filed with your parish Clerk of Court, not the state.
Source: La. Secretary of State FAQ, checked Nov. 10, 2026
geauxBIZ is the state's one site for business filings, plus your Department of Revenue and Louisiana Works sign-ups. The state can't advise on the structure, so ask a CPA or attorney. Every filed entity needs a registered agent with a Louisiana street address.
| Secretary of State filing (since Oct. 1, 2026) | Fee |
|---|---|
| LLC: Articles of Organization | $125 |
| Corporation: Articles of Incorporation | $95 |
| Name reservation (optional, 120 days) | $25 |
| Annual report, every year | $35 |
| Paying by card | + $5 |
Sources: SOS fee schedule effective 10/1/26 (Act 921 of 2026); SOS: Start a business, checked Nov. 10, 2026
Apply on irs.gov in one sitting; the form can't be saved. Sites that charge for an EIN aren't the IRS.
U.S.-formed companies no longer file beneficial-ownership (BOI) reports with FinCEN. Letters about a "Form 4022" or "Form 5102" are scams.
Sources: IRS; FinCEN BOI, checked Nov. 10, 2026
Use "Register My Business" on LaTAP, or go through geauxBIZ. Open a sales tax account only if you sell taxable goods or services, and a withholding account only once you have employees.
Source: LDR: Starting or buying a business, checked Nov. 10, 2026
Sources: City of New Orleans; JPSO occupational license and new business checklist, checked Nov. 10, 2026
The State Licensing Board for Contractors:
Plumbers are licensed by the State Plumbing Board, and paid tree work needs an arborist license from the Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Every state board is listed at la.gov/licenses, and geauxBIZ builds a license checklist for your type of business.
Sources: LSLBC, "Licensing Requirements for Contractors in Louisiana" (brochure dated 2025); LDAF arborist licensing; la.gov/licenses, checked Nov. 10, 2026
Apply for an unemployment insurance account with Louisiana Works (the Workforce Commission) within 30 days of first paying wages. Workers' comp insurance is required even with one employee, part-time or seasonal included. Open the Revenue withholding account now too.
Sources: Unemployment Insurance Tax Guide for Employers (Rule 317); Workers' comp coverage FAQ, checked Nov. 10, 2026
Ask a licensed insurance agent about general liability, commercial auto if you drive for work, and tools and equipment. Contractor registrations ask for proof of coverage: a home improvement registration needs at least $100,000 of general liability plus workers' comp.
Keep business money separate, save every receipt, and set money aside for taxes. A CPA can set up quarterly estimates and the right books for your structure.
Free at business.google.com. Verify it so you can manage how you show up on Maps and Search.
Through Apple Business (formerly Business Connect): claim your location and set your logo, hours, photos and details.
Free at bing.com/forbusiness, and it can import a verified Google profile.
Claiming your page at business.yelp.com is free. Fill in categories, services, hours and photos.
OpenAI opened Businesses in ChatGPT in beta on Nov. 10, 2026. For now, local stores and restaurants can claim only an existing U.S. listing, and whether service businesses qualify isn't confirmed yet. Claiming keeps your facts right; it doesn't promise you'll be recommended.
Your services, the areas you work, hours and phone. Use the same name, address and phone everywhere, letter for letter.
Many callers try the next business when no one picks up. Plan who answers while you're on a job, and how missed calls get a text back the same hour.
Sources: Google Business Profile Help; Apple Business; Bing Places help; Yelp for Business; OpenAI Help, checked Nov. 10, 2026
The autoants New Business Launch, $750 one time: your website live, your Google Business Profile set up and verified, business email on your own domain set up so quotes don’t land in spam, and your first 30 days of posts. When you're ready for more, the next step is Catch missed calls: $750 a month + $750 setup.
You file the legal steps in part 1; we handle getting found.