Dissolving an LLC in Louisiana means you’ll need to file an Affidavit to Dissolve with the Secretary of State. There’s a $100 filing fee for this step.
This action officially ends the company’s legal existence. You’ll also need to settle any remaining debts and close out business affairs.
After you submit the affidavit and the state accepts it, you’ll get a Certificate of Dissolution. This paper proves the company isn’t active anymore and shields owners from future business liabilities.
Louisiana LLC Dissolution Process
You’ll need to follow a series of steps to dissolve an LLC in Louisiana. These steps involve agreement among members, official filings, and settling debts.
Member Consent and Approval
Before dissolving, all LLC members must agree to shut down the business. Usually, this means a vote or written consent, following your operating agreement or state law.
Without everyone’s consent, you can’t move forward. Make sure to document the decision—signing a resolution is a good idea.
That signed record might be needed later to show the dissolution was properly authorized.
Filing Articles of Dissolution
You’ll need to file an Affidavit to Dissolve Limited Liability Company with the Louisiana Secretary of State. This form asks for the LLC’s name, date of dissolution, and proof that members approved the decision.
Pay the $100 fee when you submit the affidavit. You can file online, by mail, or drop it off in person.
Once the Secretary of State processes your form, they’ll send back a Certificate of Dissolution. That’s your proof the LLC is officially closed.
Notifying Creditors and Settling Debts
Let all known creditors know you’re dissolving the LLC. This gives them a chance to submit any claims for unpaid debts.
Pay off what you owe or make arrangements to settle debts before finishing the closure. This helps you avoid legal headaches or personal liability later.
Keep records showing you notified creditors and settled debts. It’s important for wrapping up the process properly.
For step-by-step instructions, check out the Louisiana Secretary of State’s guide on dissolution filing.
Using an LLC formation service
Dissolving an LLC can get complicated, especially if you’re not into paperwork or dealing with state rules. Some folks use an LLC formation service to make things easier.
These services handle the forms, fees, and filings with the Louisiana Secretary of State. It’s a relief not to juggle deadlines and documents yourself.
Bizee is one option people seem to like. They guide you through every step and take care of the filings so you don’t have to sweat the details.
Here’s what you get with a service like Bizee:
- Easy process
- Time saved
- Accurate paperwork
- Submission tracking
If you’d rather not stress over ending your business, these services are pretty handy. You’ll get official confirmation once the dissolution is done.
Want more info on requirements? Check the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website.
Post-Dissolution Responsibilities
After you dissolve your LLC in Louisiana, you’re not quite finished. There are still a few things to wrap up—like distributing assets, handling taxes, and dealing with licenses.
Asset Distribution Among Members
Once the LLC is closed, divide its assets among the members. Follow what’s in your operating agreement or, if that’s missing, state law.
First, pay off all debts and liabilities—loans, bills, anything outstanding. Creditors come before members get their share.
After debts are settled, split what’s left based on ownership percentages or whatever your agreement says. Keep good records of these distributions for legal and tax reasons.
If your agreement doesn’t spell it out, Louisiana’s default rules usually mean equal shares unless stated otherwise.
Tax Clearance and Final Filings
File final tax returns with both state and federal agencies. This covers income tax, payroll tax, and any others you might owe.
Mark the return as final to show the LLC isn’t active anymore. Make sure all tax balances get paid off.
Louisiana might ask for a tax clearance certificate. This proves you don’t owe any state taxes before the dissolution is official.
Hang on to copies of all your tax filings and receipts. You never know when you’ll need them for questions or audits.
Handling Licenses and Permits
You’ll need to cancel or update any active business licenses, permits, or registrations once you dissolve your LLC.
If your LLC has state or local permits, reach out to the agencies that issued them and close those accounts.
If you skip canceling licenses, you could get stuck with penalties or extra fees. It’s smart to check with the right authorities quickly so you don’t end up paying more than you should.
