Key Takeaways

  • Articles of incorporation are public documents filed with the Louisiana Secretary of State to formally create a corporation.
  • To incorporate in Louisiana, you must include essential details like the business name, registered agent, share structure, and incorporator information.
  • The filing process can be completed online via the Louisiana geauxBIZ portal, which streamlines registration and licensing.
  • Both for-profit and nonprofit corporations must file public articles, though sensitive information should be carefully omitted.
  • Amendments to articles, including name changes or structural updates, also become public record.
  • Louisiana’s incorporation process includes steps for federal tax ID application, business licensing, and potential publication requirements.

Are articles of incorporation public? The answer is yes. These documents, which are filed with the Secretary of State or similar agency to create a new business entity, are available for public viewing. If you're starting a corporation, it's important to be aware of this so that you don't accidentally reveal personal information.

In some states, including Arizona, the articles of incorporation can be downloaded by anyone for free. In states where these documents are not uploaded online, individuals can access them in person or by mail for a small filing fee.

About Articles of Incorporation

Specific guidelines about the articles of incorporation vary depending on the state where your company will be located. In some areas, you need to publish the articles in a local newspaper as designated by the state. The articles of incorporation typically include the following information:

  • The name of the business.
  • The name and contact information for a registered agent authorized for service of process.
  • The number of authorized stock shares to be issued.

If you are acting as the registered agent, you may list your home address without realizing that this information will be made publicly available.

Some states, such as Illinois, require your articles to include the names of all board members, but this is not required in other states. Stockholders are not included and this information should not be publicly shared. Stockholders are usually allowed to examine the corporation's records, including lists of shareholders and meeting minutes. If the company does not allow a shareholder to do so, it could be subject to a fine.

Although you don't need your articles of incorporation every day, you should keep a copy of this document on hand in case you need it open a bank account, apply for a loan, or conduct other corporate business. It may also be requested if you have to appear in court or if you're pursuing a potential investor. Keep a certified copy of the articles in a safe deposit box.

Incorporating a Business in Louisiana

When you incorporate in Louisiana, you must file Articles of Incorporation with the Louisiana Secretary of State, which legally establishes your business as a corporation. The process can be completed online using the geauxBIZ portal, which simplifies filing, licensing, and tax registration steps in one place.

Louisiana law allows the formation of several corporate types, including:

  • Business Corporations (for-profit) – the most common type for commercial ventures.
  • Nonprofit Corporations – formed for charitable, educational, or religious purposes.
  • Benefit Corporations (B Corps) – hybrid structures balancing profit with social goals.

Before filing, select a unique corporate name that meets Louisiana naming requirements and does not infringe existing trademarks. You can search name availability through the Secretary of State’s business database.

The state also requires appointment of a registered agent with a Louisiana physical address to receive legal and tax correspondence. The filing fee for Louisiana Articles of Incorporation typically starts around $75, with expedited processing options available for additional fees.

What Information Do Articles of Incorporation Contain?

Articles of incorporation serve as the corporation’s founding document and typically include:

  • Corporate Name: Must be unique and compliant with state naming rules.
  • Business Purpose: Some states require a general business purpose clause; others expect a specific description of activities.
  • Registered Agent Information: The individual or company designated to receive legal notices.
  • Principal Office Address: The official business location, which becomes part of the public record.
  • Stock Structure: The number and type of shares authorized for issuance.
  • Incorporators’ Details: Names and signatures of the people forming the corporation.

Certain states may also require disclosure of initial directors’ names and addresses. However, shareholder details are typically excluded. Because this information is public, business owners should avoid including unnecessary personal details, especially home addresses.

Louisiana-Specific Requirements for Articles of Incorporation

In Louisiana, articles must include details mandated under the Louisiana Business Corporation Act, such as:

  • Corporate Name and Purpose: Your business name must include “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” “Company,” or abbreviations like “Corp.” or “Inc.”
  • Duration: Most corporations list a perpetual duration unless a limited time is specified.
  • Registered Office and Agent: The name and street address of your registered agent in Louisiana.
  • Share Structure: The number and type of shares authorized, including any classes and par value.
  • Incorporators: Names and addresses of at least one incorporator signing the document.
  • Initial Directors (optional): Though not required, you can include the names and addresses of directors.

For nonprofit corporations, Louisiana law also requires a clear statement of purpose, confirmation of non-distribution of profits, and designation of initial officers or directors.

Obtaining Articles of Incorporation

The process of requesting the articles of incorporation for a business varies from state to state. If you have trouble obtaining these documents, you may need to hire an attorney in the state in question.

  • In New Jersey, you can request photocopies of all corporate documents included in the public record, such as meeting minutes, articles of incorporation, registered agent information, and merger documents. Many are available online.
  • In Illinois, you can request a regular or certified copy of articles of incorporation for a small fee from the Secretary of State's business services division.
  • Delaware makes annual reports and articles of incorporation available for a modest photocopying fee.

You'll need to gather the correct information to make your request, including the original legal name of the business and its state control number. In some states, you may also need to supply the name of the registered agent and his or her address. You can often gather this information by searching for the business entity on the Secretary of State website.

You can also download the forms you need from the website. In many states, you can file the request form in person or through the mail. In most cases, you'll need to pay the fee by check. Most requests take at least 24 hours to fulfill, although you may be able to request rush service for an additional fee. Some states charge a flat fee while others charge per copied page. Certified copies typically cost extra.

For example, New Jersey charges 10 cents for each copied page and $25 per document for a certified copy. If the business entity cannot be found, you can obtain a no record certificate for $25. You can also search yourself online for free at no cost.

Professional firms can be hired to obtain articles of incorporation and other public documents for a fee, but in most cases, they aren't doing anything you couldn't do by yourself.

You can also search for corporate filings on federal and state intellectual property database. These documents include patent, trademark, and copyright registration documents. This information is available from the U.S. Copyright Office and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

How to File Articles to Incorporate in Louisiana

To officially incorporate in Louisiana, follow these steps:

  1. Reserve Your Business Name (Optional): You can reserve your corporate name for 60 days by filing an Application for Reservation of Corporate Name.
  2. Prepare and File Articles of Incorporation: Use the geauxBIZ online filing system to complete your Articles of Incorporation. You may also file by mail using forms provided by the Secretary of State.
  3. Pay Filing Fees: Standard filing is $75, with expedited 24-hour processing available for an additional fee.
  4. Obtain an EIN: After incorporation, apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
  5. File an Initial Report: Louisiana requires an initial report to be filed with the Articles, listing directors and officers.
  6. Comply with Local and State Licensing: Depending on your business type, register for state tax accounts, occupational licenses, or local permits.

The incorporation date is effective once the Secretary of State approves your filing. You’ll receive a stamped copy of your Articles of Incorporation, which serves as proof of your company’s legal existence.

Why Are Articles of Incorporation Public?

Articles of incorporation are public for reasons of transparency and accountability. Making them accessible allows:

  • Investors and creditors to verify that a business is properly registered.
  • Consumers and partners to confirm the legitimacy of a company.
  • Regulators to ensure compliance with state laws.

This openness helps build trust in the corporate system, but it also underscores the importance of carefully reviewing what information is submitted. Unlike operating agreements or bylaws, which remain private, articles of incorporation are part of the permanent state business registry.

Privacy Considerations When Filing in Louisiana

Because articles are public, business owners should take precautions not to disclose personal details unnecessarily. For example:

  • Use a business address rather than a home address for registered agents or incorporators.
  • Avoid including sensitive identifiers like Social Security numbers.
  • For greater privacy, some corporations hire commercial registered agent services to handle filings and shield personal addresses from public record.

In Louisiana, these records can be accessed through the Secretary of State’s business search tool, allowing anyone to verify a company’s formation, standing, and registered agent information. Transparency helps protect consumers and maintain corporate accountability, but maintaining confidentiality requires strategic planning at the filing stage.

Amending or Updating Articles

Corporations may need to amend their articles of incorporation to reflect changes such as:

  • Changing the business name.
  • Modifying the number of authorized shares.
  • Updating the registered agent or office address.
  • Revising the business purpose.

Amendments are filed with the Secretary of State and also become public records. Some states require filing Articles of Amendment, while others may allow restated articles. Failing to keep filings up to date can cause compliance issues or administrative dissolution.

Alternatives and Related Documents

It’s helpful to distinguish articles of incorporation from other corporate documents:

  • Bylaws – Internal operating rules, not public.
  • Operating Agreements (for LLCs) – Private contracts outlining member rights.
  • Annual Reports – Public filings that update corporate information with the state.

While articles of incorporation establish the corporation’s existence, these related documents govern daily operations and ownership but usually remain private unless specifically required by law.

Nonprofit Incorporation and Compliance in Louisiana

Nonprofit organizations that wish to incorporate in Louisiana follow a similar process but must comply with the Louisiana Nonprofit Corporation Law. These entities file Articles of Incorporation declaring their charitable, educational, or religious purpose and must state that no part of net earnings benefits private individuals or shareholders.

After filing, nonprofits must:

  • Apply for IRS 501(c) tax-exempt status.
  • Register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue for state exemptions.
  • File periodic reports to maintain good standing with the Secretary of State.

Failure to maintain compliance can result in administrative dissolution. For legal assistance navigating nonprofit formation, Louisiana attorneys experienced in corporate law can help ensure proper structure, governance, and ongoing reporting obligations.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Are Articles of Incorporation public in Louisiana?
    Yes. Articles filed with the Louisiana Secretary of State are public and available for online viewing. Anyone can verify corporate details through the state’s business search portal.
  2. How long does it take to incorporate in Louisiana?
    Standard filings typically take 3–5 business days. Expedited 24-hour processing is available for an extra fee.
  3. Can I file Articles of Incorporation online in Louisiana?
    Yes. The geauxBIZ portal allows users to file articles, reserve names, and complete tax and license registration online.
  4. Do Louisiana corporations need an initial report?
    Yes. An Initial Report listing directors, officers, and the registered agent must accompany the Articles of Incorporation.
  5. What’s the difference between a business and a nonprofit corporation in Louisiana?
    A business corporation operates for profit and may issue shares, while a nonprofit corporation serves a charitable purpose and is eligible for tax-exempt status.

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