How to Start a Sole Proprietorship in Louisiana
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Starting a sole proprietorship in Louisiana is a relatively simple process that can be done without having to file any formal documents. However, important steps remain to ensure you establish your business correctly and comply with requirements. This guide will walk you through each step of starting a sole proprietorship in Louisiana.
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What is a sole proprietorship?
A sole proprietorship is the most basic business structure – it is owned and managed entirely by one person responsible for its debts and liabilities. The simplicity of set-up makes sole proprietorships a go-to choice for many new business owners going solo. Unlike Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and corporations, there is no legal distinction between a sole proprietor’s personal and business assets.
While this simplicity can be advantageous, sole proprietorships also have drawbacks. Most notably, they offer entrepreneurs little protection for their personal assets.
A step-by-step guide to starting your Louisiana sole proprietorship
Choose a business name
Choosing a business name is an important first step when starting a sole proprietorship in Louisiana. Sole proprietors must use their legal name by default, many individuals prefer to use a trade name, also known as an assumed business name or a “Doing Business As” (DBA).
Here are the steps to filing your DBA:
- Choose a business name: Think of a name for your business; you should aim for something descriptive and memorable.
- Check availability: Once you have chosen your name, you have to check that the name is unique.
There are two key resources to check:
- The Louisiana Secretary of State (SOS) business filing search.
- The US Patent and Trademark Office lets you search the national trademark database. Review trademarks to ensure your name does not infringe on any intellectual property.
- Check online availability: Securing the ideal .com domain and social media handles should be a priority as you establish your business online. Choosing names that directly match your company name creates continuity across platforms. This consistency and branding alignment enables customers to find and recognize you in the digital space easily.
- Register the business name: It is not required to register a new DBA name with the state of Louisiana. But if you decide to register your trade name, download form 309 or file online with the Louisiana geauxBIZ website.
Obtain an (Employer Identification Number) EIN
Sole proprietors without staff can use their Social Security Number (SSN) for federal tax purposes rather than registering for an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
However, there are several advantages to proactively obtaining an EIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a sole proprietor:
- Opens up business banking opportunities: An EIN facilitates the opening of dedicated business bank accounts, credit cards, and loans to keep finances separate from your funds.
- Helps establish business credit: Applying for credit under your new EIN rather than SSN allows you to build credit tied to your company’s financial profile.
- Eases hiring process: Obtaining an EIN is beneficial for adding employees in the future, as it distinguishes your business from your tax documents.
- Enhances business privacy: Your EIN replaces using your SSN on business paperwork, protecting your identity and personal information.
- Prepares for business growth: An established EIN can streamline transitions if you incorporate or change structure as your business grows.
You can apply for your EIN here.
Obtain Louisiana business licenses, permits, and zoning clearances
- Sole proprietors are not required to obtain a general business license.
- You can utilize the Louisiana Department of Revenue resources and the geauxBIZ website to determine licensing requirements for your sole proprietorship.
- The geauxBIZ website offers a comprehensive list of federal, state, and local licenses and permits required based on your business activities.
- You must check with local governments for additional requirements, such as building permits and zoning clearances.
Register for taxes
As a sole proprietor in Louisiana, you are considered a pass-through entity for tax purposes. This means your unincorporated business’s net income or loss passes through to you personally.
You will report this business income or loss on Schedule C of your annual personal income tax return (Form 1040).
Louisiana does not have a separate state-level income tax for sole proprietors. As a self-employed sole proprietor, you owe self-employment tax contributions for Social Security and Medicare, which you can calculate and report using Schedule SE.
Access the most current versions of Form 1040, Schedule C, and Schedule SE on the IRS website.
Additional state and local taxes
- As well as federal income tax and self-employment tax, Louisiana sole proprietors may need to pay state extra business taxes if their taxable income exceeds $50,000.
- Sole proprietors may also need to register for and collect Louisiana sales tax if selling taxable goods or services.
- Some local governments impose taxes on sole proprietors operating a business within their jurisdictions. For example, New Orleans has a gross receipts tax on revenue over $50,000.
Additional steps
After you’ve secured your EIN, registered for federal taxes, and received the necessary licenses, you’ve completed the essential steps to establish your sole proprietorship.
We suggest a few more tasks to help your small business stay aligned with rules and well-organized.
Open business bank accounts
To maintain clear financial records and separate your personal and business finances, it is essential to open a dedicated business bank account.
Having a separate business bank account offers several advantages, including:
- Simplified bookkeeping and record-keeping: Separating your personal and business finances allows for easier tracking of income and expenses.
- Facilitates accurate tax reporting: With a dedicated business bank account, you can easily identify and report business-related transactions on your tax returns.
- Demonstrates professionalism: Having a separate bank account adds credibility to your business and enhances your professional image when dealing with clients, suppliers, and financial institutions.
Get liability insurance
As a sole proprietor, you shoulder complete responsibility for any business debts or obligations, making insurance an essential part of your business strategy. It safeguards you from unexpected claims or events. Consider exploring the following:
- General business liability insurance: This coverage handles allegations of property damage, bodily injury, or personal harm tied to your business operations.
- Professional liability insurance: Particularly vital for service providers, this insurance defends against allegations of perceived negligence, errors, or lapses in your services.
Maintain business records
Keeping records is important for tax filing and managing your sole proprietorship’s financial affairs. You should make an effort to precisely track the following:
- Income
- Expenses
- Assets and liabilities
- Inventory
- Billing documents
Using bookkeeping software and spreadsheets or setting up a systematic method can help handle documents. Being as organized as possible will prove helpful when it’s time to file taxes, and it promotes the overall financial health of your business.
Sole proprietorship vs. LLC
While a sole proprietorship might seem appealing due to its simplicity and few legal needs, it’s vital to consider possible downsides and look into other types of business structures, like a Limited Liability Company (LLC).
Here are some things to think about when choosing between a sole proprietorship and an LLC:
- Protection from debt: One big plus of starting an LLC is its protection from debt. As a sole proprietor, you are responsible for any money owed or legal claims against your business, which could put your own assets at risk. On the other hand, an LLC gives a clear divide between your personal and business assets, keeping your personal belongings safe from business debts.
- Looking professional: An LLC could make you look more professional in customers’ eyes. Starting an LLC shows more dedication to your business.
- Potential to grow: If you plan to make your business bigger or attract outside funding, an LLC gives you more room to grow than a sole proprietorship.
- Flexibility with taxes: One plus of a sole proprietorship is how simple it is when it comes to taxes. You usually report money made and money spent by your business on your personal tax return with a Schedule C. An LLC also offers flexibility with taxes, as it can be treated like a sole proprietorship, a general partnership, or a corporation for tax reasons.
It’s important to remember that starting an LLC involves more steps and legal needs, like filing Articles of Organization and paying filing fees.
Useful resources to help start your sole proprietorship in Louisiana
FAQs
Does my sole proprietorship need a registered agent in Louisiana?
No, sole proprietorships are not required to appoint a registered agent in Louisiana. However, all Louisiana LLCs need registered agents.
Should I register my sole proprietorship’s trade name with the state
It’s not required, but filing a DBA form protects your business name and allows you to open bank accounts.
What’s the difference between a sole proprietorship and a general partnership?
Sole proprietorships have one owner, whereas partnerships involve two or more owners sharing management and liability.
Can I use my Social Security Number (SSN) instead of an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for my sole proprietorship?
Sole proprietors without employees as their tax id. But obtaining an EIN can be beneficial for various reasons, such as opening business banking opportunities and enhancing business privacy.
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