Reinstate a Business in Louisiana | A Step-by-Step Guide

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Reinstate Louisiana Business

Running a business or forming an LLC in Louisiana can be a rewarding yet challenging experience. When operating a business, unforeseen circumstances may arise, leading to the suspension or dissolution of the entity. If your business has been suspended or dissolved in Louisiana, you do not need to worry. This guide will provide a step-by-step process to Reinstate your Business in Louisiana and get back on track.

Webinarcare Editorial Team will help you easily reinstate your Louisiana business. You must be guided by all the factors gathered in this article.

How to Reinstate a Business in Louisiana

Understanding Dissolution and Suspension

Before diving into the reinstatement process, it’s essential to understand the difference between dissolution and suspension.

Dissolution

Dissolution is the legal termination of a business entity. This can happen voluntarily by the owners or involuntarily by Louisiana due to non-compliance with state laws and regulations. When a business is dissolved, it must cease all operations and settle outstanding debts and liabilities.

Suspension

The state can suspend a business entity for various reasons, such as failing to file Annual Reports or paying taxes. When a business is suspended, it loses its right to conduct business within Louisiana, and the owners may be personally liable for any debts or liabilities incurred during the suspension period. Hiring a Resident Agent for your documents to be compliant is very important. You could check out the Best Louisiana Resident Agent Services in Louisiana.

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How to Reinstate a Business in Louisiana

In Louisiana, reinstating your business needs a lot of preparation, more specifically if it is located in Baton Rouge. To be aware and prepared, we have gathered information on the steps to reinstate your Louisiana business. If it is manageable to Dissolve a Business in Louisiana, it is also bearable to reinstate your Louisiana business. Keep in mind that you should follow the mentioned steps below. 

Step 1: Determine the Reason for Suspension or Dissolution

The first step in reinstating your Louisiana business is determining why it is suspended or dissolved. This information can be found in the notice issued by Louisiana or by contacting the Louisiana Secretary of State. Common reasons for suspension or dissolution include:

  • Failure to file Annual Reports
  • Failure to pay taxes or fees
  • Failure to maintain a Resident Agent
  • Non-compliance with state laws and regulations

Step 2: Resolve Outstanding Issues

Once you have identified the reason for your business’s suspension or dissolution, you must resolve the outstanding issues. This may include:

  • Filing any missing Louisiana Annual Reports and paying associated fees. In Louisiana, the LLC Annual Reports costs $30 while the Corporation Annual Report costs $30.
  • Paying any outstanding taxes or fees
  • Appointing or updating your Resident Agent information. 
  • Resolving any non-compliance issues with state laws and regulations

Ensure that you keep records of all payments and documents submitted to the Louisiana Secretary of State, as you may need to provide proof of compliance during the reinstatement process. We recommend hiring the Best Resident Agent Services if you plan to reinstate your business. This will ensure that your documents are up to date.

It is suggested that you speak with a legal professional before you begin reinstating your Louisiana business. They’ll understand what’s best for you and your company. To safeguard your personal assets from business debts, you can always start an LLC in Louisiana.

– WEBINARCARE EDITORIAL TEAM

Step 3: Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing

Certificate of Good Standing is a document issued by Louisiana that verifies that your business is in compliance with all state requirements and is authorized to conduct business within the state. Although obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing is not always required for reinstatement, it can be beneficial in demonstrating your business’s compliance and may expedite the reinstatement process.

To obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in Louisiana, you will need to:

Get and Submit the Form

The form is available on the Louisiana Secretary of State website. You can download the form and mail it or submit it online. 

Online Application Process:
  • Visit the State Website: In Louisiana, they offer an online portal for business services, which includes the option to request a Certificate of Status.
  • Register an Account: You may need to create an account or log in to your existing account to access the application process.
  • Provide Required Information and Documentation: The online application typically requires basic information about your business, such as the entity name, identification number, and business type. You may also need to upload supporting documents. 
Paper Application Process:
  • Download and Complete the Appropriate Forms: Visit the Louisiana Secretary of State to download the required application forms for the Certificate of Good Standing. Complete the forms, ensuring all information is accurate and up-to-date.
  • Provide Required Documentation: In Louisiana, you may need to include copies of your registration documents, Articles of Organization, Annual Reports, or other supporting materials.
  • Mail or Deliver the Application: Once you have completed the forms and gathered the necessary documents, mail or deliver the application package to the State of Louisiana Secretary of State, P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804, along with the required fees.
Pay Any Associated Fees

The fees for obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing cost $20, vary depending on the type of business entity. Some states also offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Check the Louisiana Secretary of State website for the most up-to-date fee schedule. The Certificate of Good Standing’s processing time varies from state to state. Also, it depends on the expedited filing as well. It can take a few days to a few months to obtain the Certificate of Good Standing in Louisiana.

Provide Proof of Compliance

To prove compliance with state requirements, you must file Annual Reports and pay the necessary taxes.

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Step 4: Submit Reinstatement Application

Once you have resolved all outstanding issues and obtained a Certificate of Good Standing, you can submit your reinstatement application to the Louisiana’s Secretary of State. The reinstatement application process may vary depending on the state and the type of business entity (corporation, LLC, etc.).

In general, the reinstatement application process will require:

  • Completing a reinstatement application form is typically found on the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website.
  • Providing proof of compliance with state requirements, such as filing Annual Reports, paying taxes, and maintaining a Resident Agent.
  • Pay the reinstatement fee in Louisiana. The cost of the reinstatement fee amounts to $100. However, the cost will vary depending on the length of time your Louisiana business has been suspended or dissolved.

Step 5: Wait for Approval

After submitting your reinstatement application and all required documentation, you must await approval from the Louisiana’s Secretary of State. The processing time for reinstatement applications can vary depending on the Louisiana and the complexity of your case. Being patient and prepared to provide any additional information or documentation requested by Louisiana during this time is essential.

Step 6: Notify Creditors and Stakeholders

Once your business has been reinstated, you must notify creditors and stakeholders of your business’s renewed status. This may include:

  • Sending a formal letter to creditors and stakeholders informing them of the reinstatement.
  • Updating your Louisiana business’s website and social media accounts to reflect the reinstated status.
  • Informing any relevant licensing or regulatory agencies of the reinstatement.

Step 7: Resume Business Operations

After your Louisiana business has been reinstated and all relevant parties have been notified, you can resume your business operations. Be sure to maintain compliance with state laws and regulations moving forward to avoid future suspensions or dissolutions.

Reinstating or Creating a New Business?

Whether to reinstate a business or start a new one from scratch depends on several factors specific to your situation. Here are some points to consider when making your decision:

  • Costs: The costs of reinstating and starting a new business can vary significantly. Reinstating a business may involve paying outstanding taxes, fees, and penalties while starting a new business requires registration fees and potential legal costs. Compare both options’ costs to determine which is more financially viable.
  • Business History and Reputation: If your previous business has a strong reputation and established customer base, reinstating it may be more beneficial than starting from scratch. On the other hand, if your Louisiana business has a negative history or unresolved legal issues, start fresh with a new business.
  • Time and Effort: Reinstating a business can be a time-consuming process, as you need to resolve outstanding issues, submit a reinstatement application, and wait for approval. Starting a new Louisiana business may be faster, as you can register the business and begin operations relatively quickly. Consider which option is more time-efficient based on your situation.
  • Legal and Regulatory Compliance: If your previous Louisiana business was suspended or dissolved due to non-compliance with state laws and regulations, you should carefully evaluate whether you can maintain compliance if the business is reinstated. If you are confident in your ability to comply with requirements, reinstating the business might be a good option. However, starting a new Louisiana business might be a better choice if you still determine your ability to maintain compliance.

Ultimately, deciding to reinstate a business or start a new one from scratch depends on your circumstances and goals. Consider the abovementioned factors, consult with professionals such as Louisiana Business Attorneys and accountants, and evaluate which option best suits your needs and long-term business objectives.

FAQs

What is the procedure to reinstate a Louisiana business?
The procedure to reinstate a Louisiana business involves filing an application for reinstatement along with payment of fees and delinquent taxes or penalties, if any.
Can a Louisiana business be reinstated if it is dissolved?
Yes, a dissolved Louisiana business can be reinstated by filing for a reinstatement with the Louisiana Secretary of State and paying required fees and penalties.
How much does it cost to reinstate a Louisiana business?
The cost of reinstating a Louisiana business depends on the reasons for the dissolution and any outstanding fees, taxes and penalties owed as of the date of dissolution.
How long does it take to reinstate a Louisiana business?
It typically takes 7-10 business days from the date of application submission to complete the reinstatement process for a Louisiana business.
Can I reinstate a Louisiana business that was voluntary dissolved for administrative reasons?
Yes, you can reinstate a Louisiana business that was voluntarily dissolved by submitting an application for reinstatement along with required fees and taxes.
Can I reinstate a Louisiana business that was dissolved involuntarily by the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office?
Yes, you can reinstate a Louisiana business that has been dissolved involuntarily by the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office by filing a reinstatement application with required fees.
Do I need to change my business entity type if I am reinstating a Louisiana business?
No, you do not need to change your business entity type when reinstating a Louisiana business.
What happens to a Louisiana business bank account during the reinstatement process?
Louisiana business bank accounts typically remain frozen during the dissolution process and until the business is reinstated.
Can a Louisiana business be reinstated if it owes back taxes?
Yes, a Louisiana business can be reinstated if it owes back taxes by making arrangements to pay the amount due or setting up a payment plan before the reinstatement application is processed.
Is a reinstatement application for a Louisiana business always approved?
Not necessarily; a reinstatement application for a Louisiana business must be accompanied by all required fees, penalties, reports, and other filing obligations to be approved.
Can I continue to conduct business while my Louisiana business is being reinstated?
No, businesses cannot conduct normal transactions or alter the state of the company until reinstatement is complete.
Are there any penalties for late filing of a Louisiana business reinstatement application?
It depends on the reason your business was previously dissolved, but fees and penalties for late filing a Louisiana business reinstatement application are typically quite high.
What is the most common reason a Louisiana business is dissolved and needs reinstatement?
Failure to file required annual reports and/or failure to pay state fees, taxes, or penalties in a timely manner is the most common reason for Louisiana business dissolution.
Can a Louisiana business be dissolved if it hasn’t operated in years?
Yes, a Louisiana business can be dissolved if it hasn’t operated in years and the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office receives no response to delinquency reports.
Where can I get help if I need to reinstate my Louisiana business?
You can receive assistance throughout the reinstatement process by engaging a local attorney or consulting online advisers that specialize in the process.
Can an out-of-state business transacting business in Louisiana be reinstated?
Yes, even if you live outside of Louisiana, you’ll be able to reinstate your business by following normal process as You will usually need a Louisiana business entity agent address or certificate of authority before your authority to do business days.
What consequences arise from reinstating a Louisiana business if all proper forms/info are not followed?
If some forms or necessary information are not filed, proper process execution can temporarily exempt past misrepresentation due to improper or incomplete information.
How do I notify the IRS that my Louisiana business has been reinstated?
Shortly after the completion of reformation, you will need to contact IRS by a specially designed business specialty telephone support or IRS for a reported schedule can cause suffering of unpredictable deduction recovery handling.
How often does a Louisiana Non-Profit Business need to file a reinstatement application?
In Louisiana, Non-Profit Businesses need to file annual reports of Internal Revenue Service income as per usual processes per their type and level for holding their transparent tax protection status.
Can I still claim a business name after it has been dissolved in Louisiana?
Business can only reclaim name is except some rare occurrence after past dissolution administrative requirements have been brought in full balance after this level mean ne recycling of proposed business name claiming procedure.
Can I re-employ previous employees after reinstating a Louisiana business?
reemployment entirely depends choosing ample strategies’ affiliation that employees could approve through local practices per regional laws after definitive business vision has been widely shared.
Will the promulgation of the procedures to get past dependability issues influence Louisiana business reinstatement applications?
Sure it can mitigate processes related time or fees that businesses are expected to comply, but detailed advisements from a skilled expert is always best recommending you bona-fide discounts of some expected expenditures related sanctioning due date extension or postponement protocols.
Can I enter new contractual agreements whilst reinstating a Louisiana business?
No, company transactions and activities are to be restricted collateral measures and potential third-party interaction can halt the reinstatement process establishment.
What happens if I am a federally filed business entity in the state of Louisiana and require a State reinstatement?
It is usually filed at both the federal and regional level within their relevant jurisdictions who possess documentation on previously registered business demand, processes and past standard features requested back in compliant operations per intended jurisdictions and responses from taxpayers should affirm reciprocal benefits had payment errors or constructive oversights are a main guidance direction on such matters.
When do names submitted on Louisiana Reinstatement Applications need to begin processing with the state?
During plain period payments on [nn of the month per new registered auditing agreements.] There will be clear timing indications within every scheduled starting procedures again.
What role does expiration of the Louisiana business state license have on applying for business service reinstatement, if any?
While there can be ambiguity with when such licenses are faulty for their operational leverage procedures, exact restarting feasibility duties stimulate re-consideration depending on statute of limits offered for closure swiftness reliabilities to prosper.
Can a resident permanently in jurisdiction not doing business restandardize registering a Louisiana business that was dissolved?
Yes, an in-state resident can revive it to new standards while revoking protocols and contributing better grounding through varying levels of responding reliability concerning province-affecting mitigating requirement amendments stemming from partial or complete processing submittals, enforcing considerate ease and awareness for applicants.
Is a Louisiana non-profit reinstatement as significant as the Standard Business Reinstatement Application?
Yes. The level of priority protocols might various regarding states, those considerable reliable variations concerning accurate specification through extensive policies still advocates distinct documentation standard upon approval.
How do I reinstate my Louisiana business?
You must file Articles of Reinstatement with the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office.
What is the process for reinstating a dissolved Louisiana business?
The process for reinstating a Louisiana business includes filing the necessary forms and paying any outstanding fees.
Can I reinstate my Louisiana business without paying past due taxes?
No, you must pay all taxes owed before you can reinstate your Louisiana business.
Can I reinstate my Louisiana business online?
Yes, you can file for reinstatement online through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website.
What documents do I need to reinstate my Louisiana business?
You need to file Articles of Reinstatement with the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office.
Do I need to have a registered agent for my reinstated Louisiana business?
Yes, as with any Louisiana business, you are required to have a registered agent in the state.
How do I find a registered agent for my Louisiana business?
You can hire a Louisiana registered agent service or appoint an individual who meets the state’s requirements.
What is the cost to reinstate a Louisiana business?
The cost varies, but typically includes a fee for filing the Articles of Reinstatement and any past due fees.
Can I use the same company name for my reinstated Louisiana business?
Yes, you can resume using your existing business name after reinstating your Louisiana business.
What happens if I fail to reinstate my Louisiana business?
If you do not reinstate your Louisiana business, it will remain dissolved and may be subject to additional penalties and fees.
Can I reinstate a Louisiana LLC that has been administratively dissolved?
Yes, you can reinstate an administratively dissolved Louisiana LLC by filing the appropriate forms and paying the required fees.
Can I reinstate a Louisiana corporation that has been administratively dissolved?
Yes, you can reinstate a Louisiana corporation that has been administratively dissolved by filing the appropriate forms and paying the required fees.
Can I use a Louisiana reinstatement service to reinstate my business?
Yes, there are many Louisiana reinstatement services available to assist in the process of reinstating your business.
Do I need to update my Louisiana business’s registered agent when reinstating?
If your Louisiana business had a registered agent prior to dissolution, then you will need to keep the same agent or appoint a new one.
Can I include updates to my Louisiana business during reinstatement?
No, you can only make changes to your Louisiana business after it has been reinstated.
What if my Louisiana business has lost its name recognition after dissolution?
Reinstating your Louisiana business can help reestablish your company’s brand and increase its visibility.
What is the statute of limitations for reinstatement of a dissolved Louisiana business?
The statute of limitations varies depending on the type of business and when it was dissolved.
Do I need to have all my Louisiana business’s documents accounted for before reinstatement?
Yes, you must have all documentation related to your Louisiana business’s activities in order before you can have it reinstated.
Can I get help seeking reinstatement of my Louisiana business if I’m unable to complete the process?
Yes, you can hire a Louisiana business reinstatement service or attorney to assist you throughout the reinstatement process.
How will my credit score impact my Louisiana business’s reinstatement?
Your credit score may impact your ability to have your Louisiana business reinstated if there are outstanding debts or other financial issues.
Are there any differences between stock and non-stock Louisiana corporations during reinstatement?
No, both types of corporations must follow the same reinstatement process in Louisiana.
What are the requirements for a Louisiana registered agent?
Louisiana registered agents must be individuals or companies authorized to do business in the state and must have a physical address.
Is it possible to appeal a denial of Louisiana business reinstatement?
Yes, you can appeal if your Louisiana business’s reinstatement application is rejected by the state.
Can I operate my Louisiana business while it’s in the reinstatement process?
No, your Louisiana business must be reinstated before it can resume operations.
Is there a grace period available for Louisiana business reinstatement?
No, there is no grace period available for Louisiana business reinstatement, and it must be done promptly.
Are there any legal repercussions for operating your Louisiana business while dissolved?
Yes, there can be legal repercussions if you continue to operate a dissolved Louisiana business without reinstating it.
Can I reinstate my Louisiana business even if it has been inactive for years?
Yes, you can still reinstate a Louisiana business even if it has been inactive for many years.
How do I know if my Louisiana business has been administratively dissolved?
You can check the status of your Louisiana business with the Secretary of State’s office to find out if it has been administratively dissolved.

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Conclusion

Reinstating a business in Louisiana can be complex and time-consuming. However, following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully reinstate your business and resume operations. Remember to stay diligent in maintaining compliance with state laws and regulations to avoid future issues and ensure the continued success of your business.

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