BUSINESS STRUCTURES

Individual or Sole Proprietorship - A business where only you, or your spouse, own the business even though you may have employees.

Partnership - A business where two or more people own the business jointly.

Corporation - A business which is treated by law as an entity. It has a life separate from its owners or stockholders. Many corporations begin as a sole proprietor or partnership.

Limited Liability Company -An entity that is an unincorporated association having one or more members organized and filing articles with the Secretary of State.

Foreign Corporations- A corporation organized outside the state may obtain a certificate of authority to transact business in Louisiana by filing an application with the Secretary of State's Corporation Division by appointing a registered agent to accept service of process.

For more information about tradenames, trademarks, servicemarks or the various types of corporations contact the Secretary of State's Commercial Division at (225) 925-4704.