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Resource Guide

Business Compliance Checklist

Every filing, deadline, and requirement your LLC needs to stay in good standing — organized by when you need to act. Use this alongside our compliance calendar to track every deadline.

Why Business Compliance Is Non-Negotiable

Forming your LLC is the easy part. Keeping it alive and protected is an ongoing responsibility. Every state requires annual filings, fees, and maintenance tasks — and missing them has real consequences.

An LLC that falls out of good standing loses its legal protections. Courts have pierced the corporate veil and held LLC members personally liable for business debts when the entity was not properly maintained. Your LLC's liability shield only works if you treat it like a real business entity.

The three biggest compliance failures we see:

  • Missing the annual report deadline — leads to delinquent status, late fees, and eventual dissolution
  • Registered agent lapse — state cannot contact your business; missed legal documents create default judgments
  • Skipping the BOI report — federal FinCEN requirement since 2024; $500/day penalty for non-compliance

This checklist covers everything. Bookmark it and review it every January.

1

Formation Checklist

Complete these once when you form your LLC.

Choose a business name and verify availability with Secretary of State

Required

File Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State

Required

Appoint a registered agent with a physical address in your state

Required

Draft an Operating Agreement (even single-member LLCs should have one)

Required

Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS

Required

Open a dedicated business bank account

Required

File Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with FinCEN within 90 days

Required

Register for state sales tax permit (if selling taxable goods or services)

Obtain required state and local business licenses and permits

Set up business accounting and bookkeeping system

Purchase business insurance (general liability, professional liability)

Register with state workforce agency if hiring employees

Tip: The BOI report is one of the most commonly overlooked formation requirements. New LLCs formed in 2024 or later must file within 90 days of formation. Failure to file can result in penalties of up to $500/day. File directly at fincen.gov/boi.

2

Annual Compliance Checklist

Complete these every year to maintain good standing.

File annual report with Secretary of State (Louisiana: anniversary date; MS/AL: April 15)

Required

Pay state franchise/privilege tax (Alabama Business Privilege Tax due April 15)

Required

Renew registered agent service

Required

File federal income tax return (Form 1065 for multi-member; Schedule C for single-member)

Required

File state income tax return

Required

Update BOI report with FinCEN if ownership or control has changed

Required

Renew state and local business licenses (renewal dates vary by jurisdiction)

Review and update Operating Agreement if membership or structure changed

Verify registered agent address and contact information is current with state

Reconcile all business accounts and prepare financial statements

State-specific deadlines: Louisiana annual reports are due on the anniversary of your formation date. Mississippi and Alabama annual reports are due April 15 regardless of your formation date. Use our compliance calendar to see your exact deadlines.

3

Ongoing Compliance

Monthly and quarterly obligations that keep your LLC legally and financially compliant.

Collect and remit sales tax on required schedule (monthly, quarterly, or annually)

Required

Make quarterly estimated tax payments to IRS (April 15, June 15, Sept 15, Jan 15)

Required

Pay employer payroll taxes if you have employees (semi-weekly or monthly)

Required

File quarterly payroll tax returns (Form 941) if applicable

Required

Maintain separation of personal and business finances (no commingling)

Required

Document all major business decisions with written resolutions

Review business insurance coverage as the business grows

Keep all business licenses and permits current

State-by-State Deadlines at a Glance

Louisiana

  • Annual Report: Due on anniversary of formation date each year. Filed through Geaux BIZ portal.
  • Franchise Tax: No separate franchise tax for LLCs — fee included in annual report filing.
  • State Income Tax: May 15 for pass-through entities (with federal extension — October 15).
  • Registered Agent: Must maintain active agent at all times. Renewal aligns with annual report.

Mississippi

  • Annual Report: Due April 15 each year. Filed with Secretary of State.
  • Franchise Tax: Mississippi has no state franchise tax for LLCs.
  • State Income Tax: April 15 (pass-through; individual members report on personal returns).
  • Registered Agent: Must maintain active agent. Change requires Form LLCA-9 with Secretary of State.

Alabama

  • Annual Report: Due April 15 each year. Filed with Secretary of State ($50 filing fee).
  • Privilege Tax: Business Privilege Tax due April 15 (Form PPT). Minimum $100/year.
  • State Income Tax: April 15 for pass-through entities.
  • Registered Agent: Required at all times. Change filed with Secretary of State.
Open Compliance Calendar →

Let GeauxFile Handle the Hard Parts

The checklist above is your responsibility — but we can take the most critical items off your plate.

Registered Agent Service
$100/year

We receive your legal documents and compliance notices, forward them within 24 hours, and keep you in good standing.
Annual Report Filing
We File, You Forget

Never miss an annual report deadline. We track your due date and handle the filing before it's due.
Certificate of Good Standing
Instant Documentation

Need proof your LLC is in good standing for a bank, investor, or contract? We obtain the certificate for you.
Free Tool
Compliance Calendar

See all your LLC deadlines in one place. Pick your state and formation date — we generate the full calendar.

Related Resources

Resource Guide
How to Form an LLC

Step-by-step guide covering formation costs, timelines, and what to do after your LLC is approved.
Resource Guide
What Is a Registered Agent?

Why every LLC is required to have a registered agent and what happens if yours lapses.
Resource Guide
How to Get an EIN

Apply for your federal Employer Identification Number for free directly through the IRS — step by step.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my LLC falls out of good standing?
If your LLC loses good standing, the state may revoke your ability to conduct business, block you from obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing, and ultimately administratively dissolve the entity. You may also lose liability protection and face personal liability for business debts. Most states allow reinstatement, but it requires filing past-due reports, paying back fees and penalties, and sometimes reapplying for licenses.
How often do I need to file an annual report?
In Louisiana, LLCs must file an annual report every year by the anniversary of their formation date. Mississippi LLCs file annually by April 15. Alabama LLCs file an Annual Report with the Secretary of State by April 15 and pay the Business Privilege Tax to the Department of Revenue by the same date. Missing these deadlines puts your LLC in delinquent status and risks administrative dissolution.
Do I need to renew my EIN every year?
No. Your EIN (Employer Identification Number) is permanent and does not expire or need renewal. However, if your business structure changes — for example, a sole proprietorship converting to an LLC — you will need a new EIN. Keep your EIN documentation in a safe place; you will need it to open bank accounts, file taxes, and apply for business licenses.
What licenses and permits does my LLC need?
License requirements vary by state, city, and industry. At minimum, most LLCs need a state business license or registration, and a local business license or occupational permit from their city or parish. Industry-specific licenses apply to contractors, food establishments, healthcare providers, childcare facilities, and many other regulated industries. Check your state's Secretary of State website and your local government website for requirements specific to your business type and location.
How do I know when my registered agent renewal is due?
Registered agent renewals typically align with your LLC's annual report filing or are billed separately by your registered agent service on an annual basis. GeauxFile sends renewal reminders 60 days before your service lapses. Your registered agent is a non-negotiable compliance requirement — if your registered agent lapses, your LLC immediately falls out of compliance with the state.
What is a beneficial ownership report (BOI)?
Starting January 1, 2024, the Corporate Transparency Act requires most LLCs and corporations to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network). This report discloses who owns or controls the company. New companies formed in 2024 or later must file within 90 days of formation. Existing companies formed before 2024 had a 2024 deadline. Updates are required within 30 days of any ownership change. Penalties for non-compliance can reach $500/day.
When do I need to collect and remit sales tax?
If your LLC sells taxable goods or services, you must register for a sales tax permit in each state where you have nexus (a physical or economic presence). Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama all have state sales tax, plus local sales taxes that vary by parish or county. Sales tax must be collected at the time of sale and remitted to the state on a schedule (monthly, quarterly, or annually) based on your sales volume. Failure to collect and remit sales tax can result in audits, penalties, and personal liability.
What records must my LLC keep?
LLCs should maintain: formation documents (Articles of Organization, Operating Agreement), meeting minutes and member resolutions, financial records (bank statements, receipts, invoices, tax returns) for at least 7 years, contracts and agreements, employee records if applicable, and any licenses or permits. Proper record-keeping is essential for tax compliance, defending against audits, maintaining limited liability protection, and resolving member disputes.

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GeauxFile provides administrative services only and is not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice.

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