PermitDuePermits for a Contractor in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
A contractor in Baton Rouge, Louisiana needs 14 permits including contractor license, louisiana contractor license, louisiana occupational license, and more. Each has specific costs, deadlines, and renewal requirements.
We found 14 permits you’ll likely need. Costs, deadlines, and direct .gov links included.
14 permits found
For a Contractor in Baton Rouge, LA
Business License
License from Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) for construction projects over $75,000. $100 filing fee for single classification. Must pass business/law exam and trade exam ($120 each). Requires CPA-prepared financial statement showing $10,000+ net worth.
License required for contractors performing work valued at $50,000 or more. Issued by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). Application fee $100 per classification; $60 background investigation fee. Home improvement contractors have separate requirements.
Local occupational license required by Louisiana parishes and municipalities. Louisiana does not have a state-level general business license. Each parish/city sets its own occupational license tax, typically based on gross receipts.
Most Louisiana parishes and municipalities require an occupational license to conduct business. Fee varies by locality and gross revenue. Louisiana does not have a statewide general business license. Note: Louisiana uses parishes, not counties.
Employment
Registration with the Louisiana Department of Revenue for state income tax withholding and with the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) for unemployment insurance tax.
Registration with Louisiana Workforce Commission for state unemployment insurance tax. Required for employers with 1+ employees. New employer rate approximately 1.16% on first $7,700 per employee.
Louisiana requires workers' compensation for employers with 1+ employees (one of the strictest thresholds). Competitive-state system. Covers medical and wage-loss for work injuries.
Louisiana requires workers' compensation insurance for virtually all employers with 1 or more employees (one of the strictest thresholds in the nation). Very few exemptions exist.
Signage
Local permit for business signage. Regulated by parish and municipal zoning ordinances. DOTD regulates outdoor advertising on state highways.
Tax
Registration with the Louisiana Department of Revenue for state and local sales tax collection. Required for all businesses making retail sales. Louisiana state sales tax is 4.45% plus parish/city taxes. Registration through LaTAP.
Registration with Louisiana Department of Revenue for state and parish sales tax collection. State rate 4.45% plus parish/local rates (total 8.45-12.95%). Required for all businesses selling tangible goods or taxable services.
Registration with Louisiana Department of Revenue for state income tax withholding. Louisiana has graduated rates from 1.85% to 4.25%. Required for all employers.
Zoning
Certificate from local building/permits department confirming commercial space meets codes for intended use. Required in most Louisiana parishes before operating.
Parish-level zoning verification that proposed business use is permitted. Required before most occupational licenses in Louisiana parishes.
Don't forget these deadlines
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From $12/monthTotal penalty exposure
$36 – $665
if you skip or miss these permits
Based on published penalty schedules. Your actual fines may differ depending on your city or county.
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Apply for your permits
- Contractor License
- Louisiana Contractor License
- Louisiana Employer Tax Registration
- Unemployment Insurance Registration
- Workers' Compensation Insurance
View all 9 permits above
Filing guides
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