Louisiana Franchise Tax Filing Information

Corporations and LLCs taxed as Corporations deriving income from Louisiana sources must file Franchise Taxes in Louisiana, regardless of profitability or income tax liability. Louisiana has detailed information about franchise taxes on the Revenue Department's website.

Louisiana Franchise Tax is typically filed by a tax accountant due to the detailed financial information required, and because it’s filed annually as part of your Louisiana Form CIFT-620, Louisiana Corporation Income and Franchise Tax return. Taxpayers with total assets of $250,000 or more are generally required to file CIFT-620 electronically.

It’s worth noting that Louisiana is repealing its corporation franchise tax for franchise tax periods beginning on or after January 1, 2026. For periods ending before January 1, 2026, the information below still applies.

When is it due?

There are two returns to keep in mind: the initial return (2025 form) and an annual return (part of the income tax form, which can be filed electronically or via your tax preparer).

• Initial return: Due on or before the 15th day of the fourth month after your tax accrues. For domestic entities, this is based on your charter date. For foreign entities, it's when you begin doing business or using capital in Louisiana.
• Annual return: Louisiana corporation franchise tax accrues on the first day of each accounting year, and the return for that period must be filed on or before the 15th day of the fifth month of that accounting year.

How to calculate Louisiana Franchise Tax

The initial corporation franchise tax is $110, unless it’s late, then penalties and interest apply.

On subsequent franchise tax filings, the Louisiana Franchise Tax is based on the amount of capital employed in Louisiana. “Form CIFT-620, Louisiana Corporation Income and Franchise Tax return” has several schedules to help you calculate the factors in your tax due.

In simple terms, for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023, tax owed equals $2.75 for each $1,000 or major fraction thereof in excess of $300,000 of capital employed in Louisiana.

Penalties and interest

• Delinquent filing penalty: 5% of the tax due for each 30 days or fraction thereof during which the failure to file continues, up to a maximum of 25% of the tax
• Delinquent payment penalty: 5% of the unpaid tax for each 30 days or fraction thereof during which the failure to pay continues, up to a maximum of 25% of the tax
• Interest: Accrues on all items of tax not paid by the original due date at rates that vary year to year

Manage your Louisiana franchise tax notifications with Discern

Although Discern doesn't file Louisiana franchise taxes, we automatically notify you when Louisiana filings are due and provide guidance on requirements. For businesses with taxable periods ending before January 1, 2026, Discern helps track your final franchise tax obligations. 

Discern also provides registered agent services in Louisiana and across all 51 US jurisdictions. Ready to streamline your Louisiana compliance? Book a demo with Discern today.