For most Louisiana small businesses, an LLC is the best fit because it’s flexible, easy to manage, and protects your personal assets. The top three things to consider when choosing between an LLC and a corporation are liability protection, taxes, and ownership structure . The next step? Understand the differences, check what matters most for your business, and make sure your documents are done right. Olivier Law Firm LLC in Mandeville serves the Northshore—including Covington, Abita Springs, and all of St. Tammany Parish—and can help you get started with confidence. LLC vs. Corporation: What’s the Real Difference? Starting a business in Louisiana? You’ve probably heard you should form an LLC or a corporation—but what does that really mean for you? Here’s the plain-English breakdown: LLC (Limited Liability Company): Great for most small businesses and startups Simple, flexible, fewer formal rules Protects your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits Profits/losses can “pass through” to your personal taxes (no double-taxation) Corporation (C or S Corp): More rules, paperwork, and meetings (especially for C Corporations) Best if you plan to attract investors, issue stock, or want a traditional corporate structure Owners (shareholders) aren’t personally liable for company debts Possible double-taxation (C Corp: both company and owners taxed), unless you qualify and elect S Corporation status Top 3 Decision Factors Liability Protection: Both LLCs and corporations protect your personal assets—but only if you keep your business and personal lives separate, and file the right paperwork. Taxes: LLCs are usually simpler: profits/losses go straight to your personal tax return. Corporations may have more tax options (especially for larger businesses), but can involve double-taxation unless you file as an S Corp. Ownership & Management: LLCs are more flexible (great for solo owners, family businesses, or partnerships). Corporations must have directors, officers, and regular meetings—better if you need outside investors or plan to grow big. Simple Decision Checklist Ask yourself: Are you a solo owner or family-run? LLC is often easier. Want simple taxes, less paperwork, and flexibility? LLC wins. Planning to raise money from outside investors, or issue stock? Corporation may be the way to go. Need a classic business image, or aiming to sell the business in the future? Corporation can help, but many buyers are fine with LLCs. Still unsure? Visit our Business Law page for details, or Business Formation for startup guidance. Common Pitfalls of DIY Business Formation Many entrepreneurs try to save money by using online forms or filing themselves. Here’s where things go wrong most often: Missing required documents (like an Operating Agreement for an LLC, or Bylaws for a corporation) Picking the wrong structure for taxes (costly to fix later!) Not registering with the Louisiana Secretary of State the right way Mixing personal and business money, which can destroy your liability protection Failing to file annual reports (leading to dissolution or extra fees) Not understanding local permits or licensing rules Takeaway: A little upfront guidance can prevent big headaches and save you money in the long run. What Documents Matter Most? LLC: Operating Agreement (this spells out how your business runs—even if you’re solo, it’s vital for protecting your “limited liability” status) Corporation: Bylaws (governs your meetings, officers, and decision-making) Both: Articles of Organization/Incorporation, EIN from the IRS, and proper licenses Get it Right—The First Time Olivier Law Firm LLC, based in Mandeville and serving all of the Northshore (Covington, Abita Springs, St. Tammany Parish), has helped hundreds of Louisiana small businesses set up the right way. We can guide you through the choices, handle the paperwork, and give you confidence that your company is protected from day one. We also offer virtual consultations, so you can get advice without leaving home.  Ready to launch your business or fix a filing mistake? Schedule a consultation with Olivier Law Firm LLC—virtual or in-person. Get local, experienced guidance for your Louisiana LLC or corporation.
Before you sign a contract in Louisiana, watch for these red flags: unclear scope of work , vague or risky payment terms , one‑sided termination rights , broad indemnity clauses, and missing or lopsided liability caps . These five issues cause most disputes we see. A careful review—preferably before emotions or deadlines kick in—can save you time, money, and stress. If anything feels confusing or unfair, pause and get advice before you sign. A Plain‑English Contract Review Checklist (Louisiana Edition) Contracts don’t have to be scary—but in Louisiana, they do need to be clear and properly tailored to our civil law system. At Olivier Law Firm LLC in Mandeville, LA , we regularly help clients across the Northshore (Covington, Abita Springs, St. Tammany Parish) and throughout Louisiana avoid problems by reviewing contracts before they’re signed. Use this checklist as a practical guide. 1) Scope of Work: What Exactly Are You Agreeing To? Red flags: Vague descriptions (“as needed,” “from time to time”) Open‑ended duties without limits No clear deliverables or deadlines What to look for: A clear list of services or products Timelines and milestones What’s not included (this matters just as much) If the scope isn’t specific, disputes almost always follow. 2) Payment Terms: When, How, and What Happens If There’s a Dispute Red flags: Payment due “upon request” or without an invoice No late‑payment terms—or penalties that are extreme The other side can withhold payment for vague reasons What to look for: Exact amounts or rates Payment schedule and method Late fees that are reasonable and lawful in Louisiana 3) Termination: Can You Get Out If Things Go Wrong? Red flags: Only the other party can terminate Termination allowed “for convenience” without notice No explanation of what happens after termination What to look for: Mutual termination rights Clear notice periods What happens to unfinished work, payments, and obligations Being locked into a bad deal is one of the most common contract regrets. 4) Indemnity: Who Pays If Something Goes Wrong? Red flags: You indemnify the other side for everything, even their mistakes No limits on indemnity obligations Language you don’t understand (this clause is often dense) What to look for: Indemnity limited to your own actions Clear boundaries on responsibility Alignment with insurance coverage Indemnity clauses can shift massive financial risk—don’t skim this one. 5) Liability Caps: Is There a Limit on Exposure? Red flags: No cap at all Caps that only protect the other party Caps lower than the fees you’re paying (or none for you) What to look for: Mutual caps on liability Reasonable limits tied to contract value or insurance Clear exclusions (for fraud or intentional misconduct) Bonus Checks People Often Miss Governing Law & Venue: Is it Louisiana? If not, why? Automatic Renewals: Do you need to cancel by a specific date? Amendments: Can terms change without your written consent? Entire Agreement Clause: Does it wipe out promises made earlier? What to Ask the Other Side (Simple, Professional Questions) “Can we clarify the scope so we’re aligned on expectations?” “What happens if payment is disputed or delayed?” “Is termination mutual, and what’s the notice period?” “Can we narrow the indemnity to each party’s own actions?” “Is there a reasonable cap on liability for both sides?” How the other party responds tells you a lot.  When Should You Get a Lawyer Involved? If the contract is more than a page or two If the dollar amount or risk feels meaningful If the language is confusing or one‑sided If the contract came from out of state (very common issue in Louisiana) If you’re being pressured to “sign today” Louisiana’s civil law rules can change how contracts are interpreted. Boilerplate from other states often doesn’t work the way people expect here. Learn more about how we help with agreements on our Contract Law page: https://www.olivierlawfirmllc.com/contract-law Or see how contracts fit into the bigger picture on Business Law : https://www.olivierlawfirmllc.com/business-law Bottom Line If you don’t understand a contract, don’t sign it. A short review now can prevent a long dispute later. Need a second set of eyes? Request a contract review with Olivier Law Firm LLC in Mandeville, LA . We serve clients across the Northshore and throughout Louisiana—virtually or in person—and we explain everything in plain English before you commit.