Ascension Parish Small Business Guide

Let APL take the guess work out of tracking down required permits, licenses and information about zoning and taxes.  Click on the links below to find the proper agencies or pick up a brochure during your next visit to the library.

This guide is designed to assist prospective business owners in Ascension Parish by providing a directory of sources for licenses, permits, and information necessary for starting a new business. Every business operating in Ascension Parish must have proper state and local business licenses and permits. While this guide acts as a general directory for all businesses, there may be specific licenses and/ or permits necessary for certain businesses which are not listed here. In addition, local businesses are encouraged to contact their local Chamber of Commerce for more information concerning businesses in Ascension Parish.

License and Permit Addresses

Zoning

Building/ Contractor Permits, Addresses, Zoning, and Flood Zones

Ascension Parish Governmental Complex Department of Planning/ Development
615 E. Worthy Road Gonzales, LA 70737
(225) 450-1002
www.ascensionparish.net

Occupational Licenses and Other Permits

All businesses in Ascension Parish are required to obtain a local occupational license. Costs for licenses are based on annual gross receipts, and vary according to business classification.  Local permits for beer and liquor are also issued by these offices.

For businesses within the Donaldsonville city limits:

Donaldsonville City Hall
609 Railroad Ave.
Donaldsonville, LA 70346
(225) 473-4247

For businesses within the Gonzales city limits:

Gonzales City Hall
120 S. Irma Blvd.
Gonzales, LA 70737
(225) 647-2841

For businesses within the Sorrento town limits:

Sorrento Town Hall
8173 Main St.
Sorrento, LA 70778
(225) 675-5337

For businesses in all other parts of Ascension Parish:

Ascension Parish Sales and Use Tax Authority
2117 East Highway 30
Gonzales, LA 70737
(225) 621-2635
https://lataonline.org/?option=com_content&view=article&id=14&Itemid=24

Registering Brand Names and Trademarks

Brand names and trademarks of businesses may be registered with the Patent Office of the U.S. Department of Commerce. A search of the U.S. Trademark records is advised in order to determine if a proposed business name is available.

For more information oon U.S. Patents and Trademarks, contact the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office:

600 Dulany Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
800-786-9199
www.USPTO.gov

Middleton Library at Louisiana State University, the only Patent and Trademark Resource Center Library in Louisiana, has databases which are available to the public for patent searches. They also offer patent and trademark consultations. Call (225) 578 - 8611 or visit https://guides.lib.lsu.edu/ptrc for more information.

State Trade Names and Corporate Registration

In order to register for a state trade name or a corporate registration, contact the Louisiana Secretary of State:

P.O. Box 94125
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
(225) 925-4704
www.sos.la.gov

Taxes

As employers, businesses are required by law to withhold state and federal income taxes and social security taxes from the wages of employees. Employers must also pay employer social security tax and unemployment insurance tax.

For business tax information concerning federal income, social security, and self- employment taxes, contact the Internal Revenue Service at (800) 829-4933 or visit www.irs.gov.

State Sales Tax

Louisiana Department of Revenue and Taxation Central Registration
617 N. 3rd Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(855) 307-3893
http://revenue.louisiana.gov/

Local Sales Tax

Ascension Parish Sales and Use Tax Authority
2117 East Highway 30
Gonzales, LA 70737
(225) 621-2635
https://lataonline.org/?option=com_content&view=article&id=14&Itemid=24

Unemployment Insurance Tax

Louisiana Workforce Commission
Employer Status Unit
1001 N. 23rd St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

For all of your unemployment needs, contact the Louisiana Workforce Commission at 1-866-783-5567 or visit http://www.laworks.net/default.asp.

Chambers of Commerce

Donaldsonville Area

714 Railroad Ave.
Donaldsonville, LA 70346
(225) 473-4817
www.donaldsonvillechamber.org

Ascension

1006 W. Hwy. 30
Gonzales, LA 70737
(225) 647-7487
www.ascensionchamber.com