Did you know that you can launch an LLC in Georgia for just $100? It's true—the Peach State gives entrepreneurs one of the easiest and cheapest ways to own a business in the nation.
Setting up an LLC in Georgia has many perks. The state creates a welcoming atmosphere for businesses with fair filing costs and a quick application system. Also, Georgia LLCs get pass-through taxation, which means the company doesn't pay federal income tax—instead, you report profits on your own tax returns.
The basic filing fee to start an LLC in Georgia is $100 for online filing (or $110 by mail). However, the total cost to form an LLC in Georgia can range from $105 to about $800. This range depends on whether you need extra services like faster processing or someone to act as your registered agent. You should also plan for the $50 yearly registration fee. You must pay this fee between January 1 and April 1 each year to keep your LLC in good standing.
This guide will walk you through all the steps to create an LLC in Georgia. We'll cover everything from picking a unique name for your business to filing your Articles of Organization. We'll also explain all the tasks you need to do after forming your LLC. Let's begin your journey to owning a business!
Step 1: Pick a Name for Your Georgia LLC
Picking the right name for your Georgia LLC is the key first step when starting a business in the Peach State. Your company name shows your brand identity and leaves a lasting impression on potential customers.
See if the name is available with the Secretary of State
Before you fall in love with a business name, you need to check if it's available through the Georgia Secretary of State's business search tool. To do an effective search:
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Check out the Georgia Secretary of State's Business Search tool
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Pick "Contains" as your search option (this gives you the widest range of results)
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Type in your chosen business name without "LLC" or other add-ons
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Look through all the results to spot similar names
To do a thorough job, try searching just the first two words of your business name. This helps you catch all the possible similar names out there. Keep in mind that this search tool is just for research. It doesn't guarantee that a name is available.
Get to know Georgia's naming rules
Georgia has laid out specific rules for LLC names that you need to follow:
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The name of your company has to include "Limited Liability Company," "Limited Company," or short forms like "LLC," "L.L.C.," "LC," or "L.C."
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Your name needs to stand out from other businesses registered with the Secretary of State
Georgia doesn't think certain things make a name different enough such as:
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Putting "a," "an," or "the" at the start
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changing the type of company (like LLC vs. Inc.)
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Using "&" instead of "and" (or the other way around)
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Adding punctuation or making words plural or singular
Some words need special okay :
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Banks need the Department of Banking and Finance to approve their terms
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The Insurance Commissioner must okay insurance-related terms
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The Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission has to green-light "college" or "university"
Keep your LLC name on hold (if you want)
In Georgia, you don't have to, but you can save your business name before you file your formation papers. This helps protect the name you've picked while you get other paperwork ready. To keep a name:
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Go to Georgia's eCorp website and apply online for $30 ($25 fee plus $5 service charge)
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Or send it by mail for $35 ($25 fee plus $10 service charge)
Name reservations are valid for 30 days and you can't renew them. However, you can reserve the same name again after it expires by submitting a new application. It takes 5-7 business days to process.
Check if a domain name is available
Getting a matching domain name is key to build a consistent brand online. Before you settle on your LLC name, see if you can get the web domain that matches it through sites like GoDaddy or Namecheap. A URL that matches your business name helps potential customers find you online and makes your new venture look more credible.
Keep in mind, the best business name follows the law and adds value to your brand in the long run when you start an LLC in Georgia.
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
After you pick your LLC name, you need to appoint a registered agent to set up your Georgia LLC. The law requires this role to make sure your business has a reliable contact for all official communications.
Who can be a registered agent in Georgia?
A registered agent acts as the official "mailbox" for your LLC getting legal documents and service of process for your company. Georgia has specific rules about who can take on this job:
For a domestic LLC in Georgia, your registered agent can be:
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A person who lives in Georgia
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A domestic corporation or another domestic LLC
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A foreign corporation or LLC with permission to do business in Georgia
Key rules for all registered agents include:
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Need to have a real street address in Georgia (not a P.O. box or "mail drop")
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Need to be around during regular work hours (9 AM to 5 PM)
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Need to be 18 or older
One key rule to keep in mind: your LLC can't act as its own registered agent. But you can pick yourself, someone who works for you, a lawyer, or a family member to be the registered agent as long as they meet all the state's rules.
Good things about using a registered agent service
Even though you can be your own registered agent many business owners choose to use professional registered agent services for a few reasons:
To begin with, these services safeguard your privacy. When you hire a registered agent service, your personal details stay off public records. This proves useful for businesses run from home or those who want to keep their personal addresses private.
Next, using a service ensures you don't miss crucial legal documents. Professional registered agents stay available during work hours and scan received documents to secure online portals.
What's more, if your business gets sued having a registered agent service means you won't face the awkward situation of being handed legal papers in front of customers or staff.
Also, these services help you stay compliant by:
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Sending out reminders about key filing deadlines
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Making sure you keep your good standing status
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Giving you backup copies of documents in case someone steals them or a disaster happens
, if you're often on the road or work outside regular office hours, a registered agent service gives you the freedom you need while still following the law.
How to switch your registered agent down the road
In Georgia, you always need to have a registered agent, but you can change who it is when you need to. The main way to change your registered agent is when you file your yearly registration.
To switch your registered agent in Georgia:
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If you haven't filed your yearly registration (due between January 1 and April 1), add the change when you file.
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If you've already filed your yearly registration, send in a changed yearly registration.
The yearly registration filing fee costs $50 for online submissions ($55 with service charge) or $60 by mail. A changed yearly registration costs $20.
You can fill out either form online through the Georgia Secretary of State's website to get it done faster. Online updates sent before 4 PM usually get processed overnight, while paper forms take 7-10 business days.
If you're in a rush, you can pay extra to speed things up: $120 gets you 2-day processing, $275 for same-day service, or $1,200 if you need it done in an hour.
Some registered agent companies will take care of the whole change process for you. They'll file the paperwork and let your old agent know making the switch easier.
Step 3: File Articles of Organization
Filing your Articles of Organization is the key legal move to make your Georgia LLC an official business in the state. This document basically brings your company to life under Georgia law.
What information do you need to provide
The Georgia Articles of Organization form asks for specific details to register your LLC :
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Your LLC's exact name (including "LLC", "L.L.C." or "Limited Liability Company")
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LLC's name reservation number (if you reserved one)
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Business purpose (NAICS Code or "Any legal purpose")
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Principal mailing address in Georgia
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LLC's email address
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Name and address of your registered agent
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Effective date (immediate or up to 90 days from filing)
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Name and address of the person filing the articles
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Signature of an organizer, member, manager, or attorney-in-fact
Online vs. mail filing options
You can submit your Georgia LLC paperwork in two main ways:
Online Filing: Filing through Georgia's eCorp portal is the fastest and easiest way to go. The system creates your Articles of Organization based on what you enter.
Mail Filing: You'll need to write up your own Articles of Organization and add a Transmittal Form. Send both papers to the Georgia Secretary of State's Corporations Division.
Filing fees and processing times
The cost and time to process your filing depend on how you submit it:
Online: You pay $100 for filing and $5 for service adding up to $105. It takes 7-10 work days to process.
Mail: You pay $100 for filing and $10 for paper service totaling $110. It takes about 15 work days to process, plus the time for mail delivery.
Georgia offers quicker options if you need them:
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Two-day processing: You pay $120 more
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Same-day processing: You pay $275 more (submit before noon)[181]
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One-hour processing: You pay $1,200 more[181]
How to avoid common filing mistakes
A few common mistakes can lead to your Georgia LLC application being turned down:
First, make sure your LLC name meets all Georgia rules and doesn't look too much like other businesses. The name needs to have the right labels like "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company."
Second, check that you've included all the needed info and it's in the right format. Leaving out details about your main office address or registered agent can slow things down.
Third, don't start doing business until your LLC is set up and approved. Once you get the green light, you'll receive a Certificate of Organization with an official state seal. You'll need this to open bank accounts and for other business stuff.
, get ready to submit your first yearly registration between January 1 and April 1 after you form your LLC. This annual $50 filing keeps your LLC compliant.
Step 4: Draft an Operating Agreement
While filing your Articles of Organization is mandatory creating an operating agreement isn't required in Georgia. Still, this internal document forms the foundation of your LLC's structure and operations.
The importance of an operating agreement
Your operating agreement shows LLC ownership because Georgia doesn't make you list members on your Articles of Organization. This becomes essential when you open a business bank account or try to get loans, as banks often ask to see this document before they move forward.
What's more, an operating agreement strengthens your limited liability status by showing that your LLC functions as a separate entity from you . This separation helps shield your personal assets if your business faces legal challenges.
Because of this, without an operating agreement, your LLC will default to Georgia's standard business laws, which might not match your intended operations. The Code of Georgia gives "maximum effect" to operating agreements allowing you to customize your company's rules instead of following generic state statutes.
What to include in your agreement
A thorough Georgia LLC operating agreement covers:
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Business goals and operations
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What members put in and how much they own
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How profits and losses get split up
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How it's run (by members or managers)
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Who gets to vote and how choices are made
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Steps to add or kick out members
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Ways to handle disagreements
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How to shut down and plan for what's next
Each part should spell out what members can do, what they must do, and how things work to avoid mix-ups.
Does a one-person LLC need one?
You bet. Even if you're the only owner, having a plan of action offers many perks. For starters, it boosts your protection from lawsuits by making a clear line between your personal stuff and company assets.
In the same way single-member LLCs that have operating agreements find it easier to open business bank accounts and get financing. The document proves ownership and shows the business is legitimate.
No matter how big your LLC is, banks often ask for an operating agreement before they let you open accounts or get loans. So, creating this document helps you save time and avoid problems in running your business.
Step 5: Get an EIN and Finish Post-Formation Tasks
After your Georgia LLC is set up, you still need to do several key tasks to make your business ready and follow state and federal rules.
How to get an EIN for free
Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) acts as your business's social security number for tax reasons. The IRS provides this nine-digit code at no cost. You can apply online from Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time.
To get your EIN online:
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Go to the IRS website's EIN application page
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Fill out the form in one go (it times out after 15 minutes of no activity)
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Get your EIN right away once approved
When you apply, you'll need the Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number of the person in charge. Keep in mind that the IRS gives out one EIN per responsible person each day.
Open a business bank account
Once you start taking in or spending money, you need to open a separate bank account for your business. Most banks ask for:
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Your EIN or EIN Confirmation Letter (575 CP)
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Articles of Organization
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Operating Agreement
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Business license (if needed)
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ID for all owners who have 25% or more ownership
Keeping your business and personal money separate helps protect you from liability. Plus, a business account looks more professional when customers pay you and gets you ready in case you need business credit later.
Register for state taxes and licenses
Next, sign up your LLC for Georgia taxes that apply to you through the Georgia Tax Center, a safe online self-service portal. Before you register, figure out which types of taxes your business needs to pay.
To get local business licenses, reach out to your county or city government. Many businesses in Georgia need local operating permits along with state-level professional licenses.
Submit your first yearly report
Every LLC in Georgia has to submit a yearly report from January 1 to April 1 each year. This essential filing keeps records current for your:
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Management structure
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Correct mailing address
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Registered agent details
The yearly report costs $50, and not filing on time can lead to administrative dissolution. The good news is that the Georgia Secretary of State has a handy "One Click Annual Registration" system for businesses with up-to-date filing histories.
Conclusion
Forming an LLC in Georgia provides an easy way to become a business owner without spending too much or dealing with lots of red tape. This guide breaks down the five key steps you need to take to set up your Georgia LLC . We cover everything from picking a unique business name that follows state rules to choosing a trustworthy registered agent submitting your Articles of Organization, writing a detailed operating agreement, and finishing important tasks after you've formed your LLC. Each of these steps helps lay the groundwork for your company to thrive.
Georgia's business-friendly climate makes the state a great choice for entrepreneurs. The low $100 filing fee and easy online application process let you start your business without breaking the bank. Also, the pass-through taxation perk means your LLC won't pay federal income tax itself, which could save you money compared to other business types.
Keep in mind that staying compliant after you set up your LLC is just as crucial to keep it in good standing in Georgia. So, don't forget to mark your calendar for the yearly registration deadline between January 1 and April 1. This simple $50 filing keeps your business info up-to-date with the Secretary of State and stops possible administrative dissolution.
Some steps, like making an operating agreement, aren't required by law. But they give vital protection and make things clear for your business. Banks often want to see this document. Having one makes your liability protection stronger, whether you run a multi-member or single-member LLC.
, the tasks after forming your LLC turn it from just paperwork into a real working business. These include getting your EIN opening a business bank account, and signing up for state taxes and licenses. People sometimes skip these steps, but they build the professional base your Georgia LLC needs to do well in today's tough market.
FAQ
To set up an LLC in Georgia, you need to pick a unique name for your business, choose a registered agent, submit Articles of Organization to the Secretary of State, draft an operating agreement, and get an EIN. You'll also have to sign up for state taxes and licenses, and send in yearly registrations to keep your business in good standing.
To form a Georgia LLC, you'll pay $100 for online filings or $110 by mail. Other expenses might include the $50 yearly registration fee fees for a registered agent (if you hire one), and any local business permit costs. In total, you could spend anywhere from $105 to around $800, depending on what extra services you need.
Georgia law doesn't make operating agreements mandatory, but having one is a smart move. This document spells out who owns what, who's in charge, and how the company runs day-to-day. Banks often ask to see it when you're setting up business accounts, and it helps back up your LLC's limited liability protection.
Yes, you can act as your own registered agent in Georgia if you live in the state and have a physical address (not a P.O. box). But many business owners choose professional registered agent services to make sure someone is available during business hours and to keep their privacy.
There's no set income level, but forming an LLC becomes helpful when you want to separate personal and business debts, get tax options, and look more credible. If your business makes steady money and you worry about protecting your personal assets, it's a good time to think about forming an LLC.