With incentives such as tax credits and tax relief programs, Georgia is a business-friendly state ideal for starting a small business. Registering an LLC in Georgia requires six straightforward steps, which we’ve broken down for you in this guide.
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Georgia LLC Quick Facts
- Benefits of registering an LLC in Georgia include tax flexibility, personal asset protection, and enhanced credibility.
- Forming an LLC in Georgia requires you to submit Articles of Organization and a Transmittal Form to the Georgia Secretary of State.
- The filing fee to start an LLC in Georgia is $100 online and by mail or $110 in person.
- To maintain your Georgia LLC, you must file an annual registration online or by mail before April 1st.
6 Steps to Starting an LLC in Georgia
Forming a limited liability company (LLC) is an appealing option for business owners and is as simple as six steps.
Ready to get started? Follow these steps to start your LLC in Georgia today:
- Name Your Georgia LLC
- Appoint a Registered Agent
- File Your Articles of Organization
- Draft Your Operating Agreement
- Obtain an EIN and Handle Taxes
- File a Beneficial Ownership Information Report
Step 1: Name Your Georgia LLC
The first step is naming your Georgia LLC.
There are a couple basic LLC naming rules you will need to follow:
- Your LLC name must include the words Limited Liability Company, Limited Company, or LLC
- Business names must be distinguishable from any other LLC, limited partnership, or corporation in the state
- Your business name cannot include words that may confuse it for a government agency such as FBI or state department
For a complete list of naming restrictions and requirements, visit the Georgia Secretary of State website.
Before you settle on your business name, you will need to conduct a business entity search to ensure your chosen name is unique. You can also opt to reserve your business name for up to 30 days online with a $25 filing fee.
Once you’ve chosen a business name, you need to secure a matching domain name. Visit GoDaddy to get your domain today to solidify your brand.
Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent
Registered agents are a requirement for LLCs registering in Georgia.
These are individuals or business entities that receive important documents such as notice of lawsuits and government correspondence on behalf of your LLC.
Your LLC’s registered agent must:
- Be a resident or business in Georgia with a physical address
- Be present at the aforementioned address during regular business hours
- Not be the LLC itself, though it can be one of the LLC owners or employees
Who can be a registered agent?
Registered agents can be an individual such as the owner of the LLC, an employee of the business, a friend, or family member. Alternatively, the registered agent can be a registered agent service.
Step 3: File Your Articles of Organization
To officially register your Georgia LLC, you need to file formation documents otherwise known as Articles of Organization as well as a Transmittal Form. This can be done online or by filing Form CD 030 by mail.
The online filing fee is $100 and the filing fee by mail is $110.
We recommend having the following details prepared:
- Your LLC’s name and name reservation number (if applicable)
- Your LLC’s mailing address
- The name, address, and email of the person filing the formation documents
- The name and address of your registered agent
- The names and addresses of all organizers
- The date your LLC formation documents will be effective
Quick Note: If you are expanding a business you’ve formed in another state, you need to register as a Georgia Foreign LLC with the Secretary of State online or by mail along with a $225 filing fee.
Step 4: Draft Your Operating Agreement
Operating agreements aren’t required for LLCs in Georgia. However, having one can prevent future conflict and get your LLC off on the track.
Operating agreements outline ownership and operating procedures such as management, capital contributions, and dissolution for your business. Creating this document during formation helps to ensure all members are on the same page.
Step 5: Obtain an EIN and Handle Taxes
Next, you need to prepare your LLC for taxes. This begins with obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN), and you can get this from the IRS for free.
Your EIN will help the IRS to identify and track your business for tax purposes. It is required for several use cases including taxes, hiring, and opening a bank account.
The next step is to determine the types of taxes your business owes by visiting the Georgia Department of Revenue website.
Step 6: File a Beneficial Ownership Information Report
As of January 2024, LLCs are required to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report with the US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
Fortunately, this information is similar to that provided on your formation documents.
You can file online for free.
New LLCs are required to submit this report within 90 days of formation. While existing LLCs have from January 1st, 2024 to January 1st, 2025 to complete the filing. Failure to submit the report will result in a $500 per day fine.
Visit the FinCEN website for information on exemptions for larger businesses.
Next Steps
After registering your Georgia LLC, it’s important to:
- To keep your personal assets protected, you need to open a business bank account. Start with Lili’s free checking account to manage your business finances easily.
Sign up for Lili Banking and Accounting Services
- Obtain necessary license and permits required on both a state and federal level to stay compliant.
- File your annual registration otherwise known as an annual report, due online or by mail annually by April 1st along with a $50 filing fee.
- Every LLC needs to get business insurance. Most commonly this includes general liability, workers’ compensation, and professional liability insurance. You can find the right coverage for your business with Next Insurance.
Request an online quote with NEXT Insurance
Additional Tips for Success
- Staying organized is essential to entrepreneurial success. Keep track of important business documents and financials to best manage your business.
- Plan for the future by roadmapping your business’s goals, major milestones, and your strategy to achieve necessary growth early on.
- Find a mentor or advisor to help you overcome obstacles and grow yourself as an entrepreneur.
Conclusion
Registering an LLC in Georgia is straightforward. Be sure to pay close attention to the steps listed above to ensure you are staying compliant and setting your business up for success.