How to Start an LLC in Georgia

Step 1: Name Your Georgia LLC

Before you get started, you will need to pick a suitable name for your Georgia LLC. 

This will need to comply with all applicable Georgia naming requirements and be both succinct and memorable, as this will make it easily searchable by your potential clients.

1. Follow the Georgia LLC naming guidelines:

• Your name must include “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (e.g., LLC or L.L.C.).
• Your name cannot include words or phrases that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (FBI, treasury, state department, etc.).
• Restricted words (e.g., bank, attorney, university) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your LLC.
• Your name must be distinguishable from any other Georgia limited liability company, limited liability partnership, limited partnership, or corporation.

For a complete list of naming rules in Georgia, we recommend checking out Georgia’s official Naming Guidelines.

2. Conduct a Business Name Search in Georgia

To check whether your desired name is already taken by another business entity in Georgia, you can perform a business entity search on the Georgia Corporations Division’s website.

If you’re not going to start your LLC right away, it might be a good idea to consider reserving your name for up to 30 days. Keep in mind that you will need to pay a $25 filing fee in order to do this, with a $35 for paper filings.

For more information, you can have a look at our Georgia LLC Name Search guide. 

3. Conduct a Domain Name Search

We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don’t plan to make a business website right away, this is an extremely important step as it will prevent others from acquiring it — potentially saving you both time and money in the long term.

Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.

FAQ: Naming a Georgia LLC

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Georgia

After you find the right name for your LLC, you will need to nominate a Georgia registered agent and registered office. This is a requirement for all LLCs in Georgia.

What is a registered agent? A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving necessary tax forms, legal documents, notices of lawsuits, and official government correspondence on behalf of your business. Think of your registered agent as your business’ primary point of contact with the state.

Who can be a registered agent? A registered agent must be a resident of Georgia or a business entity — such as a registered agent service, an individual in your company (e.g., yourself, etc.), or a business attorney — that is authorized to transact business in Georgia.

FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent

Step 3: File Your Georgia LLC Articles of Organization

To register your LLC in Georgia, you’ll need to file your Articles of Organization and a Transmittal Form with the Georgia Corporations Division. When filing your Articles of Organization, you can either draft your own or fill out Form CD 030. You’ll then be able to apply online, by mail, or in person.

Before filing, you’ll need to have certain information on hand to be able to complete your Articles of Organization and Transmittal Form correctly, including:

• Your LLC’s primary email address
• Your LLC name reservation number (if you reserved a name before filing)
• The proposed name of your LLC
• The name of the person filing the Articles of Organization
• The filer’s address and email
• Your LLC’s principal office mailing address
• The name and address of your registered agent in Georgia
• The name and address of each organizer

File the Articles of Organization

OPTION 1: File Online With the Georgia Corporations Division

File Online

– OR –

OPTION 2: File Form CD 030 by Mail

Download Form

State Filing Cost: $110 online or by mail, payable to the Georgia Secretary of State (nonrefundable)

Mailing Address:
Corporations Division 2
Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
SE, Suite 313 West Tower
Atlanta, GA 30334

For help completing the form, visit our Georgia Articles of Organization guide.

If you’re expanding your existing LLC to the State of Georgia, you’ll need to form a foreign limited liability company.

FAQ: Filing Georgia LLC Documents

Step 4: Create a Georgia LLC Operating Agreement

While Georgia LLCs are not required to create an operating agreement, it’s a good practice to have one regardless.

An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

A comprehensive LLC operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

You can use the free tool in our Business Center to create a custom operating agreement in minutes — or download our free templates:

• Georgia Multi-Member LLC Operating Agreement
• Georgia Single-Member LLC Operating Agreement

FAQ: Creating a Georgia LLC Operating Agreement

Step 5: Get an EIN for Your Georgia LLC

You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify a business entity and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. You can think of an EIN as a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN is required for the following:

• To open a business bank account for the company
• For federal and state tax purposes
• To hire employees for the company

Where do I get an EIN? The business owner obtains an EIN number from the IRS (free of charge) after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.

FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: You do not need an SSN to get an EIN. Learn more here.

Get an EIN

Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS

Apply Online

– OR –

Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax

Download Form

Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999

Fax: (855) 641-6935

Fee: Free

FAQ: Getting an EIN

Best LLC Services in Georgia Compared

For a comprehensive comparison, read our Best LLC Services review. We reviewed and ranked the top LLC formation services to help you determine the best fit for your new business.

Important Next Steps to Protect Your Georgia LLC

After you’ve formed your LLC, you’ll need to complete key steps in order to:

• Separate your personal and business assets
• Stay compliant with state and federal laws

Get a Business Bank Account & Credit Card

Using a dedicated business banking account and business credit card is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your LLC is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

You can protect your business with these two steps:

1. Opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

2. Getting a business credit card:

• Helps you separate personal and business expenses.
• Builds your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise capital later on.

Get Insurance

Even though an LLC offers limited liability, you’ll still likely need to purchase some form of business insurance to protect your LLC’s assets. The most common types are:

• General Liability Insurance: A broad insurance policy that protects your business from lawsuits. Most small businesses get general liability insurance.
• Professional Liability Insurance: A business insurance for professional service providers (consultants, accountants, etc.) that covers against claims of malpractice and other business errors.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: A type of insurance that provides coverage for employees’ job-related illnesses, injuries, or deaths. In Georgia, businesses with one or more employees, including LLC members and corporate officers, are required by law to have workers compensation insurance.

Want to learn exactly what coverage your Georgia business may need? Read our full Georgia Business Insurance Guide.

Obtain Business Licenses If Needed

While Georgia doesn’t require a general state business license, your LLC may need specific licenses or permits based on its industry, location, and activities.

• State-Level Licenses: Contact the Georgia Professional Licensing Boards Division to determine if your business requires any state-issued licenses or permits.
• Local Licenses: Check with your city or county clerk’s office to identify any local licensing requirements, such as zoning permits or health department approvals.
• Federal Licenses: If your business activities are regulated by a federal agency (e.g., selling alcohol, firearms, or operating in transportation), consult the U.S. Small Business Administration’s guide to determine necessary federal licenses or permits.

For a comprehensive overview and step-by-step instructions, refer to our Georgia Business License Guide.

Pay Georgia LLC Taxes

Your Georgia LLC will have several key tax obligations: 

Sales and Use Taxes

If you’re selling goods or services in Georgia or selling to Georgia customers, you will need to register for a seller’s permit through the Georgia Tax Center website. 

This permit allows your business to collect sales tax on taxable sales. 

Sales tax, also called “Sales and Use Tax,” is a tax levied by states, counties, and municipalities on business transactions involving the exchange of certain taxable goods or services.

Read our sales tax guide to find out more.

Income Taxes

As an LLC operating in Georgia, your state income tax obligations depend on how your business is taxed federally. Georgia applies different flat income tax rates for individuals and corporations:

Personal Income Tax (5.19%): Single-member and multi-member LLCs taxed as partnerships pay Georgia’s 5.19% personal income tax on their share of profits through personal returns. This rate was reduced from 5.39% in 2025 under Georgia House Bill 111.

Corporate Income Tax (5.39%): LLCs electing C Corporation status pay 5.39% corporate income tax on net taxable income according to current Georgia Department of Revenue guidelines.

Pass-Through Entity Tax Election: Multi-member LLCs may elect to pay entity-level tax under Georgia House Bill 149. Single-member LLCs are ineligible for this election. The election applies a 5.75% rate, and members receive credits on personal returns. Verify current PTET rate with Georgia Department of Revenue.

While you can submit your tax returns by mail using the relevant tax forms, we recommend filing online through the Georgia Tax Center, as it can be significantly simpler and quicker.

Business Privilege Taxes

A number of business activities and industries in Georgia have a corresponding tax that your LLC will need to pay for the right to be able to engage in, such as the:

• Film Tax
• State Hotel-Motel Fee
• Fireworks Excise Tax
• Non-Prepaid 911 and Prepaid Wireless 911 Charges
• Transportation Services Tax

You can find a full list of all these business taxes, as well as more details on how they work, on the Georgia Department of Revenue website.

Employer Taxes 

If you have employees in Georgia, you will need to register for Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax with the Georgia Department of Labor. You will also need to sign up for Employee Withholding Tax through the Georgia Department of Revenue. 

Local Taxes 

Some Georgia cities have their own income tax requirements that may affect your LLC. Cities like Atlanta and Savannah impose their own unique taxes specific to their local area.

You can view local tax requirements on the Georgia Department of Revenue website. 

Most Georgia LLCs must file their state tax returns by April 15. For help understanding your full tax obligations — and making sure nothing gets missed — check out our full Georgia LLC Tax Guide.

File the Annual Registration

All LLCs in Georgia must file an annual report, known in the state as the annual registration, with the Secretary of State. This filing keeps your business’s information (e.g., name, registered agent, address, etc.) up to date with the state.

Annual registrations are due by April 1 each year.

File Online: You can file your annual registration online through the Georgia Secretary of State’s eCorp portal along with the $55 fee ($60 for paper filings). Failure to file the annual report will lead to your LLC being administratively dissolved or revoked.

To stay on top of this deadline and other important compliance tasks, we recommend hiring a professional registered agent service — they can help ensure you never miss a filing.