HOW TO START AN ATLANTA LLC
You can start an Atlanta LLC by filing the Articles of Organization with the Georgia Corporations Division and meeting the city’s local requirements.
We’ll show you how to form an LLC in the state of Georgia and establish your Atlanta LLC.
Or simply use a professional:
Starting an Atlanta LLC Is Easy
In order to form an Atlanta LLC, you’ll need to follow Georgia state laws and start an LLC within the state of Georgia.
Follow our step-by-step How to Start an Atlanta LLC guide to get started today.
Step 1: Name Your Atlanta LLC
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
Step 3: File the Articles of Organization
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 5: Get an EIN
Step 1: Name Your Atlanta LLC
Choosing a company name is the first and most important step in setting up your Atlanta LLC. Be sure to choose a name that complies with Georgia naming requirements and is easily searchable by potential clients.
1. Follow the Georgia naming guidelines for your Atlanta LLC:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
- Your name cannot include words 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, you can read the Georgia naming guidelines.
2. Is the name available in the state of Georgia? Perform a Georgia LLC name search on the Secretary of State website to ensure that your Atlanta LLC’s name is not already in use within the state.
To learn more about searching for a Georgia LLC name, read our full guide.
3. Is the URL available? We recommend that you check to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to start a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.
Now that you have verified your name and secured the URL you may select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you. We recommend using one of these professional services:
Step 2: Choose a Georgia Registered Agent
You are required to appoint a registered agent for your Atlanta LLC.
What is a registered agent? A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important tax forms, legal documents, notice of lawsuits, and official government correspondence on behalf of your business. Think of your registered agent as your business's point of contact with the state.
Who can be a registered agent for your Atlanta LLC? A registered agent must be a resident of Georgia or a corporation, such as a registered agent service, authorized to conduct business in the state of Georgia. You may elect an individual within the company including yourself.
To learn more about Georgia registered agents, read our full guide.
Recommended: Northwest provides the first year of registered agent service free with LLC formation ($29 + State Fees)
Step 3: File the Georgia LLC Articles of Organization
To register your Atlanta LLC, you'll need to file Form CD 030 - Articles of Organization with the Georgia Corporations Division. You can apply online or by mail.
Now is also a good time to determine whether your LLC will be member-managed vs. manager-managed.
File the Articles of Organization
OPTION 1: File Online With the Secretary of State
File Online- OR -
OPTION 2: File Form CD 030 by Mail
Download FormState Filing Cost: $100 online and $110 by mail, payable to the Georgia Secretary of State. (Nonrefundable)
Filing Address:
Corporations Division 2
Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
SE, Suite 313 West Tower
Atlanta, GA 30334
Note: Paper filings must include a Transmittal Information Form
For help with completing the form, visit our Georgia Articles of Organization guide.
Step 4: Create Your Atlanta LLC Operating Agreement
Georgia LLCs are not required to have an operating agreement, but we recommend creating an operating agreement for your Atlanta LLC.
What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.
Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.
For more information on operating agreements, read our Georgia LLC operating agreement guide.
Recommended: Download a template or create a free operating agreement using our tool.
Step 5: Get an EIN for Your Atlanta LLC
What is an EIN? EIN stands for Employer Identification Number. EINs are a nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to help identify businesses for tax purposes. It is essentially a Social Security number for a business.
An EIN is sometimes referred to as a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN).
Why do I need an EIN? An EIN is required to:
- Open a business bank account
- File and manage federal and state taxes
- Hire employees
What if I already have an EIN for my sole proprietorship? The IRS requires that sole proprietorships get a new EIN when converting to an LLC.
Where do I get an EIN? You can get an EIN for free from the IRS. Getting an EIN is an easy process that can be done online or by mail.
For International EIN Applicants: You do not need an SSN to get an EIN. For more information, read our How to Get an EIN as a Foreign Person guide.
Get an EIN
Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS
- OR -
Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax
Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
Fax: (855) 641-6935
Fee: Free
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Atlanta Business Permits and Licenses
To operate your Atlanta LLC, you must comply with federal, state, and local government regulations. For example, restaurants likely need health permits, building permits, signage permits, etc.
The details of business licenses and permits vary from state to state. Make sure you read carefully. Don't be surprised if there are short classes required as well. What’s more, fees for business licenses and permits will vary depending on what sort of license you are seeking to obtain.
The City of Atlanta requires all businesses operating within city limits to apply for a general business license. Businesses that conduct specific activities may also be required to obtain one or more regulatory permits from the city. Such businesses may include:
- Bakeries
- Daycares
- Grocery Stores
- Parking Lots
- Pawnshops
- Restaurants (both alcohol-serving and non-alcohol-serving)
- Theaters
- Peddlers
- Pet Kennels
- Nonprofit Organizations
A longer list of affected businesses can be found on the city’s Office of Revenue website.
Find out how to obtain necessary Atlanta business licenses and permits for your LLC or have a professional service do it for you:
- Business License Guide: Use our detailed Georgia Business License guide.
- Federal: Use the US Small Business Administration (SBA) guide.
- State: Use Georgia's Official State Page.
- Local: See the Atlanta Office of Revenue website for more information.
Recommended: If you are a first-time entrepreneur, consider having a professional service research your business’s licensing requirements. Read our best business license services review on Startup Savant.
Atlanta LLC Tax Filing Requirements
Depending on the nature of your business, you may be required to register for one or more forms of state tax.
Sales Tax
If you are selling a physical product, you’ll typically need to register for a seller's permit through the Georgia Department of Revenue website.
This certificate allows a 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 Georgia sales tax guide to find out more.
Employer Taxes
If you have employees in Georgia, you will have to register for Unemployment Insurance Tax with the Georgia Department of Labor. Employers who are required to pay Employee Withholding Tax will need to register with the Georgia Tax Center.
Register for Georgia State Taxes
Local Taxes
Depending on your business activity, you may need to register for additional tax accounts with the city. Check out the Atlanta.gov website to learn more.
Federal LLC Tax Filing Requirements
Most LLCs will need to report their income to the IRS each year using:
- Form 1065 Partnership Return (most multi-member LLCs use this form)
- Form 1040 Schedule C (most single-member LLCs use this form)
How you pay yourself as an owner will also affect your federal taxes. Visit our guide to learn more about how to pay yourself from your LLC.
Read our LLC Tax Guide to learn more about federal income taxes for LLCs.
File Your Georgia LLC Annual Report
Georgia requires Atlanta LLCs to file an annual report with the state. This form can be submitted online.
File your Annual Report
File Online with the Secretary of State
File OnlineFee: $50 (Nonrefundable)
Due Date: Due by April 1st each year
Late Filings: Georgia has a $25 late fee if you miss your filing deadline. Georgia will dissolve your LLC within 2 years for failure to file an annual report.
Small Business Resources
Get Help Starting an Atlanta LLC
After forming your Atlanta LLC, you will likely encounter many challenges. Take a look at our Georgia Business Resources page to find more information on resources for Atlanta entrepreneurs.
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TRUiC’s Small Business Tools
TRUiC believes business tools should be free and useful. Our tools help solve business challenges, from finding an idea for your business, to creating a business plan, writing an operating agreement for your LLC, and more.
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