How to Start an LLC in Georgia
Last Updated: by the TRUiC Team
Start an LLC in Georgia with these Five Easy Steps
- Step 1: Name Your Georgia LLC
- Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Georgia
- Step 3: File the Georgia Articles of Organization
- Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
- Step 5: Get an EIN
Or Simply use a professional service:
Starting an LLC in Georgia is Easy
To start a Georgia LLC you'll need to file Articles of Organization with the Georgia Corporations Division for a $100 filing fee. You can apply online or by mail. The Articles of Organization is the legal document that officially creates your Georgia Limited Liability Company.
Follow our step-by-step How to Start an LLC in Georgia guide below to get started today. You can learn more about LLCs and their benefits in our What is an LLC guide. To learn how to form an LLC in Spanish, read our Cómo crear una LLC en Georgia guide.
For more information on how to form an LLC in any state, visit our How to Start an LLC guide.
STEP 1: Name Your Georgia LLC
Choosing a business name is the first and most important step in starting your Georgia LLC. Be sure to choose a name that complies with Georgia naming requirements and is easily searchable by potential clients.
1. Follow the Georgia LLC naming guidelines:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company,” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
- Your name should not 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 Georgia? Make sure the name you want isn't already taken by doing a business search on the Georgia Secretary of State’s website.
3. Is the URL available? 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 today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.
Now that you have verified your business 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:
Tailor Brands ($35 + State Fees)
LegalZoom ($79 + State Fees)
STEP 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Georgia
You are required to nominate a Georgia Registered Agent for your Georgia 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' 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, authorized to conduct business in the state of Georgia. You may elect an individual within the company including yourself.
Recommended: Northwest provides the first year of registered agent service free with LLC formation ($29 + State Fees)
STEP 3: File Your Georgia LLC Articles of Organization
To register your Georgia LLC, you'll need to file Form CD 030 - Articles of Organization with the Georgia Corporations Division. You can apply online or by mail with the required information.
Now is 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 State of Georgia
- OR -
OPTION 2: File Form CD 030 by Mail
State Filing Cost: $100 online filing and $110 by mail, payable to Georgia Secretary of State (Nonrefundable)
Mailing Address:
Corporations Division 2
Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
SE, Suite 313 West Tower
Atlanta, GA 30334
Instructions: Make sure you follow the instructions provided by the State of Georgia.
Note: Paper filings must include a Transmittal Information Form
For help with completing the form, visit our Georgia Articles of Organization guide.
If you’re expanding your existing LLC to the State of Georgia, you will need to form a Foreign LLC.
STEP 4: Create a Georgia LLC Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is not required for an LLC in Georgia, but it's a good practice to have one.
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 LLC 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 a Georgia LLC EIN
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 a 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an LLC?
LLC is short for Limited Liability Company. It is a simple business structure that offers more flexibility than a traditional corporation while providing many of the same benefits. An LLC is one of several business structures, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation (C-Corp and S-Corp). For more information, read our What is an LLC guide.
Watch our 2 minute video: What is an LLC?
How do I name my Georgia LLC?
You must follow the Georgia LLC naming guidelines when choosing a name for your LLC:
- Include the phrase "limited liability company" or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
- Do not use words that could confuse your business with a government agency (FBI, State Department, CIA, etc.).
- Receive the proper licensing when using the words such as lawyer or doctor.
If you are having trouble coming up with a name for your LLC use our LLC Name Generator. That will not only find a unique name for your business but an available URL to match.
After you get your business name, your next step is getting a unique logo. Get your unique logo using our Free Logo Generator.
Do I need to get a DBA or Trade Name for my business?
Most LLCs do not need a DBA (Doing Business As). The name of the LLC can serve as your company’s brand name and you can accept checks and other payments under that name as well. However, you may wish to register a DBA if you would like to conduct business under another name.
To learn more about DBAs in your state, read our How to File a DBA guide.
Can I be my own registered agent in Georgia?
Yes. You or anyone else in your company can serve as the registered agent for your LLC.
Read about being your own registered agent.
Is a registered agent service worth it?
Using a professional registered agent service is an affordable way to manage government filings for your LLC. For most businesses, the advantages of using a professional service significantly outweigh the annual costs.
For more information, read our article on Georgia registered agents.
How long does it take to get an LLC in Georgia?
Filing the Articles of Organization takes 5 to 7 business days online and up to two weeks by mail. Expedited filings are also available for an additional fee.
To learn more, go to our How Long Does it Take to Form an LLC in Georgia guide.
What is the difference between a domestic LLC and foreign LLC?
An LLC is referred to as a "domestic LLC" when it conducts business in the state where it was formed. Normally when we refer to an LLC we are actually referring to a domestic LLC. A foreign LLC must be formed when an existing LLC wishes to expand its business to another state. If you are filing as a foreign Georgia LLC, read our guide for more information.
Do I need to file my operating agreement with the State of Georgia?
No. The operating agreement is an internal document that you should keep on file for future reference. However, many states like Georgia do legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement in place.
How do I get an EIN if I don’t have a Social Security number?
An SSN is not required to get an EIN. You can simply fill out IRS Form SS-4 and leave section 7b blank. Then call the IRS at 267-941-1099 to complete your application. Read our guide for international EIN applicants.
What tax structure should I choose for my LLC?
When you get an EIN, you will be informed of the different tax classification options that are available. Most LLCs elect the default tax status.
However, some LLCs can reduce their federal tax obligation by choosing the S corporation (S corp) status. To learn more, read our LLC vs. S Corp guide.
Do I need an EIN for my LLC?
All LLCs with employees, or any LLC with more than one member, must have an EIN. This is required by the IRS.
Learn why we recommend always getting an EIN and how to get one for free in our Do I Need an EIN for an LLC guide.
What is the minimum wage in Georgia?
The minimum wage in Georgia is $7.25 per hour.
How often do I need to pay employees?
Georgia requires wages to be paid at least twice per month, except for when wages are paid to officials, superintendents, or other heads or sub-heads of departments, who can be paid less frequently, according to the Georgia Department of Labor Employer Handbook.
Or Simplify Consider Using an LLC Formation Service
We reviewed and ranked the top 5 LLC formation companies.
Find out which is best LLC service for you.
Important Steps After Forming an LLC
Separate Your Personal and Business Assets
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your Georgia LLC is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.
You can protect your LLC in Georgia with these three 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.
Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank, credit union, business-loan friendly banks, one with many brick-and-mortar locations, and more.
2. Getting a business credit card:
- Helps categorize and separate all business expenses for end-of-year tax purposes.
- Helps build your business credit score — an essential step toward getting a line of credit or business loan in the future.
- Allows you to keep track of department expenses by issuing multiple cards (with multiple budgets) to your employees.
For a closer look at business credit cards and their benefits, check out our review of the best small business credit cards.
Recommended: Visit Divvy to apply for their business credit card and build your business credit quickly.
3. Hiring a business accountant:
- Prevents your business from overpaying on taxes while helping you avoid penalties, fines, and other costly tax errors.
- Makes bookkeeping and payroll easier, leaving you with more time to focus on your growing business.
- Manages your business funding more effectively, discovering areas of unforeseen loss or extra profit.
Recommended: Find out how much you could be saving today by trying our recommended accounting service.
For more business accounting tools, read our guide to the best business accounting software.
Get Business Insurance for Your LLC
Business insurance helps you manage risks and focus on growing your Georgia LLC. The most common types of business insurance 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 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. Businesses with one or more employees, including LLC members and corporate officers, are required by Georgia law to have workers' compensation insurance.
Ready to Protect Your Business?
Get the protection you need with a dedicated small business insurance provider. Find out how much insurance will cost you by getting a quote from our partners at Next Insurance.
Read our review of the best small business insurance companies.
Create Your Website
Creating a website is an important step in legitimizing your business. Every business needs a website and valid email address if you want your customers to find you.
Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.
Send Out a Press Release
Press Releases are among the easiest and best ways to promote your business. They are also one of the most cost-effective strategies as they:
- Provides publicity
- Establish your brand presence on the web
- Improve your website’s SEO, driving more customers to your website
- Are a one-time cost in terms of effort and money
- Have long-lasting benefits
Read our review of the best press release services.
Keep Your Company Compliant
Georgia Business Permits & Licenses
To operate an LLC in Georgia 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.
Fees for a Georgia business license and permit will vary depending on what sort of license you are seeking to obtain.
Find out how to obtain the necessary Georgia 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 U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) guide to federal business licenses and permits.
- State: Visit Georgia's Official State Page.
- Local: Contact your local Chamber of Commerce and ask about local business licenses and permits.
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.
Georgia 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:
Georgia Sales Tax
If you are selling a physical product, you’ll typically need to register for a seller's permit online 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.
Georgia Employer Taxes
If you have employees in Georgia, you will need 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
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.
Georgia LLC Annual Registration
Georgia requires LLCs to file an annual report with the Secretary of State. This can be done online at the Georgia Secretary of State website.
File your Annual Registration
File Online with the State of Georgia
Fee: $50 (Nonrefundable)
Due Date: Due by April 1st each year
Late Filings: Georgia assess a $25 late fees if you miss your filing deadline. Georgia will dissolve your LLC within 2 years for failure to file an annual report.
Avoid Automatic Dissolution
LLCs may face fines and even automatic dissolution when they miss one or more state filings. When this happens, LLC owners risk loss of limited liability protection. A quality registered agent service can help prevent this outcome by notifying you of upcoming filing deadlines, and even submitting reports on your behalf for an additional fee.
Recommended: Northwest offers a reliable registered agent service and excellent customer support. Learn more by reading our Northwest Review.
Hiring Employees in Georgia
If you plan to hire employees for your business, stay compliant with the law by following these steps:
- Verify that new employees are able to work in the US
- Report employees as "new hires" to the State
- Provide workers' compensation insurance for employees
- Withhold employee taxes
- Print workplace compliance posters and place them in visible areas of your work space
Find more information from Georgia's Department of Labor.
Recommended: Check out our Hiring for your Small Business Guide for resources like sample job descriptions, payroll service reviews, and more.
Small Business Resources
Get Help Starting a Business in Georgia
We understand that creating an LLC and getting your business up and running comes with many challenges. To help you succeed, we compiled the best local resources in every major metro area in Georgia. You can get free assistance in the following areas:
State of Georgia Quick Links
More Georgia LLC Information
Georgia Foreign LLCs
Forming a foreign LLC allows your company to operate as one entity in multiple states. If you have an existing LLC and want to do business in Georgia, you will need to register with the Secretary of State as a foreign LLC. This can be done by mail.
Register as a Foreign LLC in Georgia
File by Mail
Fee: $225 (Nonrefundable)
Mail to:
Office of Secretary of State, Corporations Division
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SE,
Suite 313 West Tower
Atlanta, GA 30334
How to Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in Georgia
A Certificate of Good Standing, known in Georgia as a Certificate of Existence, verifies that your LLC was legally formed and has been properly maintained. Several instances where you might need to get one include:
- Seeking funding from banks or other lenders
- Forming your business as a foreign LLC in another state
- Obtaining or renewing specific Georgia business licenses or permits
You can order a Georgia LLC Certificate of Existence online with the Secretary of State.
Order a Certificate of Good Standing
Request a Certificate of Good Standing Online
Fee: $10 (Nonrefundable)
How to Dissolve an LLC in Georgia
If at any point in the future you no longer wish to conduct business with your LLC, it is important to officially dissolve it. Failure to do so in a timely fashion can result in tax liabilities and penalties, or even legal trouble. To dissolve your Georgia LLC, there are two broad steps:
- Close your business tax accounts
- File the Georgia Articles of Dissolution
When you are ready to dissolve your LLC, follow the steps in our Georgia LLC Dissolution Guide.