How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Georgia?

Georgia LLC Online Filing Fee: $100

The main cost tostart an LLC Georgiais the $100 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the Georgia Corporations Division.

For a look at LLC costs in every state, read our otherCost to Start an LLCandHow to Form an LLCguides.

Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Georgia

If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Georgia, you’ll need to register your LLC as aforeign LLC in Georgia.

The cost for registering aGeorgia foreign LLC is $225. You can register a foreign LLC in Georgia by filing an Application for Certificate of Authority for Foreign Limited Liability Company (Form CD 241).

Optional LLC Formation Costs

There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:

LLC Name Reservation

Reserve your name for up to 12 months prior to LLC formation by filing theLLC Name Reservation Formand paying the filing fee. There is a $25 filing fee if you file online and a $35 filing fee if you file by mail.

Trade Name

File a trade name application to create a name other than your legal LLC business name. This process varies by county but typically costs around $170.

Notice of Trade Name

The State of Georgia requires that you publish notice of your trade name registration with a paper in the county once a week for two weeks. This process varies by county.

Seven Basic Steps to Start an LLC in Georgia

Step 1:Name Your Georgia 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 6:File the Annual Registration
Step 7:Keep Your Company Compliant

Step 1: Name Your Georgia LLC

When you name your Georgia LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:

1. Is available for use in the state of Georgia
2. Meets Georgia naming requirements
3. Is available as a web domain

Recommended:Visit ourStart an LLC in Georgiaguide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in Georgia.

Not sure what to name your business?Check out ourHow to Name a Businessguide and freeLLC Name Generator.

We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a网络域. Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

All LLCs in Georgia must appoint aregistered agent. A registered agent primarily acts as your LLC’s main point of contact with the state. But most importantly, they are responsible for acceptingservice of processin the event your business is sued.

Your Georgia registered agent must:

• Be at least 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in Georgia
• Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process

Step 3: File the Articles of Organization

TheGeorgia Form CD 030 - Articles of Organizationis a document that is filed with the Georgia Secretary of State to form an LLC. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $100 for online filings and $110 for mail filings.

For detailed instructions for completing the Articles of Organization, visit ourHow to File the Georgia Articles of Organizationguide.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement isn't required for Georgia LLCs, 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 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 ourGeorgia LLC operating agreementguide.

Step 5: Get an EIN

What is an EIN?AnEINor Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by theInternal Revenue System (IRS)to identify a business for tax reporting purposes.An EIN is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.

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

• Opening abusiness bank account
• Hiring employees

Step 6: 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:你可以在网上throu文件年度登记gh the Georgia Secretary of State’seCorp portalalong with the $50 fee. Failure to file the annual registration will lead to your LLC being administratively dissolved or revoked.

Step 7: Keep Your Company Compliant

Maintaining your Georgia LLC involves compliance with various federal, state, and local regulations. Here are the primary components:

• Licenses & Permits: Adhere to all licensing and permit requirements relevant to your business. For specifics, refer to the Georgia Business License guide. It may be beneficial to use a professional service to research your business's licensing needs.
• LLC Tax Filing: Georgia sales tax is 4%, plus local taxes of up to 5%, if you’re selling physical products. If hiring, you’ll need to register for Unemployment Insurance Tax and Employee Withholding Tax. State income tax brackets range from 1% to 5.75%, due annually by April 18. Federal income taxes apply too.
• Hiring Employees: Verify US work eligibility, report new hires to the state, provide workers' compensation, withhold taxes, and display compliance posters in the workplace.

Regular compliance ensures your Georgia LLC remains in good standing. For additional resources such as sample job descriptions or payroll service reviews, consult ourSmall Business Hiring Guide.