To form an LLC (Limited Liability Company) in Georgia, you’ll need to file Articles of Organization with the Georgia Secretary of State. The filing fee is $100, and approval takes about 7-10 business days if filed online.
There are 5 steps to forming an LLC in Georgia:
- Choose an LLC Name
- Appoint a Registered Agent
- File Articles of Organization
- Create an Operating Agreement
- Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
If you want to form your own LLC, follow our free guide below.
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Georgia?
The cost to form an LLC in Georgia is $100.
The annual renewal fee is $50.
What are these fees for?
The $100 is to file your Articles of Organization—the document that officially creates your LLC. The $50 annual fee is for your Annual Registration—a required filing to maintain your LLC in good standing.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Georgia?
If you file your LLC paperwork by mail, it will take 15 business days (plus mailing time) to be approved.
But if you file online, your LLC will be approved in 7-10 business days.
Here are the steps to form an LLC in Georgia:
- Search for Your LLC Name
Search for your LLC name to make sure it’s available in the state.
You need to do this because two businesses in the state cannot have the same name.
First, search your business name and compare it to existing businesses in Georgia. You can ensure the LLC name you want is unique compared to existing businesses by using the Georgia Corporations Division: Business Search.
Second, familiarize yourself with the state’s naming rules (so your LLC gets approved).
- Choose a Registered Agent
The next step is to choose a Georgia Registered Agent.
A Georgia Registered Agent is an individual or business that accepts legal mail and state notices on behalf of your Limited Liability Company.
Who can be the Registered Agent for a Limited Liability Company?
You have 3 options for who can be your Registered Agent:
- You
- A friend or family member
- A Registered Agent service
The Registered Agent for your LLC must have a physical street address in Georgia. P.O. Boxes are not allowed. The Registered Agent’s name and address will be listed on public record.
- File Articles of Organization & Transmittal Form
To legally form your LLC, you need to file a form called the Articles of Organization. This form is filed with the Georgia Secretary of State.
Articles of Organization cost $100 if you file online. This is a one-time fee to create your LLC.
- Create an Operating Agreement
An Operating Agreement serves as a “companion” document to the Articles of Organization. The Articles of Organization create your LLC, and the Operating Agreement states who owns the LLC. Additionally, some banks require an Operating Agreement when you open an LLC bank account.
Having an Operating Agreement is helpful if you run into legal issues. It helps prove your LLC is being run properly.
- Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Your LLC
The next step is to get a Georgia EIN number from the IRS for your LLC. Note: An EIN is also called a Federal Tax ID Number or a Federal Employer Identification Number.
An EIN is used to:
- Identify your LLC for tax purposes
- Open a business bank account
- Apply for business licenses and permits
How much does an EIN cost?
Getting an EIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is free.
How long does it take to get an EIN?
If you apply online, it takes 15 minutes. If you apply by mail or fax, it can take 1-3 months.
What do I do after my LLC is approved?
After your LLC is approved, there are a few additional steps.
Open an LLC Business Bank Account
You’ll want to open a business bank account for your LLC. This makes accounting and record keeping much easier for your business finances. Having a separate business bank account also maintains your personal liability protection by keeping your business finances separate from your personal finances.
Get Business Licenses and Permits
The good news is Georgia doesn’t have a general statewide business license. However, depending on your LLC’s location, you may need local business licenses or permits. For example, if you want to start a daycare, you might need a business license from the city or county.
File Your Annual Registration
All Georgia LLCs must file an Annual Registration each year. This filing keeps your LLC in good standing with the state.
How much does a Georgia LLC Annual Registration cost?
The Annual Registration filing fee is $50 per year.
When is the Annual Registration due?
Your LLC’s Annual Registration is due on April 1st each year.
When is my first Annual Registration due?
Your first Annual Registration is due the year after your LLC was approved. For example, if your LLC was approved on February 15, 2025, then your first Annual Registration is due on April 1, 2026.
How do I file my LLC’s Annual Registration?
You can file your LLC’s Annual Registration online or by mail. Filing online is recommended as it’s easier to complete.
Pay Taxes and File Taxes
LLCs don’t pay federal income taxes. Instead, LLC Members pay taxes for the LLC. In other words, the owners pay taxes for the LLC as part of their personal tax returns.
