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Basic
$199
Fees for filing legal documents to register or maintain a business.
02 weeks processing
Agent fee
Registered Address
Document filing with the Secretary of State
Standard
$499
Fees for filing legal documents to register or maintain a business.
05 days processing
Includes everything in basic package
Comprehensive name check
Preparation of Articles of Incorporation
Lifetime customer support (phone & email)
Federal Tax ID (EIN) Obtainment Service
Premium
$599
Fees for filing legal documents to register or maintain a business.
01 day processing
Includes everything in standard package
2 hours of free tax consultation
Key Points of Georgia LLCs
Strong Privacy Protections
Georgia LLCs are not required to disclose member names publicly, offering a degree of ownership privacy.
No Corporate Income Tax on Pass-Through LLCs
Most Georgia LLCs avoid state corporate income tax by being treated as pass-through entities.
Business-Friendly Legal Structure
Georgia provides clear LLC laws and a stable legal environment, supporting long-term business growth.
Understanding Georgia LLCs
A Georgia LLC combines the liability protection of a corporation with the simplicity of a partnership, making it a top choice for entrepreneurs seeking legal safeguards and operational flexibility. It’s known for low formation barriers and a favorable business environment.
What is a Georgia LLC?
A Georgia LLC provides limited liability protection and flexible management. It separates members from business liabilities and allows either member-managed or manager-managed structures, defined through an optional operating agreement.
A Georgia LLC offers several benefits, including:
Asset protection, pass-through taxation, no residency requirement, and a streamlined formation process with minimal corporate formalities.
Why choose an LLC in Georgia?
Forming an LLC in Georgia offers personal liability protection, tax simplicity, and administrative ease. The state’s business-friendly policies and straightforward compliance requirements support long-term growth for both startups and established businesses.
Key Benefits Include:
Privacy Protection
Predictable Taxes
No Double Taxation
Legal Environment
Business Credibility
Clear Guidelines
Pros and Cons of an LLC in Georgia
Starting a Georgia LLC: Benefits
A Georgia LLC shields personal assets from business debts and lawsuits, supports unlimited members, and allows flexible management structures. Formation is fast, and there are no residency or citizenship restrictions.
Taxation of a Georgia LLC
Georgia LLCs enjoy pass-through taxation by default—income flows to members’ personal returns. LLCs can elect S-corp or C-corp taxation and are not subject to a separate franchise tax, though business license and registration fees apply.
Starting a Georgia LLC: Drawbacks
Georgia requires annual registration with the Secretary of State, and missing deadlines can lead to penalties or dissolution. Series LLCs are not authorized, and ownership transfers may need unanimous consent depending on the operating agreement.
Who Can Form an LLC in Georgia?
Any individual or business entity, including sole proprietors, corporations, or foreign entities, can form an LLC in Georgia without restrictions on the number or type of members.
Types of LLCs in Georgia
Domestic LLC (Georgia‑based LLC)
A domestic LLC is formed under Georgia law and operates within the state, offering limited liability protection and default pass‑through taxation.
Foreign LLC (Out‑of‑state LLC registering in Georgia)
A foreign LLC was originally formed in another state and wishes to do business in Georgia. It must register with the Georgia Secretary of State and appoint a registered agent in Georgia.
Professional LLC (PLLC)
Professionals licensed to practice in Georgia—such as doctors, lawyers, accountants—may form a PLLC. All members must hold the relevant professional licenses.
How to Start an LLC in Georgia
Choose a Business Name
Select a unique name that includes "LLC" or "L.L.C." and ensure it’s distinguishable from existing entities in Georgia. Use the Secretary of State’s name search tool to verify availability.
Appoint a Registered Agent
Designate a registered agent to accept legal documents. This can be an individual or a registered service company with a physical address in Georgia.
File the Articles of Organization
Submit Form LLC to the Georgia Secretary of State, providing LLC name, principal office address, and registered agent details.
Create an Operating Agreement
Though not required, it’s recommended to draft an Operating Agreement outlining ownership, governance, and profit distribution to reinforce liability protection and support tax compliance.
Georgia LLC Requirements
Age and Residency
Number of Members
Management Structure
Registered Agent and Office
Name Compliance
Georgia LLC Application
To start an LLC in Georgia, the key step is filing the Articles of Organization (Form CD‑030) with the Georgia Secretary of State. This officially forms your business as a legal entity in Georgia.
Required Information
The Articles of Organization must include:
- LLC name (must include “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “Limited Liability Company,” etc., and be distinguishable)
- Registered agent’s name and physical Georgia street address (no P.O. Box)
- Statement of whether the LLC is member-managed or manager-managed (management structure)
- Organizer’s name and signature (individual or entity filing the document)
- Optional effective date, if different from filing date
Filing Options
- Online: Use Georgia’s eCorp portal to submit the Articles of Organization electronically.
- By Mail or In Person: Submit the completed Form CD‑030 along with Transmittal Form CD‑231 and required fee to the Corporations Division, 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SE, Suite 313 West Tower, Atlanta, GA.
Post-Filing Requirements
- Operating Agreement: Georgia does not require filing an operating agreement, but it’s strongly recommended to govern internal rules.
- Annual Registration: All Georgia LLCs must file an annual registration between January 1 and April 1 each year to maintain good standing.
- Maintain Registered Agent: The LLC must continuously maintain a registered agent and registered office in Georgia; changes must be reported.
Georgia LLC Taxation
Corporate Income Tax
Georgia LLCs are pass-through entities by default, meaning profits are reported on members’ personal tax returns. The LLC itself does not pay income tax unless it elects to be taxed as a corporation.
Net Worth Tax
LLCs taxed as corporations in Georgia may be subject to a net worth tax, which is based on the company's taxable net worth within the state.
Sales and Use Tax
Georgia LLCs that sell physical goods or taxable services must collect sales tax. The state rate is 4%, with local rates added depending on location. Use tax may apply to out-of-state purchases used in Georgia.
Georgia LLC Annual Filing
What to File
Georgia LLCs must file an Annual Registration with the Secretary of State. This includes the LLC’s name, principal office address, registered agent information, and any changes to company structure or management.
Filing Deadlines
Annual Registration must be filed between January 1 and April 1 each year. New LLCs must file within 90 days of formation.
Penalties & Consequences
Failure to file the Annual Registration may result in administrative dissolution. Reinstatement requires additional fees and updated filings.
Expanding Your Georgia LLC
As your Georgia business grows, you may want to operate in other states. To do this, you must register your LLC as a foreign entity in each state and meet their specific regulatory requirements.
Registering a Foreign LLC in Georgia
If your LLC was formed in another state but intends to operate in Georgia, you must file a Certificate of Authority with the Georgia Secretary of State. This includes appointing a Georgia registered agent and submitting a certificate of existence from your home state.
Doing Business in Other States
To expand your Georgia LLC beyond state borders, register as a foreign LLC in each new state where you operate. This generally involves filing formation documents, providing a Certificate of Good Standing, and appointing a registered agent in that state.
Find The Right State To
Form An LLC
Every state has different rules, costs, and considerations for LLC formation.
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Doing Business in Georgia
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most states require you to have a registered agent to handle legal documents and notices during business hours.
While not always required by law, having an operating agreement is a smart move to outline your LLC’s rules and avoid disputes down the road.
An EIN is a federal tax ID; most LLCs need one to open a business bank account, file taxes, or hire employees.