Georgia, and Atlanta in particular, is one of the fastest-growing places to start a business. This guide to LLC formation in Georgia explains the filing, the annual registration and the deadlines that keep your LLC in good standing.
Forming a Georgia LLC is simple. Unlike Georgia corporations, LLCs do not need to publish a notice in a newspaper. However, the annual registration deadline matters. Therefore, set reminders from the start.
Our attorneys form Georgia LLCs and draft operating agreements at fixed prices.
Filing your Georgia LLC
Georgia LLCs are formed by filing Articles of Organization with the Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division, usually online. State fees change from time to time, so confirm the current amount when you file.
The articles list the LLC's name, registered agent and principal office. Moreover, Georgia LLCs do not need to publish a notice of formation. By contrast, Georgia corporations do have a publication requirement. Consequently, LLC formation is simpler.
Our LLC Formation service, from $99, handles the filing.
Annual registration and the April 1 deadline
Every Georgia LLC must file an annual registration with the Secretary of State. It is due between January 1 and April 1 each year, starting the year after formation.
Late registrations incur a penalty. Furthermore, failing to register can lead to administrative dissolution. Therefore, track the deadline carefully. Our annual report filing service handles it for you.
Georgia taxes
Georgia has a state income tax. LLCs taxed as partnerships or sole proprietorships pass income through to their owners, who pay Georgia income tax on their share. Georgia has moved to a flat income tax rate in recent years, which simplifies planning.
In addition, businesses may need to register for sales tax and withholding tax with the Georgia Department of Revenue. Similarly, Georgia offers an elective pass-through entity tax. Therefore, talk to an accountant about the best approach.
Your Georgia operating agreement
Filing with the state creates the LLC. However, the operating agreement decides how it actually works. Without one, Georgia's default LLC rules apply, and they may not match your deal.
What it should cover
A strong agreement sets ownership percentages and capital contributions. Moreover, it explains how profits and losses are allocated and when distributions are paid. In addition, it sets voting rules and decides whether the LLC is managed by its members or by managers.
Exits and disputes
Next, the agreement should plan for exits. For example, what happens if a member dies, divorces, becomes disabled or simply wants out? Similarly, how is a departing member's interest valued and paid? A buy-sell agreement can add detail here.
Georgia notes
Georgia does not require you to file the operating agreement with the state. However, Georgia's LLC statute gives members broad freedom. Therefore, a written agreement is the best way to set your own rules.
Our LLC Operating Agreement service drafts a Georgia-ready agreement, starting at $79.
Local business licenses
Most Georgia cities and counties require a business license, often called an occupation tax certificate. For example, businesses in the City of Atlanta need a city business license. Consequently, check local requirements after forming the LLC.
Licensed professions also need state licenses from the relevant board. Therefore, confirm licensing before you open.
Flat fee LLC formation pricing in Georgia
Our LLC Formation service starts at $99, plus state fees. Our operating agreement starts at $79. In addition, our annual report filing service keeps you ahead of the April 1 deadline.
If you need a corporation instead, our corporation formation service sets it up, including any required publication. For more, read our national guide to LLC formation and corporate structuring.
Common Georgia LLC mistakes
The most common Georgia mistake is missing the April 1 annual registration. Consequently, owners pay a penalty or risk dissolution. Another is forgetting the local occupation tax certificate.
Similarly, some owners skip the operating agreement or mix personal and business funds. As a result, liability protection can weaken. Therefore, open a separate bank account and keep a signed agreement from the start.
Moving a business to Georgia
If you formed your LLC in another state and now operate in Georgia, you may need to register as a foreign LLC. Our foreign qualification service handles that filing.
LLC or corporation in Georgia?
Most small businesses in Georgia choose an LLC for its flexibility and simple taxes. However, a corporation is sometimes the better fit. For example, startups seeking venture capital usually need a C corporation, often formed in Delaware and registered in Georgia. In addition, Georgia corporations must publish a notice of incorporation in the local legal newspaper, while LLCs do not. Consequently, compare both before you file. Our business formation consultation walks through the trade-offs for your plans.
Your first month after forming a Georgia LLC
Forming the LLC is only the first step. Next, obtain an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. It is free and usually issued online the same day. Then open a business bank account in the LLC's name. As a result, business and personal money stay separate, which protects your liability shield.
After that, register with the Georgia Department of Revenue through the Georgia Tax Center where needed, and obtain your city or county occupation tax certificate. Moreover, if you will hire employees, register for unemployment insurance and set up payroll withholding.
Finally, put your operating agreement in place and store it with your formation documents. In addition, calendar your recurring deadlines, such as annual reports and tax filings. Consequently, your LLC starts life organized and compliant.
Protecting your liability shield in Georgia
An LLC protects your personal assets only if you treat it as a separate business. Courts in Georgia, like courts elsewhere, can disregard the LLC in serious cases of abuse. This is often called piercing the veil.
Therefore, sign contracts in the LLC's name, keep business money in a business account and keep the LLC adequately funded. In addition, carry appropriate insurance, because an LLC does not protect you from your own personal negligence. Consequently, good habits from day one keep your protection strong.
Our LLC Formation services in Georgia
Every service below has a fixed price, is prepared by a qualified attorney and is delivered online — wherever you are in Georgia. Additionally, you can upload evidence, message your attorney and track progress from your secure client dashboard.
LLC Formation Documents in Georgia
Articles of organization, EIN guidance and initial resolutions (state fees extra).
Moreover, it is usually ready in 3 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order LLC Formation Documents — from $99 See what's included →
LLC Operating Agreement in Georgia
Single- or multi-member operating agreement.
Moreover, it is usually ready in 3 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order LLC Operating Agreement — from $79 See what's included →
Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Georgia
Formation of your corporation: articles of incorporation, bylaws, initial resolutions, share issuance and S-election guidance.
It includes prepared by our US legal team for your state, based on your questionnaire answers and documents, word and PDF, ready to sign, send or file. Moreover, it is usually ready in 5 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) — $999 See what's included →
Business formation consultation in Georgia
A confidential 45–60 minute phone or video consultation with a licensed US attorney about choosing and forming the right business entity. Get straight answers on your rights, options, risks and likely costs, and a clear plan for your next steps.
It includes 45–60 minute call with a licensed US attorney — phone, video or WhatsApp, upload documents beforehand so your attorney is prepared, your rights, options, risks and likely costs in plain English. Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Business formation consultation — $299 See what's included →
Annual Report Filing in Georgia
Preparation and filing of your company's annual report with the Secretary of State.
It includes prepared by our US legal team for your state, based on your questionnaire answers and documents, word and PDF, ready to sign, send or file. Moreover, it is usually ready in 2 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Foreign Qualification Filing (per state) in Georgia
Registering your company to do business in another state, including the certificate of good standing and registered agent.
It includes prepared by our US legal team for your state, based on your questionnaire answers and documents, word and PDF, ready to sign, send or file. Moreover, it is usually ready in 3 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Foreign Qualification Filing (per state) — $250 See what's included →
Buy-Sell Agreement in Georgia
A buy-sell agreement setting what happens to an owner's share on death, disability, divorce or exit — and how it is valued.
It includes prepared by our US legal team for your state, based on your questionnaire answers and documents, word and PDF, ready to sign, send or file. Moreover, it is usually ready in 7 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
LLC Formation across Georgia — cities we serve
We work with clients in every part of Georgia, entirely online. Therefore, it does not matter whether you live downtown or hours from the nearest courthouse. Your documents follow Georgia law and your county's local practice. Choose your city below to see local details and prices.
- Atlanta: LLC Formation Documents in Atlanta · LLC Operating Agreement in Atlanta · Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Atlanta
- Augusta: LLC Formation Documents in Augusta · LLC Operating Agreement in Augusta · Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Augusta
- Columbus: LLC Formation Documents in Columbus · LLC Operating Agreement in Columbus · Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Columbus
- Macon: LLC Formation Documents in Macon · LLC Operating Agreement in Macon · Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Macon
- Savannah: LLC Formation Documents in Savannah · LLC Operating Agreement in Savannah · Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Savannah
- Athens: LLC Formation Documents in Athens · LLC Operating Agreement in Athens · Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Athens
- Sandy Springs: LLC Formation Documents in Sandy Springs · LLC Operating Agreement in Sandy Springs · Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Sandy Springs
- Roswell: LLC Formation Documents in Roswell · LLC Operating Agreement in Roswell · Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Roswell
- Marietta: LLC Formation Documents in Marietta · LLC Operating Agreement in Marietta · Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Marietta
- Alpharetta: LLC Formation Documents in Alpharetta · LLC Operating Agreement in Alpharetta · Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Alpharetta
More Georgia services
LLC Operating Agreement in Georgia · Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Georgia · Business formation consultation in Georgia · Annual Report Filing in Georgia · Foreign Qualification Filing (per state) in Georgia · Buy-Sell Agreement in Georgia. See all legal services in Georgia.
Nearby states
Moving between states, or is the other party elsewhere? We also cover LLC Formation Documents in Florida, LLC Formation Documents in Alabama, LLC Formation Documents in Tennessee, LLC Formation Documents in South Carolina, LLC Formation Documents in North Carolina. See every location we cover.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Georgia?
Our attorney-prepared formation starts at $99 plus the Georgia Secretary of State filing fee.
When is the Georgia LLC annual registration due?
Between January 1 and April 1 each year, starting the year after formation.
Do Georgia LLCs need to publish a notice?
No. Georgia LLCs do not have a publication requirement, though Georgia corporations do.
Do I need a city business license in Georgia?
Usually yes. Most Georgia cities and counties require a business license or occupation tax certificate.
Do you form LLCs anywhere in Georgia?
Yes. We form Georgia LLCs and draft operating agreements for businesses statewide.
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This guide is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Every case is different — speak to a qualified attorney before you act.