Forming an Georgia LLC

(2025 Guide)

2025 LLC Guide

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How to Start an LLC in Georgia (Step-by-Step Guide)

Discover how to start an LLC in Georgia, our step-by-step guide. Learn the essential requirements and process to form your business today.

To establish an LLC in Georgia, you need to submit the Articles of Organization to the Georgia Secretary of State. This process costs $100 and takes approximately 10 days for approval.

Here are the 5 steps you need to follow:

Choose an LLC Name

Select a Registered Agent

File Articles of Organization

Create an Operating Agreement

Obtain an EIN

If you prefer to set up your LLC on your own, refer to our complimentary guide below. For those who would rather have assistance, we suggest hiring Northwest Registered Agent.

Need to save time?

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Georgia?


It costs $100 to start an LLC in Georgia.

And then it costs $50 per year.

What are these fees for?

The $100 is to file the Articles of Organization – the document that creates an LLC.
The $50 per year is for your Annual Registration – a mandatory filing that keeps your LLC in good standing.
To learn more about LLC Costs, see LLC Costs in Georgia.

How long does it take to get an LLC in Georgia?


If you file your LLC by mail, it will be approved in 15 business days (plus mail time).

But if you file online, your LLC will be approved in 7-10 business days.

Please see How long does it take to get an LLC in Georgia to check for any delays.

Here are the steps to forming an LLC in Georgia

1. Check Your LLC Name

Start by searching your desired LLC name to ensure it’s available in Georgia. It’s crucial because no two businesses in the state can share the same name.

Begin by comparing your chosen name with existing businesses in Georgia. You can verify the uniqueness of your LLC name using the Georgia Corporations Division: Business Search tool.

 

Next, acquaint yourself with the state’s naming rules to ensure your LLC name gets approved. We’ll dive deeper into these requirements here: Georgia LLC Name.

Note: 

Most people choose “LLC”.

2. Select a Florida Registered Agent

The following step involves selecting a Registered Agent. A Georgia Registered Agent is an individual or company responsible for receiving legal mail and state notices on behalf of your Georgia Limited Liability Company.

Who is eligible to be an LLC Registered Agent? You have three options for appointing a Registered Agent:

You
A friend or family member
A Registered Agent Service

Georgia mandates that LLC Registered Agents must maintain a physical street address within the state. PO Boxes are not permissible. The name and address of the Registered Agent will be included in public records.

If you lack an address in Georgia or desire increased privacy, you can opt for a Registered Agent Service for your LLC.

We suggest Northwest Registered Agent

One of the aspects we appreciate most about Northwest is their willingness to allow you to use their office address for your LLC filing. This ensures your personal address is not listed in public records.

Additionally, they provide a service to scan any mail addressed to your LLC and upload it to your online account. Northwest offers exceptional customer service, and we trust them as our own Registered Agent.

Special offer: 

Form your LLC with Northwest for $39 + state fee and get a free year of Registered Agent service.

(Read our Northwest Registered Agent review.)

3. Submit Articles of Organization & Transmittal Form

To establish an LLC, you must submit a document known as the Articles of Organization. This document is filed with the Georgia Secretary of State.

Filing the Articles of Organization online incurs a $100 fee. This is a one-time cost to set up your LLC.

If you prefer to handle the filing yourself, consult our comprehensive guide: Georgia Articles of Organization. Alternatively, you can hire a service to complete the process for you.

Need to save time? 

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

4. Draft an LLC Operating Agreement

An LLC Operating Agreement acts as a complementary document to the Certificate of Formation. While the Certificate of Formation establishes your LLC, the Operating Agreement identifies the owners of the LLC.

Moreover, many banks require an Operating Agreement when setting up an LLC bank account. It is also invaluable if legal issues arise, as it demonstrates the proper management of your LLC. For these reasons, we advise all LLCs, including Single-Member LLCs, to have an Operating Agreement.

Additionally, an Operating Agreement is considered an “internal document.” This means you don’t need to file it with the state or the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). Simply keep a copy with your business records. You can download a free template below. Then, watch our Georgia Operating Agreement video for a step-by-step guide on how to complete it.

Download a free LLC Operating Agreement:

Member-managed: Google Doc | Word | PDF
Manager-managed: Google Doc | Word

(What’s better? See Member-managed vs Manager-managed LLC)

5. Obtain an EIN for Your LLC

The following step is to secure a Georgia EIN from the IRS for your LLC. Note: An EIN, also known as a Federal Tax ID Number or Federal Employer Identification Number, is essential.

An EIN is needed to:
– Identify your LLC for tax purposes
– Open a business bank account
– Apply for business licenses and permits

How much does an EIN cost? The IRS provides an EIN at no charge.

How long does it take to receive an EIN? Online applications are processed in 15 minutes, while mail or fax applications may take 1-3 months.

How can I obtain an EIN?
– US Citizens/Residents: With an SSN or ITIN, apply online. Follow these instructions: Apply for an EIN online.
– Non-US Residents: You can’t apply online, but you can obtain an EIN via fax or mail. See these instructions: How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.

What should I do after my LLC is approved?

After your LLC gets the green light, there are a few more tasks to handle.

Open an LLC business bank account

Start by setting up a business bank account for your LLC. This simplifies accounting and keeps your financial records organized. Additionally, a dedicated business account helps protect your personal liability by keeping business and personal finances separate.

Get business licenses and permits

The good news is that Georgia doesn’t require a state general business license. However, depending on your LLC’s location, a local business license or permit might be necessary. For instance, if you’re starting a daycare, a city or county business license may be required. You can find more details on our Georgia Business License page.

File your Annual Registration

Every Georgia LLC must submit an Annual Registration each year to stay in good standing with the state. The filing fee for the Annual Registration is $50 per year. It’s due annually by April 1st. Your first Annual Registration is due the year following your LLC’s approval. For example, if your LLC was approved on February 15, 2025, your first Annual Registration is due by April 1, 2026. You can file your LLC’s Annual Registration online or by mail, though we suggest online filing for its convenience. Follow our step-by-step guide here: Georgia LLC Annual Registration.

File and pay taxes

LLCs don’t pay federal income tax directly. Instead, the LLC members handle taxes as part of their personal tax returns. Essentially, owners pay taxes for the LLC. Your LLC’s taxation by the IRS depends on its ownership: A Single-Member LLC is taxed like a Sole Proprietorship, while a Multi-Member LLC is taxed like a Partnership. You can also choose to have the IRS tax your LLC as a C-Corporation or S-Corporation. Besides federal taxes, be aware of state and local income taxes, as well as sales tax. Learn more in Georgia LLC Taxes.

Helpful Resources

Georgia Secretary of State

Phone: 404-656-2817
Hours: 8am – 5:30pm, M-F
Website: Georgia Secretary of State
Contact: Georgia Corporations Division

Georgia Department of Revenue

Phone: 877-423-6711 (option #1 for business)
Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm, M-F
Website: Georgia Department of Revenue
Contact: Georgia Department of Revenue: Contact Us

How to Start an LLC in Georgia FAQs

Can I start an LLC online in Georgia?

Yes, you can establish your LLC online in Georgia. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $100. When you file online, your LLC will be approved within 7-10 business days

An LLC provides the benefit of protecting your personal assets, such as your home, cars, and bank accounts, in case your business faces a lawsuit. This protection covers all LLC Members, whether you have a Single-Member or Multi-Member LLC. This safeguard isn’t available for Sole Proprietorships or Partnerships, making LLCs a more popular choice. Another advantage is pass-through taxation, where the LLC itself doesn’t pay federal income taxes. Instead, profits go directly to the LLC Members, who then pay taxes on their personal returns. Georgia also aligns its state income taxes with federal tax treatment for LLCs. For more details, see How are LLCs taxed.

The suitability of Georgia for starting an LLC depends on your location and business operations. If you live or conduct business in Georgia, forming your LLC there is advisable. Despite discussions about tax advantages in other states, these don’t apply if they’re not your business’s location. For instance, forming an LLC in Delaware while living and working in Georgia would require registering in Georgia too, incurring extra fees and taxes without benefits. Therefore, if you’re in Georgia, it’s a good state to start your business. If not, consider your local state. However, if buying real estate elsewhere, form your LLC in that property’s state. For further information, check Best State to Form an LLC.

Domestic and Foreign LLCs differ based on formation location and business purpose. A Domestic LLC is formed in the owner’s home state, where they live and operate. For instance, if you’re in Georgia, you’d form a Domestic LLC there. A Foreign LLC is formed in a state different from its home state. For example, expanding from Georgia to Florida requires registering as a Foreign LLC in Florida. LLCs are state-level entities, so doing business in multiple states requires forming a Domestic LLC in your home state and a Foreign LLC elsewhere.

A Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) is an LLC for offering professional services, which need special state permissions like licenses or certifications. Professions such as architects, attorneys, doctors, and veterinarians must register as PLLCs. For more on PLLCs and their requirements, see What’s a Professional LLC? For more on Foreign and Domestic LLCs, visit Foreign LLCs by State and Difference between Domestic LLCs and Foreign LLCs.

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