Georgia LLC
What Is a Georgia LLC?
A Georgia LLC is a limited liability company (LLC) formed in the state of Georgia. An LLC is a flexible entity that allows for different tax elections, simple maintenance and upkeep, and serves the basic functions of creating a separation between the personal assets of the owner/owners and the debts and liabilities of the business.
To form an LLC in Georgia, two formation documents called the Articles of Organization and Transmittal Information Form must be filed with the Georgia Corporations Division (a division of the Georgia Secretary of State). In addition to these forms, you must also pay a $100 filing fee at the time of formation.
Once your Georgia LLC is formed, you are required to file an annual registration and pay a $50 fee to the Georgia Secretary of State each year.
Form a
Georgia LLC
$225 Total
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Should I Form an LLC in Georgia?
We can't tell you what to do, but if you’re starting a new business, the LLC is now the most commonly formed business entity, as it offers flexible taxation options and simple maintenance. It's a solid choice for business beginners and seasoned entrepreneurs alike.
Georgia Registered Agent LLC offers quality LLC formation to help you get started on the right foot. Our services are accurate and our pricing is straightforward. We pride ourselves on being helpful and we’re always rooting for your success.
Starting an LLC
in Georgia?
Our Georgia LLC formation is the most complete package offered in the industry. Every step of the process is handled by our local filing experts so you never have to worry about costly filing mistakes.
GET STARTEDHow Does Our Georgia LLC Formation Package Work?
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Order Your Georgia LLC Formation Package Today
You can start forming your Georgia LLC right now by filling out our order form. Once you submit it, our team of business experts receive it immediately. -
We Process Your LLC Formation Documents
Once our team receives your submission, they start processing the formation documents and send them to the Georgia Secretary of State. -
We Send LLC Documents to the Georgia Corporations Division
Once everything is ready to go, the Articles of Organization and Transmittal Information Form are sent to the Georgia Secretary of State's Corporations Division. You’ll have access to a secure client portal to view your filing documents and any correspondence we receive on your behalf at all times. -
We Stick With You for the Whole Journey
We don’t just drop you there though. You’ll have access to our team of business experts and all their knowledge for the lifetime of your company.
Why Do We Charge Less?
Not all business formation services are created equal. We charge less than our competitors and here’s why:
It all has to do with where we started and where we are now. If we didn’t have a few helping hands along the way, our company would have been toast long ago!
Here’s our business motto in a nutshell: We want everyone to have a chance to get their slice of pie. If we can help make those first steps to getting on the road to business a little easier for you, then we have done our job.
We’re not going to charge your for things you don’t need or sell you things that you won’t use. Our prices stay the same year after year. We want you to have a clear idea of what you’re getting for what you’re paying. That’s why we’re always transparent about our pricing.
Free Business Documents
- Operating Agreement
- Resolutions
- Membership Agreement
When you hire Georgia Registered Agent LLC to form your Georgia LLC, our formation package includes all the business documents to get you off and running towards your business goals.
Before You File
Select a Name
The name of your LLC must include a term that identifies it as such. For example, it must include the words, or an abbreviated version of, “Limited Liability Company.” In Georgia, the name of your LLC cannot exceed 80 characters and must be discernible from any other legal business entity on file with the Secretary of State.
Choose a Registered Agent
All LLCs and corporations in Georgia must appoint a registered agent. If you have a physical street address in Georgia where you can accept documents delivered to you during normal business hours, you can serve as your own registered agent, but in doing so, your personal information will be made public record. You, of course, can hire us to serve as your registered agent for $25 a year. We let you use our address on your formation documents which means that your personal information is kept off public documents.
Draft & Finalize Your Operating Agreement
You can draft and finalize your operating agreement at any point during the formation process. But in our opinion, when it comes to operating agreements, the sooner the better. While the operating agreement isn’t filed with any agency, court or the Georgia Secretary of State, it is one of the most important documents for your LLC.
An operating agreement outlines important rules and regulations pertaining to your company such as: ownership, voting rights, and what happens in the event of divorce or death. Typically, these are important things to agree on before everything is finalized.
FYI, if you hire Georgia Registered Agent LLC to process your LLC formation documents, we include a free operating agreement with our formation package.
Forming Your Georgia LLC
If you have completed the preliminary business formation steps, like selecting a name and a registered agent, you can move onto forming your Georgia LLC. The following steps outline the “do-it-yourself” process to making your LLC official.
1. Complete the Articles of Organization
The Georgia LLC Articles of Organization is the primary business formation document required to form an LLC in Georgia.
What information is required on the Georgia Articles of Organization?
According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 14-2-120, the Articles or Organization must include the following in formation:
- The name of the LLC
- The date the Articles of Organization are executed
- The name, signature, and capacity of the organizer
The Georgia LLC Articles of Organization must be signed by the organizer. It is not necessary that the organizer of the LLC is a member of the LLC, however, they can be a member or a manager.
- The street address and county of the LLC’s initial registered office
- The name of the LLC’s initial registered agent at that office
- The mailing address of the LLC’s principal place of business
2. Complete the Transmittal Information Form
The Transmittal Information Form is a business formation form that is required for all Georgia profit and nonprofit business entities.
What information is required on the Georgia Transmittal Information Form?
The Transmittal Information Form must include:
- The primary email address of the LLC
- The name of the LLC exactly as it is listed on the Articles of Organization
- The name and address of the organizer
- The name and address of the registered agent
- The email address of the registered agent
- The signature of the organizer
When you hire us to form your LLC, we take care of filing this form too.
3. File the Documents With the Georgia Secretary of State
Both of these documents, and a filing fee of $100, must be submitted to the Georgia Secretary of State for approval.
How can I file the Articles of Organization?
You can file the Articles of Organization in person, online, or via mail.
If you are filing in person, you can pay with card, check, or money order. The Georgia Secretary of State does not accept cash payments. If you are submitting the Articles of Organization for filing via mail, you can pay with check or money order made out to “Secretary of State.” Online filing fees must be paid with a card.
After you submit the completed Articles of Organization and Transmittal Information Form, it will take around 12 business days for the Georgia Secretary of State to process them (or 3 business days if you pay the $100 expedite fee). When the LLC is officially formed, the state will issue a Certificate of Organization to the address of the organizer which is basically a birth certificate for your company (except you won’t have to frantically call your mom to find it the day before you need to go get your first passport).
Is there any way to keep my personal information off the public record in Georgia?
In Georgia, you are not required to list any personal information on the LLC formation documents. This means that if you hire a registered agent instead of serving as your own, all of your information stays private and off of public record.
Note: Many banks want to see ownership information listed on the formation documents in order to open an account. If this is the case with your bank, you may need to file an amendment before opening an account.
Keep Your Georgia LLC Going
Once the LLC is officially formed with the Georgia Corporations Division, there are a few additional steps to make sure it is operational. These steps include: obtaining an EIN, drafting and finalizing an operating agreement, and opening a business banking account. Each one of these steps is important in affirming the limited liability of your company.
Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Once you have formed your LLC by filing the Articles of Organization with the Georgia Secretary of State, the next step is to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). And EIN is like a social security number for your business. It is a unique nine digit number, issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), for federal tax purposes.
Getting an EIN is easy, quick, and free. Visit the IRS website to get one today.
Is it necessary that I get an EIN for my Georgia LLC?
It is possible that your LLC may not require an EIN. For example if you are creating an LLC as a holding company, you are not required to have one. However, if you plan to hire employees and engage in business, obtaining an EIN is a necessary step.
If I don’t live in the US, can I still get an EIN?
If you do not live in United States, and want to get an EIN, you can—there are just a few more steps involved. Typically, obtaining an EIN requires a Social Security Number. If you do not have one of those, you must first get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) first. Once you have that, then you can apply.
Another option is to hire us to get an EIN for you. We take care of all the steps and have it ready the same day.
Open a Business Bank Account
Opening a business bank account is one of the most important things you can do to solidify the separation of your personal assets from the debts and liabilities of your company.
What do I need to open a business bank account in Georgia?
To open a business banking account for your LLC, most banks require that you provide an EIN and an operating agreement. However, some banks may require other materials. It is a good idea to call ahead and check what else you might need so you can be prepared beforehand.
Note: Many banks in Georgia want to see ownership information listed on the formation documents in order to open an account. If this is the case with your bank, you may need to file an amendment before opening an account.
Your Georgia LLC is Formed. What’s Next?
After you form your Georgia LLC and solidify your business, you will need to complete your annual registration. The window to complete your annual registration begins on January 1 and ends on April 1.
How do I complete my annual registration?
There are several ways to complete your annual registration. You can complete it in person or via mail by completing the annual registration form available online at the Georgia Secretary of State website. Or you can quickly and easily complete it online (or from your smartphone via the Georgia SOS app).
What if I file my annual registration late?
There is a $25 late fee if you file your annual registration after the April 1st deadline.
Is there anything else I need to know about my Georgia LLC?
Some industries may require that you obtain certain business licenses to operate. These requirements can vary by jurisdiction. It’s always a good idea to double check and make sure you have everything you need to legally operate.