Heres everything you need to know to form a LLC in Georgia
Starting an LLC in the state of Georgia is affordable and easy. Advantage include limited liability protection, pass through taxation and increased credibility. You must register with the Secretary of State, pay the necessary fees and meet all naming and formation requirements.
Georgia LLC Fast Facts
State Filing Fee: $100
Processing Time: 15-20 business days
Additional Rush Filing Fee: $160
Expedited Processing Time: 2-3 business days
Before you begin you will need to gather some basic information to form your LLC in Georgia
- Name of business
- Your business address
- Who’s forming and managing your LLC
- Your industry
- A short statement of purpose
1. Check LLC Name
The first step is to choose your desired name, make sure it is unique and available. Search for your Georgia LLC name here: https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/BusinessSearch
Your name must contain the words “limited liability company” or “limited company” (you may abbreviate the world “limited” as “ltd” and “company” as “co.”) or the abbreviation “L.L.C”, “LLC”, “L.C” or “LC.”
2. Appoint a Georgia Registered Agent
All Georgia LLC’s need to designate a registered agent. This person or company agrees to receive notice of a lawsuit or other legal service for the LLC.
3. File Articles of Organization & Transmittal Form.
You will need to feel the articles of organization to create you LLC. These can be filed by mail or online at https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov
4. Create your LLC Operating Agreement
Create an operating agreement to define formalities. This is an internal document for your records and aids in liability protection granted by the LLC.
5. Get a Federal Tax ID Number (EIN)
If your LLC will have more than one member or will be hiring employees, it will be necessary to obtain an EIN. It is also needed to open a bank account. Apply online with the IRS here: https://www.irs.gov
Form: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf
6. Georgia State Tax Identification numbers
The Georgia Department of Revenue offers a consolidated state tax registration application: http://dor.georgia.gov
7. Elect S-Corp or C-Corp Taxation
S-Corp can help benefit owner employees who earn $75,000+ per year save on self-employment taxes. C-Corp benefits owners of $250,000+ which provide employee benefits or reinvest profits for business.
S-Corp election: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f2553.pdf
C-Corp election: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8832.pdf
8. Obtain Business Licenses & Permits
To legally run your business you must obtain applicable licenses and permits. You can search your business type and locality to see which federal, state, and local requirements you may need: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch/apply-for-licenses-permits-federal-state
9. Maintaining Your LLC with Ongoing Filings
Your LLC must file federal and state tax returns. GA LLC’s are required to file Georgia Annual Registration. If for any reason you need to update your company address or officers addresses you will need to file another registration and fee. http://dor.georgia.gov