How to Start an LLC in Georgia (2026)
Forming an LLC in Georgia costs $110 to file by mail and can be done online or by paper. This guide walks you through every step, from naming your LLC to opening a business bank account.
In This Article
What You'll Learn in This Guide
This guide walks you through every step to legally form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Georgia — from picking a name to staying compliant year after year. We've kept it practical, current, and free of unnecessary fluff.
Note
Georgia LLC formation costs $100 in state fees. Most founders complete the process in 7-10 business days, either DIY or through a formation service starting at $0.
Georgia LLC: Quick Facts
Last Verified: Feb 2026- Filing Fee (Online)
- $100
- Processing Time
- 7-10 business days
- Expedited Available
- No
- Annual Registration
- $50 (annual)*
- State Income Tax
- Yes
- Sales Tax Rate
- 4%
- Filed With
- Georgia Secretary of State,…**
- Last Verified
- February 21, 2026
* Annual Registration: $50, due Between January 1 and April 1 each year
** Filed With: Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division
What You Need to Know About Forming an LLC in Georgia
A Georgia LLC creates a legal barrier between your personal assets and your business liabilities. If your LLC gets sued or takes on debt, your personal bank accounts, home, and other property are generally protected. That separation is the entire point of forming an LLC instead of operating as a sole proprietorship.
Georgia's filing fee of $110 is moderate compared to other states, and the annual registration to keep your LLC in good standing is just $50 per year. There's no franchise tax and no publication requirement, which makes Georgia a relatively affordable and straightforward state for LLC formation.
The process starts with choosing an available business name, then filing your articles of organization with the Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division. If you file online, processing can be faster than the 15 business days typical of mail filings. Once approved, you'll get an EIN from the IRS, put together an operating agreement, and open a dedicated bank account. Most founders can complete the entire process within a few weeks.
Choose a Name for Your Georgia LLC
Your LLC name must be unique in Georgia and follow specific naming rules set by the Secretary of State.
Your LLC name needs to be distinguishable from every other business entity already registered in Georgia. You can check availability using the Secretary of State's online business search at ecorp.sos.ga.gov. Beyond being unique, your name must follow Georgia's specific naming rules.
Search available names →Georgia LLC Naming Requirements
Optional Name Reservation
- You can reserve your LLC name for 30 days before filing
- The reservation fee is $35
- This is optional but helpful if you're not ready to file immediately
Pro Tip
Search for available names using the Georgia Secretary of State's business search tool before you get attached to a name. It's free and takes two minutes.
Choose a Registered Agent in Georgia
Georgia requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a physical street address in the state who can accept legal documents on your behalf.
A registered agent is the person or company that receives official legal and government correspondence for your LLC. This includes things like lawsuit notifications, tax notices, and annual registration reminders from the Secretary of State. Georgia law requires that your registered agent have a physical street address in the state and be available during normal business hours.
Your Three Options for Registered Agent
- Yourself, if you're a Georgia resident with a physical address you're comfortable making public
- A trusted person you know who lives in Georgia and is reliably available during business hours
- A professional registered agent service, which typically costs $50 to $300 per year and keeps your personal address off public records
State Specific
Your registered agent must be an individual who is a resident of Georgia, or a business entity authorized to do business in Georgia. A P.O. Box cannot be used as the registered agent address.
File Your Articles of Organization with Georgia
This is the official filing that creates your LLC. You'll submit Form CD 030 (Articles of Organization) along with Transmittal Form 231 to the Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division.
To officially form your Georgia LLC, you'll file two documents with the Corporations Division of the Secretary of State. The Articles of Organization (Form CD 030) contain the core details about your LLC, including its name, registered agent, principal office address, and organizer information. The Transmittal Form (Form 231) accompanies the articles and includes your payment information. You can file online or by mail.
File Online
File by Mail
Expedited processing is available and can reduce the turnaround to about 2 business days if you need your LLC formed quickly. Once your articles of organization are approved, your LLC officially exists under Georgia law.
Pro Tip
Georgia's online filing system at ecorp.sos.ga.gov walks you through the process with a form-based interface. It's generally faster and easier than mailing paper forms.
Recommended: ZenBusiness
Beginner-friendly LLC formation with transparent pricing and a free starter option. From $0 + state fees.
Get an EIN for Your Georgia LLC
An EIN is a federal tax ID number for your business. You need one to open a bank account, hire employees, and file taxes.
Apply for your EIN directly through the IRS website at no cost. The online application takes about 10 minutes, and you'll receive your EIN immediately upon completion. You'll need your LLC's legal name and Georgia formation details handy when you apply.
Apply for your EIN on IRS.gov →Create an Operating Agreement for Your Georgia LLC
An operating agreement defines how your LLC is owned, managed, and run. Georgia doesn't require one by law, but every LLC should have one.
An operating agreement is an internal document that spells out the rules of your LLC. Even if you're a single-member LLC, an operating agreement strengthens the legal separation between you and your business. Banks sometimes ask to see it when you open a business account, and it's essential if you ever bring on a partner or investor.
Key Sections to Include
State Specific
Georgia does not legally require an operating agreement. However, without one, your LLC defaults to Georgia's LLC Act for rules about member rights, profit sharing, and dissolution. Writing your own agreement lets you set these terms yourself.
Open a Business Bank Account for Your Georgia LLC
A separate bank account keeps your personal and business finances apart, which is essential for maintaining your LLC's liability protection.
Opening a dedicated business bank account isn't just good bookkeeping. It's a critical part of maintaining the liability protection your LLC provides. If you mix personal and business funds, a court could decide your LLC doesn't truly function as a separate entity, which could expose your personal assets to business debts. This is called "piercing the corporate veil," and a separate bank account is one of the simplest ways to prevent it.
What to Bring When Opening the Account
- Your approved Georgia articles of organization
- Your EIN confirmation letter from the IRS
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Your operating agreement (some banks require this)
- An initial deposit (amount varies by bank)
Pro Tip
Many Georgia banks and credit unions offer free business checking for small LLCs. Shop around before committing.
Top 3 LLC Formation Services
We've independently reviewed the top LLC formation services in Georgia. Here's how they compare.
| Feature | ZenBusiness Best Overall Value | Northwest Registered Agent Best Privacy | Tailor Brands Best for Branding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0 + state fees | $39 + state fees | $0 + state fees |
| Formation Speed | 1-10 business days | Same-day filing | 2-14 business days |
| Support | Phone, Chat, Email | Lifetime Corporate Guides | Phone, Chat, Email |
| States Covered | 50 states | 50 states | 50 states |
| In Business Since | 2015 | 1998 | 2014 |
| Get Started → | Get Started → | Get Started → |
Frequently Asked Questions
What to Do Next
Once your Georgia LLC is approved, take these steps to set your business up for success.
Get an EIN
Apply for free in about 10 minutes at IRS.gov — required before opening a bank account or hiring anyone.
Open a Business Bank Account
Keep personal and business finances separate from day one. Bring your EIN, Articles of Organization, and a government ID.
Create an Operating Agreement
Even if Georgia does not require one, an operating agreement protects your liability shield and defines how the LLC is managed.
File Your Annual Registration
Set a calendar reminder now. Missing your Annual Registration deadline can result in late fees or administrative dissolution.
Ready To File?
Start your Georgia LLC with ZenBusiness — guided filing and compliance support included.
About the Author
Legal & Compliance Analyst
Daniel grew up in the shadow of Silicon Valley but chose the legal route over engineering, working as a paralegal for a corporate law firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions. He realized that early-stage founders were constantly making catastrophic legal mistakes because they couldn't afford a $500/hour attorney, prompting his move to B2B media.
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