How to Start an LLC in Georgia (Complete Guide)
🍑 Georgia LLC Guide

How to Start an
LLC in Georgia

Georgia is one of the cheapest and fastest states to form an LLC — no publication requirement, just $100 online at ecorp.sos.ga.gov. Here’s how to do it right and avoid costly dissolution.

$100
State Filing Fee
7 Days
Typical Online Approval
$50
Annual Registration Fee
🔗 Official filing portal:  ecorp.sos.ga.gov
Quick Answer

The Short Version

To start an LLC in Georgia, file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State at ecorp.sos.ga.gov, pay the $100 online fee ($110 by mail), appoint a registered agent with a Georgia street address, and get an EIN from the IRS. No newspaper publication is required. You must file a $50 Annual Registration each year Jan 1 – Apr 1.

💡 Pro tip: File online — approval is 5-7 business days vs 15 days by mail. Expedited 2-day is +$100, same-day +$250 at ecorp.sos.ga.gov.
Step by Step

How to Form Your Georgia LLC in 7 Steps

1

Choose a Name That Meets Georgia Rules

Must include “LLC”, “L.L.C.” or “Limited Liability Company” and be distinguishable on GA Corporations Division search. No restricted words like Bank without approval. Optional reservation: $25 for 30 days at ecorp.sos.ga.gov.

2

Appoint a Registered Agent in Georgia

Every GA LLC needs an agent with a physical GA street address (not PO Box) available 9-5 to receive service of process. Can be you, but your address becomes public. Using a service ($0-$49/yr) keeps privacy.

3

File Articles of Organization with GA Secretary of State

This is what creates your LLC. File online at ecorp.sos.ga.gov — the official portal.

⚠️ Fee: $100 online (card), $110 by mail (check). Processing: 7 business days online, 15 days mail. Expedite: +$100 for 2 days, +$250 same day, +$1000 1-hour in person.
4

Create an Operating Agreement (Recommended)

Georgia does not legally require it, but banks, courts, and partners will ask. Defines ownership %, voting, profit split, dissolution.

5

Get Your EIN from the IRS

Free at IRS.gov — 15 minutes online. Needed for bank account, hiring, and GA Tax Center registration.

6

File Your Annual Registration

Every year Jan 1 – Apr 1. $50 online at ecorp.sos.ga.gov. Miss April 1 = $25 late fee. Fail 2 years = administratively dissolved.

7

Handle Georgia Tax & License Requirements

Register for sales tax if selling goods via Georgia Tax Center. Get city/county business license. Separate business bank account to preserve liability.

Recommended for Georgia

Best LLC Services for Georgia

Bizee original logo
⭐ #1 Best for Georgia LLC on a Budget

Free LLC formation + 1 year registered agent. You only pay the $100 GA state fee. Perfect for bootstrapped founders filing via ecorp.sos.ga.gov.

Visit Bizee →
LegalZoom original logo
⭐ Best for Legal Compliance

Attorney-backed operating agreements and ongoing compliance alerts so you never miss Georgia’s $50 annual registration deadline.

Visit LegalZoom →
Doola original logo
⭐ Best for Startups & Non-US Founders

Built for startups and non-US residents. Handles Articles, EIN, bank account setup and keeps you compliant with GA Secretary of State.

Visit Doola →
Business Rocket original logo
⭐ Best for Privacy & Speed

Same-day filing prep and private registered agent address. Fastest route to get your Georgia LLC approved without exposing your home address.

Visit Business Rocket →

Georgia LLC Costs — Complete Breakdown

Fee TypeAmount
Articles of Organization (online at ecorp.sos.ga.gov)$100
Articles of Organization (mail)$110
Name Reservation (optional, 30 days)$25
Annual Registration (due Jan 1 – Apr 1)$50 / year
Amended Annual Registration (late)$50 + $25 late fee
Registered Agent (if using service)$0 – $149 / year
Good news: Georgia has no publication requirement and no newspaper fees. That’s $100-$150 saving vs. NY/AZ/NE.

After Formation Checklist

  • Open business bank account with EIN + Articles (Mercury, Relay, or local bank)
  • File Beneficial Ownership Report (BOI) to FinCEN within 90 days — free at fincen.gov
  • Register for Georgia sales tax if selling goods — via Georgia Tax Center
  • Get city/county business license — Atlanta, Savannah, etc. vary by location
  • Set reminder: $50 Annual Registration Jan 1 – Apr 1 at ecorp.sos.ga.gov

Georgia LLC FAQ

How long does Georgia LLC approval take?
Online filings at ecorp.sos.ga.gov are typically approved in 5-7 business days. Expedited 2-day +$100. Mail 12-15 days.
Is there a publication requirement in Georgia?
No. Unlike NY, AZ, NE, Georgia does not require newspaper publication. You save $40-$200.
What is the $50 annual fee?
Every GA LLC must file Annual Registration Jan 1 – Apr 1 each year and pay $50. Updates address/agent. Late = $25.
Can I be my own registered agent?
Yes, if you have a GA street address and are available business hours. Your name/address becomes public. Most use $0-$49 service for privacy.
© Georgia LLC Guide • Not legal advice • ecorp.sos.ga.gov