How to Form an LLC in Georgia | 2025 Guide

If you’re looking for a clear and affordable way to protect your personal assets and run a legal business, take the first step and learn how to form an LLC in Georgia. A Georgia LLC limits your personal liability, offers tax flexibility, and is simple to set up—even if you don’t live in the state.

The process is managed by the Georgia Secretary of State and includes filing your Articles of Organization, appointing a Georgia registered agent, and staying current with annual registrations. We'll also discuss the Wise Business account. The global account that can help your company with all things cross-border.

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

Step 1: Choose a Name for Your Georgia LLC

Your business name must be distinguishable from existing names in the Georgia Corporations Division database. It must include “Limited Liability Company” or abbreviations such as “LLC” or “L.L.C.” per state law. Avoid misleading terms like “bank” or “insurance” unless you’re licensed in those industries.

Action items:

• Use the Georgia Business Search Tool¹ to confirm name availability.
• Reserve your LLC name for 30 days (optional) by filing Form CD-100 and paying the $25 filing fee.

If you plan to expand later, consider securing the domain name and trademark alongside the LLC name.

Step 2: Appoint a Georgia Registered Agent

A Georgia registered agent is required by law for every domestic LLC or foreign limited liability company operating in the state. The agent must have a business address in Georgia and be available during normal business hours to accept legal and state documents.

You can designate:

• Yourself (if you're a Georgia resident).
• Another individual in Georgia.
• Or hire a commercial registered agent service (typically $25–$300 annually).

A professional service ensures privacy and continuity if your business lacks a fixed physical location in the state.

Step 3: File Articles of Organization

To legally form a Georgia LLC, you must file the Articles of Organization with the Georgia Secretary of State, accompanied by Transmittal Form 231². These documents serve as the official record that your LLC exists and is authorized to do business in the state. The Articles include essential details such as the legal name of your LLC, its business address, and the name and address of your Georgia registered agent. You must also provide the name and signature of the organizer—the person submitting the documents on behalf of the LLC.

You have two options for filing: online or by mail. Online filing is done through the Georgia Corporations Division website³, and the fee is $100. This method is generally faster and preferred by most filers. If you choose to file by mail, the fee increases slightly to $110, and you'll need to send physical copies of both the Articles and the transmittal form to the Secretary of State’s office.

Processing times vary depending on the method. Online submissions are typically processed within seven to 10 business days, while mailed filings can take anywhere from four to five weeks. To avoid delays, ensure all required fields are completed accurately and the appropriate fee is enclosed. Once approved, your LLC will receive a Certificate of Organization, which confirms its legal formation under Georgia law.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

An Operating Agreement isn’t required by Georgia law, but it’s a critical internal document. It defines how your LLC operates, outlines member responsibilities, and sets rules for profit distribution and decision-making.

It also helps:

• Clarify roles in multi-member LLCs.
• Support your limited liability status in court.
• Demonstrate legitimacy to banks and investors.

Even single-member LLCs should create one to avoid being treated as a sole proprietorship in legal disputes.

Step 5: Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Issued by the Internal Revenue Service, the Employer Identification Number is a federal requirement for hiring employees, opening a business bank account, and filing federal taxes. You can apply online via the IRS website⁴ for free.

You’ll need your EIN to:

• Pay payroll and excise taxes.
• Apply for certain licenses.
• Establish business credit.

Even single-member LLCs need an EIN to avoid mixing personal and business finances.

Step 6: Register for State Taxes and Business Licenses

Depending on your business location and industry, you may be required to:

• Register with the Georgia Department of Revenue for sales tax, withholding tax, and other obligations.
• Apply for county or city-specific business licenses.

Use the Georgia Tax Center⁵ for tax registration and consult your local chamber of commerce or city website to check licensing rules.

Step 7: File Annual Registrations

Every Georgia LLC is required to file an annual registration with the Georgia Secretary of State to remain in good standing. This filing is due between January 1 and April 1 each year and comes with a $50 fee.

The process can be completed online⁶ through the Georgia Corporations Division website. As part of the registration, you must confirm or update your business address, list your members or managers, and verify the details of your registered agent. Failing to file the annual registration on time can result in penalties and may ultimately lead to the administrative dissolution of your LLC.

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What Are the Business Requirements for a Georgia LLC?

There are a few essential documents you need to prepare to start a business entity in Georgia. Here's what you need:

• Articles of Organization.
• Transmittal Form 231.
• Valid business address.
• Designated Georgia registered agent.
• Annual registration filings.
• EIN from the IRS.
• Business licenses depend on industry and location.

For foreign limited liability companies looking to register in Georgia, you’ll need to file a Certificate of Authority and appoint a registered agent.

What Are the Benefits of Starting an LLC in Georgia?

Georgia offers several advantages to entrepreneurs choosing to register a limited liability company in the state:

• Pass-through taxation: Profits are passed to members and taxed on their personal tax return, avoiding double taxation.
• No state-level franchise tax.
• Asset protection: Members are typically not personally liable for business debt.
• Low LLC filing and maintenance fees.
• Simple annual requirements.
• Flexibility to operate as a single-member or multi-member LLC

Georgia’s tax benefits and business-friendly regulations make it an attractive option for small businesses and startups.

How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Georgia?

Expense	Cost
Name Reservation (optional)	$25
Articles of Organization (online/by mail)	$100/$110
Annual Registration	$50/year
Registered Agent (optional service)	$25–$300/year
Business Licenses/Permits	Varies

Keep in mind that professional help or using an LLC formation service will add to the total cost.

Can I Open an LLC in Georgia Without Living There?

Yes, you can open a Georgia LLC even if you don’t live in the state. Georgia doesn’t require LLC owners or managers to be residents. However, you must still meet a few basic requirements:

• Appoint a registered agent with a physical address in Georgia to receive legal and official documents.
• Have a valid U.S. mailing address for tax and legal correspondence.
• File your formation documents and handle ongoing compliance through the Georgia Corporations Division, either online or by mail.

As long as these conditions are met, you can form and operate a Georgia LLC from anywhere, whether you're in another state or outside the U.S.

Can a Nonresident Open a Company in Georgia?

Yes. Georgia does not require U.S. citizenship or residency to form a domestic limited liability company or register a foreign entity. Nonresidents can fully own and manage a Georgia LLC, but a few additional steps are necessary to comply with federal and state requirements:

• Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service to handle taxes, open a business bank account, and hire employees.
• Apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you do not qualify for a Social Security Number.
• Understand that your Georgia LLC will be treated as a pass-through entity, meaning profits are reported on your personal tax return and may be subject to U.S. federal taxes, depending on your country’s tax treaty with the U.S.

With these steps in place, nonresidents can legally and effectively operate an LLC in Georgia.

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Comparison with Other States

Georgia stands out for its low startup fees, straightforward filing process, and favorable tax structure.

Feature	Georgia	Florida	North Carolina	Tennessee
Formation Fee	$100 (online)	$125 (online)	$125 (online)	$300
Annual Fee	$50	$138.75	$200	$300+ (franchise tax)
State Income Tax	5.75%	None	4.75%	6.5%
Franchise Tax	None	None	None	Yes
Non-Resident Formation	Allowed	Allowed	Allowed	Allowed
Processing Time (online)	7–10 business days	2–3 days	5–7 days	2–3 days

Georgia offers one of the most affordable LLC formation options in the Southeast, with a low $100 filing fee, no franchise tax, and a simple $50 annual registration requirement. It's a strong choice for entrepreneurs who want straightforward compliance and solid legal protections.

Florida is appealing to those prioritizing tax savings, as it has no state income tax, though its annual fees are significantly higher.

North Carolina provides a moderate balance between costs and taxes, but requires a larger annual payment.

Tennessee, while fast in processing, is the most expensive to maintain due to its steep franchise tax and high annual costs, making it less attractive for small businesses and startups.

FAQs About Georgia LLCs

Does Georgia Offer Privacy Protections for LLCs?

Georgia does not require the names of LLC members to be included in the Articles of Organization, which offers a basic level of privacy at the formation stage. However, when you file your annual registration with the Georgia Secretary of State, you may be required to list the names and addresses of managers or members, depending on your LLC’s structure. To reduce public exposure, many business owners opt for a manager-managed LLC, which allows only the manager’s name to appear on public records. Additionally, using a Georgia registered agent service instead of your personal address can shield your home address from public view, further preserving privacy.

Why Do People Use Georgia for LLCs?

Georgia is a top choice for business owners seeking a balance of affordability, legal protection, and growth potential. It has one of the lowest LLC formation costs in the country and no annual franchise tax, which makes it financially accessible.

The Georgia Corporations Division also offers a user-friendly online platform for filing and managing business documents, which streamlines compliance. From a strategic standpoint, Georgia’s central location in the Southeast and its robust infrastructure, especially around Atlanta, make it ideal for businesses involved in logistics, distribution, or regional service delivery.

The state is consistently ranked as one of the most business-friendly environments in the U.S.

Is a Georgia LLC Tax-Free?

Not entirely. While Georgia LLCs are exempt from state franchise taxes, they are not fully tax-free. The profits from your LLC are typically passed through to you as the owner and reported on your personal tax return, where they are subject to Georgia’s 5.75% state income tax.

The LLC itself does not pay income taxes unless you choose to have it taxed as a C Corporation. For most small businesses, the default pass-through taxation model is more beneficial, but it’s important to understand that federal and state income taxes still apply to your share of the profits.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Georgia LLC?

Despite many strong benefits for entrepreneurs, any Georgia LLC can face these limitations:

• State income tax: Georgia imposes a 5.75% income tax on individual earnings, including LLC pass-through income reported on your personal tax return.
• Limited privacy: While the Articles of Organization don’t require member names, the annual registration may make manager or member information publicly accessible.
• No centralized license system: Georgia does not offer a unified platform for state, county, and city business licenses, so you’ll need to research local requirements separately based on your business location.
• Annual filing requirement: All Georgia LLCs must file an annual registration. Missing the deadline can result in late fees or administrative dissolution by the Secretary of State.

Conclusion

If you want a low-cost, straightforward way to run your business legally, form an LLC in Georgia. File your paperwork, get your EIN, and stay compliant each year.

Georgia keeps costs low and compliance straightforward, without the extra franchise taxes some other states charge. If you're serious about starting a business and want to protect your personal assets from business debt or legal issues, forming a Georgia LLC gets you there with less hassle.

Learn How to Form an LLC in State
Alaska
Alabama
Hawaii
Florida

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Sources:

1. Georgia Business Entity Search
2. Georgia LLC Transmittal Form – CD 231 (PDF)
3. Georgia Corporations Division
4. Apply for an EIN – IRS
5. Georgia Tax Center – Department of Revenue
6. Georgia Secretary of State – eCorp