How to Form a Company in Georgia

Introduction

If you’re looking to start a new business, you’ve probably already figured out that there are lots of things to consider. One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether or not forming an LLC is right for your company. If it is, you’ll next have to get all the paperwork in order so that you can legally operate as a limited liability company in Georgia. That’s where we come in: We’ve got everything you need right here!

Step 1: Determine the type of limited liability company you wish to form.

You’ll need to determine the type of limited liability company (LLC) you wish to form. The most popular choice is an LLC, but there are other options—S corporation and C corporation—that provide important advantages in certain situations.

A Georgia LLC is the simplest choice: it’s easy to set up, manage and dissolve. It has some tax advantages over other types of entities, but these benefits can be lost if you have employees or operate as a professional service business such as an accounting firm or law practice. If you don’t have any employees or engage in any type of professional services business operation, then an LLC will likely serve your purposes well.

Step 2: Choose a business name.

Now that you’ve chosen the kind of business entity you want to form, it’s time to choose a name.

When choosing a name for your company, keep in mind:

• The name must not already be in use. You can check Georgia’s online database at georgia.gov/corporations/search to make sure there isn’t another company with the same name as yours. If there is one, you’ll have to come up with something new!
• Your company’s name should be different from any other business names registered in Georgia and elsewhere—even if they’re related businesses such as branches or divisions of the same parent corporation. In other words, don’t use “Georgia” or “Atlanta” in your title; if someone else has used those terms first (even if they’re not registered yet), then yours will likely get rejected by state authorities later on down the line when trying to register for licenses or permits etcetera..

Step 3: File articles of organization with the Georgia Secretary of State.

The next step is to file your articles of organization with the Georgia Secretary of State. This must be done within 90 days of forming your company, but you can also file a document called a “certificate of correction” to amend or change information previously filed. The only type of filing fee required is a $50 one-time initial filing fee, which covers all subsequent filings your LLC needs to make during its lifetime (like updating its registered office address or changing its name). Articles should include:

• Name and address of registered office
• Name and address of registered agent
• Purpose or nature of business for which limited liability company formed

Step 4: Obtain business licenses and permits, if required.

If you’re opening your company in Georgia and plan to sell products or services, you’ll need a business license and/or permit. Business licenses are issued by the county or city where your business will be located. A business license lets officials know that you’re operating legally in their jurisdiction and helps them keep track of how many businesses are operating in their area.

Business permits are similar to licenses but may require additional paperwork and fees, depending on what kind of business you’re running. In order to operate legally without obtaining these permits, your city may require that any unlicensed activity must take place outside city limits (such as selling goods at flea markets).

To obtain either of these documents, contact the appropriate department within each county or city that requires such documentation:

Step 5: File an annual registration report.

• File an Annual Registration Report

You will be required to file an annual report with the Georgia Secretary of State. The filing fee is $50 and the deadline for filing is April 1st of each year.

Forming an LLC in Georgia isn’t difficult, but you have to get the steps right and do them in the right order.

To form an LLC in Georgia, you need to follow the right steps in the right order. Before you begin, it’s important to know that forming an LLC is not difficult but there are certain requirements that must be met and procedures that must be followed. If you don’t file all of the correct forms with the right people at the right time, your company will not be legal and may not receive certain tax benefits. For example, if you don’t fill out Form 100 until after filing Articles of Organization with your Secretary of State (SOS), then your business won’t receive tax benefits for up to three years! To help make sure this doesn’t happen to you: get professional help from someone who knows what they’re doing—like us here at [Company Name].

Conclusion

With these steps, you’ll be on your way to forming a company in Georgia. And remember—if you have any questions about the process or need help with any part of it, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at LegalZoom. We’re here to help make sure your business is successful!