How Much Does an LLC Cost in Georgia

From the standard $100 filing fee to a range of other expenses, read on to ensure you're financially prepared before creating an LLC in Georgia.

The primary cost to start an LLC in Georgia is the state registration fee of $100.^[1] However, getting started takes more money than that.

Figure out what you need to spend, including the optional fees that could balloon the total cost to more than $1,000.

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Georgia Domestic LLC Formation Filing Fee

Cost: $100 (online filing) | $110 (via mail)

All new LLCs in Georgia must submit the Articles of Organization to the Secretary of State. It details essential information about your company. This includes the company name, your name, and that of your LLC's registered agent. Once the application is approved, your LLC will be recognized as legally separate from you.

If you file the Articles of Organization online, the usual processing time is 7 days. If you file by mail, it will take around 15 days.

If you need to create your LLC faster, the Georgia Secretary of State offers expedited services. The fee depends on how soon you want it:^[3]

• $100 - 2 business days
  
• $250 - same day
  
• $1,000 - 1 hour

Georgia Foreign LLC Formation Filing Fee

Cost: $225 (online filing) | $235 (via mail)^[2]

If you already have an LLC in your home state and want to expand your business into Georgia, you'll need to apply for a Certificate of Authority.

You won't have to form your LLC again, but you must register with Georgia's Secretary of State as a foreign limited liability company.

Georgia LLC Annual Registration Fee

Cost: $50 (online filing) | $60 (via mail)

Every LLC registered in Georgia must complete an annual registration process between January 1 and April 1 of each year. This is a crucial step in maintaining your LLC's good standing and avoiding legal consequences.

An annual registration keeps your LLC's basic information current, including your registered agent, address, and members' names. This is your opportunity to update any changes in your business during the previous year.

Failure to file your annual registration for two consecutive years can lead to the dissolution of your LLC. This means your business will cease to exist legally, and you may face additional challenges.

Georgia Business Permits and Licenses

Cost: $0 - $500+

Georgia doesn't require a business license at the state level. However, you need a seller's permit if your LLC offers a physical product. In Georgia, this is called a Sales and Use Tax Permit. You can get it for free through the Georgia Tax Center (GTC).

All LLCs in Georgia typically need a business or operating license from their city or county. Cities like Atlanta and Columbus require a business license for all merchants that operate in the city.

You might also need a special business license, depending on your LLC's industry. Construction businesses will need a building and zoning permit. Meanwhile, accountants and interior designers will need respective professional licenses.

Georgia Business Taxes

Cost: 1% - 5.75% Individual Income Tax^[5]

By default, LLCs in Georgia are treated as pass-through entities for tax purposes. This means profits and losses are passed directly to members and reported on their personal tax returns.

However, depending on the nature of your business, your LLC may still be subject to paying different types of taxes. These taxes include:

• Adult Entertainment Tax
  
• Fireworks Excise Tax
  
• Motor Fuel Distributor Tax
  
• International Fuel Tax
  
• Transportation Services Tax

Optional Fees for LLCs in Georgia

While the LLC fees in Georgia below are optional, you may need to pay for some depending on your business needs. For example, obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing is often necessary when opening a business bank account.

As you plan your budget for your new Georgia LLC, remember to account for these potential additional expenses:

Georgia LLC Registered Agent Fee

Cost: up to $400

All LLCs in Georgia must appoint a registered agent. This is optional because you don't have to pay for registered agent services. You or a trusted person can be the LLC's registered agent as long as the following requirements are met:

• At least 18 years of age.
  
• Have a physical address in Georgia.
  
• Available to receive legal documents during regular business hours.

A registered agent is responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of the LLC. For this reason, the registered agent's address must be available to the public records.

Many LLC owners get a registered agent service to keep their addresses private and free themselves from having to be available during regular business hours. If you use a professional registered agent service, you will pay their fee annually.

Georgia LLC Operating Agreement Fee

Cost: up to $1,000

In Georgia, LLCs are not required to have an operating agreement. However, having one helps prevent confusion, disagreements, and other issues concerning policies and roles.

An operating agreement is a legal document that outlines the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC. It also defines the roles and responsibilities of the members or managers.

One interesting feature of Georgia law is that you can use your articles of organization for the same purposes as an operating agreement. Because your articles are filed with the state, any changes to them will require an amendment.

The costs associated with the operating agreement come in the drafting of the document. You can create an operating agreement for free by using templates online. Alternatively, it could cost upwards of $1,000 if you hire an attorney.

Georgia Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Cost: FREE

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This number is used to identify a business entity for tax-related purposes.

In Georgia, single-member LLCs are not required to have an EIN. However, you might need it down the line if you want to hire employees or open a business bank account.

Georgia LLC Business Name Reservation Fee

Cost: $25 (online filing) | $35 (via mail)

Naming your Limited Liability Company doesn't cost anything. Your Georgia LLC Name is approved (at no extra cost) when the state approves your Articles of Organization filing.

If you've got a perfect name for your LLC, but aren't ready yet to register with the state, you can reserve the name for 30 days. Submit your Name Reservation Request form to the Georgia Secretary of State online or by mail and pay the corresponding fee.

Make sure the name you want isn't already taken by doing a business search on the Georgia Secretary of State's website. To avoid having problems with your Articles of Organization application, take note of the Georgia LLC naming guidelines as well.

Georgia LLC 'Doing Business As' (DBA) Fee

Cost: $150+ (Publishing fee is separate)

If you want to operate your business under a different name than your LLC's, you will need to file a DBA. In Georgia, DBAs are called trade names and are registered in the county in which your business operates. This filing fee varies by county.

Aside from the DBA filing fee, you'll also need to publish a copy of your DBA in the local newspaper. This should run at least once a week for two consecutive weeks.

Some DBA fees in other counties already include the publication fee. In other counties, you will have to pay a separate publication fee, which costs upwards of $40.

Georgia LLC Correction Fee

Cost: $20

After your Georgia LLC application is approved, your next focus should be on maintaining its good standing over the long term.

Get a copy of the approved Articles of Organization and review all the details carefully. If there are errors, like a misspelled business name or incorrect address, correct them as soon as possible by filing a Certificate of Correction.

Georgia LLC Amendment Fee

Cost: $20 (online filing) | $30 (via mail)

Your Georgia LLC's Articles of Organization contain specific details about your business. Should these details change, you must submit a Certificate of Amendment to the Secretary of State.

File a Certificate of Amendment if you:

• Add, remove, or change an LLC member or manager.
  
• Update your LLC's business address.
  
• Modify your LLC's stated business activities.

Georgia Statement of Change Fee

Cost: $20+

You must file a Certificate of Change to update your LLC's registered agent name or address. If you want to skip this fee, you can submit the updated details when you file your annual report.

You can update registered agent details for multiple LLCs in Georgia. A single submission can include changes for all entities, with an additional $5 beyond the fifth LLC.

Georgia LLC Certified Copy of Document Fee

Cost: $10 (online filing) | $20 (via mail)

A Georgia-certified document is a copy of a business document that includes a signed and dated endorsement from the Georgia Secretary of State.

You often need certified copies of your LLC's documents to open new bank accounts, apply for loans, or demonstrate to investors that your LLC is legitimate and properly managed.

Note that there is an additional 10 cents per page for certified document copies that exceed 25 pages.^[2]

Georgia LLC Certificate of Existence Fee

Cost: $10 (online filing) | $20 (via mail)

A Certificate of Existence, also known as a Certificate of Good Standing, is a document that verifies your LLC is legally registered and compliant with state regulations. You may need this certificate when dealing with banks, lenders, or other business entities.

Georgia Business Website Domain Fee

Cost: $10 - $30

A website domain provides a dedicated online space for your business. It's essential for marketing, customer engagement, and brand visibility in today's digital world.

Even if you're not planning to build a business website yet, it's a good idea to buy the domain name at least. This prevents others from using your LLC's name as a web address.

Georgia Business Insurance Premium

Cost: varies

If your LLC in Georgia has three or more employees, state law mandates you get workers' compensation insurance.^[7] Not having this insurance can lead to fines or, worse, your business being shut down.

The cost of this insurance depends on factors like the number of employees, the risk level of your industry, and your past insurance claims. For instance, a large-scale industrial manufacturer typically incurs higher insurance premiums compared to a smaller graphic design studio.

Bottom Line

The $100 Certificate of Formation filing fee is just the beginning of your expenses if you want to start an LLC in Georgia. The numbers above tell you the very least you need to get started, but there is a lot more you need to know.

The cost will increase depending on additional services, documents, and licenses your LLC needs to operate. You can also use an accountant to stay compliant with the law. Ultimately, it's never a bad idea to set aside an extra budget for unexpected costs.

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