Georgia LLC Formation: How to Form an LLC in Georgia (2026)

Learn how to form an LLC in Georgia in 2026. We cover name rules, registered agent requirements, Articles of Organization, annual registration, and EIN steps.

Forming an LLC in Georgia is a popular choice for small business owners who want liability protection without corporate red tape. You file your Articles of Organization with the Georgia Secretary of State, and the process can be completed online in minutes. This guide covers each step, from choosing a name to getting your EIN, so you know exactly what to do.

Why form an LLC in Georgia

Georgia LLCs give you pass-through taxation, meaning the business itself does not pay federal income tax. Profits and losses pass through to your personal return. You also get personal liability protection, so your home and savings are generally safe from business debts.

Georgia is a strong state for business, with a fast-growing economy and a major logistics hub in Atlanta. An LLC is a flexible structure that works for solo founders, partnerships, and small teams alike. For more on the state, visit our Georgia business hub, and for the general process, see our LLC formation overview.

Choose a name for your Georgia LLC

Your LLC name must be distinguishable from other names on file with the Secretary of State and must include a designator like LLC, L.L.C., or Limited Liability Company. You can search the state's business database for free to check availability.

• Include an LLC designator in the name.
• Avoid words that imply a bank, insurance, or other regulated business.
• You can reserve a name for up to 30 days before filing.

Appoint a registered agent

Every Georgia LLC must have a registered agent with a physical street address in Georgia. The agent receives legal documents and official mail on your behalf. You can act as your own agent if you have a Georgia street address, or you can use a registered agent service for privacy.

Your agent must be available during normal business hours. If you change agents or move, you must update your records with the Secretary of State. Keeping this current protects you from missing legal notices.

File your Articles of Organization

The core filing is the Articles of Organization, submitted to the Georgia Secretary of State. You can file online or by mail. The form asks for your LLC name, the registered agent's name and address, and the names of the organizers.

The filing fee is typically around $100, though you should check the current fee schedule on the Secretary of State's website. Online filings are usually processed quickly, often within a few business days.

File your annual registration

Georgia requires every LLC to file an annual registration with the Secretary of State. This is a simple confirmation of your business name, address, and registered agent. The fee is typically around $50, and it is due on your LLC's anniversary date each year.

• File online through the Secretary of State's portal.
• Confirm your business name, address, and registered agent.
• Pay the annual registration fee, typically around $50.

Failing to file can lead to administrative dissolution, so mark the date on your calendar. Our annual report guide explains how to stay current.

Get an EIN and what it costs

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your federal tax ID from the IRS. You need one if your LLC has more than one member, plans to hire employees, or wants to open a business bank account. The EIN is free and issued immediately when you apply online. Even single-member LLCs without employees often get an EIN to keep business and personal finances separate.

Startup costs are modest. The main expense is the Articles of Organization filing fee, typically around $100. You will also pay the annual registration fee of about $50 each year. A registered agent service adds a separate annual cost if you use one.

After your LLC is approved, draft an operating agreement to define ownership and management, even though Georgia does not require one. For the full process from scratch, read our how to start an LLC guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Georgia?

The filing fee for Articles of Organization in Georgia is typically around $100, and the annual registration fee is about $50. You should check the current fee schedule on the Secretary of State's website. Registered agent services add a separate annual cost if you use one.

Does a Georgia LLC need to file an annual report?

Yes. Georgia requires every LLC to file an annual registration with the Secretary of State, due on your LLC's anniversary date each year. The fee is typically around $50. Failing to file can lead to administrative dissolution.

How long does it take to get an LLC approved in Georgia?

Online filings with the Georgia Secretary of State are usually processed within a few business days. Mail filings take longer. You can pay an additional fee for expedited processing if you need your LLC approved faster.

Do I need a registered agent for my Georgia LLC?

Yes. Every Georgia LLC must have a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. You can serve as your own agent if you have a Georgia address, or you can hire a registered agent service to keep your personal address off public records.

Do I need an EIN for a single-member LLC in Georgia?

You need an EIN if your LLC has more than one member, hires employees, or opens a business bank account. A single-member LLC without employees can use the owner's Social Security number, but getting a free EIN from the IRS is still recommended.