$110
to file the Articles of Organization
$60
state cost per year after
$0–$99+
registered agent per year
How to start an LLC in Georgia, step by step
- Choose and check your LLC name. The name must be distinguishable from other businesses on file in Georgia and include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company”. Search the state’s business records first. Optional: reserve it ($35 ($25 + $10 service charge) for 30 days).
- Appoint a registered agent. Every Georgia LLC needs a registered agent with a physical address in the state. The LLC itself cannot be its own registered agent. An owner who is a Georgia resident can serve as an individual. Commercial services start at $99 a year among those we compared.
- File the Articles of Organization. File with the Georgia Secretary of State — online at ecorp.sos.ga.gov. State fee: $110 ($100 filing fee + $10 service charge). Online filings are generally processed in about 7 business days; 2-day (+$120) and same-day (+$275) expedites available.
- Sign an operating agreement. It sets out ownership, management and what happens if a member leaves. Banks often ask for it, and it helps show the LLC is separate from you.
- Get an EIN from the IRS. Free, online in minutes if the responsible party has an SSN or ITIN; by phone or fax for owners outside the US.
- Open a business bank account. Keep LLC money separate from personal money. Online business accounts with $0 monthly fees are available.
- Set up a business phone, email and website. A separate number and an email on your own domain keep your personal details private and help with banks and card issuers. Virtual numbers start around $14–$15 a month.
- Get licenses, permits and insurance. Check city and county licenses for your industry, and consider general liability insurance before you start working with clients.
- Put recurring state filings on your calendar. Georgia annual registration: April 1 each year ($60).
Registered agent services
Prefer to hire a registered agent in Georgia?
Commercial agents receive legal and state mail for you and keep your home address off public records. These are the three lowest yearly prices we verified on each provider’s site; confirm at checkout. Full comparison.
Zenind
First year: $99. After that: $99/yr.
Best for: Lowest ongoing price · non-US founders
Read our Zenind review →See Georgia pricingNorthwest Registered Agent
First year: $0 with $39 LLC formation, or $125. After that: $125/yr.
Best for: Privacy + business address · multi-state
Read our Northwest Registered Agent review →See Georgia pricingBizee
First year: $0 with LLC formation. After that: $149/yr standalone price (renewal after the free year not published).
Best for: Forming a new LLC (first year free)
Read our Bizee review →See Georgia pricingWe may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. How we’re funded.
All Georgia LLC fees in one place
Every state fee a Georgia LLC can run into, from formation to closing. The typical recurring state cost is $60 a year ($60 annual registration).
| Filing or service | State fee | When |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $110 ($100 filing fee + $10 service charge) | Once, to form the LLC |
| Name reservation (optional) | $35 ($25 + $10 service charge) for 30 days | Before forming, if you want to hold a name |
| Georgia annual registration | $60 | Every year, starting the year after formation |
| Registered agent | $0 if you qualify to serve yourself; $99–$199/yr for a service | Ongoing |
| Change of registered agent | $60 (annual registration) or $30 (amended annual registration) | When you switch agents |
| Certificate of Existence | $20 ($10 + $10 service charge) | When a bank, lender or another state asks |
| Trade name registration | Set by the county | Only if you trade under another name |
| Certificate of Termination | No fee online ($10 service charge on paper) | Once, to close the LLC |
After you form your Georgia LLC
Most of the work comes after formation. Open a business account, get insured and keep your yearly filings on time — missing them costs late fees and, eventually, your LLC’s good standing (Georgia filing details).
Mercury
$0/mo
- $0 monthly fee, no minimum balance, no opening fees
- Free ACH and free domestic wires, sent and received
- Free outgoing USD international wires
Watch out: No cash deposits
NEXT Insurance
General liability from $19/mo
- Buy online in about 10 minutes, coverage effective after payment
- Unlimited free certificates of insurance (COI), 24/7
- General liability from $19 a month
Watch out: Starting prices are not guaranteed
Gusto
From $49/mo + $6/person
- Solo plan built for paying yourself a reasonable salary as an S corp
- Unlimited payrolls with automatic tax filings
- Contractor payments and 1099s
Watch out: Per-person fee adds up with larger teams
Free Georgia deadline reminders
We email you 60, 30 and 7 days before each filing is due.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Georgia?
The state filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $110 ($100 filing fee + $10 service charge). After that, expect about $60 a year in state fees ($60 annual registration), plus a registered agent if you use a service.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Georgia?
Online filings are generally processed in about 7 business days; 2-day (+$120) and same-day (+$275) expedites available.
Do I need a registered agent to start an LLC in Georgia?
Yes. The registered agent's address must be a physical street address in Georgia where the agent is located. A P.O. box or mail drop can't be used, and the agent's business office must be identical to the registered office.
Can I be my own registered agent in Georgia?
The LLC itself cannot be its own registered agent. An owner who is a Georgia resident can serve as an individual.
What does a Georgia LLC have to file every year?
Georgia annual registration — April 1 each year. Fee: $60.
Do I need an operating agreement in Georgia?
It’s strongly recommended: banks often ask for it, and without one the state’s default rules govern ownership, profits and buyouts.
Can a non-US resident start an LLC in Georgia?
Yes. You don’t need to be a US citizen or resident. You’ll need a registered agent in the state, an EIN (by phone or fax without an SSN) and a bank that accepts non-resident owners.