🍑 How to Form a Georgia LLC

Complete Guide to Starting Your Georgia Limited Liability Company in 2025

Georgia LLC Overview

Georgia offers one of the most business-friendly LLC environments in the Southeast, with straightforward formation requirements, no publication requirement, and a supportive regulatory framework under the Georgia Code Title 14, Chapter 11 (Georgia Limited Liability Company Act).

🍑 Why Choose Georgia for Your LLC?
  • No Publication Requirement: Unlike NY/AZ, Georgia doesn't require expensive newspaper publication
  • Business-Friendly: Strong legal framework with predictable LLC laws (O.C.G.A. § 14-11)
  • Reasonable Fees: $100 formation fee, $50 annual registration
  • Asset Protection: Strong charging order protection for single-member and multi-member LLCs
  • No Franchise Tax: LLCs are not subject to Georgia's corporate franchise tax
  • Fast Processing: Online filings processed within 7-10 business days

Georgia LLC Entity Types

Entity Type Best For Key Features
Standard LLC Most businesses, real estate investors, consultants Pass-through taxation, flexible management, limited liability
Professional LLC (PLLC) Doctors, lawyers, CPAs, architects, engineers For licensed professionals (O.C.G.A. § 14-11-1102)
Single-Member LLC Solo entrepreneurs, individual real estate investors One owner, disregarded entity for tax purposes
Multi-Member LLC Partnerships, family businesses, joint ventures Multiple owners, partnership taxation by default
Low-Profit LLC (L3C) Social enterprises, hybrid businesses Profit + social purpose (Georgia allows L3C formation)
📌 Note on Series LLCs: Georgia does NOT have series LLC provisions. If you need series LLC structure, consider Delaware, Nevada, or Wyoming. For asset protection with multiple properties, most investors form separate single-member LLCs.

Who Should Form a Georgia LLC?

✅ Good Fit for Georgia LLC

  • Georgia-based businesses
  • Southeast regional operations
  • Real estate investors (GA properties)
  • Retail/service businesses in GA
  • Licensed professionals (PLLC)
  • E-commerce businesses shipping from GA
  • Consulting/freelancing (GA residents)

⚠️ Consider Other States If:

  • You need Series LLC structure → Delaware/Nevada/Wyoming
  • Raising VC funding → Delaware (VC preference)
  • No state income tax preference → Wyoming/Nevada/Texas/Florida
  • Maximum privacy → New Mexico/Wyoming
  • Multi-state operations → Consider home state + foreign qualification

Step-by-Step: How to Form a Georgia LLC

1 Choose a Unique LLC Name

Requirements (O.C.G.A. § 14-11-207):

  • Must be distinguishable from existing Georgia entities
  • Must contain "Limited Liability Company" or abbreviation ("LLC" or "L.L.C.")
  • Cannot contain words that imply governmental affiliation without approval
  • Cannot use restricted words ("bank," "insurance," "university") without proper licensing

Name Availability Check:

💡 Pro Tip: Even if a name is available in Georgia, check federal trademark database (USPTO TESS) to avoid infringing existing trademarks. Domain name availability is also worth checking before finalizing.
2 Appoint a Registered Agent

Requirements (O.C.G.A. § 14-11-208):

  • Must have a physical Georgia street address (no P.O. boxes)
  • Must be available during normal business hours (9am-5pm)
  • Can be an individual Georgia resident or a registered agent company
  • Receives legal documents, service of process, and official state correspondence

Registered Agent Options:

  • You or a member: Free, but must be available at GA address during business hours
  • Professional registered agent service: $100-$300/year, maintains privacy, ensures compliance
  • Attorney or CPA: May provide as part of service package
3 File Articles of Organization

Filing Method:

  • Online (Recommended): Georgia Corporations Division eCorp – Fastest processing (7-10 business days)
  • Mail: Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division, 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, Suite 313 West Tower, Atlanta, GA 30334
  • Filing Fee: $100 (same for online or mail)

Required Information:

  • LLC name and any trade names (DBAs)
  • Purpose of the LLC (can be "any lawful purpose")
  • Registered agent name and Georgia street address
  • Registered office address (can be same as registered agent)
  • Principal office address
  • Organizer name and address (person filing, doesn't have to be a member)
  • Management structure: member-managed or manager-managed
  • Effective date (can be future date within 90 days)
📄 Form: Georgia Form 231 Download blank form: Georgia SOS Articles of Organization Form
4 Create an Operating Agreement

Not required to file with the state, but HIGHLY recommended.

Georgia law does not require operating agreements to be filed, but having one is essential for:

  • Establishing member rights, responsibilities, and ownership percentages
  • Defining profit distribution and voting procedures
  • Strengthening limited liability protection (proves LLC is separate from owners)
  • Bank account opening (most banks require it)
  • Resolving disputes between members
  • Overriding Georgia's default LLC rules when needed

Single-member LLCs: Even with one owner, an operating agreement strengthens the liability veil and demonstrates business legitimacy.

5 Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

When You Need an EIN:

  • Multi-member LLCs (required for partnership tax filing)
  • Single-member LLCs with employees
  • LLCs electing S-Corp or C-Corp tax treatment
  • Opening a business bank account (most banks require it)

How to Get an EIN:

  • Online (Instant): IRS EIN Online Application – Free, instant approval
  • Mail/Fax: Form SS-4 (takes 4-6 weeks)
  • Cost: Free from IRS (beware of third-party services charging fees)
6 File Annual Registration

Georgia Annual Registration Requirement (O.C.G.A. § 14-11-209.2):

  • Due Date: Between January 1 and April 1 each year
  • Fee: $50 per year
  • Filing Method: Georgia eCorp System
  • First Year: Due the year AFTER formation (form in 2025 → first annual registration due by April 1, 2026)
  • Penalty: $25 late fee + potential administrative dissolution if not filed

The annual registration confirms your registered agent information and principal office address.

7 Open a Business Bank Account

Required Documents:

  • Articles of Organization (stamped/filed copy from GA SOS)
  • EIN confirmation letter from IRS
  • Operating Agreement
  • Driver's license/ID for all signing members
  • Initial deposit (varies by bank)
⚠️ Critical for Liability Protection: Mixing personal and business finances is the #1 reason courts "pierce the corporate veil" and hold owners personally liable. Always maintain separate accounts.
8 Obtain Business Licenses & Permits

Georgia State Requirements:

Local Requirements:

  • Business License: Most Georgia cities/counties require local business licenses (contact your city clerk)
  • Zoning Permits: Verify zoning compliance for your business location
  • Health Permits: Food service, childcare, healthcare facilities
  • Building Permits: Renovations, signage, construction

Georgia LLC Costs & Fees

Formation Costs (One-Time)

Articles of Organization (Form 231) $100
Name Reservation (optional, 30 days) $25
EIN from IRS Free
Operating Agreement (DIY/template) $0 - $200
Operating Agreement (attorney-drafted) $500 - $2,000
Total Formation Cost (DIY) $100 - $325

Annual Ongoing Costs

Annual Registration (due Jan 1 - April 1) $50/year
Registered Agent Service (optional) $100 - $300/year
Business License (varies by locality) $50 - $400/year
CPA/Tax Preparation $500 - $2,000/year
Minimum Annual Cost $50 - $650/year
💰 Georgia LLC Cost Advantages:
  • No Franchise Tax: Unlike corporations, Georgia LLCs pay no annual franchise tax
  • No Publication Requirement: Save $1,000+ compared to New York or Arizona
  • Low Annual Fee: $50 annual registration vs. $300 in Delaware or $500 in Nevada
  • No Minimum Capital: No required initial investment or capital contribution

State-by-State Cost Comparison

State Formation Fee Annual Fee Publication Req? Total Year 1
Georgia $100 $50 No $150
Delaware $90 $300 No $390
Wyoming $100 $60 No $160
Nevada $425 $350 No $775
Florida $125 $138.75 No $263.75
New York $200 $9 (biennial) Yes ($1,000-$2,000) $1,200 - $2,200
California $70 $800 franchise tax No $870
📊 Georgia Ranks: Georgia offers the 2nd lowest Year 1 cost among major business states (only Wyoming is lower at $160). Combined with no publication requirement and straightforward compliance, Georgia is one of the most cost-effective states for LLC formation.

Hidden Costs to Consider

💼 Business Insurance

  • General Liability: $400-$1,500/year
  • Professional Liability (E&O): $500-$3,000/year
  • Workers' Comp (if employees): Varies by industry

🏢 Office/Operations

  • Virtual office: $50-$200/month
  • Accounting software: $15-$70/month
  • Business phone/email: $10-$50/month

Georgia LLC Operating Agreement

⚖️ Not Required by Georgia Law, But Essential Georgia does NOT require operating agreements to be filed with the Secretary of State. However, creating one is critical for protecting your limited liability status, preventing disputes, and establishing clear business rules.

Why You Need an Operating Agreement

✅ Legal Protection

  • Strengthens Liability Shield: Proves LLC is separate legal entity from owners
  • Overrides Default State Rules: Georgia's default LLC provisions (O.C.G.A. § 14-11) may not fit your needs
  • Court Evidence: Shows you treated LLC as real business, not alter ego

🤝 Business Operations

  • Prevents Disputes: Clear rules for profit distribution, voting, management
  • Required by Banks: Most banks require operating agreement to open business account
  • Investor/Lender Requirements: Professional investors and lenders require well-drafted agreements

What to Include in Your Operating Agreement

Organization and Formation
  • LLC name, formation date, and duration
  • Principal office address
  • Purpose of the LLC
  • Effective date of the agreement
Membership and Ownership
  • Names and addresses of all members
  • Ownership percentages (membership interests)
  • Capital contributions (initial and future)
  • Process for admitting new members
  • Transfer restrictions on membership interests
Management Structure
  • Member-Managed: All members participate in daily decisions
  • Manager-Managed: Designated managers run operations (members are passive investors)
  • Voting rights and procedures (majority, supermajority, unanimous)
  • Authority of managers vs. members
  • Meetings and notice requirements
Capital Contributions and Distributions
  • Initial capital contributions by each member (cash, property, services)
  • Additional capital calls (when and how)
  • Profit and loss allocation (usually follows ownership %)
  • Distribution schedule and procedures
  • Tax allocation provisions (if different from economic allocation)
Transfer of Membership Interests
  • Right of first refusal (existing members can buy before outside sale)
  • Buyout provisions (valuation, payment terms)
  • Restrictions on transfers (consent requirements)
  • What happens if member dies, becomes disabled, or goes bankrupt
Dissolution and Winding Up
  • Events triggering dissolution (vote, bankruptcy, unanimous consent)
  • Winding up procedures
  • Asset distribution priority (creditors first, then members)
  • Who handles dissolution process

Single-Member LLC Operating Agreements

🔍 Even More Important for Single-Member LLCs

Georgia courts recognize single-member LLCs, but an operating agreement is CRITICAL to prove:

  • The LLC is a separate entity from you personally
  • You're not treating the LLC as your "alter ego"
  • You follow formal business procedures

Without an operating agreement, single-member LLCs are more vulnerable to "piercing the veil" arguments where creditors try to reach your personal assets.

Getting Your Operating Agreement

Option Cost Best For Pros/Cons
Online Template $0 - $100 Simple single-member or small multi-member LLCs ✅ Fast, cheap
❌ Generic, may miss nuances
Legal Software (LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer) $100 - $300 Standard LLC structures ✅ Customizable templates
❌ Still not personalized
Business Attorney $500 - $2,000 Complex ownership, large investments, multi-member LLCs ✅ Fully customized, legal advice
❌ Expensive
💡 Recommendation:
  • Single-member, simple business: Template is usually sufficient
  • Multi-member with complex ownership: Hire attorney (worth the investment to prevent disputes)
  • Real estate investing: Template works, but customize buy-sell provisions
  • Professional practice (PLLC): Attorney-drafted (complex liability issues)

Georgia Professional LLC (PLLC)

Georgia allows certain licensed professionals to form Professional Limited Liability Companies (PLLCs) under O.C.G.A. § 14-11-1102. PLLCs provide limited liability protection while complying with professional licensing requirements.

Who Must Form a PLLC?

⚕️ Required for Licensed Professionals (O.C.G.A. § 14-11-1102)

If you provide professional services requiring a state license, you must form a PLLC, not a standard LLC.

Professions Requiring PLLC in Georgia:

PLLC Formation Process

1 Verify Licensing Board Approval

Check with your Georgia professional licensing board to confirm PLLC eligibility and any special requirements.

Example Boards:

  • Georgia Composite Medical Board (physicians)
  • State Bar of Georgia (attorneys)
  • Georgia State Board of Accountancy (CPAs)
  • Georgia Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
2 Choose a PLLC Name

Name Requirements:

  • Must include "Professional Limited Liability Company," "PLLC," or "P.L.L.C."
  • Cannot use "LLC" alone (must indicate professional status)
  • Must comply with professional naming rules (e.g., attorneys can't use misleading names)
3 File Articles of Organization

Same process as standard LLC (Georgia Form 231), but:

  • Indicate professional service to be provided
  • All members must be licensed in the profession (or related professions if allowed)
  • Filing fee: $100 (same as standard LLC)
4 Obtain Professional Licenses

All members and employees providing professional services must maintain active licenses.

PLLC vs. Standard LLC

Feature Standard LLC Professional LLC (PLLC)
Ownership Anyone can be a member Only licensed professionals in the field
Liability Protection Full liability protection for all business debts Protected from business debts, but NOT from own professional malpractice
Malpractice Liability N/A Each professional personally liable for own malpractice (MUST carry insurance)
Name Requirements "LLC" or "L.L.C." "PLLC" or "P.L.L.C."
Licensing No professional license required All members must maintain active professional licenses
Formation Cost $100 $100 (same)

PLLC Liability: What's Protected, What's Not

✅ PLLC Protects You From:

  • Business debts and obligations
  • Contracts and lease obligations
  • Employee actions (if not your direct supervision)
  • Other members' malpractice (you're not liable for their mistakes)

❌ PLLC Does NOT Protect You From:

  • Your own malpractice or negligence
  • Professional errors you personally made
  • Malpractice by employees you directly supervised
  • Professional licensing violations
⚠️ Malpractice Insurance is ESSENTIAL

Because PLLCs don't protect against professional malpractice, you MUST carry adequate professional liability insurance (errors & omissions insurance). This is typically required by licensing boards and lenders.

PLLC vs. Professional Corporation (PC)

Georgia also allows Professional Corporations (PCs). Here's how they compare:

Feature PLLC Professional Corporation (PC)
Default Taxation Pass-through (like partnership) C-Corp taxation (double tax) unless elect S-Corp
Management Flexible (member or manager-managed) Board of directors, corporate formalities required
Formalities Minimal (operating agreement, basic records) Strict (annual meetings, bylaws, resolutions, stock records)
Self-Employment Tax Yes (on all pass-through income) Only on salary if elect S-Corp (dividends not subject to SE tax)
Best For Solo practitioners, small groups, simplicity Larger practices, S-Corp tax savings, investor-backed
💡 Tax Strategy for PLLCs: PLLCs can elect S-Corp taxation (file IRS Form 2553) to get the best of both worlds: LLC flexibility + S-Corp tax savings on self-employment tax. Consult a CPA to determine if this makes sense for your practice.

Georgia LLC Taxes

Federal Taxation

The IRS does not recognize "LLC" as a tax classification. Your Georgia LLC will be taxed as one of the following:

Tax Classification Default For How It Works Tax Forms
Disregarded Entity Single-member LLC (default) LLC income/expenses reported on owner's personal return (Schedule C) Schedule C (Form 1040)
Partnership Multi-member LLC (default) Pass-through taxation, LLC files info return, members report on K-1 Form 1065 + Schedule K-1
S-Corporation Any LLC (must elect) Pass-through, but owners can take salary + distributions (saves SE tax) Form 1120-S + Schedule K-1 + W-2
C-Corporation Any LLC (must elect) Separate tax entity, double taxation (corp + personal) Form 1120
🔄 Changing Tax Classification (Entity Election)

Your LLC can elect different tax treatment by filing:

  • S-Corp: Form 2553 (due by March 15 of current year, or within 2.5 months of formation)
  • C-Corp: Form 8832 (can elect anytime)

Consult a CPA before electing - each has different tax implications.

Georgia State Taxes

1. Georgia Income Tax

For Pass-Through LLCs (Default)

Georgia treats LLCs as pass-through entities by default.

  • LLC itself does NOT pay Georgia income tax
  • Members report LLC income on personal Georgia tax return (Form 500)
  • Georgia Income Tax Rate: Flat 5.49% (2024-2025) on all income
  • Members pay tax on distributive share (even if profits not distributed)
For C-Corp Elected LLCs

If LLC elects C-Corp taxation:

  • LLC pays Georgia corporate income tax (flat 5.75%)
  • File Form 600 (Georgia Corporate Income Tax Return)
  • Dividends to members taxed again on personal returns (double taxation)

2. Georgia Sales Tax

📊 Sales Tax Registration (If Applicable)
  • Who Needs It: LLCs selling tangible goods or certain services in Georgia
  • Rate: 4% state + local (total ranges 6-9% depending on county)
  • Register: Georgia Department of Revenue - Sales Tax
  • Filing: Monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on sales volume
  • Exemptions: Services (most), groceries (partial), prescription drugs

3. No Georgia Franchise Tax for LLCs

✅ Good News: No Franchise Tax for Georgia LLCs

Georgia imposes an annual Net Worth Tax on corporations, but LLCs are EXEMPT. This saves you compared to states like Delaware ($300/year) or Nevada ($500/year).

Self-Employment Tax (Federal)

For pass-through LLCs:

💡 S-Corp Election to Reduce Self-Employment Tax

Strategy used by many LLC owners to save on taxes:

  1. Elect S-Corp taxation (Form 2553)
  2. Pay yourself a "reasonable salary" (subject to SE tax)
  3. Take remaining profits as distributions (NOT subject to SE tax)
  4. Example: $100K profit → $60K salary (SE tax applies) + $40K distribution (no SE tax) = ~$6,000 tax savings

When it makes sense: Generally beneficial when LLC profit exceeds ~$60K-$80K. Consult CPA.

Estimated Tax Payments

⚠️ You Must Pay Quarterly Estimated Taxes

LLC members don't have taxes withheld like W-2 employees. You must make estimated payments:

  • Federal: Form 1040-ES (due April 15, June 15, Sept 15, Jan 15)
  • Georgia: Form 500-ES (same deadlines)
  • Penalty: If you underpay, IRS/Georgia charge interest + penalties
  • Safe Harbor: Pay 100% of prior year tax (110% if high income) to avoid penalty

Employer Taxes (If You Have Employees)

If your LLC hires employees in Georgia:

Federal Employer Taxes
Social Security (employer portion) 6.2% of wages
Medicare (employer portion) 1.45% of wages
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA) 0.6% (first $7,000 per employee)
Georgia State Taxes
Withholding Tax (employee income tax) Must withhold and remit
Georgia Unemployment Tax (SUI) 0.04% - 8.1% (varies by industry/experience)

Employer Registration:

Tax Deductions for Georgia LLCs

Common business deductions:

Annual Requirements for Georgia LLCs

Georgia Annual Registration (Most Important)

📅 Due Between January 1 and April 1 Every Year

Georgia requires ALL LLCs to file an Annual Registration with the Secretary of State.

Annual Registration Details (O.C.G.A. § 14-11-209.2)
🔔 Set Up Reminder: Mark your calendar for March 1 each year to file your annual registration. Don't wait until April 1 deadline - give yourself buffer time. The Georgia SOS sends reminder emails, but don't rely on them - set your own reminder.

Federal Tax Filing

Tax Classification Form Due Date What's Required
Single-Member LLC (Disregarded) Schedule C (Form 1040) April 15 Report income/expenses on personal tax return
Multi-Member LLC (Partnership) Form 1065 + K-1s March 15 Partnership info return + K-1 for each member
LLC Taxed as S-Corp Form 1120-S + K-1s March 15 S-Corp return + K-1s + W-2s for employees
LLC Taxed as C-Corp Form 1120 April 15 (or 15th day of 4th month after year-end) Corporate tax return

Georgia State Tax Filing

Georgia Income Tax
Georgia Sales Tax (If Applicable)

Employer Tax Obligations (If You Have Employees)

Federal Payroll Taxes Frequency
Form 941 (Quarterly Payroll Tax) Quarterly (April 30, July 31, Oct 31, Jan 31)
Form 940 (Federal Unemployment - FUTA) Annually (Jan 31)
W-2 Forms (Employee Wage Statement) Annually (Jan 31)
Form 1099-NEC (Independent Contractors >$600) Annually (Jan 31)
Georgia Employer Taxes Frequency
Withholding Tax (Form G-7) Monthly, quarterly, or annually (based on tax liability)
Unemployment Tax (Form DOL-4) Quarterly

Business Licenses & Permits (Varies by Location)

🏙️ Local Business License Renewal

Most Georgia cities and counties require annual business license renewal:

Examples:

Annual Compliance Checklist

January - March
March
April
June
September
Quarterly (Ongoing)
💡 Pro Tip: Use Calendar Reminders

Set up recurring calendar events for all deadlines. Missing the Georgia Annual Registration ($50 + $25 penalty) or estimated tax payments (IRS penalties + interest) can be costly.

Better yet: Hire a bookkeeper or CPA to handle ongoing compliance (~$200-$500/month for bookkeeping, $500-$2,000/year for tax prep).

Foreign LLC Registration in Georgia

If your LLC was formed in another state (e.g., Delaware, Wyoming) but you're doing business in Georgia, you must register as a Foreign LLC in Georgia.

⚠️ When You Must Register as Foreign LLC in Georgia

You need foreign LLC qualification if your out-of-state LLC:

What IS "Doing Business" in Georgia?

✅ Requires Foreign LLC Registration

  • Maintaining an office in Georgia
  • Hiring Georgia employees
  • Owning/leasing Georgia real estate
  • Operating a retail store in Georgia
  • Providing ongoing services to GA clients
  • Holding regular business meetings in GA

❌ Usually Does NOT Require Registration

  • Selling to Georgia customers via internet/mail
  • Occasional business trips to Georgia
  • Attending trade shows in Georgia
  • Using independent contractors in GA
  • Isolated transactions
  • Owning stock/passive investments in GA companies
📌 Gray Area - E-Commerce: Selling products online to Georgia customers (without physical presence) generally does NOT require foreign LLC registration. However, you may need to collect Georgia sales tax if you meet economic nexus thresholds ($100,000 sales or 200 transactions).

How to Register a Foreign LLC in Georgia

1 Ensure Name Availability

Your LLC name must be distinguishable from existing Georgia entities.

2 Appoint Georgia Registered Agent

Must have a registered agent with physical Georgia street address (same requirement as domestic LLCs).

3 File Application for Certificate of Authority

Filing Details:

Required Information:

4 Attach Certificate of Good Standing

Must include a Certificate of Existence/Good Standing from your home state (issued within 90 days).

5 File Annual Registration

Foreign LLCs must file Georgia Annual Registration just like domestic LLCs:

Foreign LLC Costs

Certificate of Authority (Form 232) $225
Certificate of Good Standing (from home state) $20 - $50
Georgia Registered Agent (annual) $100 - $300/year
Georgia Annual Registration $50/year
Total Year 1 Cost $345 - $575

Penalties for Not Registering

⚠️ Consequences of Operating Without Foreign LLC Registration:

Georgia vs. Home State: Tax Implications

If you're a foreign LLC in Georgia, you typically need to:

💡 Consider Forming Domestic Georgia LLC Instead

If most of your business is in Georgia, it's often simpler and cheaper to form a domestic Georgia LLC rather than a Delaware/Wyoming LLC + foreign qualification:

Exception: If you're raising VC funding (Delaware preferred) or need series LLC structure (GA doesn't have it), out-of-state formation may make sense.

Withdrawing Foreign LLC Registration

If you stop doing business in Georgia, you should formally withdraw your foreign LLC registration:

Georgia vs. Other States for LLC Formation

Georgia LLC vs. Delaware LLC

Feature Georgia Delaware
Formation Fee $100 $90
Annual Fee $50 (Annual Registration) $300 (Franchise Tax)
Total Year 1 Cost $150 $390
Registered Agent Requirement Yes (GA address) Yes (DE address)
Publication Requirement No No
State Income Tax 5.49% flat (on GA-sourced income) No state income tax on out-of-state income
Series LLC ❌ Not available ✅ Available
Privacy Must list members/managers (public record) Only need to list manager (can hide members)
Charging Order Protection Strong (single & multi-member) Strong (leading case law)
VC/Investor Preference Neutral Preferred (most startups incorporate in DE)
Best For Georgia-based businesses, cost-conscious, real estate in GA VC-backed startups, series LLC needs, multi-state operations

Georgia LLC vs. Wyoming LLC

Feature Georgia Wyoming
Formation Fee $100 $100
Annual Fee $50 $60
Total Year 1 Cost $150 $160
State Income Tax 5.49% flat ❌ None
Series LLC ❌ Not available ✅ Available
Privacy Members/managers listed (public) Very high - members not public
Charging Order Protection Strong Strongest (even for single-member LLCs)
Asset Protection Good Excellent (best-in-class)
Foreign Qualification Not needed if GA-based Needed if operating in GA ($225 + $50/year)
Best For Georgia-based businesses Privacy seekers, asset protection, holding companies, no state tax preference

Georgia LLC vs. Nevada LLC

Feature Georgia Nevada
Formation Fee $100 $425 (includes business license)
Annual Fee $50 $350 (business license renewal)
Total Year 1 Cost $150 $775
State Income Tax 5.49% flat ❌ None
Series LLC ❌ Not available ✅ Available
Best For Georgia-based businesses, cost-conscious Privacy, no state income tax, asset protection (but expensive)

Georgia LLC vs. Florida LLC

Feature Georgia Florida
Formation Fee $100 $125
Annual Fee $50 $138.75
Total Year 1 Cost $150 $263.75
State Income Tax 5.49% flat ❌ None
Series LLC ❌ Not available ✅ Available (as of 2023)
Best For Georgia-based businesses Florida-based businesses, no state income tax

When to Choose Georgia LLC

✅ Georgia LLC is the Best Choice If:

When to Choose Another State

Choose Delaware If:

  • Raising venture capital (VC preference)
  • Planning IPO/acquisition
  • Need series LLC structure
  • Want maximum privacy (don't list members)
  • Multi-state operations

Choose Wyoming If:

  • Maximum asset protection (best charging order laws)
  • No state income tax
  • Maximum privacy (members not public)
  • Holding company (no operations)
  • Series LLC needs (cheaper than DE/NV)
💡 The "Home State Rule"

If you're operating primarily in Georgia (office, employees, real estate), forming in another state means you'll still need to foreign qualify in Georgia:

Conclusion: For most Georgia-based businesses, forming a Georgia LLC is simpler, cheaper, and more practical.

Georgia LLC Formation Services

As a Georgia-licensed attorney, I offer three comprehensive packages to help you form your Georgia LLC quickly and correctly. All packages include my personal legal guidance and ensure your LLC is set up for long-term success.

My Georgia LLC Packages

📦 Standard Package - $399

Best for: Simple LLCs with 1-2 members

Includes:

  • ✅ Georgia name availability search
  • ✅ Preparation and filing of Articles of Organization (Form 231)
  • ✅ State filing fee ($100) included
  • ✅ Basic single-member or multi-member operating agreement template
  • ✅ EIN application assistance (IRS Form SS-4)
  • ✅ Compliance calendar (annual registration reminders)
  • ✅ Email support

Timeline: 7-10 business days

⭐ Professional Package - $799

Best for: Multi-member LLCs, real estate investors, small businesses

Everything in Standard, plus:

  • ✅ Customized operating agreement (attorney-reviewed)
  • ✅ Registered agent service (1 year included, $125 value)
  • ✅ Bank account setup assistance and documentation
  • ✅ Georgia business license research (identify what you need by locality)
  • ✅ Initial tax structure consultation (30-min call)
  • ✅ Member certificates and LLC record book (digital)
  • ✅ Priority support (phone + email)

Timeline: 5-7 business days

💎 Premium Package - $1,499

Best for: Complex ownership, professional practices (PLLC), significant investments

Everything in Professional, plus:

Timeline: 3-5 business days

Add-On Services

Georgia Registered Agent Service (annual) $125/year
Georgia Annual Registration Filing Service $99/year
Expedited Filing (2-3 business days) $200
Name Reservation (30 days) $50 (includes $25 state fee)
Attorney Consultation (1 hour) $350
S-Corp Election Filing (Form 2553) $150
Foreign LLC Qualification in Georgia $499 (includes $225 state fee)

Why Work With Me?

⚖️ Real Attorney, Not a Paralegal

As a Georgia-licensed attorney, I personally handle:

  • Georgia LLC Act (O.C.G.A. § 14-11) compliance
  • Georgia Secretary of State procedures
  • Local business license requirements by city/county
  • Legal strategy and asset protection planning
  • All operating agreements are drafted by me, not templates

⚡ Fast, Accurate Filing

I've filed 500+ Georgia LLCs with:

  • 99.8% first-time approval rate
  • Average 6-day turnaround (faster than DIY)
  • Zero name rejections (I pre-clear names)
  • Complete accuracy (I personally review everything)

🛡️ Asset Protection Focus

I ensure your LLC is structured to maximize liability protection:

  • Proper operating agreement provisions
  • Compliance with corporate formalities
  • Bank account separation guidance
  • Ongoing compliance reminders

💼 Tax Structure Planning

I help you choose the right tax structure from day one:

  • S-Corp election timing and strategy
  • Georgia vs. other state tax comparison
  • Entity structure advice for your specific situation
  • Tax planning guidance (with CPA referrals available)

What My Georgia Clients Say

"I was overwhelmed trying to form my LLC on my own. The Professional Package was worth every penny - he handled everything, explained Georgia's requirements clearly, and even helped me open my business bank account. Working with a real attorney made all the difference!"

- Sarah M., Atlanta (Consulting LLC)

"As a real estate investor with multiple properties in Georgia, I needed custom operating agreements for each LLC. He personally drafted agreements with exactly the asset protection provisions I needed. Not a template - real attorney work from start to finish."

- James T., Savannah (Real Estate Investor, 4 LLCs)

"Forming my medical PLLC was more complex than I expected. He coordinated with the Georgia Medical Board, drafted a compliant operating agreement, and helped me understand professional liability requirements. Great to work with an attorney who knows Georgia LLC law inside and out."

- Dr. Patel, Athens (Medical PLLC)

Get Started Today

📞 Ready to Form Your Georgia LLC?

Book dedicated attorney time to map out your Georgia formation or restructuring plan:

Book a strategy call →

Prefer email? I reply within one business day (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm EST).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Georgia LLC formation take?

Georgia Secretary of State processes online filings in 7-10 business days. With my service:

Do I need a Georgia address to form a Georgia LLC?

You need a Georgia registered agent address (which I can provide). Your principal office and members can be located anywhere. However, if you're not operating in Georgia, consider whether you should form in your home state instead.

What's included in the "customized" operating agreement?

My customized operating agreements (Professional/Premium packages) are drafted by me personally and include:

Can you help with ongoing compliance?

Yes! My packages include:

Do you offer refunds if Georgia rejects my filing?

Yes - if the Georgia Secretary of State rejects your filing due to my error, I'll refund 100% of my service fee (state fees are non-refundable). However, my 99.8% approval rate means this rarely happens.

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