How to Start an LLC in Georgia: 2025 Guide

You’re not the only one eyeing Georgia for business, but you can be the one that gets it right.

With low startup costs, no minimum capital requirement, and founder-friendly policies, Georgia has become a hotspot for entrepreneurs, e-commerce sellers, consultants, and global digital nomads.

According to the US Small Business Administration, Georgia is home to over 1 million small businesses, contributing to nearly 43% of private employment in the state. 

But to start an LLC in Georgia isn’t just paperwork, it’s more about launching smart, staying compliant, and scaling with confidence.

Who Is The Guide For?

This guide is your step-by-step playbook for launching and running a compliant, growth-ready LLC in Georgia if you are a:

• US-based freelancer or solopreneur

• Shopify store owner expanding your brand

• Global founder seeking a US business presence

• Non-US resident managing a remote team

• Current doola user launching a Georgia-based LLC

But wait… isn’t Delaware the best?

While Delaware has its perks for venture-backed C Corps, Georgia is often the smarter choice for side hustlers, solo founders, and service-based businesses.

That’s mainly because of:

• Lower filing and maintenance fees

• No minimum capital requirements

• Straightforward compliance process

• Perfect ecosystem for digital-first businesses

We’ll take you through the full journey and show you how doola empowers founders with done-for-you formation and seamless compliance support.

Step 1: Choose a Name for Your Georgia LLC

In Georgia, naming your LLC comes with specific legal guardrails to ensure clarity, compliance, and brand distinction. Your chosen name must:

• Include a legal designation such as Limited Liability Company, Limited Company, or an accepted abbreviation like LLC or LC.

• Be clearly distinguishable from all existing business names registered with the Georgia Secretary of State.

• Exclude restricted terms (e.g., bank, insurance, trust) unless you have written approval from the relevant state agency.

• Stay within 80 characters, including spaces and punctuation.

📌 Example: “Atlanta Digital LLC” vs. “Atlanta Digital Consulting LLC” – both might get flagged. Consider something like “Atlanta Nova Digital LLC” to pass.

How to Check:

• Use the Georgia Business Search Tool to check name availability.

• Also check USPTO.gov for trademarks.

• Secure the .com domain and matching social handles to future-proof your brand.

⚡ doola Tip for Do’ers

For just $25, you can reserve your desired LLC name in Georgia for 30 days, giving you time to finalize your filing.

If you prefer to file by mail or in person, the cost increases to $35, which includes a mandatory $10 paper filing fee.

Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent in Georgia

Once you finalize an LLC name, the next key step is to designate a registered agent, a legal requirement for every Georgia LLC. 

A Registered Agent (RA) is your company’s official point of contact. They’re responsible for receiving time-sensitive legal documents, government notices, and tax correspondence on your behalf.

To qualify as a Registered Agent in Georgia, the individual or company must:

• Be at least 18 years of age

• Must be authorized (recognized and approved by the state) to conduct business in Georgia.

• Have a physical street address in Georgia (P.O. Boxes are not allowed)

• Be available during standard business hours

• Accept official legal and tax documents on behalf of your business

Why It Matters

Your RA plays a vital role in maintaining your LLC’s good standing.

So, if you prefer not to serve as your own agent, Georgia allows you to hire a professional Registered Agent service for around $125–$150/year. 

In return, you get:

• A dedicated team to handle official legal correspondence

• Filters to keep junk mail out of your way

• Privacy protection by keeping your personal address off public records

It’s a small investment for peace of mind and ongoing compliance. For international founders, in particular, it’s a smart and strategic decision.

What Are Your Options?

⚠️ Penalty Spotlight:

A missed legal notice due to an unreliable agent can result in administrative dissolution and costly reinstatement fees.

doola provides trusted registered agent services in all 50 states, helping you stay compliant and avoid expensive slip-ups.

Step 3: File Your Articles of Organization

Filing your Articles of Organization is the legal step that formally registers your business with the Georgia Secretary of State. You can now start operating, open a business bank account, sign contracts, and build your brand with confidence.

What You’ll Need

• The name of your Georgia LLC

• Georgia business address (or your agent’s address)

• Name and signature of the organizer

• Registered agent information

How to File in 2025

Georgia offers multiple filing options to match your pace and preference. The online filing system is fast and efficient, ideal for most founders.

If you choose to file by mail or in person, don’t forget to include Transmittal Form 231, or your application may be delayed or rejected.

Below is a summary of the fees and timelines for each method:

Note: Typos, mismatches, or incorrect addresses can delay approval for weeks. doola handles the filing, checks for errors, and tracks your approval so you don’t get stuck in admin processes.

Step 4: Create an LLC Operating Agreement

A well-drafted Operating Agreement outlines the internal blueprint of your LLC.

While not required by Georgia law, it’s a powerful document that protects your business and clarifies expectations. It is essential for banking, managing partners, and limiting liability.

What It Should Cover:

• Defined roles, rights, and responsibilities of LLC members and managers

• Procedures for adding or removing LLC members

• Guidelines for profit and loss distributions 

• Protocols for resolving internal disputes and decision-making deadlocks

• Voting rights and decision-making protocols, including how major business actions are approved

• The formal process for dissolving the LLC

DIY vs Legal Help: What Should You Choose?

You’ve got two routes: DIY it with a solid online template, or bring in a legal pro to craft a bespoke agreement, expect around $1,000 or more for that VIP service.

It’s not cheap, but it’s often worth every penny especially when multiple stakeholders or complex terms are involved.

• Solo founders: Use a free template (doola can provide one).

• Multi-member / complex structures: Consult legal services.

Step 5: Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Depending on the nature of your business operations, you may be required to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.

An EIN is essentially your business’s federal tax ID, think of it as a Social Security number, but for your company.

LLCs with employees or multiple members are legally required to have an EIN. 

Even if it’s not mandatory, many banks and state agencies require an EIN to open a business account or comply with tax regulations.

Check the IRS guidelines for specific requirements.

How to Obtain an EIN

You can obtain an EIN for free directly from the IRS, no third-party fees required.

Apply online for instant issuance, or choose fax, mail, or phone (for international applicants) if needed.

🚨 Watch Out & Be Prepared:

• IRS delays are common for non-US founders

• Avoid scam websites charging $200+ for a free process

doola delivers your EIN with speed and precision, with expert guidance to sidestep IRS holdups.

Step 6: Register for Georgia State Taxes (If Required)

Not every Georgia LLC will need to register for state taxes, but if your business involves selling goods, hiring employees, or operating in regulated industries, you’ll likely need to take action.

Here’s a breakdown of what to look out for:

Sales Tax ID for Physical Products

If your LLC sells tangible goods, whether online or in-store, you’re required to collect Georgia state sales tax from customers. This applies to retailers, ecommerce sellers, pop-up shop owners, and even marketplace sellers using platforms like Etsy or Amazon.

📌 Example: Let’s say Alex, a business owner, a runs an online store selling handmade candles from Atlanta. Since candles are a physical product, Alex must register for a Sales and Use Tax ID with the Georgia Tax Center (GTC) to legally collect and remit sales tax.

How to Register

⚡ doola Tip: Even if you’re selling through third-party platforms, Georgia may still hold you responsible for collecting and remitting sales tax depending on your nexus (physical presence, employees, etc.).

Employment Tax Registration for Hiring Employees

If your LLC has one or more employees working in Georgia, you must register for state employment taxes and comply with Georgia payroll regulations.

This includes:

• Withholding state income tax

• Paying unemployment insurance (UI) tax

📌 Example: Say your Atlanta-based business hires a part-time assistant. You’ll need to:

• Register with the Georgia Department of Labor (DOL) for unemployment insurance.

• Set up state income tax withholding via the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR).

How to Register

• Unemployment Insurance Tax: dol.georgia.gov → Employer Portal

• Income Tax Withholding: Through the Georgia Tax Center when you apply for a withholding account.

Missing registrations or payroll tax filings can lead to penalties. Consider using payroll software or doola Bookkeeping to stay compliant.

Industry-Specific Licenses for Regulated Sectors

Certain professions in Georgia are licensed and regulated at the state level. If your LLC provides services in these fields, you’ll need to register with the appropriate licensing boards.

Common industries requiring licenses:

• Healthcare (nurses, therapists, clinics)

• Food & Beverage (caterers, food trucks, restaurants)

• Education (tutors, learning centers, daycare)

• Professional Services (CPAs, architects, legal professionals, salons)

📌 Example: If you’re opening a nail salon in Macon, you’ll need:

• A Georgia Cosmetology License for each professional

• A Salon License, and possibly

• A health department permit from your local county.

Start by checking Georgia’s Professional Licensing Boards Division website to confirm what’s needed in your field.

Local City & County Requirements

Even if the state doesn’t require a specific license, cities and counties often do, especially for brick-and-mortar operations or home-based businesses.

Cities like Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, and Macon may require:

• A Business Occupation Tax Certificate

• A Home Occupation Permit for home-based businesses

• Zoning compliance documents

📌 Example: If you’re a freelance designer working from your apartment in Savannah, you may need to register with the Chatham County business office to legally operate.

Visit your city or county’s official website to find exact requirements. 

Don’t let state or local tax compliance slip through the cracks. Failing to register can result in hefty fines, delays, or revoked business rights. 

With doola, you can skip the guesswork. We’ll guide you through your Georgia tax obligations, so you can stay compliant while focusing on growth.

Sign up with doola today!

Step 7: Stay Compliant With Ongoing Requirements

To ensure your Georgia LLC remains in good legal and operational standing, you’ll need to stay on top of a few recurring requirements.

Missing even one deadline could cost you late fees, or worse, administrative dissolution. 

Annual Registration & Report

Every Georgia LLC must file an Annual Registration to confirm and update key business details like your registered agent and business address.

Here’s what it includes:

Even if your business information hasn’t changed, you still need to file. It’s a quick task that goes a long way in keeping your LLC compliant.

Update Changes Promptly (Address/Agent Change)

If your business address or registered agent changes, Georgia requires you to notify the state as soon as possible.

• When to file: Immediately after the change occurs.

• Fee: Free, but not filing can put your LLC at risk of missing official notices, leading to possible dissolution.

Local Business Licences & Permits

While the state of Georgia doesn’t require a general business license, many cities and counties do.

• Atlanta often requires annual business licenses for local operations.

• Savannah and Augusta have industry-specific permit rules.

• Food service, childcare, and health care businesses typically need extra certifications and inspections.

📌 Check your locality: Visit your county or city government website to review specific business license requirements by industry.

doola Keeps You on Track

When you’re juggling business growth, the last thing you want is a compliance slip-up. That’s where doola helps founders with:

• Automated compliance alerts so you never miss a filing deadline

• “Done-for-you” filings, including annual reports and local registrations

• Stress-free recordkeeping, you focus on growth, we handle the paperwork

With doola, you’re not just compliant, you’re confidently in control. Explore our services today.

Cost Breakdown: Georgia LLC Formation & Maintenance

From one-time filing fees to ongoing obligations, here’s a clear breakdown of typical costs associated with a Georgia LLC:

What should you budget for when starting a Georgia LLC?

While starting a Georgia LLC is relatively affordable compared to other states, the real cost lies in missing a deadline or skipping a requirement.

Staying on top of these fees and filings is crucial to keeping your business running smoothly.

DIY vs doola: What Should You Choose?

Founders, it’s time to take your pick: Go the DIY route or save time and stress with doola’s full-service formation. Here’s how each option measures up:

With doola, you get expert guidance, zero guesswork, and a streamlined formation experience designed for busy entrepreneurs and global founders alike.

Start Your Georgia LLC the Right Way With doola

Launching your LLC in Georgia shouldn’t come with uncertainty. With doola,  every critical step, from state filings to IRS setup, is handled by experts who know your niche inside out. 

Here’s what you get with our formation and compliance services:

1. EIN (no SSN needed): We’ll secure your Employer Identification Number (EIN) even if you’re a non-US citizen without a Social Security Number. No IRS headaches, no delays.

2. Registered Agent Services: Stay compliant and protected with a trusted Georgia-based registered agent who receives legal documents, government notices, and service of process on your behalf.

3. Articles of Organization filing: We draft and file your Articles of Organization with precision, ensuring your LLC is officially registered with the Georgia Secretary of State, accurately and on time.

4. Operating Agreement Template: Access a customizable legal template that outlines your LLC’s structure, ownership, and management terms, so you’re set up to scale professionally.

5. Ongoing Compliance Monitoring: We track Georgia’s deadlines, filing requirements, and compliance tasks for you, so you can focus on growth while we help you stay in good standing year-round.

6. Year-Round Expert Support: Whether it’s your first business or your fifth, our formation specialists are here to answer questions, solve problems, and ensure your LLC stays on the right track, before and after launch.

Trusted by 10K+ founders worldwide, doola’s streamlined, done-for-you service is built to get your business legally established and ready to operate.

Sign up today and let’s build you an LLC in Georgia! 

FAQs

Can I start an LLC in Georgia if I don’t live in the US?

Yes. Non-US residents can start and own a Georgia LLC 100% remotely. doola makes it easy.

How long does it take to form an LLC in Georgia?

Online filing takes 5–10 business days. Expedited service cuts it to 2–3 days.

Is an operating agreement required in Georgia?

It’s not legally required, but banks and partners expect it. It’s essential for internal protection.

What taxes does a Georgia LLC have to pay?

LLCs are typically pass-through entities, so profits flow to your personal taxes. You may owe sales tax, employment tax, or local taxes depending on your business.

Do I need a business license in Georgia after forming my LLC?

In many cities like Atlanta, yes. Always check your local city/county requirements.

Can I be my own registered agent in Georgia?

Yes, but your address becomes public and you must be available during business hours. Most founders choose professional agents for privacy and reliability.