How to Form an LLC in Georgia (2026): Real Costs, Real Steps
Georgia charges $100 to file Articles of Organization and requires an Annual Registration fee of $50 by April 1st each year. The state processes online filings in 7–10 business days; expedited service costs an additional $100 for 2-business-day processing. Georgia requires a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. Unlike most states, Georgia does not require publication of your LLC formation in a newspaper. You'll pay $125/year for a professional registered agent like Northwest, and total first-year costs run approximately $275–$375 depending on whether you expedite.
Before you file, two things drive cost the most in Georgia: registered agent requirements and whether you open Mercury vs Bluevine business banking separately. The full breakdown below covers both.
Year-1 cost table
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (state filing fee) | $100 | cite |
| Annual Registration (due April 1 yearly) | $50 | cite |
| Registered Agent (Northwest, first year) | $125 | cite |
| Expedited processing (optional, 2 days) | $100 | cite |
| Estimated Year-1 Total (standard filing) | $275 | cite |
The 6 steps
- Step 1: File Articles of Organization
Submit the formation document to the Georgia Secretary of State. See the cost table above for the current filing fee.
- Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent
Every Georgia LLC needs a registered agent with a Georgia street address. You can serve yourself, but most founders use a commercial RA — Northwest is our default pick.
- Step 3: Get an EIN (Federal Employer Identification Number)
Apply with the IRS using your stamped Articles of Organization. Free, takes 5 minutes online.
- Step 4: Adopt an Operating Agreement
Required by best practice — banks routinely request it before opening business accounts.
- Step 5: Open a Business Bank Account
Mercury for software/online businesses; a local credit union for cash-heavy retail. Keep personal and business finances separate from day one.
- Step 6: File State Tax Registrations
Register for Georgia state taxes (sales tax permit, payroll registration if you have employees, etc.) before you transact.
Recommended tools
Northwest vs ZenBusiness for Georgia LLCs
Verdict (as of 2026): Northwest Registered Agent is our default pick for Georgia LLCs. They publish a Georgia-specific registered-agent page (linked in the cost table) and do not upsell add-ons at checkout. ZenBusiness wins only if you want bundled formation in a single flow.
| Criterion | Northwest | ZenBusiness |
|---|---|---|
| Registered-agent only price (Georgia) | $125/yr | $199/yr |
| Bundled formation | Optional add-on | Included in formation plans |
| Privacy (address shielding) | Strong | Strong |
| Upsells at checkout | None | Several |
| Annual-report filing service | $100/yr add-on | $199/yr add-on |
Frequently asked questions
Does Georgia require publication of my LLC formation?
No. Unlike Arizona and New York, Georgia does not require you to publish notice of your LLC formation in a newspaper, saving you $100–$300 in publication costs.
What is Georgia's Annual Registration and when is it due?
Georgia's Annual Registration is a $50 fee due by April 1st every year. You file it online through the Secretary of State's eCorp portal. Missing the deadline triggers a $25 late fee and eventual administrative dissolution.
How long does Georgia take to approve my LLC filing?
Standard online filings process in 7–10 business days. Expedited service costs $100 and delivers approval in 2 business days. Paper filings take 4–6 weeks.
Can I use a PO box for my registered agent address in Georgia?
No. Georgia requires your registered agent to have a physical street address in the state. Northwest Registered Agent provides a Georgia street address for $125/year and handles all official service of process.
Does Georgia charge LLC franchise tax or state income tax?
Georgia does not impose an LLC-level franchise tax. LLCs are pass-through entities, so profits are taxed at the member level under Georgia's 5.75% individual income tax rate. Georgia also has a 5.75% corporate income tax if you elect C-corp taxation.
Annual filing deadline
Georgia requires an Annual Registration by April 1st each year, costing $50, filed online through the Corporations Division portal.
Authoritative sources
- https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/businessservices
- https://sos.ga.gov/page/limited-liability-companies
- https://dor.georgia.gov/taxes/business-taxes
Other states
Updated 2026-05-12. Source quality: d1_hydrated. AthenAI is not a law firm; this page is informational.