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.

Year-1 Cost Table

Georgia LLC year-1 cost breakdown (2026)
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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Step 3: Get an EIN (Federal Employer Identification Number)

    Apply with the IRS using your stamped Articles of Organization. Free, takes 5 minutes online.

  4. Step 4: Adopt an Operating Agreement

    Required by best practice — banks routinely request it before opening business accounts.

  5. 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.

  6. 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 formationOptional add-onIncluded in formation plans
Privacy (address shielding)StrongStrong
Upsells at checkoutNoneSeveral
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

Other States

Skip the research — let AthenAI form your Georgia LLC