Start Your Georgia LLC in the Business-Friendly Peach State
Georgia offers a strategic Southeast location, competitive costs, and access to major markets. With Atlanta as a major business hub, strong logistics infrastructure, and growing film and tech industries, Georgia provides excellent opportunities for diverse businesses. The state serves as a major Southeast business hub with 7-10 business day formation times. Georgia's growing tech and film industries are supported by excellent logistics infrastructure throughout the region.
Compare Top 5 LLC Formation Services
| Feature | ZenBusiness Best Overall Value | Bizee Fastest Formation | Inc Authority Free Formation | LegalZoom Best for Legal Support | Rocket Lawyer Legal Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $99.99 + state fees |
| EIN Service | $99 | $70 | $70 | $159 | $99 |
| Operating Agreement | $99 | $99 | $50 | $99 | ✓ Free |
| Support | Phone, Chat, Email | Limited | Phone, Chat | Phone, Chat | Phone, Chat |
| Best For | Best Overall Value | Fastest Formation | Free Formation | Best for Legal Support | Legal Documents |
| Get Started | Get Started → | Get Started → | Get Started → | Get Started → | Get Started → |
Compare Georgia with Neighboring States
Georgia
💡 Pro Tip: While neighboring states may have different fees, consider other factors like business environment, tax policies, and where you'll actually operate when choosing your LLC formation state.
Georgia LLC Formation Costs
Georgia LLC formation costs:
- State filing fee: $100
- Annual registration: $50 (due between January 1 and April 1)
- Initial registration: Required within 90 days of formation
- Registered agent: Required (typically $99-$299/year)
Georgia’s total first-year cost is approximately $150 plus registered agent fees, making it competitively priced for Southeast states.
Ongoing Compliance Requirements
Georgia requires annual registration between January 1 and April 1 each year, with a $50 fee. This is different from most states that use anniversary dates. The registration updates basic company information. Late filing results in a $25 penalty. The fixed filing period means all Georgia LLCs file simultaneously, so submit early to avoid delays.
Formation Timeline
Georgia processing times:
- Standard online filing: 7-10 business days
- Paper filing: 15-20 business days
- Expedited service: 2-3 business days for $100 additional fee
Georgia’s online filing system through the Secretary of State provides confirmation numbers and status tracking.
Key Industry Sectors
Atlanta offers significant advantages:
- Major airport hub: Hartsfield-Jackson connects to global markets
- Fortune 500 presence: Home to Coca-Cola, Delta, Home Depot, UPS
- Film industry: “Hollywood of the South” with major tax incentives
- Tech growth: Growing fintech and cybersecurity sectors
- Diverse economy: Strong healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing
- Lower costs: More affordable than other major metro areas
Even if not based in Atlanta, Georgia LLCs benefit from the state’s business infrastructure.
Registered Agent Requirements
Yes, Georgia requires all LLCs to maintain a registered agent with a Georgia street address. The agent must be available during business hours to receive legal documents. You can serve as your own agent if you have a Georgia address, but professional services provide reliability and privacy.
Business Climate and Advantages
Georgia offers several tax benefits:
- Job tax credits for creating employment
- R&D tax credits
- Film production tax credits (30% for qualified productions)
- Opportunity Zone incentives
- Competitive corporate tax rate of 5.75%
- No franchise tax for LLCs
These incentives make Georgia particularly attractive for growing businesses that create jobs.
Top 3 Recommended Services for Georgia
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness stands out as our top pick for LLC formation services thanks to its unbeatable combination of value, features, and support. With formation starting at $0 plus state fees, you can rest easy with their worry-free compliance service, award-winning customer support, and 100% accuracy guarantee. The Pro and Premium packages add even more value with 1-day processing, an employer ID number, operating agreement, and services to get your business online like domain name registration, AI business website builder, and more.
Best For
Entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and compliance tools at an affordable price
Pros
- ✓ Starter package is $0 plus state fees
- ✓ Registered agent and compliance services
- ✓ Free worry-free compliance for 1 year
- ✓ Fast 1-day processing time available
- ✓ 100% accuracy guarantee
- ✓ Award-winning customer support
Cons
- • Some features require upgraded plans
- • More expensive Registered Agent service
Bizee
Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers lightning-fast LLC formation with their $0 package. They're perfect for entrepreneurs who need to form their LLC quickly and affordably. With same-day processing in many states and a year of free registered agent service, Bizee provides exceptional value for basic LLC formation needs.
Best For
Budget-conscious startups needing fast formation
Pros
- ✓ $0 basic formation package
- ✓ Same-day processing available
- ✓ Free registered agent for first year
- ✓ Compliance alerts included
- ✓ Dashboard for document management
- ✓ Free business tools and templates
Cons
- • Operating agreement not included in basic package
- • Limited customer support hours
Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands combines LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Their unique approach includes AI-powered logo design, website creation, and marketing materials. Perfect for creative entrepreneurs who want to establish their brand identity alongside their legal structure.
Best For
Creative businesses wanting formation plus branding
Pros
- ✓ Includes logo design and branding
- ✓ Website builder included
- ✓ Business card designs
- ✓ Mobile app available
- ✓ Operating agreement included
- ✓ EIN service included
Cons
- • No rush processing available
- • Monthly subscription required
- • Customer service via chat/email only