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Georgia Business Guide

How to Start a Business in Georgia

Everything you need to form your Georgia LLC, corporation, or sole proprietorship — with exact fees, timelines, and step-by-step instructions.

Georgia is one of the fastest-growing states for small business, with Atlanta serving as a major hub for startups and established companies alike. LLC formation costs $100 through the Secretary of State's eCorp portal, with a $60 annual registration fee. No franchise tax, reasonable filing fees, and a pro-business climate make the Peach State an excellent place to start.

This guide walks you through every step, from choosing your business structure to getting your first customers.

Choosing Your Georgia Business Structure

This is the first decision and it affects everything — taxes, liability, paperwork. If you're unsure, an LLC is the right default for most Georgia small businesses.

Entity Type Liability Protection Taxation Georgia Filing Fee Annual Cost Best For
LLC Yes Pass-through $100 $60/yr Most small businesses
Corporation Yes Double (C-Corp) or pass-through (S-Corp) $110 $60/yr Raising investment, stock options
Sole Proprietorship No Pass-through $0 $0 Freelancers, side hustles
Partnership No Pass-through $100 $60/yr 2+ owners (consider LLC instead)

8 Steps to Start Your Georgia Business

  1. 1

    Choose your business structure

    LLC, Corporation, or Sole Proprietorship — each has different costs, tax treatment, and liability protection.

  2. 2

    Pick and reserve your business name

    Search the Secretary of State's eCorp database. Reserve for $25 (optional, 30 days).

  3. 3

    Appoint a registered agent

    Must have a physical Georgia address. Can be yourself (free) or a service ($100-$300/yr).

  4. 4

    File your formation documents

    Articles of Organization (LLC, $100) or Articles of Incorporation (Corp, $110) through the eCorp portal.

  5. 5

    Get your EIN from the IRS

    Free, online, takes 5 minutes. Do not pay anyone for this.

  6. 6

    Open a business bank account

    Keep personal and business finances separate. You'll need your EIN and formation docs.

  7. 7

    Get required licenses and permits

    Georgia requires local business licenses in most cities and counties. Check with your local government.

  8. 8

    Register for Georgia taxes

    Register with the Georgia Department of Revenue for sales tax and/or withholding tax.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Georgia?

Item Cost Notes
LLC filing fee (Secretary of State) Required $100 —
Corporation filing fee Required $110 If forming a corporation instead
Annual registration fee Required $60/yr Due by April 1 each year
Name reservation $25 Optional, 30 days
Registered agent service $0–$300/yr Free if you serve as your own
EIN (IRS) Required $0 Always free
Business license Varies Depends on city/county
Operating agreement $0–$500+ Free template or attorney-drafted
Realistic LLC total $100–$500

See full cost breakdown →

Why Start a Business in Georgia?

  • No franchise tax — just a $60 annual registration fee
  • Low cost of living — lower overhead than coastal states
  • Atlanta as a business hub — 18 Fortune 500 companies headquartered here
  • World's busiest airport — Hartsfield-Jackson connects you to global markets
  • Growing tech scene — Atlanta's tech ecosystem is booming with startups
  • Film industry incentives — Georgia's tax credits attract major productions and related businesses

Georgia Business Resources

Georgia Secretary of State — Corporations Division Entity filing, name search, annual reports sos.ga.gov → Georgia Department of Revenue Tax registration, sales tax, withholding dor.georgia.gov → Georgia SBDC Free business counseling and training www.georgiasbdc.org → SBA Georgia District Office Federal loans, programs, and mentoring www.sba.gov → Georgia Department of Labor Employer requirements, unemployment insurance dol.georgia.gov →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to start an LLC in Georgia?
Online filing through the eCorp portal typically processes in 1–7 business days. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee.
Do I need a business license in Georgia?
Georgia doesn't issue a single state business license. Most cities and counties require their own local business license or occupation tax certificate.
Can I form a Georgia LLC if I live in another state?
Yes. You'll need a registered agent with a physical Georgia address. Many formation services include this.
What's the cheapest way to start a business in Georgia?
A sole proprietorship costs $0 in state fees. An LLC costs $100 with the Secretary of State. You can file yourself without a lawyer or service.
Do I need an operating agreement for my Georgia LLC?
It's not legally required, but strongly recommended. It defines ownership percentages, profit distribution, and operating procedures. Many banks require one.