Filing a Georgia LLC
Registering as an LLC could benefit young business owners for a few reasons. For one, the organizational structure shields members from corporate liabilities. Secondly, the process of filing as a Georgia LLC is relatively straightforward, although owners must ensure they are thorough when doing so.
Steps To Filing a Georgia LLC
Choose A Name
Once an entrepreneur has decided it’s time to form a Georgia LLC, the first thing they must do is select a name. When filing in Georgia, companies must include an indicator in their title. This means they must include something like “Limited Liability Corporation” or “L.L.C.” in their name. Furthermore, new business owners must ensure that the name they wish to use is not already in use by another entity. Owners could benefit from using the DoMyLLC Name Availability Check Page.
Choose A Registered Agent
Before becoming a Georgia LLC, owners must also first select a registered agent. The registered agent is responsible for accepting legal documents and notices of lawsuits on behalf of the company. It’s imperative that companies choose a registered agent who is reliable. It would be in their best interest to select a professional third-party registered agent company like DoMyLLC.
File Articles Of Organization & Pay Filing Fees
To register as a Georgia LLC, aspiring owners will need to file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. There is a $100 filing fee associated with doing so. Owners must also include:
- The name and address of the LLC
- A signature from the organizer, member, manager, or attorney-in-fact
- Information about the registered agent
File Initial Report
Georgia LLCs do not need to file an Initial Report. They must submit their first Annual Report between January 1 and April 1 of the year following their initial filing. There is a $50 to do so.
Create An Operating Agreement And Hold Meetings
Georgia LLCs will also want to come up with an operating agreement to clarify their corporate structure and specify how their company will be run. Once this is in place, the company can begin holding meetings and recording minutes.
Obtain Employer Identification Number
To file taxes and open a business bank account, new Georgia LLCs must secure an Employer Identification Number. They can do so through the Internal Revenue Service. The number will be associated with the business until the day owners were to cease operations.
File State Required Annual Reports
Each year, Georgia LLCs must file an Annual Report with the Secretary of State’s office. They can do so between January 1 and April 1 each year. It will cost you $50 to file this paperwork. If you do not register on time, there is an additional late fee of $25. LLC owners can find more about these requirements by visiting the DoMyLLC Georgia Annual Report page.
Ongoing Maintenance
In addition to the annual report, there are some other requirements to which Georgia LLCs must adhere. Businesses are required to file federal, state, and local taxes each year. Additionally, companies must make sure they acquire and renew the licenses and permits necessary for them to conduct business.
How DoMyLLC Can Assist With Streamlining The Process
If you are the owner of a Georgia LLC, you likely want to dedicate yourself to growing your business. You probably feel as though you don’t have time to deal with the administrative side of things. If this is the case, you should consider contacting DoMyLLC. We also numerous services to help business owners, including:
- Name availability check
- Articles of Organization preparation
- Filing of the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State’s office
- Sample documents, including a sample Operating Agreement, meeting notices, and meeting minutes
- Dedicated account manager
- Unlimited customer support
No matter if you are just beginning to register your business or need help with ongoing maintenance, DoMyLLC is here for you.