Start an LLC in Georgia — Simple, Affordable, and Business-Friendly

Your Georgia LLC name must be unique among all businesses registered with the Georgia Secretary of State and must include a required designator. You can check availability for free on the Georgia SOS website.

Georgia Naming Rules:

• Must include: "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C."
• Cannot use: Words implying a government agency (e.g., "FBI," "State Department")
• Restricted words: "Bank," "Insurance," "University" require additional state approval
• Must be distinguishable: From all existing Georgia business names in the SOS database

Every Georgia LLC must designate a registered agent — an individual or company with a physical Georgia street address — to receive legal documents, state notices, and official correspondence during normal business hours.

Who can be your registered agent?

• Yourself: Must have a physical Georgia address and be available during business hours
• A trusted individual: Any Georgia resident with a physical address
• A professional service: Like Brendat — Georgia-based, keeps your personal address private

The Articles of Organization is the document that officially creates your Georgia LLC. You file it with the Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division — online via the Georgia MyBusiness portal or by mail.

What's included in Georgia Articles of Organization?

• LLC name and principal office address
• Registered agent name and Georgia address
• Management structure (member-managed or manager-managed)
• Organizer's name and signature
• Effective date (defaults to filing date if not specified)

Georgia does not legally require an operating agreement for LLCs, but it is strongly recommended for all Georgia LLCs — especially multi-member ones. It establishes ownership, profit sharing, and management rules and protects your liability shield if ever challenged in court.

Your operating agreement should cover:

• Ownership structure: Each member's percentage and capital contribution
• Profit distribution: How and when profits are divided
• Management: Who makes decisions and how voting works
• Member changes: Process for adding or removing members
• Dissolution: Steps to close the LLC if needed

An EIN is your LLC's federal tax ID — required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes. You apply through the IRS for free.

• US residents: Apply free online at IRS.gov — instant approval
• Non-US residents: Apply by fax using IRS Form SS-4 — 4–6 weeks
• Brendat handles this: Included in Standard and Premium packages

Georgia LLCs must file an annual registration with the Georgia Secretary of State every year to stay in good standing. Georgia's annual registration is one of the most affordable in the US at just $50 per year.

• Annual registration fee: $50/year
• Due date: April 1 every year
• Filing: Online via Georgia MyBusiness portal
• Late penalty: $25 late fee if filed between April 1 and April 30
• Dissolution risk: LLCs that don't file by April 30 are administratively dissolved