The Peach State is a magnet for those seeking a better quality of life and all the other benefits warm weather, southern hospitality, and a thriving business climate can provide.
If you can put the gorgeous landscapes, culturally iconic cities, and awesome lifestyle to one side, you have a state that is extremely attractive for those looking to register a business in Georgia because it is one of the fastest-growing states in the country.
How much does it cost to register a business in Georgia? Not that much! Sure, it is not the very cheapest state to register a business in, but it is certainly one of the more affordable ones.
Let’s get right into the upfront costs to register a company in Georgia, whether that be an LLC, an Incorporated company, a partnership, a non-profit, or any other type of company or sole proprietor.
What is the cost to register a business in Georgia?
One of the two different types of companies (most common) you may wish to form when starting and registering a business in Georgia are:
- Georgia Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Georgia Incorporated Company (Inc.)
Of course, there are other types of structures such as sole proprietorship, a limited or general partnership, and non-profit, but the most common two are the limited liability company and corporation.
When it comes to registering your company in the U.S., it is important to be aware that the registration and renewal costs differ depending on which state you decide to register in. The type of business structure you decide on will also determine the specific costs.
If you would like to pay for the services of a formation and business filing services company to register your Georgia business the right way, they can do it for an affordable fee that ensures it is done properly and all the correct documents are filed according to the law. They will also take care of all the after-formation procedures so your business is compliant with Georgia law and legally registered.
How much does it cost to register a company in Georgia?
- Georgia LLC Initial Registration: $100
- Georgia Corporation Initial Registration: $50
- Georgia Non-Profit Initial Registration: $30
- Foreign LLC Initial Registration: $225
(this is so an out-of-state LLC can obtain foreign qualification to do business in Georgia) - Foreign Corporation Initial Registration: $225
(this is so an out-of-state Inc. can obtain foreign qualification to do business in Georgia) - Limited Partnership (LP) Initial Registration: $100
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Initial Registration: $100
- Sole Proprietorship Initial Registration: There is no set registration fee and it varies based on the type of sole proprietor business you are setting up. Here is an instructional guide.
The costs to register a business in Georgia noted above are the total fees you must pay but do not include several optional fees that are offered by the Georgia Secretary of State. For example, when you open a bank account or apply for credit, some financial institutions may need a certificate of existence of your company – this costs $10.00 if you order it online or $20.00 by mail.
The costs include the initial filing fees and annual renewal fees if they are done online, it costs a little more if you file things by mail. At the bottom of this page is a link to the fee schedule from the Georgia Secretary of State and it includes the cost of paper filings.
How much does it cost to renew a company in Georgia?
According to Georgia law (O.C.G.A.), any company wishing to continue doing business in the State of Georgia must file an annual report with the Secretary of State. Some annual fees are the same as the initial registration costs, while others are less.
Annual Fees to renew your business in Georgia:
- Annual Fee for an LLC in Georgia: $50
- Annual Fee for a Corporation in Georgia: $50
- Annual Fee for a Georgia Non-Profit: $25
- Annual Fee for a Foreign LLC: $50
- Annual Fee for a Foreign Corporation: $50
- Annual Fee for a Limited Partnership (LP): $50
- Annual Fee for a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): $50
- Annual Fee for a Sole Proprietor: This can vary based on the type of business you have and there may be annual taxes and reporting fees to pay too.
The above annual reporting fees for businesses are the minimum you must pay, and there are optional fees and additional state fees a business entity may need to pay should you wish to make changes during the year, rather than when your annual renewal is filed.
For example, changing your registered agent or office, or if a managing member or officer/director changes mid-year, then you will need to file an amended annual registration which costs $20.00 online or $30.00 through the mail. The above-noted fees are for online renewals. If you wish to renew through the mail, the fees are a little more and there is a link at the bottom of the page.
Other Georgia Corporations Division Filing Fees
As a business owner or soon-to-be owner of a Georgia company, you should be aware of the other various fees that are charged by the Corporations Division.
- Amended and Restated Certificate: $20.00
- Amended annual registration: $20.00
- Certificate of Conversion: $95.00 (plus new entity filing fees, if applicable)
- Certificate of Dissolution: No Fee ($10.00 paper fee – learn how to dissolve a business in Georgia)
- Certificate of Merger: $20.00 (per party)
- Certificate of Revocation of Dissolution: No Fee
- Notice of Cancellation: $15.00
- Name Reservation: $25.00
- Resignation of Registered Agent: No Fee ($10.00 paper fee)
- Statement of Correction: $20.00
- Statement of Termination: No Fee ($10.00 paper fee)
One of the most important fees to remember is the late filing fee. In Georgia, they impose a late fee if you file your annual report after April 1st of each year, however, you can file as early as January 1st. The state fee is an additional $25, however, for Foreign LLCs, Corporations, LPs, LLPs, and others, you will be looking at paying anywhere between $200, and $500 plus!
Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division Mailing Address and Contact Information
Secretary of State
Corporations Division
2 M.L.K. Jr. Dr. S.E.
Floyd West Tower
Suite 814
Atlanta, GA 30344
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST
Website: ecorp.sos.ga.gov
Email: soscontact@sos.ga.gov
If certain changes are made by an LLC, Corporation, or Partnership throughout the year, such as amending the Articles of Organization or changing the registered agent, officers, or managing members, the Georgia Secretary of State’s office must be notified on the appropriate form and a fee must be paid.
Here is the fee schedule from the Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division, and here are the downloadable forms provided by the Georgia Secretary of State for your reference.
