Cost to Form LLC in Georgia
Quick Answer
The total cost to form an LLC in Georgia ranges from $200-300 for DIY filing to $500-800 when using a formation service, including mandatory government fees and essential first-year expenses.
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Learn More →Total Cost: Year One
| Cost Category | DIY Route | With Service |
|---|---|---|
| State Filing Fee | $100 | $100 |
| Publication Requirement | $40-100 | $40-100 |
| Registered Agent (Year 1) | $50-150 | $50-150 |
| EIN Application | Free (DIY) | $50-100 |
| Operating Agreement | $0-200 | $100-300 |
| Formation Service Fee | $0 | $150-400 |
| Total Estimated | $190-550 | $490-1,050 |
Data as of April 13, 2026
Government Filing Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| LLC Articles of Organization | $100 | Mandatory state filing fee |
| Processing Time | 7-10 business days | Standard processing with Georgia Secretary of State |
| Expedited Processing | Not specified | Contact Georgia SOS for expedited options |
| Name Reservation | Contact SOS | Optional pre-filing name protection |
Georgia’s $100 formation fee is competitive compared to many states, making it an affordable option for new business owners. The processing time of 7-10 business days is reasonable for standard filings.
Optional Costs
Publication Requirement
Georgia requires LLCs to publish a notice of formation in a newspaper in the county where the LLC’s registered office is located. This typically costs $40-100 depending on the publication and county, making it a unique mandatory expense not found in most states.
Registered Agent Service
While you can serve as your own registered agent for free, many business owners prefer professional registered agent services for privacy and reliability. Annual costs range from $50-150 for basic service.
Operating Agreement
Though not required by Georgia law, an operating agreement is highly recommended for multi-member LLCs and beneficial even for single-member LLCs. Professional drafting costs $100-300, while DIY templates are available for $20-50.
Federal EIN
Applying directly with the IRS is free, but formation services typically charge $50-100 for EIN assistance.
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Learn More →Annual Ongoing Costs
| Annual Expense | Cost | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Registration | $50 | By April 1st |
| Registered Agent Renewal | $50-150 | Varies by service |
| State Income Tax | 1-5.49% | Varies |
Georgia LLCs must file an Annual Registration with a $50 fee by April 1st each year. The state imposes income tax at rates ranging from 1-5.49%, though LLCs are typically pass-through entities for federal tax purposes.
Georgia does not impose a franchise tax on LLCs, which helps keep ongoing compliance costs lower than many other states.
DIY vs. Formation Service Comparison
DIY Filing
Total Cost: $190-350
- State fee: $100
- Publication: $40-100
- Registered agent (optional): $50-150
- Time investment: 3-5 hours research and filing
Pros: Lowest cost, complete control Cons: Time-intensive, risk of errors, no ongoing support
Formation Service
Total Cost: $490-850
- All DIY costs plus service fees ($150-400)
- Often includes first year registered agent service
- May include operating agreement template
- Professional review and filing
Pros: Expert guidance, error prevention, ongoing support Cons: Higher upfront cost, less direct control
Cheapest States Comparison
| State | Formation Fee | Annual Fee | Publication Required | Total Year 1 Est. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | $100 | $50 | No | $150-300 |
| Delaware | $90 | $300 | No | $440-590 |
| Nevada | $75 | $350 | No | $475-625 |
| Georgia | $100 | $50 | Yes | $190-350 |
| Florida | $125 | $138.75 | No | $313-463 |
Georgia ranks competitively among affordable states for LLC formation, though the publication requirement adds a unique cost not found in most other states. The low annual fee of $50 helps offset the publication expense over time.
Related Guides
- Cost to Form LLC in New York 2026: Complete Fee Breakdown
- Cost to Form LLC in Florida 2026: Complete Fee Breakdown
- Cost to Form LLC in Illinois 2026: Complete Fee Breakdown
- Cost to Form LLC in North Carolina 2026: Complete Fee Guide
- How to Form LLC in California 2026: Complete Guide ($70 Fee)
FAQ
How long does it take to form an LLC in Georgia?
Standard processing takes 7-10 business days with the Georgia Secretary of State. You can check processing times and potentially expedited options by contacting the Georgia SOS Corporations Division directly.
Is the publication requirement mandatory for Georgia LLCs?
Yes, Georgia law requires LLCs to publish a notice of formation in a newspaper in the county where the registered office is located. This typically costs $40-100 and must be completed within 60 days of filing your Articles of Organization.
Can I be my own registered agent in Georgia?
Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Georgia address and are available during business hours to receive legal documents. However, many business owners prefer professional services for privacy and reliability.
Does Georgia charge franchise tax on LLCs?
No, Georgia does not impose franchise tax on LLCs. You’ll only pay the $50 annual registration fee, making ongoing compliance costs relatively low compared to states with franchise taxes.
What’s included in Georgia’s $100 filing fee?
The $100 fee covers filing your Articles of Organization with the Georgia Secretary of State. This includes processing your formation documents and issuing your official LLC certificate, but does not include the required publication or other optional services.
Do I need an operating agreement for my Georgia LLC?
While Georgia doesn’t legally require an operating agreement, it’s highly recommended for all LLCs. An operating agreement protects your limited liability status and provides important governance structure, especially for multi-member LLCs.
How do I complete the publication requirement?
After filing your Articles of Organization, you must publish a notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county of your registered office. Contact local newspapers for rates and requirements, as costs vary by publication and county.
When is Georgia’s annual registration due?
Georgia LLCs must file their Annual Registration and pay the $50 fee by April 1st each year. Late filings may incur penalties and could lead to administrative dissolution if not addressed promptly.
state registered agent service — $125/year, privacy included
Learn More →This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Business formation requirements and fees can change. Always consult with qualified professionals and verify current information with the Georgia Secretary of State before making business decisions.