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What legal steps should I take before starting a business in Georgia?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

Before starting a business in Georgia, there are several legal steps that should be taken:

  1. Determine your business structure: Before starting your business, you should decide on the type of business structure that best suits your needs. In Georgia, the most common business structures are sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. Each structure has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to choose the one that best fits your business needs.
  2. Register your business: Once you have decided on your business structure, you must register your business with the Georgia Secretary of State's office. Depending on the type of business structure you have chosen, you may need to file articles of incorporation or articles of organization.
  3. Obtain any necessary licenses and permits: Depending on the type of business you are starting, you may need to obtain various licenses and permits. For example, if you are starting a restaurant, you will need to obtain a food service permit from the Georgia Department of Health.
  4. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN): If your business will have employees, you will need to obtain an EIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This number is used to identify your business for tax purposes.
  5. Obtain insurance: Depending on the type of business you are starting, you may need to obtain various types of insurance. For example, if you are starting a construction business, you will need to obtain liability insurance.
  6. Comply with employment laws: If your business will have employees, you must comply with various employment laws, including minimum wage and overtime laws, anti-discrimination laws, and workers' compensation laws.
  7. Comply with tax laws: You must also comply with various tax laws, including sales tax, income tax, and payroll tax.

It is important to note that the above steps are not exhaustive, and there may be additional legal requirements depending on the type of business you are starting. Therefore, it is recommended that you consult with a licensed attorney to ensure that all legal requirements are met before starting your business in Georgia.