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What steps do I need to take to incorporate my business in Georgia?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

To incorporate a business in Georgia, you will need to follow these steps:

  1. Choose a business name: Select a name for your business that is not already being used by another Georgia corporation or limited liability company. You can check if the name you have chosen is still available by searching the Georgia Secretary of State's business name database.
  2. Choose a Registered Agent: A Registered Agent is a person or entity designated to receive service of process (legal notices, subpoenas, and other official government documents) on behalf of your company. The Registered Agent must be a Georgia resident, a Georgia corporation or LLC, or a foreign corporation authorized to do business in Georgia.
  3. File Articles of Incorporation: You will need to file Articles of Incorporation with the Georgia Secretary of State's office. In the Articles of Incorporation, you must provide information about your business, such as the name and address of the Registered Agent and the principal office of the corporation.
  4. Draft Corporate Bylaws: A corporation's Bylaws are the internal rules and regulations that govern the management and operations of the corporation. You are not required to file them with the Georgia Secretary of State's Office, but it is good practice to have them in place to help guide the corporation's activities and avoid disputes.
  5. Obtain an EIN: An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a unique nine-digit number that the IRS issues to identify your business for tax purposes. You can apply for an EIN online through the IRS website.
  6. Comply with State and Federal Tax Obligations: Once your corporation is formed, you will need to comply with Georgia's and the federal government's tax requirements. You should register for Georgia and federal taxes as soon as possible to avoid penalties or late fees.

While these steps are essential to incorporate a business in Georgia, there may be other specific requirements tailored to your business type or industry. We recommend seeking the advice of an experienced business attorney who can provide you with legal guidance on this process and assist you with completing these steps within the Georgia legal system.