Before launching a business in Georgia, entrepreneurs must submit a very important document called the articles of organization. This step is important to get started to launch a limited liability company (LLC). This step is important for registering the LLC with the Georgia Secretary of State. This step provides legal recognition for the business.

The articles of organization are a legal necessity document. It provides business owners with the ability to operate a legally recognized LLC in Georgia. It also provides business owners the ability to operate a business banking account as well as the protections of limited liability that come with an LLC.

Purpose of Articles of Organization in Georgia

The articles of organization for Georgia are entirely legal for the state of Georgia in the business formation process. It is legal recognition as a business entity. Once approved, the Georgia LLC is authorized to conduct business legally, enter into contracts, own land, and operate under the registered legal business name.

The articles of organization provide the state of Georgia with information about the Georgia LLC. It provides Georgia with legal documentation as to the employees of the business and the legal document recipients. It also provides the public with information as to the legal business entity.

Why Georgia Requires Articles of Organization

Under Georgia law, articles of organization must be filed as per the Georgia Limited Liability Company Act (O.C.G.A. § 14-11-203). This legislation’s purpose is to ensure that all Georgia LLCs maintain a minimum threshold of transparency and responsibility in order to safeguard the public, allow proper tax collection, and ensure legal documentation is accessible to the correct parties.

Benefits of Forming an LLC in Georgia

If you form an LLC in Georgia, you’ll be given:

• Protection of Liability: You will have safeguarding of individual possessions from business obligations and legal action.
• Flexible Tax Options: This form of business structure has taxation that is passed through because of LLC status, and therefore, avoids double taxation.
• Credibility of the Business: You will have an elevated professional reputation amongst your clients and vendors.
• Benefits that pertain to Georgia: There is no publication requirement, very low fees to file, instant filing, the filing is smooth and simple, and there is no requirement to file an annual report.

Articles of Organization vs. Articles of Incorporation

Although these documents provide the same legal business entity status within the state of Georgia, they have different functions:

Feature	Articles of Organization (LLC)	Articles of Incorporation (Corporation)
Type of Entity	Limited Liability Company	Corporation
Owners	Members	Shareholders
Management	Member-managed or manager-managed	Board of directors
Taxation	Pass-through (is the default)	Flat taxation (with an exception to S-Corp)
Formalities	Fewer	More annual requirements

Information Required for Georgia Articles of Organization

When you are preparing your articles of organization, the state of Georgia will want the following information:

LLC Name Requirements

The name of the LLC should have:

• Inclusion of “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.”
• Distinction from other registered businesses in Georgia
• No inclusion of restricted words without the appropriate state licensing

 Principal Office Address

In your LLC, you must provide the address of your LLC’s principal office. It can be any address, but you must provide an actual street address (no P.O. boxes are allowed).

 Registered Agent Details

Your registered agent should:

• Be 18 or older
• Cannot have a P.O. box
• Be present during regular business hours
• Be an individual resident of Georgia or a registered business

Other Required Information

• Name and address of the organizer
• Management structure (member-managed or manager-managed)
• Optional elements (effective date, LLC duration, etc.)

How to File Articles of Organization in Georgia (Step-by-Step)

Filing Online (Recommended)

1. Go to ecorp.sos.ga.gov
2. Log in or create an account
3. Click “File a New Business” and select “Domestic Limited Liability Company.”
4. Complete Form CD 030 and submit electronically
5. Input the required information
6. Use a credit card to pay the filing fee
7. Afterwards, submit, and you’ll get a confirmation email

Filing by Mail

1. Go to the Georgia Secretary of State website
2. Download Form CD 030
3. Complete the required fields and sign as the organizer
4. Add a check to the mail that’s made out to “Secretary of State.”
5. Mail to the following address:

• Georgia Secretary of State
• Corporations Division
• 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, Suite 313, West Tower
• Atlanta, GA 30334

Georgia LLC Filing Fees & Processing Time

Current Fees (2025)

• $100 standard filing fee
• $100 additional for expedited processing
• Annual registration fee of $50

Processing Time

Filing Method	Processing Time
Online (standard)	3-5 business days
Online (expedited)	Same business day
Mail (standard)	7-10 business days

After You File: What Happens Next?

After your articles of organization in Georgia are approved, undertake the following steps:

1. Create an Operating Agreement: Assign responsibilities, outline how profits are divided, and outline how decisions will be made
2. Apply for an EIN: Get your Employer Identification Number (EIN)
3. Open a Business Bank Account: Ensure the safe and secure management of your business and personal finances separately
4. Obtain Local Licenses: Verify regulations in your specific city, county, and industry
5. Establish a Calendar to Ensure Compliance: Mark reminders for annual filings and tax due dates

Georgia LLC Compliance Requirements

 Annual Registration

This is due 90 days from your formation anniversary every year.

• Fee: $50
• File online at the Georgia Secretary of State website
• Failure to do this will result in the business being dissolved

 Ongoing Requirements

• Have a registered agent with a physical address in Georgia
• File Georgia income tax returns if necessary
• Collect and remit sales tax when needed
• Update your business information if there are any changes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistakes that Georgia entrepreneurs should avoid when filing articles of organization include:

• Using unavailable or improperly formatted names
• Listing a P.O. box as the registered agent address
• Failing to include the required LLC designations
• Submitting incomplete information or incorrect amounts for a filing
• Not obtaining registered agent consent before filing

 How to Access Filed Articles of Organization

You can access your filed documents via:

1. Internet Search: Go to ecorp.sos.ga.gov/BusinessSearch
2. Uncertified Copies: Available as a free download from the site
3. Certified Copies: $10 each, $2 per page
4. Phone: For assistance, contact us at (404) 656-2817

How EasyFiling Assists You with Articles of Organization in Georgia

EasyFiling streamlines the process of forming your Georgia LLC by preparing and filing your articles of organization, while making sure that all Georgia requirements are met. We take care of all name checks, setting up your registered agent, preparing all the documents, and filing them with the Georgia Secretary of State’s office. Once your documents are approved, EasyFiling helps you with your EIN, provides templates for operating agreements, and continues to help you with reminders to stay compliant—helping you save time and avoid making expensive omissions.

FAQs About Articles of Organization in Georgia

How much does it cost to file articles of organization in Georgia?

The filing fee is $100, with expediting the filing an extra $100. Additionally, an annual fee of $50 is required.

Who can be a registered agent in Georgia?

Any entity that is at least 18 years old with a physical address in Georgia, or a business organization permitted to do business in Georgia.

How long does processing take?

Online documents take 3-5 business days (same day for expediting). Documents sent by mail take 7-10 business days.

Do I need a Georgia address?

A registered agent designated for your Georgia LLC is required to have a Georgia address. However, your main office, LLC members, and management can be based anywhere.

Can a non-resident form a Georgia LLC?

Yes, as a non-resident, you can freely create and hold ownership of a Georgia LLC despite not residing in the state or even being a citizen of the United States.

Conclusion

The first step in establishing your limited liability company is filing the articles of organization in Georgia. It is the first step foundational to the rest, as this document will create your LLC for you, granting it legal status to provide legal safeguards for your business. Once you have a good grasp of the key requirements, the correct steps to file are adhered to, and you comply with the requirements afterwards, you will set your Georgia LLC up for success for the foreseeable future.

 Next Steps

1. Confirm the LLC name you want is available
2. Collect any necessary information
3. Choose a registered agent
4. Complete the filing at ecorp.sos.ga.gov
5. Draft an operating agreement
6. Request your federal EIN
7. Set up a business bank account

Starting your Georgia LLC with properly filed articles of organization is the first step to realizing your entrepreneurial vision. Do not delay it any further.