How Much Does an LLC Cost in Georgia?
Here’s exactly how much it costs to form an LLC in Georgia. The state filing fee is $110 total when you file online, which includes a $100 statutory fee plus a $5 service charge. This makes Georgia one of the more affordable states for LLC formation.
But the state filing fee is just the beginning. You’ll also need to consider ongoing costs like registered agent fees, annual registration fees, and potential expedited processing charges. Let’s break down every cost so you know exactly what to budget.
Georgia LLC Fee Breakdown
Georgia keeps LLC formation simple with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. Here’s what you’ll pay:
Formation Filing Fee
Georgia charges $110 total for online filing, which breaks down as:
- Statutory fee: $100
- Online service charge: $5
- Paper filing service charge: $10 (making paper filing $110 total)
The online option saves you money and processes faster, so there’s no reason to file by mail unless you prefer paper forms.
Source: Georgia Secretary of State, verified March 2026
Expedited Processing Options
Need your LLC approved faster? Georgia offers three expedited processing tiers:
- Two Business Days: Add $120 to your filing fee
- Same Day: Add $275 (must be received by noon)
- One Hour: Add $1,200 (business days 9am-4pm only)
Most business owners choose standard processing unless they’re under a tight deadline. The 7-10 business day standard timeline works fine for most situations.
Name Reservation Fee
Want to secure your LLC name before filing? Georgia charges $25 for name reservation, which holds your chosen name for 30 days. This is optional but useful if you’re still finalizing your formation paperwork.
Pro Tip: You can check name availability for free using the Georgia LLC name search before paying for reservation.
Annual Registration Fee
Georgia calls it “Annual Registration” instead of an annual report, but it’s the same concept. You’ll pay $50 every year between January 1 and April 1. File late and you’ll pay a $25 penalty. Don’t file at all and your LLC gets administratively dissolved.
The good news is Georgia makes this easy with their eCorp online system. You can file your annual registration with one click once you’re in the system.
Registered Agent Requirement
Every Georgia LLC must have a registered agent with a Georgia address. You have two options:
- Serve as your own registered agent: Free, but you must have a Georgia address and be available during business hours
- Hire a professional registered agent: Usually $100-150 per year
Most business owners choose a professional service for privacy and reliability. Learn more about your options in our Georgia registered agent guide.
First-Year Cost Comparison
Here’s what you’ll actually spend in your first year, comparing DIY filing versus using a formation service:
DIY Formation Cost
- Georgia filing fee: $110
- Registered agent (if hiring): $125
- Operating agreement template: $0 (free online)
- EIN from IRS: $0 (always free directly from IRS)
- Total first-year cost: $235
Formation Service Cost
Most reputable formation services charge $0 plus the state filing fee, then bundle in valuable extras:
- Service fee: $0 (most providers)
- Georgia filing fee: $110
- Registered agent (often included): $0
- Operating agreement template: $0 (usually included)
- EIN filing assistance: $0 (usually included)
- Total first-year cost: $110
DIY Formation
- State filing fee: $110
- Name reservation: varies
- EIN from IRS: Free
- Registered agent: you (must be available during business hours)
- Operating agreement: write your own
You handle all paperwork, compliance tracking, and serve as your own registered agent.
With Northwest Registered Agent
- State filing fee: $110
- Formation service: $39
- Registered agent (1 year): Included free
- EIN filing: Included
- Privacy protection: Included
- Compliance reminders: Included
Professional filing, free registered agent, privacy protection, and compliance support.
Save time and avoid mistakes with professional formation. Form your Georgia LLC →
Why Formation Services Make Sense
At first glance, DIY filing seems straightforward. Georgia’s Articles of Organization form is relatively simple. But here’s why most business owners choose a formation service:
Time Savings
Filing yourself means researching requirements, filling out forms, following up on processing status, and handling any corrections. A formation service handles all of this for you, usually getting your LLC approved in the same timeframe or faster.
Accuracy Matters
One mistake on your Articles of Organization means delays and potential rejection. Formation services have filed thousands of Georgia LLCs and know exactly what the Secretary of State expects.
Registered Agent Included
Most formation services include the first year of registered agent service, saving you $100-150 and providing professional handling of legal documents.
Ongoing Support
Formation services often provide compliance reminders, so you won’t miss your annual registration deadline and risk administrative dissolution.
Top Georgia LLC Formation Services
Here are the most reliable formation services for Georgia LLCs:
Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent charges $39 plus the state filing fee and includes same-day filing, registered agent service, and excellent customer support. They’re particularly strong for business owners who want personal attention.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness offers free formation (you pay just the state fee) and includes registered agent service for the first year. Their Starter plan covers everything most new LLCs need.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom provides free formation with their Basic plan, processing your Georgia LLC in 7-10 business days with registered agent service included.
Bizee
Bizee offers free formation with next business day processing and includes registered agent service plus a business banking account recommendation.
Hidden Costs to Avoid
Watch out for these unnecessary expenses that some services try to sell you:
EIN Filing Services
The IRS provides Employer Identification Numbers completely free at irs.gov. Never pay $50-200 for something you can get free in 15 minutes online.
Corporate Kit Packages
Those fancy binders with embossed LLC certificates look professional but aren’t required in Georgia. Save your money for business necessities.
Unnecessary Legal Documents
Basic operating agreement templates are available free online. You don’t need to pay hundreds for standard templates unless you have complex ownership structures.
Important: Get your EIN directly from the IRS at no cost. Paid EIN services are often scams or unnecessary markups.
Ongoing Business Costs
Beyond formation, budget for these essential business expenses:
Business Banking
You’ll need a separate business bank account to maintain your LLC’s liability protection. Look for accounts with no monthly fees and good online banking features.
Get business banking that works for your LLC. Open a Bluevine account with no monthly fees →
Accounting Software
Proper bookkeeping is essential for tax compliance and business insights. Choose accounting software that integrates with your bank and handles LLC tax reporting.
Keep your books organized from day one. Try FreshBooks accounting software →
Business Insurance
General liability insurance protects your business assets and provides additional protection beyond your LLC structure. Most policies start around $200-400 annually for basic coverage.
Protect your business with the right insurance coverage. Get a Next Insurance quote →
Georgia LLC Tax Considerations
Factor these tax obligations into your annual budget:
State Income Tax
Georgia taxes LLC profits at rates from 1% to 5.75%, depending on your income level. As a pass-through entity, you’ll report LLC income on your personal tax return.
Federal Tax Elections
Your LLC can elect different tax treatments with the IRS, potentially affecting your tax burden. Consult a tax professional to choose the best election for your situation.
Learn more about your tax obligations in our comprehensive Georgia LLC taxes guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Georgia?
The minimum cost is $110 for the state filing fee if you file online. Add registered agent fees ($100-150 annually) if you don’t serve as your own, making the typical first-year cost around $235 for DIY formation.
Are there any ongoing fees for Georgia LLCs?
Yes, you must file an Annual Registration each year between January 1 and April 1, costing $50. You’ll also need to maintain registered agent service if you’re not serving as your own.
Can I get expedited processing for my Georgia LLC?
Yes, Georgia offers three expedited options: two business days (+$120), same day (+$275), or one hour (+$1,200). Same-day filings must be received by noon, and one-hour processing is only available on business days from 9am-4pm.
Do I need to publish my LLC formation in Georgia?
No, Georgia doesn’t require publication of LLC formations in newspapers, unlike some states. This saves you several hundred dollars in publication costs.
What payment methods does Georgia accept?
Georgia accepts all major credit cards, debit cards with Visa or MasterCard logos, pre-printed checks, certified checks, and money orders for LLC filings.
How long does LLC formation take in Georgia?
Standard processing takes 7-10 business days for online filings and 15 business days for paper filings. Expedited processing can get your LLC approved in as little as one hour for urgent situations.
Ready to start your Georgia LLC? Check out our complete step-by-step guide to forming a Georgia LLC for detailed filing instructions.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Filing fees and requirements change : always confirm current fees with your state’s Secretary of State office.