How to Start a Business in Georgia
Everything you need to form your Georgia LLC, corporation, or sole proprietorship — with exact fees, timelines, and step-by-step instructions.
Georgia is one of the fastest-growing states for small business, with Atlanta serving as a major hub for startups and established companies alike. LLC formation costs $100 through the Secretary of State's eCorp portal, with a $60 annual registration fee. No franchise tax, reasonable filing fees, and a pro-business climate make the Peach State an excellent place to start.
This guide walks you through every step, from choosing your business structure to getting your first customers.
Choosing Your Georgia Business Structure
This is the first decision and it affects everything — taxes, liability, paperwork. If you're unsure, an LLC is the right default for most Georgia small businesses.
| Entity Type | Liability Protection | Taxation | Georgia Filing Fee | Annual Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLC | Yes | Pass-through | $100 | $60/yr | Most small businesses |
| Corporation | Yes | Double (C-Corp) or pass-through (S-Corp) | $110 | $60/yr | Raising investment, stock options |
| Sole Proprietorship | No | Pass-through | $0 | $0 | Freelancers, side hustles |
| Partnership | No | Pass-through | $100 | $60/yr | 2+ owners (consider LLC instead) |
8 Steps to Start Your Georgia Business
- 1
Choose your business structure
LLC, Corporation, or Sole Proprietorship — each has different costs, tax treatment, and liability protection.
- 2
Pick and reserve your business name
Search the Secretary of State's eCorp database. Reserve for $25 (optional, 30 days).
- 3
Appoint a registered agent
Must have a physical Georgia address. Can be yourself (free) or a service ($100-$300/yr).
- 4
File your formation documents
Articles of Organization (LLC, $100) or Articles of Incorporation (Corp, $110) through the eCorp portal.
- 5
Get your EIN from the IRS
Free, online, takes 5 minutes. Do not pay anyone for this.
- 6
Open a business bank account
Keep personal and business finances separate. You'll need your EIN and formation docs.
- 7
Get required licenses and permits
Georgia requires local business licenses in most cities and counties. Check with your local government.
- 8
Register for Georgia taxes
Register with the Georgia Department of Revenue for sales tax and/or withholding tax.
Georgia Business License Requirements
Georgia does not issue a general state business license. The license most owners need is a local occupation tax certificate, issued by the city or county where the business operates. Many jurisdictions still call it a business license. You apply after forming your LLC or corporation and getting your EIN, and most localities renew it every year.
State-level licenses and registrations
Instead of one statewide business license, Georgia regulates by activity. Register with the Georgia Department of Revenue through the Georgia Tax Center (free) if you collect sales tax or have employees. Over 40 professions, from cosmetology to contracting and real estate, need a license from the Secretary of State's Professional Licensing Boards Division before you can get a local certificate. Food service needs a Department of Public Health permit, and alcohol sales need a state license from the Department of Revenue plus a local one.
City and county business licenses
If your business sits inside city limits, apply to the city. In an unincorporated area, apply to the county. A few locations require both, so check with each office. Fees are set locally and are based on gross receipts, employee count, or a flat rate. Columbus is a useful example: Columbus-Muscogee County is a consolidated government, so one occupation tax certificate from the Revenue Division covers both city and county, but you must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the Inspections and Code Division first. See our Columbus business license guide for the full process, or the statewide business license guide for other cities and counties.
Home-based business licenses
Working from home does not exempt you. A home-based business still needs an occupation tax certificate from its city or county, and it must follow local home occupation zoning rules. Those rules commonly bar exterior signs, limit client visits and on-site employees, and cap business use at a share of the home's square footage. Some cities, including Columbus, also require a Certificate of Occupancy for home occupations. HOA covenants can add stricter limits. Home food producers may qualify under Georgia's cottage food law instead of a food service permit. Our home-based business guide covers zoning, permits, and HOA rules in detail.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Georgia?
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LLC filing fee (Secretary of State) Required | $100 | — |
| Corporation filing fee Required | $110 | If forming a corporation instead |
| Annual registration fee Required | $60/yr | Due by April 1 each year |
| Name reservation | $25 | Optional, 30 days |
| Registered agent service | $0–$300/yr | Free if you serve as your own |
| EIN (IRS) Required | $0 | Always free |
| Business license | Varies | Depends on city/county |
| Operating agreement | $0–$500+ | Free template or attorney-drafted |
| Realistic LLC total | $100–$500 |
Why Start a Business in Georgia?
- No franchise tax — just a $60 annual registration fee
- Low cost of living — lower overhead than coastal states
- Atlanta as a business hub — 18 Fortune 500 companies headquartered here
- World's busiest airport — Hartsfield-Jackson connects you to global markets
- Growing tech scene — Atlanta's tech ecosystem is booming with startups
- Film industry incentives — Georgia's tax credits attract major productions and related businesses
Georgia Business Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to start an LLC in Georgia?
- Online filing through the eCorp portal typically processes in 1–7 business days. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee.
- Do I need a business license in Georgia?
- Georgia doesn't issue a single state business license. Most cities and counties require their own local business license or occupation tax certificate.
- Can I form a Georgia LLC if I live in another state?
- Yes. You'll need a registered agent with a physical Georgia address. Many formation services include this.
- What's the cheapest way to start a business in Georgia?
- A sole proprietorship costs $0 in state fees. An LLC costs $100 with the Secretary of State. You can file yourself without a lawyer or service.
- Do I need an operating agreement for my Georgia LLC?
- It's not legally required, but strongly recommended. It defines ownership percentages, profit distribution, and operating procedures. Many banks require one.