Form a Corporation in Georgia
Everything you need to know about forming a Corporation in Georgia. Filing fees, requirements, timeline, and step-by-step guidance.
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How to File
Choose a Corporate Name
Select a unique name for your corporation that includes a required designator such as 'Corporation,' 'Incorporated,' 'Company,' or an abbreviation like 'Corp.' or 'Inc.' Search the Georgia Secretary of State's business name database to confirm availability.
30 minutes
Appoint a Registered Agent
Designate a registered agent with a physical street address in Georgia who will receive official legal and government correspondence on behalf of the corporation. The agent can be an individual Georgia resident or a registered commercial agent service.
1-2 hours
File Articles of Incorporation
Prepare and file the Articles of Incorporation with the Georgia Secretary of State's Corporations Division either online via the Georgia Corporations Division portal or by mail. The filing must include the corporate name, registered agent details, number of authorized shares, and incorporator information.
1-2 hours
Pay Filing Fee
Submit the $100 base filing fee along with your Articles of Incorporation. If expedited processing is needed, include an additional $100 for the expedited service fee.
15 minutes
What's Next After Filing
Once your Corporation is officially formed, you'll want to complete these important steps:
- •Draft Corporate Bylaws — Create corporate bylaws that govern the internal operations of your corporation, including provisions for shareholder meetings, board of directors responsibilities, officer roles, and voting procedures. Bylaws are not filed with the state but must be kept at the principal office.
- •Hold Organizational Meeting and Issue Stock — Conduct an initial organizational meeting of the board of directors to adopt bylaws, appoint officers, authorize the issuance of stock, and handle other initial business matters. Document all decisions in corporate meeting minutes.
- •Obtain EIN and Business Licenses — Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes, open a corporate bank account, and obtain any required state and local business licenses or permits applicable to your industry and location in Georgia.
Advantages
- ✓Strong personal liability protection for shareholders, separating personal assets from corporate debts and obligations
- ✓Ability to raise capital by issuing multiple classes of stock to investors, making it attractive for venture capital and public investment
- ✓Perpetual existence — the corporation continues to exist regardless of changes in ownership or the death of shareholders
- ✓Potential tax advantages through S-Corp election, allowing pass-through taxation and avoidance of double taxation for qualifying corporations
- ✓Enhanced credibility and professional image with customers, vendors, and financial institutions compared to sole proprietorships or partnerships
Considerations
- •Subject to double taxation as a C-Corporation, where profits are taxed at the corporate level and again when distributed to shareholders as dividends
- •More administrative complexity and formality required compared to LLCs, including holding annual meetings, maintaining minutes, and adhering to corporate governance requirements
- •Higher formation and ongoing compliance costs, including annual registration fees and potentially greater accounting and legal expenses
Annual Obligations
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