A Georgia LLC articles of organization template can help you create your own articles of organization for your LLC. Officials normally provide a blank template so you fill out important information about your LLC. An articles of organization registers your LLC once you complete the template and include a filing fee of $100. You will submit the articles of organization to the Georgia Secretary of State at the Corporations Division. An articles of organization must include the following information:

  • LLC name
  • Names and addresses of members and managers

You can file the articles of organization via online or mail. If you wish to file by mail, you must include a Transmittal Information Georgia Limited Liability Form. This form must include:

  • LLC address and name
  • Name and address of the person registering the LLC
  • Names and addresses of organizers
  • LLC registered agent and address

Name Your LLC

Georgia law mandates that your LLC name must contain designators such as “Limited Liability Company” or “Limited Company.” You may also use abbreviations in the form of “L.L.C.” or “LC.” The word “Limited” can also abbreviated into “Ltd.” Further, your name must be 80 characters or less, and the character spaces include punctuation and spaces.

In addition, your new name should be different from other LLC names registered in the state database, and the names should not sound too similar to other business names. You may check the name availability database at the Corporations Division website. Once you choose the name, you can reserve it for up to 30 days using a reservation request application. You must pay a reservation fee of $25.

Registered Agents

All Georgia LLCs must have an appointed registered agent. The registered agent is a person or organization that agrees to receive any legal paperwork on your LLC’s behalf. Such documents could include court papers or any official notifications from Georgia authorities. Agents must have an official address in Georgia, and no P.O. boxes are allowed.

Article of Organization Instructions

You can create your articles of organization by visiting the state website. You must first create a user account, and proceed to click on “I am Creating a New Domestic Business.”

From there, choose “Domestic Limited Liability” from the “Business Type” drop-down menu. Enter the name of your LLC, including designators or abbreviations. From there, fill out the purpose of the business, and choose “NAICS Code,” which stands for North American Industry Classification System.

After, enter the primary street address of the LLC. Georgia will use the primary address to send you state documents, except legal documents. You are free to use any physical address, so long as it’s located in the state. It can also be an office, home, or address of your registered agent. From there, you would enter information on your agent, followed by the organizer, which is you. You may also add any information on additional organizers if needed. After filling out the information, you would proceed to the end until you officially make your LLC official.

EIN

All businesses engaging in financial transactions in Georgia must register for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Additionally, you must register for an EIN if:

  • The LLC has more than a single member (even if there are no employees)
  • Single-member LLCs intend to hire employees
  • LLCs gain corporate taxation as opposed to sole proprietorship classification

Moreover, banks require an EIN to open a business bank account, and you’ll need one to open any credit cards in the LLC’s name. You may apply for an EIN via the IRS website for free, or you can apply through mail.

LLC Regulations

Taxes and regulations will depend on which county your LLC is located in, and your business may need to apply for a number of licenses and permits. For instance, if you intend to collect sales tax, you need to notify the Georgia Department of Revenue and register. Additionally, LLCs require annual registrations with the secretary of state. The annual fee is $50, and the fee is due anywhere from January 1 to April 1 of the same year the LLC was created. Refer to the secretary of state website to file the annual registration online.

Foreign LLCs

Foreign LLCs that are registered outside of Georgia must adhere to some unique guidelines. For example, foreign LLCs must choose a registered agent that’s located in Georgia. You may use the services of a registered agent company if you have no other person or company that will accept your official documentation in Georgia. To register in Georgia, you must file a certificate of authority to do business in the state.

To learn more about a Georgia LLC articles of organization template, submit your legal inquiry to our UpCounsel marketplace. UpCounsel retains a pool of quality lawyers around the nation that can assist you in filling out an articles of organization template. In addition, our lawyers will help you through the LLC filing process and will help you adhere to Georgia rules and regulations.