Key Takeaways

  • All Georgia LLCs must file an annual registration with the Secretary of State to remain in good standing.
  • The filing period runs from January 1 to April 1 each year; a $25 late fee applies after April 1.
  • The annual fee for Georgia LLC renewal is $50, payable online or by mail.
  • LLCs must update ownership, address, and registered agent information during renewal.
  • Noncompliance can result in administrative dissolution by the state.

A Georgia Secretary of State LLC renewal is the process followed to renew the status of a limited liability company (LLC) in Georgia by filing an annual report.

What Is the Georgia Secretary of State?

Georgia residents register to vote through the Secretary of State (SOS), plus this office keeps logs of corporate files (like annual reports), assigns professional licenses, and manages the security markets for the state. 

You can contact the Georgia Secretary of State in three ways:

  • Visit their website: http://www.sos.ga.gov.
  • Send mail to 214 State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334.
  • Call 404-656-2881.

Business owners starting a new LLC can search for available names on the SOS website. If your desired business name is available for use, it can be reserved for 30 days for $25. Once you're ready to start the business, the filing fee is $100. 

Responsibilities Related to Georgia LLC Renewal

The Georgia Secretary of State's Corporations Division oversees the maintenance and compliance of LLCs, including the annual registration process. In addition to forming new entities, the Division tracks ongoing compliance, which includes verifying that LLCs submit accurate and timely renewal filings each year. This system ensures that business ownership, registered agent details, and principal addresses remain up-to-date for legal and public record purposes.

How to File the Annual Report or LLC Renewal With the Georgia Secretary of State

All LLCs in the state of Georgia are required to file annual reports with the SOS each year, and any member who is authorized may file the report. 

The annual filing fees (after the initial filing) are $50 for most business structures in Georgia, whether foreign or domestic, including the following:

  • Corporations
  • LLCs
  • Nonprofits
  • Partnerships

Businesses have two options when they are ready to file the report. They can complete the filing themselves, or hire an agency to do it for them. 

If they choose to file on their own, they'll need to visit the Georgia SOS website and follow these instructions:

  • Click on the Annual Registration portal.
  • Search for their business using its name or EIN.
  • Once the correct business is found, select it and update the necessary information or click "confirm" if no information needs to be changed.

Check to make sure the following information is accurate in the SOS records for your business:

  • Name of LLC
  • Main address of LLC
  • Registered agent name and address
  • Officer names and address of the LLC
  • Authorized person's signature

Any changes to the company must be updated with the SOS by April 1 of each year. If you filed your annual report on January 5, 2018, but your business address changed two weeks later, you'll need to file again to reflect the change by April 1, 2018.

Many online agencies are available to file annual reports for your business, but they charge a fee in addition to the annual report fee charged by the state. 

Annual reports or "renewals" can be filed on paper, but it is easier to complete the process online on the SOS Corporate Division website and just pay the fee with a credit card. This way of filing is encouraged, as it helps provide easier and faster processing. The following credit cards are accepted for online payment:

  • Visa
  • Master Card
  • Discover
  • American Express
  • ATM/debit cards that have the Visa or Master Card logo on the card

If filing by paper form, the form can be printed from the website or obtained in person from the SOS office. Fill out the annual registration form and mail it in with a check or money order for the filing fee. The state will only accept a pre-printed check with the company address included. Counter and starter checks cannot be accepted by the state. If these standards are not met, the state can postpone or even reject your business's annual report filing. 

The cost to file an annual report or business renewal (between January 1 and April 1 of each year) in the state of Georgia varies depending on the type of company. Here are the current rates:

  • Domestic and foreign corporations and nonprofits pay $50.
  • Domestic and foreign LLCs pay $50.
  • Domestic and foreign LPs (Limited Partnerships) LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships), LLLPs (Limited Liability Limited Partnerships) pay $50.
  • Charities based in the state pay $20 (these entity types file with the SOS Securities Division and only need to file every two years from when they first registered).

Nonprofits and professional corporations (PCs) in Georgia are required to file an annual report within 90 days of when they incorporated, but other types of business entities in the state don't have this same initial requirement.

If the deadline of April 1 is missed, the LLC owner is required to pay a late fee of $25. If the LLC refuses to file their annual report or ignores the requirement, the business may be dissolved by the state. 

Renewal Tips for Multi-State and Foreign LLCs

LLCs formed outside Georgia but registered to do business in the state (foreign LLCs) must also file annual renewals. Foreign LLCs should:

  • Use their designated Georgia registered agent for correspondence
  • Confirm that out-of-state information aligns with Georgia’s registration
  • Monitor compliance requirements in both home and foreign states

Failing to renew in Georgia can affect the LLC’s ability to operate legally across multiple states.

What Happens If You Don’t File the Renewal

Failing to complete your Georgia LLC renewal by the April 1 deadline can have serious consequences:

  • $25 late fee applied immediately after the deadline
  • Continued noncompliance may result in administrative dissolution
  • If dissolved, the LLC loses its ability to legally operate and enter contracts
  • Reinstatement may require additional fees and corrective filings

Reinstating a dissolved LLC can be complex and costly, so timely renewal is strongly recommended.

What Information Is Required for Georgia LLC Renewal

When renewing your LLC, you’ll need to provide or confirm the following details:

  • Legal name of the LLC
  • Principal office address
  • Name and address of the registered agent
  • Name and address of all LLC members or managers
  • Contact information for future correspondence

Ensure accuracy, as incorrect or outdated information could affect legal notices or compliance standing.

Important Filing Deadlines and Late Penalties

Georgia LLC renewals must be filed between January 1 and April 1 every calendar year. Failure to file within this period results in a $25 late fee. Continued noncompliance can lead to administrative dissolution, meaning the business will no longer be authorized to operate in the state.

To avoid penalties:

  • Set reminders to complete the renewal early in the year.
  • Confirm the correct business information before submitting.
  • If your business changes address or registered agent after submitting the renewal, file an amended annual registration before the April 1 deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the deadline to renew a Georgia LLC? You must renew your Georgia LLC by April 1 each year. Late filings incur a $25 penalty.

2. How much does it cost to renew a Georgia LLC? The annual renewal fee is $50 for both domestic and foreign LLCs operating in Georgia.

3. Can I update my LLC’s address or registered agent during renewal? Yes. The renewal form allows you to update contact, address, and registered agent information.

4. What happens if I don’t file the renewal on time? A $25 late fee is assessed, and prolonged failure to file can lead to administrative dissolution of your LLC.

5. Do foreign LLCs need to file annual renewals in Georgia? Yes. Foreign LLCs authorized to operate in Georgia must file annual registrations just like domestic LLCs.

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