Background Background

Starting a Business in Georgia: LLC vs Corporation – Your Complete Guide

By Frank Tumminello | August 12, 2025

Georgia has emerged as a major business hub in the Southeast, offering competitive advantages like low costs, business-friendly policies, and strategic location. The Peach State provides streamlined business formation processes and attractive incentives that make it an excellent choice for entrepreneurs and established companies alike.

At FileForms, we simplify business formation and ongoing compliance with automated filing services and expert guidance. Below, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your Georgia business.

Why Georgia for Your Business?

Georgia consistently ranks among the top states for business, offering low corporate tax rates, extensive tax incentives, and a skilled workforce. Atlanta serves as a major transportation hub, while the state’s pro-business climate and lower operating costs attract companies from across industries.

LLC Formation in Georgia

Key Requirements:

  • Articles of Organization filed with Georgia Secretary of State
  • Filing Fee: $100
  • Registered Agent: Required with Georgia physical address
  • Annual Registration: Due by April 1st
  • Publication Requirement: Must publish notice in county newspaper for 4 consecutive weeks

Benefits of Georgia LLC:

  • Low formation and maintenance costs
  • No state-level franchise tax for LLCs
  • Flexible management structure
  • Strong liability protection
  • Pass-through taxation benefits

Ongoing Compliance:

  • Annual Registration: Due April 1st with $50 fee
  • Publication Requirement: One-time requirement after formation (typically $40-$200)
  • Maintain registered agent service
  • File federal tax returns

Corporation Formation in Georgia

Key Requirements:

  • Articles of Incorporation filed with Georgia Secretary of State
  • Filing Fee: $100
  • Registered Agent: Required with Georgia physical address
  • Annual Registration: Due by April 1st
  • Corporate Bylaws: Must be adopted

Benefits of Georgia Corporation:

  • Low corporate income tax rate (5.75%)
  • Enhanced credibility with investors
  • Perpetual existence
  • Easier access to capital markets
  • Strong legal framework

Ongoing Compliance:

  • Annual Registration: Due April 1st with $50 fee
  • Corporate Income Tax: 5.75% on Georgia-source income
  • Maintain corporate records and meeting minutes
  • Hold required board meetings

Cost Comparison: LLC vs Corporation in Georgia

Requirement LLC Corporation
State Filing Fee $100 $100
Registered Agent (Annual) $100-$300 $100-$300
Annual Registration Fee $50 $50
Publication Requirement $40-$200 (one-time) None

How FileForms Streamlines Georgia Business Formation

FileForms makes Georgia business formation seamless with:

  • Automated Filing: Complete all Georgia Secretary of State requirements
  • Registered Agent Services: Professional Georgia address across all 159 counties
  • Publication Services: Handle the complex LLC publication requirement
  • Annual Registration Management: Automated reminders and filing for April 1st deadline
  • BOI Compliance: Comprehensive Corporate Transparency Act reporting support
  • SOC 2 Compliance: Enterprise-grade security for your sensitive business data

Making Your Decision

Choose an LLC if you want:

  • Lower formation and ongoing costs
  • No state franchise tax obligations
  • Flexible management structure
  • Pass-through taxation benefits

Choose a Corporation if you plan to:

  • Raise investment capital
  • Take advantage of low corporate tax rates
  • Build long-term enterprise credibility
  • Access capital markets eventually

Take Action Today

Ready to start your Georgia business? Don’t navigate the Peach State’s requirements alone.

✅ Create a FileForms account today

✅ Get expert guidance on LLC vs Corporation choice

✅ Handle all filing requirements seamlessly

👉 Book a demo today to see how FileForms makes Georgia business formation fast, easy, and compliant from day one.

 

Frank Tumminello

CEO, Fileforms