How do I maintain an LLC in Georgia?
How do I maintain my Georgia LLC? | BetterLegal
What's the next step after registering my business in Georgia?
After successfully setting up your business in Georgia, you need to make sure that you keep your LLC in good standing with the state. This way, you will be able to transact with third parties smoothly, especially with your vendors and clients.
A good standing status shows that your company is compliant with the state requirements. This includes, but is not limited to, payment of annual fees and updating of your company information with the state.
Additionally, certain other formalities are required by the state, like appointing a registered agent for service of process and maintaining a registered office in Georgia.
If you do not have a physical address in the state where you registered your LLC, check out BetterLegal's Registered Agent Service. Through BetterLegal's Registered Agent service, you will receive scanned copies of your important mails and you may also request for physical copies to be mailed to your address for a minimal administrative fee. Subscribe to our service now!
Why is it important to Maintain my LLC in Georgia?
Third parties are able to obtain your good standing status by submitting a request to the Secretary of State in Georgia. If a third party you are transacting with finds out that your company is in bad standing with the state, it may cause unnecessary delays and issues in your business transactions.
Also, failure to comply with state requirements may result to forfeiture, dissolution, or involuntary termination of your LLC.
This is why you should be on top of Georgia's periodic requirements for Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) like yours. Maintain your LLC to avoid any issues and delays in your transactions.
If you need help in maintaining your LLC in Georgia, check out BetterLegal's State Compliance package. We will make sure that your company complies with the state requirements to keep your company in good standing. Subscribe to our State Compliance Service Now!
The Basics of Maintaining Your LLC
There are different administrative tasks that make up the maintenance of an LLC in Georgia, but can be grouped into categories:
- Annual Registration: Required filing in Georgia to keep your LLC in good standing
- Articles of Organization: Updating of your LLC information in Georgia
- Operating Agreement: Legal document outlining the internal rules and procedures of a Limited Liability Company
- Licenses and Permits: Documentary requirements for these in Georgia vary depending on the nature of business
- DBAs: Registration of other names a business may go by other than its official name
- Taxes: Money owed to the government for revenues and earnings
Filing your Georgia LLC's Annual Registration
If you are planning to file your Georgia LLC's Annual Registration, BetterLegal has prepared an easy to follow step-by-step guide for you below. We have also included pertinent information that you need to remember when filing.
When is the due date for my Georgia LLC's Annual Registration?
File your Georgia LLC's Annual Registration every April 1st. You need to file it with the state every year. The Annual Registration may be submitted January 1 to April 1.
How much do I need to pay for my Georgia LLC's Annual Registration?
Prepare $50 and an additional fee amounting to $10 if submitted in paper form to pay for your Georgia LLC's Annual Registration.
What information are needed when filing my Georgia LLC's Annual Registration?
When filing your LLC's Annual Registration, make sure to provide your LLC's Control Number and any updated information of your LLC, except for LLC name change. You may only update your LLC's principal office address, registered agent, and registered agent address.
How do I submit my Georgia LLC's Annual Registration?
You may submit your Georgia LLC's Annual Registration online or by mail .
(1) File online
a. If filing is without changes, use this link: https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/.
b. If with changes, use this link: https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/.
(2) by Mail
a. Use this form https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/ARForm
b. If filing for amendment of initial filing, use this form:
https://www.sos.ga.gov/sites/default/files/forms/Filing%20Template%20-%20Amended%20Annual%20Registration%20for%20LLC%20%28CD%20920%29.pdf
What is the turnaround time for my Georgia LLC's Annual Registration?
Your payment or filing submission will reflect on the state's records immediately.
What should I do if I miss my Georgia LLC's Annual Registration's due date?
Late submission of Annual Registration in Georgia is allowed. Late fee is $25. You may file your late submission online/paper form.
If you fail to file even after the grace period, your LLC will lose its good standing in the state. This will reflect in any request for a Certificate of Status.
I missed my Georgia LLC's Annual Registration's grace period for late submission, what should I do?
If you also missed the state's grace period for the filing of Annual Registration, file the late annual registration and pay the penalties.
Articles of Organization
If you want to update your company information but it is too early to file for your LLC's Annual Registration or maybe you have already filed your LLC's Annual Registration, but forgot to update your information, you may still do so by filing an amendment with the state.
BetterLegal may also assist you in filing these amendments. Check out the links below:
- Georgia LLC Articles of Amendment
- Georgia LLC Certificate of Termination
- Georgia LLC Name Reservation
- Georgia LLC Amended Annual Registration
- Georgia LLC APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY FOR FOREIGN LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Operating Agreement
The operating agreement outlines your LLC's internal rules and regulations. Some events, such as change in ownership, may require you to update your operating agreement. BetterLegal may also assist you with this.
Licenses and Permits
Licenses and Permits requirement may vary in each state and depending on the nature of your business. These licenses and permits ensure that companies within specific industries are abiding by its rules and regulations. If you need assistance in obtaining the licenses and permits required for your LLC, you may check out BetterLegal's Permit and License Search service.
DBAs and Fictitious Names
A DBA (Doing Business As) or a Fictitious Name is an alternative name or nickname under which a business can operate. This allows a business to conduct business under a name other than its legal name. For example, an LLC named "ABC Tile LLC" might file for a DBA and conduct business under the name "Georgia Tile".
A DBA or Fictitious name is not a separate legal entity, it is a name that the business can use for its transactions and it does not change the legal structure or the ownership of the business.
If you need help in registering a DBA for your LLC, reach out to us via chat or call to confirm if we can assist with your filing.
Taxes
The type of taxes that each state requires vary. Meanwhile, all LLCs are subject to Federal Taxes due to the IRS and are reported through the LLC’s EIN. For the filing of your taxes, it is best to consult your accountant.
