When you complete the process yourself through eCorp, you submit your Articles of Organization, name your business, assign a registered agent with a Georgia physical address, and pay the mandatory $110.00 state fee. After the state approves your entity, you can obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for $0 (free) directly from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Under federal rules from FinCEN, U.S.-formed entities are exempt from Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting. Additionally, the Georgia Secretary of State requires an annual registration fee of $60.00, which must be filed between January 1 and April 1 of the year following formation under Georgia Rules and Regulations. Filing on your own saves third-party service fees, while using a service provides added convenience and automated administrative tracking.
Official Georgia LLC Filing Requirements and Fees
| Requirement / Action | Fee | Filing Window / Deadline | Official Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $110.00 ($100 filing + $10 service charge) | At time of formation | Georgia Secretary of State |
| Employer Identification Number (EIN) | $0.00 (Free) | After state entity approval | Internal Revenue Service |
| Annual Registration | $60.00 (Online and paper) | January 1 to April 1 of the year following formation | Georgia Rules and Regulations |
| Late Annual Registration Penalty | $25.00 | Applied after April 1 deadline | Georgia Secretary of State |
| Amended Annual Registration | $30.00 | Upon filing adjustments | Georgia Secretary of State |
| Advance Annual Registration | $60.00 per year | January 1 to April 1 (up to 3 years in advance) | Georgia Secretary of State |
| Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) | $0.00 (Exempt) | Exempt for U.S.-formed entities | Financial Crimes Enforcement Network |
Doing It Yourself vs. Paying a Filing Service
When forming a domestic LLC in Georgia, business owners choose between registering directly on the state portal or hiring a commercial service provider. Both paths achieve the exact same legal status for your LLC once the Secretary of State approves the Articles of Organization. The primary difference lies in labor, privacy options, and ongoing administrative support.
The Self-Filing Path via Georgia eCorp
The Georgia Secretary of State operates the eCorp online filing system, allowing business owners to form an LLC directly without third-party intervention. The process consists of five main steps:
- Name Selection and Verification: Search the Georgia eCorp system to verify that your chosen business name is distinguishable from other registered entities.
- Registered Agent Appointment: Appoint a registered agent located in Georgia who maintains a physical street address in the state to receive legal notices.
- Articles of Organization Submission: Complete and submit the digital Articles of Organization form online through eCorp, paying the total fee of $110.00 ($100 filing fee plus $10 service charge) to the Georgia Secretary of State.
- Federal Tax Identification: Once the state approves your filing, apply directly on the IRS website for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The IRS provides EINs for $0 (free). Business owners should form the entity with the state before applying for an EIN, and you should never pay a third party for an EIN.
- Ongoing Compliance Tracking: File an annual registration with the Georgia Secretary of State between January 1 and April 1 starting the year after formation. The fee is $60.00. Late filings incur a $25.00 penalty, and failing to file risks administrative dissolution under Georgia Rules and Regulations Rule 590-7-22. Owners can also file up to three years in advance or submit amended filings for $30.00.
Under federal rules managed by FinCEN, U.S.-formed entities are exempt from Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting, meaning domestic Georgia LLCs do not need to submit BOI reports.
Commercial Filing Services Comparison
If you prefer to delegate administrative filings, several commercial services can register your business and manage compliance documents. Below is a comparison of major formation providers (listed alphabetically, not ranked).
| Provider | Entry Pricing Structure (as of 2026) | Registered Agent Fee | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bizee | $0 + state fee | Included 1st year ($119/yr after) | Basic formation automation |
| LegalZoom | $0 + state fee | $249/yr separate | Brand familiarity and legal templates |
| Northwest Registered Agent | $39 + state fee | $125/yr | Local privacy and corporate guidance |
| Rocket Lawyer | $99.99 + state fee (or subscription) | $249.99/yr ($124.99 with legal plan) | Legal consultation and contract access |
| Tailor Brands | $0 + state fee | $199/yr | Combined branding and administrative setup |
| ZenBusiness | Starter $0, Pro $199/yr, Premium $299/yr (+ state fee) | $199/yr ($99 1st year with formation) | Guided workflow and annual compliance tracking |
Note: Non-ZenBusiness pricing reflects general market offerings as of 2026 and may change over time.
Which Formation Path Fits Your Situation?
Filing directly on the Georgia SOS website is the recommended choice if you are on a tight budget, comfortable navigating state forms, and capable of managing future compliance dates independently. Choosing DIY ensures your total setup cost remains strictly limited to the official $110.00 state fee, avoiding recurring fees or service upsells.
Conversely, using a service like ZenBusiness makes sense if you want a guided registration process, automated compliance reminders, or a separate registered agent to keep your personal address off public records. Their Starter tier begins at $0 plus state fee, while Pro ($199/yr) and Premium ($299/yr) tiers add faster processing and compliance tools. Registered agent service is available separately for $199/yr across all tiers, discounted to $99 for the first year when purchasing formation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Georgia Secretary of State LLC online filing fee?
The online filing fee for a domestic Georgia LLC Articles of Organization is $110.00. This consists of a $100.00 statutory filing fee and a $10.00 mandatory online service charge established by the Georgia Secretary of State.
What are the filing fees and deadlines for Georgia Secretary of State LLC online registration and annual registration?
Initial online registration for a Georgia LLC costs $110.00. Following formation, every Georgia LLC must file an annual registration with the Georgia Secretary of State. The annual registration fee is $60.00 (whether filed online or on paper). The annual filing window opens January 1 and closes April 1 of each calendar year, beginning the year immediately following formation. Filings submitted after April 1 incur a $25.00 late penalty, and persistent failure to file risks administrative dissolution under Georgia Rules and Regulations. Owners may also pay $60.00 per year to file up to three years in advance, or pay $30.00 for an amended annual registration.
How does the Georgia eCorp LLC filing process work?
The Georgia eCorp LLC filing process involves creating an online account on the Secretary of State eCorp website, conducting a business name search to confirm availability, naming a registered agent with a physical Georgia address, and submitting the digital Articles of Organization with the $110.00 fee. After the state approves the filing, the owner can apply directly on the IRS portal for a free EIN. Under FinCEN regulations, domestic U.S. companies are exempt from federal BOI reporting. Finally, the owner must submit the $60.00 annual registration between January 1 and April 1 starting the following year.
Sources
- Georgia Secretary of State, “How to Guide: Register Domestic Entity”
- Georgia Secretary of State, “How to Guide: File Annual Registration”
- Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia, “Subject 590-7-22 LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES - ANNUAL REGISTRATIONS”
- Internal Revenue Service, “Get an employer identification number”
- Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, “Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting”
This article provides general information rather than legal advice. Requirements vary by state and change over time.