Steps to Incorporate
To form a corporation in Georgia, you must file articles of incorporation. The Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division charges a $100 fee online or $110 by mail. Georgia does not provide a standardized form for Articles of incorporation, so residents must draft them on white paper. Articles must be signed by the Incorporator, a lawyer, Board of Directors chairperson or Corporate Officer. When filing the Articles of Incorporation in Georgia, make sure that you choose a name not already registered with another business. The name must be unique and relevant. To check availability, visit the Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division.
In addition to filing the Articles of Incorporation with the state, the Corporations Division requires a Transmittal Information Form along with the articles. There is also a fee, paid to a newspaper, to print your incorporation notice.
Georgia requires the name and address of all incorporators in your Articles. An incorporator creates the organization, signs the Articles of Incorporation, and files them. Any adult with legal capacity to sign legal documents can be an incorporator.
Legal Representation and Tax Benefits
Corporations cannot represent themselves in State and Superior Courts in Georgia. They must be represented by an attorney. An owner or some limited officers may represent a corporation in magistrates court.
Georgia offers tax benefits that can save money. The documents must be submitted to the state before incorporation is finalized. There are filing deadlines that must be met or additional fees could be charged.
Obtaining Copies of Incorporation Documents
How do I find copies of articles of incorporation or organization? Visit the Secretary of State’s website to obtain copies. Processing takes around 5 days.
Starting an LLC
To start an LLC, file Articles of Organization for a $100 fee. This legally creates the company.