Starting A Business In Georgia: A Guide
Are you considering starting a business venture in Georgia?
Or perhaps you’ve already decided and you’re looking to make the next steps in order to get things put in motion as soon as possible?
Either way, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re forming a business for good reasons and that you’re realistic about your expectations. After you’ve formulated your business plan and have a comprehensive idea of your costs, competitors, and strategies, you can then begin to look at the next steps in starting a business in Georgia.
Register a name
First of all, it’s essential that you check whether your business name is different from the names of any other business already registered with the Georgia SOS (Secretary of State). If a name is available, you will be able to reserve it for 30 days online or via a Name Reservation Request form. If you’re planning to create an online business, it’s worth registering this new business name as a domain name as well. Conducting a trademark check at this time will also help to avoid any unintentional infringement of a name already registered or similar to yours.
Get your licenses
Any business selling goods in Georgia will be required to register with the DOR (Department of Revenue) in order to collect the necessary sales tax. You can register for other business taxes by visiting the Georgia Tax Center (GTC). If your new business is going to have employees who are taxed separately, you’ll need to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. When you apply for an EIN in Georgia, it helps you in many ways beyond taxation, as banks may need an EIN in order to open an account for the business itself.
Register your business entity
Sole proprietorships aren’t required to file organizational documents with the state of Georgia, and neither are partnership businesses. However, partnerships should consider having a written partnership agreement on paper and documented. LLCs are required to appoint a registered agent residing in Georgia for the service of process and also must file articles of organization with the Georgia SOS. To create a corporation business in Georgia, you’ll need to file your articles of incorporation with the Georgia SOS.
File and report taxes
Georgia is accommodating to business taxes in all kinds of business ventures, whether you’re a corporation, an LLC, a sole proprietorship, or a business partnership. In order to start a successful Georgia business, it’s important to file and report accurate taxes based on what kind of business you are in. It’s also important to know that if you have employees, you’ll also be expected to deal with state employer taxes.
When it comes to starting a business in Georgia, if you can stick to these basics, and you have a strong identity and product or service that serves a purpose to customers, you’ll soon be enjoying the benefits of a successful new business in the Peach State.
