Georgia Articles of Incorporation Filing Procedure and Registration James Fish, November 21, 2023November 21, 2023 Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the Georgia Articles of Incorporation filing procedure and registration. In this article, we will walk you through the essential steps and requirements to successfully incorporate your business in the state of Georgia. Whether you are a new entrepreneur or an existing business owner looking to expand, understanding the filing process is crucial to legally establish your company. So, let’s dive in and navigate the ins and outs of incorporating in Georgia! Table of Contents Toggle State-Specific Articles of Incorporation GuidelinesCreate your LLC Corporation with just 3 easy stepsChoosing Between S Corp and C Corp Tax DesignationsCorporate Name Guidelines and Ongoing Filing Obligations State-Specific Articles of Incorporation Guidelines The Georgia Articles of Incorporation filing procedure and registration process is straightforward and efficient. To ensure compliance with state-specific guidelines, it is important to follow these steps: 1. Prepare Articles of Incorporation: Include essential information such as the corporation’s name, purpose, registered office, registered agent, and initial directors. 2. Submit the Articles: File the completed Articles of Incorporation with the Georgia Secretary of State. This can be done online or by mail. A filing fee must accompany the submission. 3. Obtain Certificate of Incorporation: Once the Secretary of State approves the filing, a Certificate of Incorporation will be issued. This document confirms the corporation’s legal existence. 4. Fulfill Ongoing Requirements: After incorporation, the corporation must maintain a registered office and registered agent within Georgia. It is also essential to hold regular board of directors meetings and keep accurate records. Create your LLC Corporation with just 3 easy steps Choosing Between S Corp and C Corp Tax Designations When filing for your Georgia Articles of Incorporation, one important decision you’ll need to make is whether to choose an S Corp or C Corp tax designation. This decision will have significant implications for your business’s tax obligations and legal structure. An S Corp is a pass-through entity, meaning that the profits and losses of the business are passed through to the shareholders’ individual tax returns. This can result in potential tax savings for small businesses. On the other hand, a C Corp is a separate legal entity that is taxed at the corporate level. This can provide more flexibility in terms of ownership and investment, but may result in double taxation if the business distributes profits to shareholders. Consider consulting with a corporate attorney or tax professional to determine which designation is best for your specific circumstances. Corporate Name Guidelines and Ongoing Filing Obligations Guidelines Details Corporate Name Availability The chosen corporate name must be available and not already in use by another entity in Georgia. Business Purpose A statement describing the nature of the corporation’s business activities must be included. Registered Agent A registered agent must be appointed to receive legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of the corporation. Principal Office The corporation must provide the physical address of its principal office in Georgia. Directors’ Information The names and addresses of the initial directors of the corporation must be provided. Authorized Shares The number of authorized shares the corporation is allowed to issue must be stated. James FishWas this article helpful?YesNo LLC Formation Requirements