How to Conduct a Georgia Business Entity Search

As of November 2025, the Georgia Secretary of State reported that there were 1.4 million active entities registered in the state, including a mix of profit and nonprofit corporations, with profit corporations making up the largest share. Limited liability companies account for the highest number by far (1,074 million), with corporations and non-profit corporations following.

Registering a business in Georgia, U.S., offers several key advantages, like a pro-business environment, excellent logistics, and a strong workforce, while registering in the country of Georgia provides benefits such as a fast and straightforward registration process, a favorable tax system with low corporate tax and tax exemptions for reinvested profits, and strategic access to international markets through free trade agreements. Georgia is consistently ranked among the best states for business, with a partnership-based approach to economic development. The state has a low corporate tax (15% income tax) applied to distributed profits. Non-distributed profits are exempt from taxation, encouraging reinvestment and growth. Additionally, companies with low annual turnover can qualify for a 1% tax rate.

Businesses in FIZs (Free Industrial Zones) can benefit from tax exemptions on VAT, corporate income tax, and import/export duties. Georgia's location between Europe and Asia makes it a trade hub, with free trade agreements with the EU, China, Turkey, and CIS countries. There are no currency controls or restrictions on profit repatriation, and foreigners can own 100% of a company across all sectors.

The most common industries in Georgia are real estate, manufacturing, healthcare/social assistance, management services, rental and leasing, retail trade, and professional/technical services, based on GDP contributions and employment. Other significant sectors include logistics, agriculture, food processing, and film production. The state is a top producer of peanuts, broilers (chickens), and pecans. Georgia has become a significant hub for the film and television industry.

Allowable Entity Types in Georgia

Common business entity types in Georgia include Sole Proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), and various kinds of Corporations (such as C-Corp and S-Corp). Other forms, such as Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Limited Partnerships, Nonprofit Corporations, and Professional Corporations, are also available and must be filed with the Georgia Secretary of State.

The most common type of business entity in Georgia is the Limited Liability Company (LLC), according to the Georgia Secretary of State. LLCs are a popular choice because they combine the limited liability protection of a corporation with the pass-through taxation benefits of a partnership, making them a flexible hybrid entity for owners.

Why Search for a Georgia Business Entity

You search for a Georgia business entity to find a business's legal name, check its status and filing history, locate the registered agent, and confirm the business is legitimate. This information is helpful for checking name availability before registering a new business, conducting due diligence, or verifying the status of a current business relationship. The Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division provides this data through its public business search tool.

Some key reasons to search for a Georgia business entity include:

• Verify Legitimacy and Risk: Search results show a business's current status (e.g., active, dissolved), which helps assess risk and confirm that a business is legitimate and in good standing.
• Check Name Availability: You can search to see if a desired business name is already in use or is too similar to an existing one before you attempt to register it.
• Find Contact Information: You can find the registered agent's name, which is required for legal and official communication and is necessary for a business to receive service of process.
• Review Riling History: The search provides access to a company's filing history, which can be helpful for due diligence or for understanding a company's past activities.
• Identify Officers and Directors: You can search for the names of officers or directors associated with a business entity.
• Confirm a Business's Legal Structure: This search confirms the specific legal entity type, such as an LLC, corporation, or limited partnership, as filed with the state.
• Research Competitors: It is a valuable tool for researching other businesses in the state for various purposes.
• Find Legal Information: The search can provide information on a business's past names, managers, and other public filings.
• Performing Due Diligence: To research potential partners, suppliers, or competitors, and to check the legitimacy of a company before investing.
• Market Analysis: To understand the competitive landscape by reviewing existing businesses in a particular industry.
• Ensure Legal Compliance: Registering a unique name is a requirement for forming an LLC or corporation. Searching beforehand is a necessary step to comply with these rules and avoid legal issues later on.
• Track Your Own Business Registration: You can also use the search to find details about a business you already own, such as its registration number or filing history.
• Ensure Tax Compliance: A unique business name is crucial for tax purposes, as it ensures your business is correctly identified and associated with its tax obligations.
• Confirm Registered Agent Information: Use the search to find the registered agent for an existing company.
• Investigate Potential Partners or Competitors: Researching a company can help you understand its history, structure, and regulatory compliance before making a business decision and jeopardizing your own company.
• Name Reservations: To see if a preferred name is available to be reserved for a limited time, which can help secure a domain name and other branding elements while preparing to register the business formally.
• Before Investing: Conducting thorough due diligence when acquiring or investing in a business.
• Trademarks: Searching for registered trademarks to avoid conflicts.

How to Search for Business Entities

The Corporations Division of the Georgia Secretary of State's office not only provides information for prospective entrepreneurs seeking business registration, but also provides information on the state's business entities. To search Georgia business entities, visit the Georgia Secretary of State's Website and go to the business search page of the Corporations Division on the Georgia Secretary of State's website and choose your criteria. You can select from the following:

• Entity Name: Provide part of or the complete name of the business.
• Control Number: The control number is a business registration number assigned to a business upon registering with the State of Georgia.
• Registered Agent's Name: The name of the entity or individual responsible for receiving official documents on behalf of the business.
• Officer Name: You may also search using the name of an officer registered to the business entity.

Review the search results.

What Information Can You Find with the Secretary of State?

After selecting your search criteria and providing the relevant information, click the search button to trigger the search system and return a list of matching results. Other than the entity or business name, you may view the business control number, business type, principal office address, registered or designated agent name, and business status.

How to Access Detailed Information

Besides the basic business information provided on the search result page, you may get detailed information about the business or entity by clicking on its name. This will typically provide access to the following additional details:

• NAICS Code: The North American Industry Classification System code assigned to the business
• NAICS Sub Code: A more specific subcategory code related to the entity's industry classification
• Date of Formation or Registration Date: The official date the business was formed or registered
• Last Annual Registration Year: The most recent year in which the entity filed its annual registration
• Registered Agent's Physical Address: The physical location of the entity's registered agent
• Registered Agent's County: The county in which the registered agent is located

If you need further assistance searching business entities in Georgia, contact the Corporations Division of the Georgia Secretary of State. The Division's address is:

The Corporations Divisions page of the Georgia Secretary of State's website generally provides additional information for businesses, such as:

• Active Entity Statistics: A quick breakdown of the number of active business entities in Georgia
• How-To-Guides: Instructional guides on creating, forming, or registering new domestic or foreign entities in the state
• Service of Process: General information relating to substituted service of process
• Trademarks and Service Marks Information
• Forms and Filing Fees: Forms and templates for creating, forming, and operating business entities in Georgia.
• Reserving a business name

What Business Entity Information is Not Public

In Georgia, business entity information that is not public includes specific tax details, motor vehicle registration/title information, and other sensitive personal information held by the Department of Revenue. While a business's owners may not be public, the "organizer" of an LLC (the person who files the paperwork) is often a matter of public record, though they do not have to be an owner. You can usually find the business name, address, registered agent, and organizer pretty easily, but some private things include:

• Tax Information: The Georgia Department of Revenue is legally required to keep taxpayer information confidential.
• Motor Vehicle Registration and Title Information: This is considered confidential and protected by the Department of Revenue.
• Sensitive Personal Information: This includes any other private, sensitive data that the Department of Revenue is required to keep confidential.
• Actual Business Owners (in some cases): While the "organizer" may be public, the actual owners of an LLC might not be. This can depend on the state and specific filings.
• Trade Secrets: Formulas, processes, methods, or other proprietary information that derives economic value from not being generally known to the public and is the subject of reasonable efforts to maintain its secrecy.
• Private Employee Medical Records: Medical and health insurance information.
• Customer and Employee Identifying Information: Identifying information like Social Security Numbers, driver's license numbers, and passport numbers.
• Revenue and Profit Numbers (unless a public company): Smaller companies that are not publicly traded can keep their financial data private.
• Financial Data: Bank and credit card numbers, as well as loan information.

How to Find EIN and UCC Records in Georgia

You can find a company's EIN in Georgia by checking with the Georgia Secretary of State, contacting the company's licensing agency, or using documents such as W-2s, 1099s, and tax returns. If you cannot locate your own EIN, contact the IRS for help. You can also use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for non-profits, the SEC's EDGAR database for public companies.

Also, try using EntityCheck's EIN Lookup tool to find Georgia EIN records.

You may contact the Georgia Superior Court Clerk's Authority to search for UCC lien records in Georgia. You can search by debtor's name, organization, or a date range. You can search via the entire state or by county.

You can also try using EntityCheck's UCC Filings search tool.

How to Find DBA Records in Georgia

To find DBA (Doing Business As) records in Georgia, search the Georgia Secretary of State's Business Entity Search on their official website for corporation or LLC information, and use the County Clerk's office for sole proprietor or partnership filings. For bulk data, you can establish an account on the Georgia.gov data portal.

EntityCheck Makes Business Entity Searches Faster and Easier

An even more insightful way to search for Georgia business entities and access additional information is to utilize EntityCheck's powerful search engine. Search quickly and easily by business name, EIN, owner, phone number, or email address. Along with the information above, you can dig deeper to find incredibly illuminating details such as:

• 
  UCC Filings

  Discover Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings, showing creditors' attachment to business assets. These files provide insight into the organization's financial stability by examining its standing debts and the risks they entail. Also find lien details, creditor and debtor information, filing and expiration dates, and collateral and asset claims.

• 
  Court Cases

  Evaluate a company's legal record to assess potential risks associated with its operations and identify any outstanding issues. Review bankruptcy filings, liens and judgments, federal court cases, litigation, and legal history of ongoing and past court cases.

• 
  Licenses

  Verify business credentials, including licenses, permits, and government certifications, as well as the educational backgrounds of decision-makers, to assess credibility.

• 
  Filing & Compliance

  Review a company's financial performance reports, DBAs (Doing Business As), and government Tax IDs.

• 
  Trademarks & Patents

  Find out what intellectual properties a company controls and review the details of any trademarks and patents it holds.

• 
  Registered Individuals

  Identify key decision-makers, registered agents, corporate officers, and leadership, even if this information is not readily available through official records.

Alternative Resources Beyond the SOS (Secretary of State) Search

Although the Georgia Secretary of State has plentiful business information, don't overlook the vast other resources you can use to find even more data.

The following agencies may hold relevant information about Georgia business entities:

• Georgia Secretary of State (Corporations Division): The Georgia Secretary of State's Corporations Division registers and maintains records for businesses, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and limited partnerships. Its key functions include the formation and filing of new business entities, serving as the official custodian of these filings, and providing copies and certifications of business documents. The division also facilitates online business searches, awards nominations for outstanding businesses, and collects annual registration fees.
• Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR): According to the DOR, the Department of Revenue administers alcohol and tobacco laws/regulations, motor vehicle tag/title administration, and the tax laws of the state of Georgia.
• Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL): The Georgia Department of Labor provides services to both job seekers and employers, including administering unemployment insurance, helping people find jobs, offering job training programs, and providing labor market information. It also oversees state child labor laws and aims to build a strong workforce system that supports the state's economic prosperity.
• Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD): The Georgia Department of Economic Development serves as the state's sales and marketing arm, promoting economic growth by attracting new businesses and encouraging existing ones to expand. Its main functions include recruiting companies, identifying new markets for Georgia's products, attracting tourists, promoting Georgia's film and entertainment industries, and supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs through various initiatives.
• Georgia State Board of Accountancy: The Georgia State Board of Accountancy (GSBA) regulates the licensure and practice of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and public accounting firms in Georgia. Its duties include setting and enforcing licensing requirements, approving continuing education, overseeing peer reviews, and investigating complaints against licensees. The board aims to protect the public by ensuring that CPAs and public accounting firms maintain professional standards and competence.
• Georgia Professional Licensing Boards Division: The Georgia Professional Licensing Boards Division oversees certifications for licensed professionals in Georgia, which includes applications, renewals, and tracking individual information. It provides services such as applying for a license, updating contact information, renewing a license, searching for a licensee, and printing a license. The division also handles complaints and verifications for many professions.
• Georgia County Clerk of Superior Court Offices: The Georgia County Clerk of Superior Court offices serve as the official record keepers and administrators for the county's superior courts, performing duties such as filing and maintaining civil and criminal court documents, recording real estate transactions and liens, and managing financial transactions, such as collecting fines and fees. They are also responsible for other administrative and ministerial tasks, including issuing notary public certificates, managing jury information, and providing public access to court records.
• Georgia County Tax Commissioner Offices: The County Tax Commissioner Offices (established by the Constitution) are the official party responsible for performing county duties related to billing, collecting, accounting, and disbursing ad valorem taxes collected within the county.
• Georgia City or County Business License Offices: Georgia county/city business license offices issue occupational tax certificates (business licenses) for businesses operating within their specific county, process related permits, and act as a local point of contact for businesses to comply with local and state regulations. They handle applications and renewals for various licenses, including those for alcohol, pawnbrokers, and door-to-door sales, and provide guidance on local requirements.

How to Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Georgia

The Georgia Corporations Division does not provide the names of business entity owners via its search feature. However, you may be able to find the name of an entity's registered agent or officer. You may use this information to query other databases to find the owner of a business entity.

Additional Resources for Business Ownership Info

Other resources through which you may find the owners of local Georgia businesses include:

• The Business's Website: Many businesses have an "about us" or "leadership" page where a reference to the business owner may be made. Note that some companies may name their owners president, founder, or principal.
• Chamber of Commerce: You may be able to obtain business owner information using the information contained within the local Chamber of Commerce database. Such a database is typically freely searchable and lists businesses in the community.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB lists several businesses, including their owners, on its website and in some of its reports, especially if the company has applied for BBB accreditation. The Bureau's database is free to search.
• Other Public Records: Business licenses, real estate records, and court documents involving the business entity may also provide ownership information.
• WHOIS Lookup: Perform a WHOIS search to find the owner of the business's domain name.
• Professional Networks: Check sites like LinkedIn, which may list owners and key personnel.

Types of Owners and Their Roles

In Georgia, business ownership types range from sole proprietorships to LLCs, each with different leadership structures, such as sole proprietorships, where the owner has total control, and member-managed and manager-managed LLCs, where management is handled by owners or designated managers, respectively. Some leadership/ownership roles that exist in Georgia are as follows:

Business Ownership Types and Leadership Roles

• Sole Proprietorship:

  • Owner: A single person who owns and runs the business.
  • Leadership: The sole proprietor has complete control over all business decisions.

• Limited Liability Company (LLC):

  • Member-managed LLC: Owners (members) directly manage the company's day-to-day operations and decision-making.
  • Manager-managed LLC: Owners (members) appoint one or more managers to handle daily operations and have complete autonomy over business decisions.

• Other Roles:

  • Organizer: The person filing the paperwork to form the LLC. They can also be the owner.
  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO): A high-ranking executive, often in a larger company, responsible for major decisions and overall strategy.
  • Chief Operating Officer (COO): Oversees the company's production, sales, and personnel.
  • Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Manages the company's finances, including budgeting and financial strategies.
  • Chief Information Officer (CIO): Oversees a company's information technology systems.

Different entity structures have various roles and types of ownership. Some individuals who have control over a company may not hold a traditional role within it. Leadership is a crucial factor to understand before working with a company.

Some of the more conventional roles within companies include:

• Shareholders (or Stockholders): They own the corporation by purchasing stock, which grants them voting rights to elect the Board of Directors and influence major corporate decisions.
• Directors: Directors set the strategic course for the corporation, make major decisions, and oversee the conduct of the officers.
• Officers: Officers, such as presidents (CEO) and secretaries, manage the day-to-day operations of the business and are hired and fired by the Board of Directors.
• Members: Members are the owners of the LLC. They can also serve as managers or delegate management to others. Members are typically protected from personal liability for the company's debts.
• Managers: Managers, whether members or non-members, are responsible for managing the business and affairs of the LLC.
• General Partners: They manage the business affairs as outlined in the partnership agreement. General partners are entirely liable for all business debts and obligations.
• Limited Partners: Limited partners have limited management rights. Their liability is typically limited to their investment in the business, providing them with some protection from business debts.

Red Flags to Look for When Searching Business Entities

When searching for a business entity in Georgia, look for red flags such as misleading mailers that mimic government communications, unverifiable registration details, or inconsistencies in their online presence and financial information. Specifically, watch out for unsolicited offers requesting payment for unnecessary certificates, companies with names similar to legitimate businesses, and pressure to provide sensitive financial information or pay in an unusual way, such as cash, for large purchases.

Thoroughly research Georgia business entities before using their services, partnering with them, or investing. Always watch out for particular red flags that could indicate serious problems. The following are some red flags to be aware of when searching.

Some general red flags are:

• Generic Contact Information: Using a free email service like @gmail.com or @hotmail.com instead of a business-specific domain can be a warning sign.
• Lack of Physical Address: The business may only have a P.O. Box or no physical premises listed.
• Poor Communication: Inability to reach a representative, unanswered calls, or a lack of a landline.
• Opaque Ownership: Lack of transparency about who owns or controls the company.
• No Online Presence: There is no website or online advertising to be found.
• Resistance to Due Diligence: The company is reluctant to provide information needed to verify its legitimacy.

Some more serious red flags include:

Entity Status Problems

Check the official Georgia Secretary of State website to confirm a business's registration. A lack of verifiable online information, or a website that seems incomplete or poorly designed, can be a warning sign.

Unsolicited "certificates" or "registrations" can also be red flags. Be suspicious of any company that shows you fraudulent certificates or registrations.

Entity status violations in Georgia can result in various penalties, including fines, loss of operating privileges, and criminal charges. Common violations include non-compliance with filing requirements, tax evasion, and making false statements to the state. To resolve a violation, businesses typically need to pay back fees and fines and correct the underlying issue to restore their status to "good standing".

Inconsistent or Suspicious Information

Always keep an eye out for missing or inconsistent information. Look for any inconsistencies in the registered agent's name, address, or other details. A lack of clear contact information can be a major concern.

Another red flag is a misleading name. A business name that is too similar to an existing one or that incorrectly implies government affiliation can be a warning sign that the company is attempting to deceive the public. Be wary of businesses that adopt names very similar to well-known organizations to cause confusion.

A business with a poorly designed website or that uses excessive grammatical errors and spelling mistakes might also be a red flag.

Common types of fraudulent companies in Georgia include credit bureau and imposter scams, which are frequently reported, as well as business fraud such as financial statement manipulation, asset misappropriation, and various schemes involving mail, wire, and email. Additionally, fraud can occur through insurance, tax, or payroll schemes, as well as through deceptive practices such as false advertising or price gouging during emergencies.

Ownership and Management Concerns

How a Georgia company is managed matters. For example, high employee turnover can be a sign of poor management, a toxic work environment, or other internal issues.

It may or may not be easy to find out who owns a company. If the owners are deliberately trying to conceal their identity, that could mean trouble. If the owners' information appears to be fake, you may need to skip-trace on them to find out who they really are.

The most common employment lawsuits in Georgia include retaliation, discrimination, wrongful termination, and wage-and-hour violations. Retaliation is the most frequent type of discrimination claim filed, while discrimination based on race and sex is also a common issue. Wrongful termination often overlaps with discrimination, and wage and hour issues can include problems with overtime pay, misclassification, and wage theft.

Financial and Legal Warning Signs

A company's financial troubles can quickly become your own if you aren't careful. For example, a persistent downward trend in revenue, profit, or customer numbers, even for a short period, could signal fundamental problems.

Before acquiring, investing in, or partnering with a company, thoroughly review its financials. Watch out for excessive debt, late payments, rising inventory while profits decline, missing assets, inadequate documentation, or duplicates. All of these could indicate poor management, misappropriation of funds, and fraud.

Watch out for any unusual payment methods. A company that insists on payment by cash or checks, or that requires access to your bank account for large purchases, should be viewed with suspicion.

Also, be wary of high-pressure sales tactics or demands for immediate payment.

Compliance Gaps

The most common business compliance violations in Georgia are generally related to deceptive practices, such as false advertising and misrepresentation under the state's Fair Business Practices Act, and employment issues, including wage and hour violations, employee misclassification, and workplace discrimination. Additionally, businesses must navigate state and local rules concerning taxes, licensing, and health and safety regulations.

Connections & Affiliations

A company's connections and affiliations can tell quite a story. Sometimes one person runs multiple dissolved/failed companies. Look for recurring patterns of dissolution followed by new formation. That is a significant indicator of potential fraud. One thing to be cautious of is a company with ties to organized crime figures and politically exposed persons (PEPs). If the company makes a concerted effort to conceal its actual owner or person in charge, that should be a clear warning to stay away.

Some red flags in broader business records include the following:

Inconsistent Public Records

Company filings don't match what's listed in:

• Court records
• Tax records
• Property ownership filings
• An example is that the registered address differs from the address listed in lawsuits or liens.

Poor Record-Keeping

• Missing meeting minutes (for corporations).
• No updated ownership/member list for LLCs.
• Lack of transparency in accounting records.

Regulatory Issues

• Fines, sanctions, or loss of licenses with state agencies.
• Businesses flagged by the Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General's office.

Unusual Patterns

• Very recent incorporation with sudden high activity.
• Foreign entities registered but not compliant with local laws.
• Shell-company indicators (multiple entities tied to the same registered agent at the same address).

Best Practices When Reviewing Business Entity Records

Utilize the best practices outlined below to maximize the benefits of your research. A business background check can take time, but it can yield a wealth of information that could help you avoid any costly mistakes.

• Cross-reference everything.
• Compare the UCC filing data with records from litigation and bankruptcy courts. Look for discrepancies between the documents.
• Check annual reports for consistency year-over-year.
• Research the owners of a company to detect possible bankruptcies, felonies, fraud, and other legal issues that could affect your business.
• Use business verification services or business background reports from EntityCheck.
• Keep in mind the context. For example, a single lien may not be alarming, but multiple filings, lawsuits, and frequent leadership turnover together signal real risk.

How to Register an Entity in Georgia

Before forming a business entity in Georgia, you must complete a business name search to confirm that the name for your business is available and has not been taken by some other individual or entity.

Before setting up a business entity in Georgia, the office of the Secretary of State advises that you seek professional advice by leveraging resources from places like the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE mentors, and the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

Afterwards, you may follow these steps to set up the business:

• Create a Business Plan: A business plan may be essential in securing funds or investments from lenders and investors. It charts a roadmap for your operations, growth strategies, and market analysis.
• Select a Business Structure: The state allows businesses to be formed in the following structures: Limited Liability Company, Limited Partnership, Corporation, and Sole Proprietorship. You may consult with an attorney to determine the best structure for you.
• Reserve Your Business Name: Protect your desired business name with the Georgia Secretary of State for 30 days while completing the registration process.
• Register with the Georgia Secretary of State: LLCs, LPs, and corporations must register their entities. Sole proprietorships are exempt but may still register for additional protections.
• Obtain an Employer Identification Number: Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS, required for taxes and hiring employees.
• Open a Business Checking Account: This step allows you to keep personal and business finances separate by opening a business account.
• Register with State Agencies: You may need to register with the Georgia Department of Revenue for tax returns and the Georgia Department of Labor for insurance, if applicable.
• Get Business Insurance: Meet legal requirements and protect your assets with insurance like workers' compensation and liability coverage.
• Apply for Permits and Licenses: Determine if your business needs specialized permits or licenses at federal, state, or local levels.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Georgia?

The cost of starting a business in Georgia varies, depending on several factors, such as the type of business structure, licensing requirements, and operational expenses. Typically, these expenses include the following:

• Business Formation Costs: The typical filing fee of $100 for Articles of Organization (online) with the Georgia Secretary of State applies. Additional fees may apply depending on the filing method and processing time, with same-day processing costing up to $1,000. For corporations, there is an initial annual registration fee of $50 (for-profit and professional) or $30 (nonprofit).
• Licensing and Permits: Fees vary based on the industry and location, typically ranging from $50-$400 for general business licenses.
• Tax Registration: Registering with the Georgia Department of Revenue is free, but businesses may incur costs for specific tax permits.
• Employer Identification Number (EIN): Obtaining an EIN from the IRS is free.
• Additional Costs: Business insurance may cost between $500 and $1,000 annually for small businesses, depending on the coverage type.
• Business Bank Account: Generally free, but some accounts may require a minimum deposit or charge monthly maintenance fees.
• Optional Costs: For branding and marketing, expect to spend $50-$300 annually for domain, hosting, and maintenance.

Georgia business names must be distinguishable from other registered entities, include a specific legal suffix like "LLC" or "Inc.", and cannot exceed 80 characters. Names must not contain restricted words or imply a government, bank, or insurance purpose. You can check name availability using the Georgia Secretary of State's online search tool before filing.

The general business naming guidelines for Georgia are as follows:

• Distinguishable: The name must be unique enough to avoid confusion with other businesses registered in the state.
• Length: The name cannot exceed 80 characters, including spaces and punctuation.
• Prohibited Words: Names cannot contain obscene words, imply illegal activity, or use certain restricted words without proper authorization.
• Legal Suffixes: The name must include a required legal term such as "LLC", "Inc.", or "Company".
• Corporation: Must contain "corporation", "incorporated", "company", or "limited".
• Limited Liability Company (LLC): Must include "limited liability company", "limited company", or acceptable abbreviations like "LLC", "L.L.C.", "LC", "L.C.", "LTD.", or "CO."
• Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships: Do not need to be registered with the Secretary of State, but trade names must be registered with the Clerk of the Superior Court.

FAQs

1. How do I look up who owns an LLC in Georgia (members vs. managers)?

   To find the owners of a Georgia LLC, use the Georgia Secretary of State's Business Search database, but be aware that Georgia does not publicly list members on its initial filings. You may be able to find managers or the initial organizer through the database, but for member information, you may need to contact the registered agent or look for other public records.

   EntityCheck's search tool can also provide information about a company's owners, directors, officers, and associates.

2. How can I find a corporation's officers and directors in the state?

   You can find a corporation's officers and directors by searching the Secretary of State's website for the state where the company is registered and the SEC's EDGAR database for public companies. Other methods include checking the company's website, using business search engines, or contacting the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau.

3. Are business owners' names public or private in Georgia?

   In Georgia, business owners' names are generally private for LLCs and corporations, but can become public for other business structures, such as sole proprietorships or partnerships, or through specific actions, such as filing a "doing business as" (DBA) name. For LLCs, the public record only requires the name of the organizer and the registered agent, not the members or managers.

4. Where do I search official business records in the state?

   You can search for official business records in Georgia through the Georgia Secretary of State's website. The site allows you to search by business name, control number, registered agent name, or officer name to find details like entity type and status. You can also perform a trademark search and an online search for name reservations at https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/BusinessSearch.

5. How do I check if a business name is available or reserved in Georgia?

   You can check for an available business name in Georgia by using the Georgia Corporations Division's online business search tool. If the name is available, you can reserve it for 30 days on the Secretary of State's website while you complete the official registration. For a preliminary check, use third-party tools or search on social media and domain registrars.

6. How can I view recent filings (Articles, amendments, mergers, annual/biennial reports) for a company in Georgia?

   You can view a company's recent filings by going to the Georgia Secretary of State's online business search portal, entering the company's name, and clicking on the "Filing History" link in the search results to view all documents, including articles of incorporation, amendments, and annual/biennial reports.

7. How do I get a Certificate of Good Standing/Existence in Georgia?

   To get a Certificate of Good Standing (Certificate of Existence) in Georgia, you can order it online from the Georgia Secretary of State's website for a $10 fee. You must have an account to use the online service, which will allow you to create an account, log in, and access it to search for your entity and order the certificate. The certificate is sent to you via email after payment is processed.

8. How do I obtain certified copies of formation documents and amendments in the state?

   You can obtain certified copies of formation documents and amendments in Georgia by requesting them online through the Georgia Secretary of State's eCorp system or by mail. The online method is typically faster for ordering certified copies and requires you to create an account, log in, and find the option to order certified documents. Alternatively, you can mail a request that includes the necessary details, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment.

9. How do I search UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) liens against a company in Georgia?

   To search for UCC liens against a company in Georgia, use the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) website and navigate to the UCC search function, which is available for free online access. Enter the debtor company's name to find any liens filed against its assets. A diligent search should also include the debtor's legal name variations, and you may need to use advanced search options if you have other information like a file number.

   You can also use the handy EntityCheck UCC search tool to find liens against a Georgia company.

10. What are the steps to register an LLC in Georgia (forms, fees, timeline)?

    To form an LLC in Georgia, you must pick a company name, verify its availability, and then register the company through the Georgia Secretary of State. You must create an account to register a business when filing your Articles of Incorporation. You will have to pay a $100 fee when registering. You must also appoint a registered agent, create an operating agreement, and apply for an EIN with the IRS.

11. What are the steps to incorporate (C-Corp/S-Corp) in Georgia?

    To incorporate in Georgia, you must choose a name, appoint a registered agent, file Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State, and then hold an organizational meeting to appoint directors and adopt bylaws. To form an S-Corp, you must also file IRS Form 2553 for tax designation after incorporating.

12. Do I need a registered agent in the state, and who can serve as one?

    Yes, Georgia law requires most businesses to have a registered agent, who can be yourself (if you have a physical address in the state), a member of your company, a Georgia resident, an attorney, or a registered agent service. The registered agent's primary role is to accept important legal documents on behalf of the business.

13. What annual reports, franchise/margin taxes, or license renewals are required in Georgia?

    In Georgia, the primary annual requirement is the Annual Registration (also called an annual report), which is due by April 1st and is filed with the Secretary of State. Georgia does not have a separate franchise tax, but it does have a Net Worth Tax, which is filed with the corporate income tax return and is typically due by the 15th day of the third calendar month after the corporation's taxable period ends. Professional license renewals vary based on the profession and are not a single statewide requirement.

14. How long does state approval take in Georgia, and are expedited options available?

    Standard Georgia state approval for many business filings is 7-10 business days for online submissions and 15 business days for paper filings. Expedited options are available for an additional fee, with same-day or two-business-day processing possible depending on the specific filing and submission method.

15. Do I need to foreign-qualify to do business in Georgia if my company is formed elsewhere?

    Yes, your out-of-state company must foreign-qualify to do business in Georgia legally. This means you must register with the Georgia Secretary of State by filing an Application for Certificate of Authority to avoid penalties, fines, and being barred from bringing lawsuits in the state.

16. What activities count as "doing business" in the state?

    Activities that count as "doing business" in a state include having a physical presence, employing people, regularly meeting with clients, or generating a significant portion of revenue there. Other common activities are selling products or services, owning property, and maintaining an inventory or warehouse.

17. How do I file a DBA/fictitious business name in Georgia, and is county/city filing required?

    To file a DBA in Georgia, you must file a Trade Name Application with the Clerk of the Superior Court in the county where your business is located, pay a filing fee, and publish a notice of the trade name in the county's legal newspaper for two consecutive weeks. Yes, county filing is required, and some cities or counties may also have their own specific requirements.

18. How do I change my company's name, address, officers, or members with the state?

    To change your company's information in Georgia, you must file the appropriate forms with the Secretary of State: file Articles of Amendment for a name, member, or address change, and the Annual Registration for address changes for an LLC. For officers, change them through an annual registration for corporations and an operating agreement for LLCs.

19. How do I reinstate or revive a company that's been administratively dissolved in Georgia?

    To reinstate an administratively dissolved company in Georgia, you must file a Reinstatement Application with the Georgia Secretary of State, pay the required fees, and resolve the issues that led to the dissolution. You can do this online at the Georgia Corporations Division website or by mail. There is a five-year window for reinstatement, after which you must form a new entity.

20. Do I need to file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) with FinCEN, and how does that interact with Georgia filings?

    Yes, if your business is a reporting company (e.g., a corporation or LLC) formed or registered to do business in the U.S., you likely need to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with FinCEN. Filing this report with the federal government is a separate requirement from your state-level Georgia filings. However, your Georgia formation documents will establish your entity as a reporting company, triggering the need for the federal filing.