If you operate a business in the Peach State and want to expand, you're often required to get a Georgia Certificate of Existence, also known as a Certificate of Good Standing. You obtain a Georgia Certificate of Existence from the Secretary of State.
You must file an annual registration for your LLC with the Secretary of State every year. If you own an LLC, every year it is in business you must file an annual registration with the Secretary of State's Georgia Corporations Division.
Processing Time: 15 business days; Processing in 2 business days costs an additional $100. Processing in the same business day (if submitted before noon on a weekday) costs an additional $250. Processing in one hour costs an additional $1,000.
Northwest will form your LLC for $39 (60% discount). See details. Yes, you can be your own Registered Agent in Georgia as long as you meet the state requirements. (Unfortunately, most Registered Agent Services and LLC filing companies hide this information.)
Certified copies are usually needed when dealing with a loan transaction or closing, opening a bank account for the business, being submitted to foreign states to qualify, renewing a business license, or used in connection with a court case/transaction.
Other important information for LLCs: (EIN) is needed. An EIN is obtained from the IRS. Call the IRS at (800) 829-4933 or visit the IRS web site, . The Georgia Department of Revenue should be contacted regarding compliance with state tax laws.
You don't need a Certificate of Existence to conduct your daily business or to file taxes. This document only becomes necessary if you want to: Register your company to do business in another state. Secure a new line of credit or other funding.
It serves as proof, or evidence, that the entity exists and is authorized to transact business in the state. Business entity laws vary among the states. The document the state provides may be called a “Certificate of Good Standing”, a “Certificate of Existence”, “Certificate of Authorization”, or something similar.