Companies are required to register with the Georgia Secretary of State before doing business in Georgia. Businesses that are incorporated in another state will typically apply for a Georgia certificate of authority. Doing so registers the business as a foreign entity and eliminates the need to incorporate a new entity.
Certificate of Authority: Definition A Certificate of Authority shows that you are authorized to do business in a state other than your original formation state.
To obtain your Georgia Certificate of Authority, you will submit an Application for Certificate of Authority, along with required certificates or certified copies from your home state. You will need to appoint a registered agent in order for your filing to be approved.
Online: Georgia's Secretary of State (SOS) will process online applications in about 7 to 10 business days. In Person: Filings submitted by mail or in person are processed in about 15 business days after receipt of paperwork by Georgia's SOS.
A letter of authority can only be obtained from the Master of the High Court when a person has died and the death has been reported. In that case, you and your siblings must agree on whom to nominate to represent you and receive the letter of authority.
A certificate of authority grants permission to collect sales taxes, use sales tax proceeds, and file tax returns ing to the guidelines of that state. A business license allows a business to operate in a specific jurisdiction.
If your company was not incorporated in Georgia, but you wish to do business there, you need to apply for a Georgia Certificate of Authority. Acquiring Georgia Foreign Qualification allows a company formed in Delaware or any other state to legally transact business in Georgia.