Georgia Registered Agent
What is a Georgia registered agent?
A Georgia registered agent is a person or entity designated to receive official state and legal documentation on behalf of a business. All entities must maintain a registered agent to avoid administrative dissolution by the state following the Georgia Business Code (Sections 14-2-501 through 14-11-703). Registered agents provide a dependable front-facing contact to receive important documents in compliance with state regulations.
Georgia Registered Agent Benefits
A Georgia registered agent can help a business avoid potential legal or regulatory issues by alerting business owners to any incoming state notices and legal service of process. All registered agents in the state must provide a physical address where they are open during normal business hours to accept mail for the companies they represent. Some registered agents go above and beyond to help the businesses they represent by offering additional services like business formation, web hosting, and state compliance filing.
Requirements for Registered Agents in Georgia
Georgia law states that all corporations or LLCs formed in the state must appoint and maintain a registered agent who can be a natural person or an entity. This registered agent must be available at a physical address located within the state during normal business hours to accept state notices and legal service of process. Because they are responsible for accepting any incoming notices, they cannot use a P.O. Box as their registered office.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent in Georgia?
Yes. Any legal adult residing in the state can serve as a registered agent by providing their address and agreeing to accept this responsibility. However, a business entity like a Georgia LLC cannot act as its own registered agent and only individuals associated with the company can be appointed.
How Can I Become a Registered Agent in Georgia?
If you have a physical address in the state that is open to the public during normal business hours and can accept mail documents, you can be listed as a registered agent in Georgia. You won’t be expected to submit any additional forms, even if you’re representing multiple companies.
How Do I Find a Registered Agent in Georgia?
Visit the Georgia Corporations Division Business Search to review information about registered businesses in Georgia. Each business entry includes the registered agent’s contact details and the company’s designated mailing address. Any mail directed to this address is treated like mail delivered right into the hands of the business owner.
How Do I Choose a Registered Agent?
The most important consideration when sourcing a new registered agent is whether they can adhere to the state’s requirements. Once you’ve found a registered agent who checks off all the boxes, you can consider your budget and business needs. If you’re trying to save some cash while you launch your business, an individual registered agent may provide adequate coverage. Commercial registered agents typically provide additional services that can help your business grow, like domain registration and VoIP phone service. Whichever option you choose, your registered agent should be able to provide support and peace of mind.
What Makes Registered Agents Inc the Right Choice?
By selecting Registered Agents Inc as your registered agent, you’re committing to excellent service. We’ll handle all your vital documents and support your business by being:
Instant
Information is available when you hire us as your registered agent, meaning you can file instantly. Once you’ve appointed us, we’ll immediately start accepting and processing mail on your company’s behalf.
Secure
Your documents are all delivered to a secure processing location and uploaded to an online account only accessible to you. These documents are digitally available 24/7 in convenient PDF format for easy storage.
Convenient
You can save time and money by having your important documents forwarded to a registered agent. No more worries about missed service or important state compliance documents since we’ll keep you up to speed.
Supportive
We’re dedicated to the success of your business and ready to map out any future filings you might need. Our team is here whenever you need help navigating your next steps so give us a call or email anytime.
Local
Our service has you covered across Georgia and 51 other jurisdictions. Let us know when you’re ready to expand to other states and we’ll have your back no matter where you roam.
Reputable
We love the work we do, and we’re good at it too. With years of experience as a registered agent in Georgia, we can confidently support your business every step of the way.
Our wholesale service offers the best fit if you need multiple lines of service for your clients, so be sure to check it out today.
How Do I Appoint a Registered Agent in Georgia?
Designating your registered agent while filing your company’s formation documents is straightforward. Provide the registered agent’s contact information in your LLC’s Articles of Organization or your corporation’s Articles of Incorporation. Documents will be directed to your registered agent immediately once the state approves your filing.
How do I change my Registered Agent?
Since Georgia doesn’t have a form to change your registered agent, you may only complete this change by filing an Annual Registration when it’s due. If you’ve already filed your annual registration during the calendar year, you can appoint a new agent by filing an Amended Annual Registration between due dates. Amended Annual Registration forms can be filed online or submitted by mail to the following address:
Corporations Division
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SE
Suite 313 West Tower
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a registered agent cost in Georgia?
Georgia registered agent service costs between $50 and $300 annually, depending on the provider and other available services. Our premium service costs $200 a year and includes annual report filing—you just pay the state fee.
Can an organizer and a registered agent be the same in Georgia?
Yes. An “organizer” is the person who prepares and submits your company’s formation documents, and this person can also act as the registered agent for the company if they meet the requirements.
Can I use my registered agent address as my business address in Georgia?
Yes. While the state requires an address for the business, you can use a registered agent address in Georgia to keep yours private as long as your registered agent agrees.
What happens if I don’t have a registered agent?
The state requires all new formations to list a registered agent to be accepted, and there aren’t any exceptions. Your business may face administrative dissolution for failure to comply with state regulations if you don’t maintain a registered agent.
Is there an initial report requirement in Georgia?
Initial reports are due for corporations within 90 days of incorporation, while LLCs have no initial requirement. Starting in the second year, both entity types must file annually between January 1st and April 1st.
