Georgia is a solid, low-cost option for non-US founders who want a simple LLC with a fast filing and a light annual bill. This guide covers what Georgia costs in year one and after, what the state expects from you, and when Wyoming or Delaware might suit you better instead.
Who Georgia suits
Georgia works well if you want a straightforward LLC without a lot of extra paperwork, and you do not have a specific reason to file somewhere else. It suits founders running an online business, a consulting practice, or a small e-commerce store where the LLC itself is not doing business inside Georgia in a way that triggers state income tax. It is less of a natural fit if you are chasing venture capital, since most US investors expect a Delaware C-Corporation for that path.
What Georgia costs in year one
Georgia's state filing fee for an LLC is $100. A corporation filing costs $110. Add this to whichever PowerLaunch plan you choose. State fees are paid at cost and are never refundable, since they go to the state, not to PowerLaunch.
| Plan | Annual plan fee | Georgia filing fee | Year one total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch | $295 | $100 | $395 |
| Run | $1,995 | $100 | $2,095 |
| Scale | $2,995 | $100 | $3,095 |
Scale is also available at $329 per month if you prefer to spread the cost.
Timelines
Georgia filings typically process in about one week through PowerLaunch. This is quicker than many states but not as fast as Wyoming, Kentucky, or Colorado, which usually process in one to three business days. If your plan includes expedited EIN, or you add it separately for $295 on Launch or Run, your EIN can come back in days instead of the usual two to four weeks that non-resident owners without an SSN normally wait.
Yearly cost after formation
Georgia requires an annual report each year to keep the LLC in good standing. The typical yearly state cost for an LLC is $50. This is separate from your PowerLaunch plan fee, which renews annually and covers your registered agent, mailing address, and whichever service level you picked.
On the Run and Scale plans, PowerLaunch files this annual report for you as part of the service. On Launch, you are responsible for filing it yourself or upgrading later if you want PowerLaunch to handle it.
Registered agent requirement
Georgia requires every LLC to keep a registered agent with a physical address inside the state. This is where the state and any legal notices get delivered. All PowerLaunch plans include a registered agent, so this requirement is covered from day one and renews with your annual plan.
State income tax, in general terms
Georgia does apply a state income tax to businesses that are considered to be doing business inside the state. If your LLC is genuinely operating from outside Georgia, with no employees, property, or physical presence there, your state tax exposure is often limited, but this depends on your specific facts and how you run the business. Rules here can shift and vary by situation, so check Georgia's own tax guidance or talk to a tax professional about your case before you assume any particular treatment applies to you.
Regardless of which state you form in, a foreign-owned single-member LLC still has a federal filing duty. You generally need to file Form 5472 along with a pro forma 1120 by April 15 each year. This is a federal requirement, not a Georgia-specific one, and it applies whether you form in Georgia, Wyoming, or anywhere else. Separately, US-formed companies are currently exempt from BOI reporting under the 2026 interim FinCEN rule, though it is worth checking for updates on this since federal rules can change.
When Wyoming or Delaware would be better instead
Georgia is a reasonable general-purpose choice, but it is not always the best fit. Here is a quick comparison to help you decide.
| Situation | Better fit |
|---|---|
| Simple LLC, low ongoing cost, no investors planned | Georgia works fine |
| You want the fastest possible formation, ahead of an EIN or bank need | Wyoming, Kentucky, or Colorado, all one to three business days |
| You plan to raise venture capital or bring in US investors | Delaware C-Corporation, since most investors expect this structure |
| You want the lowest possible annual state cost long term | Wyoming often has a lower yearly cost, worth comparing directly |
| Your business will have a genuine physical presence in Georgia | Georgia is likely required regardless of preference |
If you are not sure which state fits your plans, this is exactly the kind of question worth raising on a free consultation before you file anything.
Step-by-step through PowerLaunch
- Pick your plan. Choose Launch, Run, or Scale based on how much ongoing bookkeeping and tax support you want, not just the formation itself.
- Go to checkout at powerlaunch.solutions/signup and enter your details. You do not need to be a US resident or hold a US address to do this.
- PowerLaunch prepares and files your Georgia formation documents, including your operating agreement, and lists PowerLaunch as your registered agent.
- Your EIN application is filed with the IRS. Standard processing for non-resident owners without an SSN is two to four weeks, or faster if you add expedited EIN.
- Once your EIN arrives, PowerLaunch can introduce you to Mercury, Wise Business, or Relay for a business bank account. The bank makes the final approval decision, not PowerLaunch.
- On Run and Scale, your ongoing state annual report, transaction tracking, and federal tax filings, including your Form 5472 and pro forma 1120, are handled as part of the plan. On Launch, these stay your responsibility unless you upgrade later.
If a formation error happens on PowerLaunch's side, it gets corrected at PowerLaunch's cost, and that portion of the fee is refunded. State filing fees themselves are never refundable, since they are paid to Georgia directly.
What to do next
If Georgia sounds right for your plans, you can start at powerlaunch.solutions/signup and pick the plan that matches how much support you want after formation. If you are weighing Georgia against Wyoming or Delaware, or you have questions about your specific tax situation, book a free 20-minute consultation at powerlaunch.solutions/book and talk it through before you file.
