The kind of business structure you want to utilize is one of the first things you should think about if you’re starting a business in Georgia. A limited liability company (LLC) is frequently the best choice for business owners. LLCs have various advantages, like as pass-through taxation and personal liability protection. However, there are costs associated, just like with every corporate structure. In this post, we’ll examine LLC fees in Georgia in greater detail and address some associated queries.
A few factors determine how much it will cost to incorporate an LLC in Georgia. First, you must pay a $100 one-time filing fee to the Georgia Secretary of State in order to register your LLC. Georgia LLCs must also submit an annual report to the Secretary of State, which costs $50 to file. You can be charged late fees and penalties if you don’t submit your annual report by the deadline.
Similar to most states, Georgia allows two companies to use the same “doing business as” (DBA) name. However, this can later cause customers to get confused and legal problems. It is advised that you thoroughly research existing DBAs before selecting one of your own to prevent this. You can utilize a search feature on the Georgia Secretary of State’s website to determine whether the DBA name you want is already in use.
In order to register a DBA in Georgia, you must give your full legal name. Your government-issued identification, such as your passport or driver’s license, will bear this name. Include any middle names or initials. Write your legal name precisely as it appears on these documents. You must also include the legal name of the company you are registering a DBA under as well as any pertinent identifying information, such as the company’s tax ID number.
It can be a wise decision to trademark your company name and logo as it helps to safeguard your brand and prevents unauthorized use of your intellectual property. The expense of trademarking, however, can add up quickly. Utilizing the USPTO’s TEAS Plus application is among the least expensive ways to register a trademark. Compared to other application kinds, this one has a reduced filing fee, but it also has tougher criteria, like utilizing pre-approved language and filing electronically.
The kind of trademark application you submit and the intricacy of your mark are a couple of the variables that affect how much it will cost to register a trademark in Georgia. The cost of trademarking your name and logo is typically several hundred dollars or more. The total cost will increase if you work with a trademark agent or lawyer. However, since trademarking helps protect your brand and reputation, the advantages often outweigh the costs.
Finally, it should be noted that beginning a business in Georgia entails a number of costs and formalities, such as LLC fees, DBA registration, and trademarking. You may contribute to the success of your company and safeguard your intellectual property by being aware of these charges and adhering to the correct processes.