The sequence
Formation is one step, not the whole business.
- 01
Define the activity and operating address
Write down what you sell, where work happens, who owns it, whether people will be hired, and which city and county control the location. These answers drive licensing, zoning, tax, and insurance questions.
- 02
Choose an entity with advice appropriate to the stakes
Liability, tax treatment, ownership, capital, and administration matter. The Secretary of State explicitly does not choose an entity type for you; consult legal and tax professionals when the choice is consequential.
Read the official business FAQ - 03
Search records, then register the entity if needed
A business-record search is not the same as a legal clearance or guaranteed name availability. Use the Corporations Division process that fits a domestic or foreign entity.
Open the state registration guide - 04
Obtain federal and Georgia tax accounts
After formation and federal EIN work where applicable, use the Georgia Department of Revenue to determine which state tax registrations apply. Sales, withholding, and other accounts depend on activity.
Open DOR business registration - 05
Confirm profession, city, and county requirements
Professional boards, city or county occupational taxes, zoning, health, alcohol, signage, home occupation, and industry permits can be separate. Ask the government that controls the address and activity.
- 06
Build the operating layer
Separate finances, bookkeeping, contracts, insurance, payroll, privacy, and a calendar for recurring filings before the first busy month hides the gaps.
Decision criteria
Ask these before choosing the form.
- Who owns the business, and how can ownership change?
- What liability could the activity create?
- Will the business hire, raise capital, or operate across state lines?
- What tax and administrative work can the owners support?
- Does a professional or regulated activity limit entity choices?
Opening checklist