When forming a business in Georgia, one of the first things you should do is conduct a Georgia business search. The Georgia Secretary of State provides a comprehensive database of Georgia corporate entities that are active or have ceased to exist. This search gives you access to all of the entity’s information that the Secretary of State has on file.

Official Website:https://www.sos.ga.gov/corporations/
Address:2 MLK Jr. Dr. S.E. Suite 315, Floyd West Tower Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Telephone:(404) 656-2817
Fax:(404) 657-6380
E-mail:mailto:www.sos.state.ga.us/cgi-bin/emailcorp.asp

Georgia Business Search Shortcut

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How To Lookup An Entity In Georgia

Georgia Secretary Of State Business Search by Name

The most obvious way to find a company or corporation is to look up its name.

  • To get started, go to the Georgia Secretary of State Business Search website and type the company name into the relevant area.
  • After that, you’ll get a list of all businesses whose names match what you typed into the search window. You will also see each company’s control number, corporate type, location, registered agent name, and status in this box. If you need more details, select the business name you want to learn more about to continue.
  • On this last page, you’ll find links to the name history, filing history, date of formation, registered agent information, and formation state.

Georgia Secretary Of State Business Search By Control Number

  • This will be a highly refined search that will need the precise entry of a specific business’s control number to be shown with that business’s information.
  • To proceed to the next stage, simply enter the number in the Control Number section on this search page. For each number, you will only see one search result.
  • When you click on the company’s name, you’ll be taken to a page with further information, including the company’s filing history and name history.

Georgia Secretary Of State Business Search By Registered Agent or Officer Name

If you know the name of a company’s registered agent or an officer, you may search for that company’s information using either of those pieces of information.

  • To start, enter the full or partial name of the agent or officer into the appropriate sections on the webpage and click “continue.”
  • You will then be given a selection of firms from which to choose.
  • The registered agent’s name will be found in the second field from the left, but the officer’s name can only be obtained by clicking on a business. This will provide you with complete information on any company you choose to explore.

>>More: Arkansas Secretary Of State Business Search | Maine Secretary Of State Business Search | Ohio Secretary Of State Business Search | Kansas Secretary Of State Business Search

Steps To Forming A New Corporation In Georgia

  • Choose a company name.
  • By conducting research, you can ensure a corporation is a correct structure for your company.
  • Determine whether your company is a foreign or domestic one.
  • For your company entity, choose a registered agent.
  • Determine the number of authorized shares your corporation will have if it is a profit corporation. When you register your corporation with the Secretary of State, you must include the total number of shares. Determine whether or not the nonprofit corporation will have members.
  • Fill out the Georgia Articles of Incorporation, which include the following information: corporate name, address, and phone number; the name and address of the corporate registered agent; the number of authorized shares a corporation can issue, as well as the names and addresses of the incorporators.
  • Incorporate your company by filing a Notice of Incorporation.
  • Obtain an EIN for your Georgia business.

Is it necessary for Georgia businesses to file an annual report?

An annual filing is needed for every business entity registered with the Georgia Secretary of State. This may be done online using the Georgia.gov website.

Is a registered agent required in Georgia?

To meet the registered agent’s legal requirements, the Georgia Secretary of State requires companies to employ a registered agent and have a registered business address. One of the most significant advantages of hiring a third-party registered agent service provider is that it puts a layer of secrecy between the organization and the general public. All papers are received by the registered agent on behalf of the business and can be mailed to you discreetly.

What is the purpose of having an EIN?

An EIN is essential to creating a business bank account for the firm as well as recruiting personnel for federal and state tax purposes.

What is the process for obtaining an EIN?

The business owner obtains an EIN from the IRS after founding the firm. This may be done either online or in the mail.

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