Step 1. Establish your business name and legal structure
If you plan to operate your business as a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, or other formal legal entity, you will need to set up your business before applying for a business license. You can do this by filing business formation papers with the Secretary of State. If you plan to operate your business as a sole proprietorship or partnership, you won't need to file formation papers, but you will need to register a trade name or “DBA” with your county if you won't use your personal name as the business name.
Step 2. Get a Federal EIN
Depending on the type and needs of your business, you may need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for tax purposes. An EIN identifies your business to the IRS. It's similar to a Social Security Number (SSN), but it's associated only with your business.
If you are a sole proprietor or an LLC with no employees, you are not required to get an EIN, but we strongly recommend you do to protect the privacy of your SSN. You need an EIN if:
Employ employees Operate as a corporation or partnership File an employment tax, excise tax, or alcohol, tobacco, or firearms tax return Have withholding tax on income other than wages paid to a nonresident alien Have a Keogh plan Involved in an organization such as a trust, estate, real estate mortgage investment conduit, nonprofit organization, agricultural cooperative, or plan administrator
Even though the IRS doesn't require you to get an EIN for your business, having an EIN may make it easier to open a bank account or apply for licenses and permits.
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Step 3. Register with the tax office
If you operate a business that sells goods or sells regulated products, such as tobacco or alcohol, you may need to register with the Department of Revenue to collect and pay various types of business taxes on a regular basis. You can visit the Georgia Tax Center to register your business or manage your account. Here's what you'll need to register:
Type of business entity Business address Mailing address Primary and secondary email addresses Type of account (e.g., alcohol license, international fuel tax, corporate income tax, tobacco license) Payment of registration fees or taxes for specific account types NAICS code Names of additional officers and/or registered agents Additional documents to upload
Step 4. Register with the Ministry of Labor
If you have employees, you may also need to register with the Georgia Department of Labor. As an employer, you may be obligated to pay unemployment insurance taxes to the Georgia Department of Labor.
To find out if you owe tax, go to the Online Employer Tax Registration on the Department of Labor website. After you enter the required information, you will receive a determination letter indicating whether you owe unemployment insurance tax.
Step 5. Apply for local permits and licenses
All businesses in Georgia need a business license issued by the city or county where they are headquartered. Contact your local area for specific forms, fees, and requirements. You may need to provide additional information, such as verifying that you comply with zoning ordinances and that your building passes fire and health inspections.
Be sure to obtain any additional permits required, such as sign permits, building permits, environmental permits, etc. You may also need to obtain additional licenses related to your specific occupation or business.
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