I formed my own LLC in Georgia earlier this year (Drive A Faster Car, LLC) and since have had a handful of friends and contacts approach me about the steps to achieve this. I’ve created a simple list below to share, if you are also looking to form an LLC, along with the costs associated with each step.

Here’s how to form an LLC in Georgia:

1. Name Reservation – $25 Good for 30 days only.

https://corp.sos.state.ga.us/business/namereservation/default.aspx?XID=67be3368-4bd3-4693-9f79-9a7d51b990ee

2. Articles of Organization – Free. Write it yourself.

There is an example of what this should look like on the second page of the “Cheat Sheet” pdf I linked you below.

3. Form 231 – Transmittal Information for Georgia Limited Liability Companies (BR231)

Fillable Adobe Acrobat Form: http://sos.georgia.gov/acrobat/Corporations/form231.pdf

4. File your Articles of Organization & Form 231 to Secretary of State – $100

Directions on how to specifically do this are included in the Cheat Sheet.

I’m pretty sure that’s it if I remember correctly! (The Cheat Sheet would be where to check.)

OPTIONAL 5. Acquiring EIN (Employer Identification Number) – Free.

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102767,00.html

Cheat Sheet:

http://sos.georgia.gov/corporations/filing_procedures_llc_2001.pdf

Total cost is only $125 + 2 stamps. Services like LegalZoom start their pricing at $150, before state fees. Save yourself the extra funds and do it yourself.

Note: This is for a single-person LLC. If you are creating a larger LLC, I believe you will have to file some additional federal forms in order to declare corporation status at the federal level.