A Georgia annual report is a mandatory filing that updates the Georgia Secretary of State about your business status. The state officially calls these "annual registrations" and requires them from every corporation, LLC, limited partnership, and similar entity operating in Georgia.
This yearly filing obligation exists regardless of whether your business generated revenue. Even dormant entities must file.
Most business types are required to file annual registrations in Georgia. This includes:
The state imposes no minimum revenue threshold for filing requirements. Your business must file regardless of revenue generated, business size, or active status. However, nonprofit corporations pay reduced fees compared to other entity types.
Sole proprietorships and general partnerships are exempt since they don't register with the Secretary of State.
Several parties can submit the annual registration on behalf of your business:
Good standing with the Georgia Secretary of State requires all previous annual reports filed, all past fees and penalties paid, and no pending administrative actions.
The filing period opens January 1 and closes April 1 each year for all business types. Georgia offers a convenient multi-year filing option for up to three consecutive years, helping you reduce compliance tracking and ensure uninterrupted good standing.
For most LLCs and limited partnerships, the first annual registration is due between January 1 and April 1 of the year following formation. Newly formed corporations must file an initial annual registration within 90 days of incorporation.
Georgia offers three filing methods with specific advantages depending on your business needs.
If you don't need to make changes
Use Georgia's One-Click Registration for immediate processing when your business information remains the same. Simply enter your control number, review pre-filled information, and submit payment of $55. Your business must be in good standing to use this option.
If you need to update information
Use the standard online filing when updating officer details, addresses, or registered agent information. Access the Georgia Corporations Division filing system, log in with your control number, update necessary fields, and submit with $55 payment. This option offers immediate confirmation and faster processing than mail.
If you prefer to mail your report
Some foreign entities unable to file online must use Form CD-2 submission. This process takes approximately 15 business days and requires mailing by March 15th to ensure receipt before the April 1st deadline.
Every Georgia annual report requires specific details:
Always double-check information before submission, as inaccuracies will delay processing and potentially affect your good standing.
Immediate penalties
Missing the April 1st deadline triggers financial penalties:
All fees must be paid in full before reinstatement
Administrative dissolution
Entities in Georgia become eligible for administrative dissolution after missing the annual registration deadline. If your entity remains non-compliant, such as not filing the Georgia franchise tax, the Secretary of State can administratively dissolve your business, resulting in:
Reinstatement process
To reinstate after administrative dissolution, you must pay:
Can I amend my Georgia annual report after submission?
Yes, you can file an Amended Annual Registration if you need to change information after submitting your annual report. The fee is $20 to file online or $30 by paper. You may amend your registration at any time during the year once the original report has been filed.
How long does it take for the state to process my annual report?
Online filings are processed immediately. Mailed or in-person filings typically take 10–15 business days. If you need expedited processing, you can pay an additional $50 for two-business-day service.
Do Georgia annual reports require original (wet ink) signatures?
No, original signatures are not required. You can submit your annual report with copies of original documents and/or signatures.
Is there an initial report requirement for new entities?
Yes, all new domestic corporations and nonprofits must file an initial report within 90 days of formation. However, if you form your business after October 1, you only need to submit one annual report between January 1 and April 1. The fee is $50 for corporations and $30 for nonprofits. Other entity types do not have this initial report requirement.
Who is authorized to file the Georgia annual report on behalf of the business?
Any authorized person may file the annual report. This includes someone within the business (such as a director or manager) or someone outside the business who has been given permission, such as a registered agent or a hired service provider.
Discern's automated filing service connects directly to the Georgia Secretary of State's systems, eliminating manual data entry and reducing errors. Our platform manages compliance for businesses with multiple entities across different states, ensuring you never miss a critical deadline.
Book a demo today to see how Discern can streamline your compliance process and let you focus on running your business, not paperwork.
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