Business Overview
Georgia features a diversified economy with strengths in logistics, film production, manufacturing, and agriculture. The state offers excellent transportation infrastructure, workforce development programs, and competitive business costs. Atlanta serves as a major business hub with international connections.
Key Facts & Figures
| Category | Details |
| Capital | Atlanta |
| Major Cities | Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Savannah |
| State Sales Tax Rate | 4% |
| Local Sales Tax Rate | Up to 4% additional local tax |
| Corporate Income Tax | 5.5% flat rate |
| Physical Nexus Threshold | Physical presence through property, employees, or representation |
| Economic Nexus Threshold | $100,000 in annual sales or 200 transactions |
Did you know?
Atlanta is home to the world’s busiest airport and hosts major headquarters like Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, and The Home Depot.
Setup & Compliance
Georgia provides streamlined business registration with moderate regulatory requirements.
Georgia Business Setup Process:
- Select a Business Structure: Consider liability, tax, and management preferences for your specific needs.
- Register Your Business: File formation documents with the Georgia Secretary of State.
- Obtain Tax Registrations: Register with the Department of Revenue for sales tax and withholding.
- Secure Business Licenses: Obtain necessary state, county, and city business licenses.
- Register as an Employer: Register with the Department of Labor if hiring employees.
Ongoing Compliance Requirements:
- Annual Registration: Georgia entities must file annual registrations with the Secretary of State by April 1 each year.
- Sales Tax Filing: Businesses must file sales tax returns based on assigned filing frequency.
- Net Worth Tax: Corporations are subject to net worth tax based on Georgia assets.
- Professional Licensing: Many professions require specialized licensing through state boards.
- Local Compliance: Counties and municipalities may have additional licensing and permitting requirements.
Hiring & Payroll
Georgia maintains employer-friendly labor laws with minimal requirements beyond federal standards.
Georgia Payroll Taxes:
- Unemployment Insurance: Rates from 0.04% to 8.1% on first $9,500 of wages.
- State Income Tax Withholding: Required based on G-4 form.
- Workers’ Compensation: Required for employers with 3+ employees.
Georgia Employment Regulations:
- Minimum Wage: Follows federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour).
- Overtime: Follows federal regulations.
- No state-mandated paid sick leave or family leave.
- New hire reporting within 10 days.
- Georgia is an at-will employment state with right-to-work laws.
State Incentives
Georgia develops comprehensive economic incentives to attract innovative businesses.
Key Business Incentives:
- Georgia Research and Development Tax Credit: Supports innovative company development.
- Jobs Tax Credit: Encourages job creation in targeted industries.
- Mega Project Tax Credit: Significant incentives for large job-creating investments.
Small Business & Startup Support:
- Georgia Small Business Development Center: Comprehensive business resources.
- Innovation Hub Grant Program: Support for technology and innovation-driven businesses.
- Rural Zone Tax Credit: Incentives for businesses in rural areas.
Regulatory Considerations
Georgia provides a balanced regulatory approach supporting business growth.
Key Business Regulations:
- Data Privacy: Comprehensive laws protecting business and consumer information.
- Environmental Compliance: Regulations balancing industrial development with environmental protection.
- Professional Licensing: Mandatory licensing for various service industries.
Additional Regulatory Areas:
- Agriculture and Food Production Compliance.
- Technology and Film Industry Special Regulations.
Business Overview
Georgia features a diversified economy with strengths in logistics, film production, manufacturing, and agriculture. The state offers excellent transportation infrastructure, workforce development programs, and competitive business costs. Atlanta serves as a major business hub with international connections.
Key Facts & Figures
| Category | Details |
| Capital | Atlanta |
| Major Cities | Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Savannah |
| State Sales Tax Rate | 4% |
| Local Sales Tax Rate | Up to 4% additional local tax |
| Corporate Income Tax | 5.5% flat rate |
| Physical Nexus Threshold | Physical presence through property, employees, or representation |
| Economic Nexus Threshold | $100,000 in annual sales or 200 transactions |
Did you know?
Atlanta is home to the world’s busiest airport and hosts major headquarters like Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, and The Home Depot.
Setup & Compliance
Georgia provides streamlined business registration with moderate regulatory requirements.
Georgia Business Setup Process:
- Select a Business Structure: Consider liability, tax, and management preferences for your specific needs.
- Register Your Business: File formation documents with the Georgia Secretary of State.
- Obtain Tax Registrations: Register with the Department of Revenue for sales tax and withholding.
- Secure Business Licenses: Obtain necessary state, county, and city business licenses.
- Register as an Employer: Register with the Department of Labor if hiring employees.
Ongoing Compliance Requirements:
- Annual Registration: Georgia entities must file annual registrations with the Secretary of State by April 1 each year.
- Sales Tax Filing: Businesses must file sales tax returns based on assigned filing frequency.
- Net Worth Tax: Corporations are subject to net worth tax based on Georgia assets.
- Professional Licensing: Many professions require specialized licensing through state boards.
- Local Compliance: Counties and municipalities may have additional licensing and permitting requirements.
Hiring & Payroll
Georgia maintains employer-friendly labor laws with minimal requirements beyond federal standards.
Georgia Payroll Taxes:
- Unemployment Insurance: Rates from 0.04% to 8.1% on first $9,500 of wages.
- State Income Tax Withholding: Required based on G-4 form.
- Workers’ Compensation: Required for employers with 3+ employees.
Georgia Employment Regulations:
- Minimum Wage: Follows federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour).
- Overtime: Follows federal regulations.
- No state-mandated paid sick leave or family leave.
- New hire reporting within 10 days.
- Georgia is an at-will employment state with right-to-work laws.
State Incentives
Georgia develops comprehensive economic incentives to attract innovative businesses.
Key Business Incentives:
- Georgia Research and Development Tax Credit: Supports innovative company development.
- Jobs Tax Credit: Encourages job creation in targeted industries.
- Mega Project Tax Credit: Significant incentives for large job-creating investments.
Small Business & Startup Support:
- Georgia Small Business Development Center: Comprehensive business resources.
- Innovation Hub Grant Program: Support for technology and innovation-driven businesses.
- Rural Zone Tax Credit: Incentives for businesses in rural areas.
Regulatory Considerations
Georgia provides a balanced regulatory approach supporting business growth.
Key Business Regulations:
- Data Privacy: Comprehensive laws protecting business and consumer information.
- Environmental Compliance: Regulations balancing industrial development with environmental protection.
- Professional Licensing: Mandatory licensing for various service industries.
Additional Regulatory Areas:
- Agriculture and Food Production Compliance.
- Technology and Film Industry Special Regulations.
