Annual Registration Q&A

What is the fee for annual registration?

The annual fee is $30.  An “amount due” on the form of more than $30 means the entity owes for previous year(s).  Annual fees changed on July 1, 2003.  The fee for corporations changed from $15 to $30, and the fee for LLCs from $25 to $30.  Thus, the amount due may not be an increment of $30.

Can I make changes to my information online?

Yes.  Officer, agent and address changes can be made via the online filing.  Enter the new information in the spaces provided.

I cannot get the form to “come up” on the web site…?

Try entering the entity’s seven-digit control number, or only the first word or two of the entity name.  Do not enter both the control number and the name.  When searching by name, it is often helpful NOT to enter the entity’s full name.

What information must be listed on the annual registration?

Corporations list the names and addresses of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary.  All entities list the principal office address and the name and street address of the registered agent.

Why is a post office box or “mail store” not acceptable as the registered agent address?

Georgia law requires that the registered agent address must be an address where the person or entity named as registered agent may be personally contacted. 

Can my residence be my registered office address?

Yes, if you are the registered agent for the entity.

What do CEO, CFO and SEC mean?

Those terms stand for Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary.  Many corporations (especially nonprofits and/or churches) do not use those exact titles.  Georgia law requires the listing of those officers “or individuals holding similar positions.”  List the individual that best matches that description in the corporation.  Generally, CEO is the person “in charge,” CFO is the treasurer or person who pays the bills, and SEC is the person who maintains the corporation’s records. 

Can the same individual hold more than one officer position?

Yes.

What if the address field won’t accept my full address?

The address field is limited to 30 characters.  Abbreviation may be necessary.  These are some recommendations:  Street (St), Boulevard (Blvd), Road (Rd), Building (Bldg), Suite (Ste or S-…).  “Peachtree” may be abbreviated “P’tree.” 

How do I pay online?

Payment is made using Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

How do I sign the online filing?

Georgia law provides that a typed signature is as valid as a written signature.

Who can file the registration?

Any person authorized by the entity to do so may file, just like a paper filing.

How can I obtain a paper registration form?

A paper registration form may be obtained by calling (404) 656-2821.  This is a voice mail lane used only to receive annual registration form requests.  You will be asked to leave the entity’s seven-digit control number on the voice mail, and a form will be mailed to the current principal office address in 24 to 48 hours.  If the form should be mailed somewhere other than the current principal address, you may provide that mailing address during the call.

How can I find the control number?

The form may be obtained by providing the entity name.  The control number should be used when available, however, in the event multiple entities have similar names.

Is there a penalty for late filing?

There is no monetary penalty.  Entities that do not file will be listed as “active/noncompliance.” 

This entity is out of business.  Does it need to file a registration?