Business Formation Guide
Federal · Georgia · Alabama
Free Resource

Start Your Business the Right Way

Plain-English, step-by-step guidance covering Federal requirements, Georgia state filings, and Alabama state filings — with official .gov links at every step.

⚠️ Educational Resource Only: This guide does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. No attorney-client or CPA relationship is created. Always consult a licensed attorney and/or CPA before making business decisions. Filing fees are current as of 2025 — verify at each official link before paying.
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Step 1: Choose your business structure

Before you file a single form or pay a single fee, you need to decide what type of business you are creating. Click each option below to learn what it means in plain English.

Sole Proprietor
Just you. No state filing to start.
LLC
Most popular for small businesses.
S-Corporation
Tax savings at higher income levels.
C-Corporation
For investors and public companies.
Nonprofit
Mission-driven, tax-exempt status.

How to use this guide

1
Pick your structure above and read what it means for you.
2
Go to the Federal tab first — everyone needs federal steps done before state filings, especially your EIN.
3
Then open your state tab — Georgia, Alabama, or both if you operate in both states.
4
Click each step to expand it, then mark it done as you go. Your progress saves at the top.

Federal requirements

These steps apply to every business in the United States, regardless of your state. Complete all federal steps before moving to state filings.

Georgia state requirements

After completing your federal steps, register your business in Georgia. Most filings go through the Secretary of State's online portal and process within 24 hours.

Alabama state requirements

Alabama requires both state-level AND county-level registration. These are completely separate processes with separate fees. You must complete both.

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Alabama is unique among states: In addition to registering with the Secretary of State, Alabama law requires you to obtain a Business Privilege License from your county's Probate Court. These are two separate filings, two separate offices, and two separate fees. Many new business owners miss the county step — do not skip it.