Register a Foreign Nonprofit in Georgia

Free Guide to Registering a Foreign Nonprofit Georgia

Are all foreign corporations required to file with Georgia’s Secretary of State?

If you are soliciting donations in Georgia you will need to file with the Georgia Secretary of State (SOS).

What do I need to do if I plan on transacting business in Georgia?

Submit an Application for Certificate of Authority online, by mail, or in person. You will also need an original certificate of existence from the state in which your foreign nonprofit was originally formed. This certificate of existence can’t be more than 90 days old.

Is there anything weird about registering my foreign nonprofit in Georgia?

Newly incorporated businesses must file an Initial Registration. It must be filed within 90 days of the corporation’s formation date. The Initial Registration is similar to the Georgia Annual Registration (annual report), which your nonprofit will also have to file (between January 1 and April 1).

How much does a foreign nonprofit cost to register in Georgia?

The fee is $235 online, by mail, or in person. The Initial Registration fee is $40.

Where do I send my Application for Certificate of Authority for my foreign corporation?

You can file with the Georgia Corporations Division online, by mail, or in person.

Mail or in person:
Georgia Secretary of State
Corporations Division
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SE
Suite 313 West Tower
Atlanta, Georgia 30334

Online:
Georgia Corporations Division

Note: All online filers will need an account with Georgia’s Corporations Division.

How long will it take Georgia to process the filing?

Georgia usually processes online and hand-delivered LLC filings in seven business days. Mailed filings are processed in about 10-15 business days. In a hurry? Expedited processing is available: two-day processing for $120, same-day for $275, and if you have deep pockets, one-hour for $1,200.

What do I include when filing my Application for Certificate of Authority?

Make sure to include the original application as well as one copy, and the original certificate of existence or good standing (this can’t be over 90 days old). Also, don’t forget to include your fee! Checks can be made out to “Secretary of State.”

Do I need a registered agent in Georgia?

Yes. You will need a Georgia registered agent. Sign up now for immediate access to our online tools and filing reminders. We charge just $125 a year.

Will my foreign nonprofit need to file an annual report?

Georgia nonprofits, including foreign nonprofits, need to file a report within 90 days of incorporation. Then you have to file additional reports by April 1 each year.

Any other Georgia state registrations?

You will want to apply for Georgia tax exemption with the Department of Revenue.

You will also need to register as a Georgia Charity if your organization solicits contributions from the public for charitable purposes.

Why Choose Northwest?

As a foreign nonprofit in Georgia, we know that getting a reliable business address can be difficult or expensive. That’s why we let you use our address on your state formation documents not only helps keep your personal information private, it gives you a legitimate address in the state of Georgia. We even give all our customer limited mail forwarding (five free digital scans per year of regular business mail, uploaded to your secure Northwest account).

Want more? Northwest offers reliable Mail Forwarding ($20/month) and Virtual Office ($29/month) services in Georgia. Here’s what you get:

• Use a real commercial business address (not a P.O. Box)
• Maintain privacy and stay compliant
• Access your mail digitally or have it forwarded to you
• Get a real office lease and a local phone number (Virtual Office only)

These services help your foreign nonprofit secure a professional address in Georgia, helping you look  professional, and keep your business running smoothly, no matter where your nonprofit calls home.