Register a Foreign Nonprofit in Georgia
To register a foreign nonprofit in the State of Georgia, you must file an Application for Certificate of Authority with the Georgia Secretary of State. You can submit this document by mail. The Application for Certificate of Authority for a Georgia foreign nonprofit corporation costs $225 to file online (+ $10 for paper filings). Below, we cover the most frequently asked questions about how to file the Application for Certificate of Authority and register a foreign nonprofit in Georgia. Or, you can simply sign up for our Georgia Foreign Nonprofit service, and we’ll take care of your registration ourselves!
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Download the Georgia Application for Certificate of Authority. Fill out the form and submit it to the state.
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Free Guide to Registering a Foreign Nonprofit Georgia
Are all foreign corporations required to file with Georgia’s Secretary of State in order to transact business?
If you are soliciting donations in Georgia you will need to file with the Georgia Secretary of State.
What do I need to do if I plan on transacting business in Georgia?
Submit an Application for Certificate of Authority. You will also need an original Georgia Certificate of Existence ($15), otherwise known as a Certificate of Good Standing from the state in which your foreign nonprofit was formed. This certificate of existence can’t be more than 90 days old. You will also have to file an annual registration between January 1 and April 1. You’ll get an annual registration notice in the mail at your nonprofit’s principal office address in January.
Is there anything weird about registering my foreign nonprofit in Georgia?
The nonprofit Certificate of authority form you will out is the same as the for profit form, you just need to indicate you are a nonprofit on the form.
Are there fees?
Yes. To submit the Application for Certificate of Authority the fee is $225 for online filings (+ $10 for paper filings). The annual registration fee is $35 for online filings, and $40 if filing a paper registration.
What do I include when mailing in 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.
Where do I send my Application for Certificate of Authority for my foreign corporation?
Send the application to:
Office of Secretary of State
Corporations Division
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SE
Suite 313 West Tower
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
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.