Withdraw a Foreign Business in Georgia
In this guide to withdrawing a foreign LLC or corporation in Georgia, we’ll go over what it means to be a foreign business, the forms you’ll need to file to withdraw or cancel it, and anything else you need to know.
How to Withdraw a Foreign LLC or Corporation in Georgia
To withdraw your foreign LLC or corporation in Georgia, you’ll need to file official state paperwork with the Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division (SOS). Our guide shows you how to do it.
What is a foreign Georgia LLC or corporation?
When an LLC or corporation expands its operations to another state, the business is considered a “foreign businesses” in the new state. To operate legally, the foreign business needs to register with its new state by completing a process called foreign qualification. Likewise, if the business stops operating in that state, it can withdraw its foreign registration authority.
How do I withdraw my foreign LLC or corporation in Georgia?
To cancel or withdraw an entity’s registration in Georgia, file an Application for Withdrawal of Certificate of Authority with the Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division (SOS). There is one form for all entities, so you’ll need indicate which type of entity the application is for. Your corporation or LLC must be in active status with Georgia’s SOS to complete the withdraw process.
Foreign Georgia LLC and Corporation Withdrawal FAQs
How do I file the Georgia Application for Withdrawal of Certificate of Authority?
You can file the application with the Georgia Corporations Division online, by mail, or in person.
By mail or in person:
Corporations Division
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SE
Suite 313 West Tower
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Online:
Georgia Corporations Division
How much does it cost to cancel my foreign registration in Georgia?
$5 for online filings, $10 for paper forms.
How long does it take the state to process the withdrawal filing?
It takes the state about 7-10 business days to process your withdraw paperwork. Mailed filings can take longer. In a hurry? Pay $120 for 2-day service, $275 for same day service, and $1,200 for 1-hour processing.
Do you need a Georgia Department of Revenue clearance first?
No. You don’t need to get a tax clearance to withdraw a foreign corporation or LLC.
What happens if I don’t file my Georgia Annual Report?
If a foreign corporation or LLC doesn’t file its Georgia Annual Report, the SOS will send a revocation notice to the entity’s principal address.
If I don’t file my annual report, how long before I lose my Certificate of Authority?
The state gives you 60 days from the date of the revocation notice to file your annual report with the Georgia SOS. If you do not file the registration within the 60 day window, your foreign entity’s authority to do business in Georgia will be revoked.
What are the late fees and penalties to re-register if your registration is forfeited?
If a foreign corporation or LLC’s authority has been revoked, and the entity wants to continue its business in Georgia, it must re-qualify by submitting a new Application for a Certificate of Authority. The filing fee for a new Certificate of Authority is $225.
How long is the registered agent required to accept Service of Process after a foreign business has filed to withdraw?
Once withdrawn, a registered agent is no longer required to accept service of process on behalf of a foreign corporation or LLC.
Learn more about the Georgia registered agent resignation process.
What if I want to start a foreign LLC or corporation in Georgia?
You’re in luck! Our guides on how to form a foreign Georgia LLC or a foreign Georgia corporation are easy to follow.