It's Annual Registration Time for Georgia Companies

Here's your un-official reminder.

All Georgia companies must file an annual registration between January 1 and April 1 to maintain good standing. Go to the Georgia Secretary of State's website to file now, before you forget. Have your credit card handy to pay the $50 fee.

BEFORE FILING (because the fees are non-refundable) it's important to confirm that all the information is correct. If you find a mistake later, you'll have to pay the fee again.

This is also a wonderful time to update your company's records. Has anything changed significantly since last year: Has the company added a new owner? Did the company move to a new office? Was there a substantial new loan taken?

It's important to keep your business records up to date to preserve the integrity and separate identity of the company from its individual owners. By maintaining records, you reduce the risk of personal liability by demonstrating that the company has a separate existence. The types of events that should be documented include:

• Changes in ownership

• Change in registered agent and office, as well as change in principal office

• Opening and closing of bank accounts

• Lease/purchase/sale of office space, capital equipment, cars, etc.

• Implementation of or changes to medical plans, retirement benefit plans, etc.

This list is not all-inclusive; any major events that take place should be documented.

If you have questions or would like help with this process, please contact Osensky Law.