Formalizing Your Business

Formalizing your business means taking time to complete the legal, regulatory, and structural steps required to start a business. You will need to familiarize yourself with the required business applications and documents needed. Resources are available to provide guidance to you as you research and plan for your business.

Decide the Legal Structure

Financial, tax and legal obligations are impacted by the legal structure of the business entity. Speak with your legal advisor to determine the best structure for your business. Click here to view common legal structures matrix.

Register Your Business Name

Registering your business name is legally required by the State of Georgia and is important to the branding of your business in the City of Savannah. When doing business in any name other than your personal name, it is important to register your “Doing Business As” (DBA) name with the appropriate authorities. Savannah businesses must register the business name with the State of Georgia Corporations Division and the Chatham County Superior Court Clerk’s Office.

Apply for Your Employer Identification Number

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) obtained through the U.S Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is important to starting your business. The EIN is often referred to as an Employer Tax ID or as Form SS-4. The EIN is necessary for reporting taxes and other documents to the IRS and reporting information about your employees to state agencies.

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online.