What document must be filed with the Georgia Secretary of State to create a corporation?

To create a corporation in Georgia, the document that must be filed with the Georgia Secretary of State is the Articles of Incorporation. This document serves as the foundational legal framework for the corporation, establishing its existence and outlining essential details such as the corporation's name, its principal office address, the purpose of the business, and information about the incorporators and stock structure if applicable.

By filing the Articles of Incorporation, the corporation gains legal recognition and limited liability protection, differentiating it from its owners. This step is a crucial part of the process and is necessary for anyone wanting to operate a corporation legally within the state.

The other options presented do not fulfill the requirements for forming a corporation. A business license pertains to the authorization to operate a business but is not a founding document. An operating agreement is typically used in limited liability companies (LLCs) to outline the management structure and operating procedures but is not relevant for corporations. A declaration of intent is not a recognized document in the formation of a corporation in Georgia. Thus, the Articles of Incorporation is indeed the correct and necessary document for establishing a corporation.