Starting a Limited Liability Company in Tennessee and not sure what the next step is? The process is relatively simple, and with a little guidance, you can have your LLC up and running in no time. Below, I’ll walk you through the steps involved in setting up your LLC, from initial filing to ongoing maintenance, and answer some common questions along the way!
Related: How to start a business in Tennessee
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Steps to Form a Tennessee LLC
Step 1: Choose a Name for the LLC
The first step in forming a Tennessee Limited Liability Company is to make sure the name you want is available.
It’s important to do a name search before registering an LLC because each LLC must be distinguishable from other entity names registered in the state of Tennessee. The Tennessee Secretary of State makes it easy to an LLC name search to and verify if your LLC name is available. In most states, if the name is being used, you are unable to use it. In Tennessee, however, if the current name registrant provides written consent for you to use that name, you can register it.
In addition to the name being unique, the entity designator (identifier used at the end of the business name) must be either:
- Limited Liability Company
- L.L.C.
- LLC
A comma may be used after the business name and before the designator. “Volunteer State Ventures LLC” and “Volunteer State Ventures, LLC” are both acceptable.
If there is a name you want to use but aren’t ready to form the LLC, the Application for Reservation of Name (Form ss-4228) can be filed with the Tennessee Secretary of State to hold the name for up to 4 months.
Before settling on an LLC name, you may want to do a domain name (also called a URL) search to try to find one that matches your business name.
Step 2: Appoint a Tennessee Registered Agent
Tennessee Code § 48-208-101 requires that every LLC in Tennessee have a registered agent, which is simply someone with a Tennessee street address who will be responsible for any legal correspondence, most often if the business is served papers in the event of a lawsuit. Most LLC owners are their own registered agent, but it is possible to hire a registered agent service like Northwest Registered Agent. The reasons why someone would hire a registered agent service include when the owner lives in another state or if the owner prefers that their personal address not be on public record.
Related: What is a Tennessee agent?
If you are going to use a commercial registered agent service, be sure to have their SOS Control Number before filing the Articles of Organization (Step 3).
Step 3: File the Tennessee LLC Articles of Organization
The paperwork to officially create an LLC in Tennessee is called the Articles of Organization. To submit the paperwork, either file online through the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website or fill out and mail the Articles of Organization (Form SS-4270).
Related: How to fill out the Tennessee Articles of Organization
There can be some confusion when filling out the Articles of Organization. To help get your LLC started right, I’ll explain some of these.
Formation locale:
- Domestic Tennessee Business: A “Domestic LLC” is one that originates and is based in Tennessee. Most filers select Domestic LLC.
- Foreign Business: If the LLC was originally formed in another state and wants to do business in Tennessee, select “Foreign Business.”
Business type: This is an optional section for the Series LLC designation. A Series LLC provides liability protection across multiple asset groups or businesses, each of which would be protected from liabilities from the other series. The Series LLC is not a common choice and is more commonly used with real estate investment companies.
Period of duration: In this section, you can indicate how long the LLC intends to remain in existence. Most LLCs will choose a Perpetual duration; however, some businesses (usually investment-related) will have a specific closure date.
Fiscal year close: Select the last month of the fiscal year for the LLC. Most LLCs will choose December. Single-Member LLCs and LLCs taxed as a partnership will automatically choose December.
Delayed effective date: Leave this field blank if you want the LLC to start immediately. If you want the LLC to start on a later date, enter a date less than 90 days in the future. The main reason for delaying the LLC start date is when the filing is made close to the end of a calendar year, and the business isn’t going to have any activity until the start of the year. You can eliminate the need to file a partial-year business tax return by delaying the start date until the following year.
Management structure: This section asks if the LLC is Director-Managed, Member-Managed, or Manager-Managed.
- Director-Managed LLCs have a board of directors that have the power to make decisions for the business.
- Member-Managed LLCs have an active involvement in the management and have the authority to act on behalf of the LLC.
- Manager-Managed LLCs are hired by the members to run the LLC, similar to a CEO of a corporation. This is generally used when there are passive members in the LLC, and the members do not actively manage or operate in the affairs of the business.
Most LLCs are member-managed.
Related: What is the difference between a Member-Managed LLC and Manager Managed LLC?
Obligated member entity: This is an optional section. An OME is exempt from the Tennessee franchise and excise tax but is offered no liability protection, which is one of the major benefits of having an LLC. If you are considering this selection, be sure to consider the legal aspects.
Principal office address: In this section, enter the street address, city, state, and zip code of the initial principal office. This address can be the LLC’s physical address, or it can be the address where the business records are stored. You may not use a PO Box for the designated office.
Mailing address: If correspondence from the Secretary of State should go to a different address from the Principal Office, enter that information in this section.
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What To Do After Starting A Tennessee LLC
Once the LLC has been formed, there are a few additional steps to take care of. Below is a list of the most common tasks.
Prepare a Tennessee LLC Operating Agreement
The operating agreement is a document that governs the framework of an LLC. This document covers items like ownership rights, LLC member responsibilities, how profits and losses are distributed, and more.
Limited Liability Companies are not required to have an operating agreement in Tennessee, but it is still worth considering. Without an operating agreement:
- The LLC could be subject to generic state rules that may be detrimental in the event of a lawsuit.
- Member’s personal liability protection may be diminished.
- Members may not fully understand their roles and responsibilities, which could lead to costly disputes in the future.
Related: Tennessee operating agreement template
Obtain an EIN
If the LLC will hire employees or is owned by more than one member, an EIN is required.
The EIN or Employer Identification Number (also referred to as a Federal Employer Identification Number, FEIN, or Federal Tax ID Number) is a unique 9-digit tax identification number assigned to a business by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Similar to a social security number for an individual, the EIN identifies business entities for tax purposes.
Related: How to apply for an EIN
Open an LLC Bank Account
Opening a bank account for your LLC is important for liability protection as the account separates the business’s funds from the member’s personal funds.
Several documents will be needed to open a business bank account, such as:
- A banking resolution is a document that authorizes the members to open a business bank account on behalf of the LLC.
- Copies of the original LLC formation paperwork from the state showing the creation of the LLC.
- Driver’s licenses of the members.
- Occasionally, the bank will request a Tennessee Certificate of Good Standing to prove the LLC is active and in good standing with the state.
Related: How to open a business bank account for your LLC
Apply for Business Licenses and Permits
In addition to forming the LLC, there will likely be various business licenses and permits needed before starting the business. Some common registrations include:
- Business license: Most businesses in Tennessee (even some home-based businesses) need to purchase an annual business license with the County Clerk in the county where the business is located. A license may also need to be possibly purchased through the Municipal Clerk if the business is located within city limits.
- Professional license: Certain services, such as barbershops, accountants, salons, and others, must be licensed. Licensed professionals going into business and offering a professional service have the option of forming a Professional Limited Liability Company (sometimes referred to as a PLLC or Professional LLC), which allows them more options in naming their LLC. The steps for forming a PLLC are similar to the LLC.
- Sales tax permit: In order to sell products and certain services, registration for a sales tax permit with the Tennessee Department of Revenue will be necessary.
Related: What business licenses are needed in Tennessee?
File the Tennessee LLC Annual Reports
A Tennessee Limited Liability Company is required to file an annual report with the Tennessee Secretary of State. The annual report updates ownership information and other details.
The annual report is due by the first day of the fourth month of the LLC’s fiscal year. Most LLCs will use a calendar fiscal year which means the report is due on April 1st.
Related: How to file a Tennessee LLC annual report
Pay the state Franchise Tax
All LLCs will be assessed an annual franchise tax. The franchise tax isn’t a tax on franchised businesses like McDonald’s, however, it is a tax on the privilege of doing business in the state. The tax is based on the entity’s net worth or the value of real and tangible property in the state (whichever is greater).
File the Beneficial Owner Information Report
Beginning in 2024, any individual who owns at least 25% or has “substantial control” of an LLC or corporation in Tennessee or any other state must file the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) form with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). BOI reports are filed electronically through FinCEN’s website.
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Tennessee LLC FAQs
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Tennessee?
The state filing fee to start an LLC in Tennessee is a minimum of
$300 minimum for 1-6 members. Each additional member will increase the filing fee.
How long does it take to start an LLC in Tennessee?
LLCs formed online are processed immediately, while mailed in forms can take 5-7 business days.
How much does it cost to maintain an LLC in Tennessee?
Each year, Tennessee LLCs will file an annual report and pay the $300 minimum annual filing fee to the Tennessee Secretary of State.
What is an LLC?
An LLC is a popular business structure for small businesses and startups. LLCs are easy and inexpensive to set up, and they offer their owners limited personal liability for the debts and obligations of the business. In addition, LLCs can choose to be taxed as either a corporation or a partnership, providing even more flexibility. Unlike a sole proprietorship or partnership, where the small business owner can be personally liable for lawsuits against the business, the LLC is a separate legal structure, that helps to protect the business owner’s personal assets.
Besides the liability protection, the Limited Liability Company provides several other benefits over the sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation because of the multiple tax options, ease of administration, and management flexibility.
Can you use a PO Box for your LLC in Tennessee?
A PO Box can only be used as a mailing address for the LLC. A physical street address in Tennessee must be used for the Registered Office and Registered Agent.
What is a Foreign Limited Liability Company?
A foreign LLC isn’t a special type of LLC. Instead, it’s an LLC that was formed in another state that wants to operate physically in Tennessee. Physically operating means having a presence, such as having an office or hiring an employee.
Related: What is a foreign LLC?
What is a Professional Limited Liability Company?
Businesses that require occupational licensing in Tennessee, such as accountants, architects, veterinarians, etc., will have the option of filing for a Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) instead of an LLC. Filing for a PLLC is very similar to that of an LLC.
