Each state has different requirements for forming a limited liability company (LLC). Whether you are starting a business or incorporating a business already in existence, you'll want to understand the state requirements for LLC formation.

Cost to form a Tennessee LLC

At BizFilings, we clearly outline our fees and the Tennessee state fees. When you view our pricing to form an LLC you plainly see:

  • BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
  • State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in Tennessee with standard turn-around.
  • Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
  • Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Articles of Organization.
Form a Tennessee LLC


The LLC name must end with "Limited Liability Company," "LLC" or "L.L.C." It must be distinguishable in the Secretary of State's records from any LLC or assumed name of a domestic or qualified foreign LLC, a reserved or registered name under Tennessee law, or the name of a limited partnership or limited liability company. Use of the words "Bank," "Credit Union," "Mortgage" and "Trust" requires approval by the Department of Financial Institutions.

Member/Manager information

The following are Tennessee’s requirements for the members/managers of LLCs:

  • Minimum number. LLCs must have one or more members/managers.
  • Residence requirements. Tennessee does not have a provision specifying where members/managers must reside.
  • Age requirements. Tennessee does not have age requirements.
  • Inclusion in the Articles of Organization. Member/Manager names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Organization.

Requirements for the Articles of Organization

The document required to form an LLC in Tennessee is called the Articles of Organization. The information required in the formation document varies by state. Tennessee's requirements include:

  • Registered agent. LLCs must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no post office boxes) in Tennessee. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.
Registered Agent Services


Other filings required at time of incorporation

Some states require additional filings or steps at the time of incorporation, such as a county level filing, publishing notice of the LLC formation in a local newspaper or an initial report filing. Tennessee requires the following:

  • County filing. If the LLC’s principal office is in Tennessee, a copy of the Articles of Organization must be filed with that county’s government. If the principal office is not in Tennessee, no county filing is required.

Professional services businesses

Tennessee allows professionals, such as accountants, attorneys and physicians, to form a professional limited liability company (PLLC).

After forming a limited liability company (LLC) , you must undertake certain steps on an ongoing basis to keep your business in compliance. These steps are also important in preserving the limited liability an LLC provides its owner(s). This guide outlines the ongoing requirements for Tennessee LLCs.

LLC taxes and fees

The following are taxation requirements and ongoing fees for Tennessee LLCs:

  • Annual report and franchise tax. Tennessee requires LLCs to file an annual report and pay a franchise tax. The annual report is due on or before the first day of the fourth month following the close of the LLC’s fiscal year. The filing fee is $50 per member, with a minimum fee of $300 and a maximum fee of $3000. The franchise tax is due the 15th day of the fourth month following the close of your fiscal year. It is calculated based on the LLC’s net worth or real and tangible property in Tennessee. The minimum tax is $100.
  • Taxes. For additional details on state taxes for Tennessee LLCs, visit Business Owner's Toolkit or the State of Tennessee .
  • Federal tax identification number (EIN). An EIN is required for LLCs that will have employees. Additionally, most banks require an EIN in order to open a business bank account.
  • State tax identification number. Tennessee requires a state tax identification number.

Business licenses

Business licenses and/or permits are required for most businesses. The BizFilings Business License Application Package can help you stay on top of these requirements.

Additional Tennessee information

View the following additional resources BizFilings has for forming and maintaining companies in Tennessee:

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