SET A COMPANY IN TENNESSEE

Starting a business in Tennessee offers several advantages, such as a business-friendly tax structure and streamlined regulations.

Registering a Tennessee LLC (Limited Liability Company) is one of the most popular ways to start a company in this state.

The information below guides you step by step on how to set up a Tennessee LLC, including state requirements, total costs, important filings, and the benefits of choosing Corporate Mile for your formation needs.

Why Set Up a Company in Tennessee?

  1. Tennessee Tax Rules Depend on Structure
    Tennessee does not impose a state personal income tax. Tennessee LLC tax treatment still depends on how the company is classified and how it operates, and separate state tax obligations may apply depending on the business structure and activity.
  2. Fewer Formalities 
    Compared to corporations, LLCs in Tennessee have fewer legal requirements. This means less paperwork, fewer recordkeeping obligations, and a simpler operational structure.
  3. Asset Protection
    An LLC separates your personal assets from the debts and liabilities of the business. If your company faces a lawsuit or financial trouble, your personal property is generally protected.
  4. Lower Overall Costs
    A Tennessee LLC can offer liability protection and flexible internal management, but Tennessee has comparatively high formation and annual reporting fees, along with any additional local operating costs that may apply.
  5. Flexible Management
    Tennessee LLCs do not have restrictions on the number and types of owners (members). Members of a Tennessee LLC have greater flexibility to participate in the company’s management. You can choose to participate in management (member managed) or nominate other managers to run the business (manager managed). You decide who runs day-to-day operations, making it easy to adapt your business structure to your specific goals and needs.

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START YOUR TENNESSEE LLC

Choose Corporate Mile for Tennessee LLC registration.

START YOUR TENNESSEE LLC

STEP-BY-STEP: REGISTERING YOUR TENNESSEE LLC

1. Choose a Name for Your LLC

Your chosen name must include a legal suffix such as “Limited Liability Company,” “Limited Company,” “L.L.C.,” “L.C.,” or “LLC.”

Confirm that the name is not already taken by searching the Tennessee Secretary of State business information search database.

2. Appoint a Registered Agent in Tennessee

Every Tennessee LLC must have a registered agent with a physical address in Tennessee.

You may serve as your own agent if you have an address in the state, or you can hire a professional service.

Corporate Mile provides registered agent services.

3. File Articles of Organization

Submit your Tennessee LLC Articles of Organization to the Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Business Services, either online, by mail, or in person.

Your Tennessee filing generally includes the LLC name, principal office information, registered agent information, management structure details, the number of members, and the organizer details required by the state.

Pay $50 per member for the Articles of Organization, with a minimum filing fee of $300 and a maximum of $3,000.

Processing times vary depending on filing method, service level, and state workload.

4. Draft an Operating Agreement

A Tennessee LLC operating agreement clarifies ownership percentages, member responsibilities, profit distributions, and other essential internal processes. Many banks request an operating agreement to open a business bank account, but requirements vary by bank.

Corporate Mile includes a customized operating agreement at no additional charge.

5. Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

If you intend to hire employees, open a business bank account, or choose certain tax classifications (e.g., S-Corp election), you’ll need an EIN from the IRS.

You can apply directly on the IRS website at no cost.

Corporate Mile can also secure your EIN for you.

TOTAL COST BREAKDOWN

This fee covers the primary steps necessary to officially register your Tennessee LLC and maintain a registered agent for 12 months.

TENNESSEE LLC PACKAGE

When you choose Corporate Mile to form your Tennessee LLC, your total includes:

$ 459
One Time
  • Tennessee State Filing Fee – $50 per member (minimum $300 / maximum $3,000)
  • LLC filing with the Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Business Services
  • Obtaining Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Registered Agent Service (1 Year)
  • Operating Agreement

ONGOING REQUIREMENTS AND FEES

ANNUAL REPORTS

Every Tennessee LLC must file an Annual Report.

The Annual Report is due by the first day of the fourth month following the end of the LLC’s fiscal year. For many businesses using a calendar year, that means April 1.

The filing fee is $50 per member, with a minimum fee of $300 and a maximum of $3,000.

Failure to file on time can affect your good standing and may lead to administrative dissolution.

BUSINESS LICENSES AND LOCAL REQUIREMENTS

Depending on your business activity and location, you may need state or local business licenses, permits, or tax registrations before operating.

Requirements vary by city, county, and industry.



Let's get started

START YOUR TENNESSEE LLC

Choose Corporate Mile for Tennessee LLC registration.

START YOUR TENNESSEE LLC

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Trade Name (DBA) Registration

  • If your business will operate under a name different from the one listed on your Articles of Organization, you must file a fictitious name (DBA) registration with the state.
  • Corporate Mile can handle the registration for $175, or $303 if any required publication is included.

Mail Forwarding Options

  • Limited: Includes three free scans of non-official mail per year.
  • Deluxe: Offers an additional 10 scans annually for $49/year.
  • Premium: Offers an additional 25 scans annually for $99/year.

Virtual Office

  • For businesses wanting an all-in-one Florida presence, Corporate Mile provides a virtual office package with:
    • Unlimited mail forwarding
    • A local Florida phone number
    • An office lease in St. Petersburg

Online Presence Tools

  • Free domain for one year
  • 90 days of no-cost website hosting, SSL certificate, business email, and phone service
  • Ideal for establishing a robust digital footprint from day one

WORKING WITH CORPORATE MILE

TENNESSEE LLC SUPPORT

Corporate Mile offers support for Tennessee LLC filings and ongoing compliance questions. Filing times depend on the state’s processing schedule.

PRIVACY AND SECURITY

Corporate Mile can help you structure your filing in a way that supports privacy where state filing rules allow.

YEAR-ROUND CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Corporate Mile’s team monitors annual requirements and due dates, keeping you in good standing with the state.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

You need a name for your LLC, a business address, the required organizer or manager information, a registered agent in Tennessee, and enough filing information to calculate the state fee based on the number of members. An operating agreement is strongly recommended, but it is not required to form the LLC.

The Tennessee state filing fee to form an LLC is $50 per member, with a minimum of $300 and a maximum of $3,000. 

No. You can form a Tennessee LLC whether you reside in another state or internationally, as long as you appoint a registered agent with a Tennessee address.

Processing times vary depending on filing method, service level, and state workload.

Yes. A single-member LLC is a popular structure for solo entrepreneurs seeking liability protection. By default, the IRS taxes single-member LLCs as sole proprietorships, unless you opt for another tax election.

While not mandated by state law, having a written operating agreement is highly recommended to prevent disagreements and clarify each member’s responsibilities and share of ownership. Many banks request an operating agreement to open a business bank account, but requirements vary by bank.

Let's get started

START A TENNESSEE LLC

Registering a Tennessee LLC offers multiple benefits, including asset protection, flexible internal management, and no state personal income tax.
By collaborating with Corporate Mile, you can complete the registration process through a package that includes your selected service items, such as tax ID assistance, registered agent service, and an operating agreement. Tennessee state filing fees vary based on the number of LLC members.

When you’re ready to begin, get started. Our knowledgeable staff will handle the entire process so you can focus on growing and managing your new Tennessee LLC with peace of mind.

Let's get started

START YOUR TENNESSEE LLC

Choose Corporate Mile for Tennessee LLC registration.

START YOUR TENNESSEE LLC
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