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How to Start a Business in Tennessee

How to register a business in Tennessee and everything else it takes to open legally, in order — sole proprietor vs. LLC, the state filing, your EIN, tax registration, and licenses, with the official Tennessee links for each step. Most people finish the core setup in one to three weeks.

LLC filing fee
~$300
Processing
immediate online
Ongoing report
annual · ~$300
State sales tax
yes
State income tax
no

  1. How to register a business in Tennessee

    Sole proprietors under their own name file nothing with Tennessee to exist — a DBA if you use a trade name, plus local licenses. To register an LLC or corporation you file formation paperwork with the Tennessee business filing office (about $300, immediate online), then get a free EIN and register for state taxes.

    Tennessee business registration ↗

  2. Pick a structure (sole proprietor or LLC)

    Most Tennessee owners start as a sole proprietor (free, no filing) or form an LLC for liability protection. The LLC filing fee is about $300, and formation typically takes immediate online. Confirm the current fee on the state site before you pay.

    Tennessee business filing office ↗

  3. Name a registered agent

    If you form an LLC or corporation, Tennessee needs a registered agent with a physical in-state address. You can be your own agent if you're available during business hours, or hire a service for about $100–$150/year.

  4. Get your EIN from the IRS

    An Employer Identification Number is free from the IRS and takes a few minutes online. You need it to open a business bank account and to hire.

    IRS — Apply for an EIN ↗

  5. Register for Tennessee taxes

    Tennessee has a state sales/use tax and has no state individual income tax. Tennessee's LLC fees scale with membership ($50/member, $300 minimum) both to form and every year.

    Tennessee tax registration ↗

  6. Confirm local licenses and permits

    Tennessee rarely issues a single statewide "business license" — most licensing is by city or county, plus profession-specific licenses. Check your city and your trade.

    Tennessee professional licensing ↗

  7. Open a business bank account and get insurance

    Keep business and personal money separate from day one. General liability insurance is the baseline; some contracts also require a bond.

  8. Put the ongoing report on your calendar

    Tennessee requires an annual report (about $300). $50 per member, $300 minimum, $3,000 max

    Tennessee reports ↗

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Frequently asked

How do I register a business in Tennessee?

Sole proprietors under their own name file nothing with Tennessee to exist — a DBA if you use a trade name, plus local licenses. To register an LLC or corporation you file formation paperwork with the Tennessee business filing office (about $300, immediate online), then get a free EIN and register for state taxes.

How much does it cost to register a business in Tennessee?

Registering as a sole proprietor is free (a DBA filing, if you use a trade name, is usually $10–$50 at the county or state). Registering an LLC costs about $300 in Tennessee, plus an annual report (~$300). An EIN from the IRS is free.

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Tennessee?

The state filing fee is about $300. Beyond that, budget for a registered agent if you hire one (~$100–$150/year), the annual report (~$300), and any local license fees. An EIN is free.

Do I need an LLC to start a business in Tennessee?

No. You can operate as a sole proprietor in Tennessee with no state filing. An LLC adds a layer of personal liability protection and can make you look more established to customers and lenders — it's a judgment call based on your risk and goals, not a legal requirement.

How long does it take to form an LLC in Tennessee?

Standard processing is immediate online. Many states offer paid expedited options.

Does Tennessee have a sales tax?

Yes. If your product or service is taxable in Tennessee, you must register with the state tax agency before you collect tax. Many services are not taxable — confirm on the official site.

What ongoing filings does a Tennessee LLC have?

Tennessee requires an annual report (about $300). $50 per member, $300 minimum, $3,000 max

Official sources

Fees and timelines are commonly-cited figures last reviewed September 2026 and can change — always confirm on the official site. This is educational information, not legal or tax advice.

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AI-generated guidance is for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or investment advice. Disclosures · Trust center