How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Tennessee?
The cost to start an LLC (limited liability company) online in Tennessee is $300+. This fee is paid to the Tennessee Secretary of State when filing the LLC’s Articles of Organization.
We recommend Northwest ($29 + State Fees) to help form your LLC.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Tennessee?
Tennessee LLC Online Filing Fee: $300+
The main cost to start an LLC in Tennessee is the $300+ fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
For a look at LLC costs in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.
Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Tennessee
If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Tennessee, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Tennessee.
The cost for registering a Tennessee foreign LLC is $50 per member, with a minimum fee of $300 and a maximum fee of $3,000. You can register a foreign LLC in Tennessee by filing an Application for Certificate of Authority (Form SS-4233).
Optional LLC Formation Costs
There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:
LLC Name Reservation
Reserve your name for up to 4 months prior to LLC formation by filing an Application for Reservation of Name (Form SS-9425) and paying the $20 filing fee.
Assumed Name
File an Application for Registration of Assumed Limited Liability Company Name (Form SS-4230) and pay the $20 filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name.
Ready to Start Your Tennessee LLC?
Explore our LLC formation services review to find the best service for you.
Tennessee LLC Annual Fees and Ongoing Compliance
Maintaining a Tennessee LLC involves periodic compliance costs to keep the business in good standing:
- Annual Report: Tennessee requires LLCs to file an Annual Report each year. The fee for this is $50 per member, with a minimum fee of $300 and a maximum of $3,000.
- Business Taxes: Alongside the Annual Report, LLCs are also required to pay an Annual Franchise and Excise Tax. The Franchise Tax has a minimum of $100 and is typically calculated based on the net worth or the tangible property of the LLC. The Excise Tax is set at 6.5% of the LLC's domestic taxable income.
- Assumed Name Renewal: Assumed name registrations in Tennessee must be renewed every five years with the Secretary of State. The renewal fee is $20.
- Registered Agent Service: Each LLC in Tennessee must designate a registered agent, which can be an individual or a business entity authorized to do business in Tennessee. We recommend using a registered agent service, which costs about $200 per year on average.
By staying aware of these fees and preparing for them in your budget, you can ensure that your Tennessee LLC remains compliant and in good standing.
How to Register a Tennessee LLC Yourself
Forming an LLC in Tennessee is easy. Simply follow the steps outlined on this page.
Recommended: Using an LLC formation service like Northwest ($29 + State Fees) saves time and ensures compliance. Besides the low cost, we like their streamlined approach and excellent customer service.
Tennessee LLC Cost FAQ
To form an LLC in Tennessee, you must file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. This can be done online, by mail, or in person. The filing cost is determined per member, with a minimum cost of $300 and a maximum cost of $3,000.
In Tennessee, a registered agent can be an individual or a business entity that agrees to accept legal mail and other important documents on behalf of the LLC. The registered agent must have a physical address in Tennessee. In this state, neither the initial registered agent nor a new one needs to officially consent to their role.
Yes, in Tennessee, an LLC can use a DBA, also referred to as an "assumed name." This allows the business to operate under a different name than the one registered in the Articles of Organization.
LLCs in Tennessee are required to submit an annual report. The fee for the report is also determined per member, with a minimum of $300 and a maximum of $3,000.
Using an LLC formation service in Tennessee can simplify the process of starting an LLC. Such services can guide you through filling out and filing the Articles of Organization and other required forms. They can also provide helpful services such as acting as your registered agent, ensuring compliance with state regulations, and assisting with annual reporting requirements.
The availability of a business name in Tennessee can be determined using the Business Information Search and Business Name Availability Search on the Secretary of State's website. These tools can help ensure your desired name is not already in use by another business.
A Certificate of Existence in Tennessee is a document that confirms an LLC is legally registered to conduct business within the state and is in compliance with all state requirements. This may be necessary for securing loans, signing leases, or conducting other business operations.
Article Sources
Tennessee Department of Revenue:
https://www.tn.gov/revenue.html
IRS - Employer ID Numbers:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers
Tennessee Secretary of State:
https://sos.tn.gov/
SBA - Apply for Licenses and Permits:
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-and-permits
Chamber of Commerce - Tennessee Chamber of Commerce List:
http://www.officialusa.com/stateguides/chambers/Tennessee.html