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This guide on starting your business in Tennessee provides step-by-step instructions on the paperwork to file formation documents, obtain tax IDs, and set up company records.

Step-By-Step Startup

Below is an overview of the paperwork, cost, and time to form each of the most popular business structures. Simply click on the link for your desired structure to view detailed step-by-step instructions.

If you have not decided whether you want to form an LLC, corporation, or other business structure, click here.
If wish to form your business in a different state than Tennessee, click here.

Structure	Paperwork	Cost	Time
Tennessee Limited Liability Company Click for step-by-step instructions	Form SS-4270: Articles of Organization Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN Form RV-F1300501: Tennessee Department of Revenue Application for Registration	Formation: $50 per member in existence on the date of the filing, with a minimum fee of $300 and a maximum fee of $3,000	Formation: ~4 business days by mail. ~2 days online. Immediately in-person.
Tennessee Corporation Click for step-by-step instructions	Form SS-4417: Charter For-Profit Corporation Bylaws IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN Form 2553: S-Corp Election, if desired Form RV-F1300501: Tennessee Department of Revenue Application for Registration	Incorporation: $100	Incorporation: ~4 business days by mail. ~2 days online. Immediately in-person.
Tennessee Nonprofit Click for step-by-step instructions	Form SS-4418: Charter Nonprofit Corporation Bylaws IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application IRS Determination Letter Form RV-F1300501: Tennessee Department of Revenue Application for Registration Form RV-F1306901: Application for Registration - Sales and Use Tax Exempt Entities URS Charitable Registration, if applicable Charitable Registration: Form SS-6001: Application for Registration of a Charitable Organization and Form SS-6002: Summary of Financial Activities of a Charitable Organization OR Form SS-6042: Exemption Request	Incorporation: $100 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee Tennessee charitable registration: $50 ($0 if exempt)	Incorporation: ~4 business days by mail. ~2 days online. Immediately in-person. 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Tennessee

The fees for an LLC are steep - most of the time it is $300 up front then $300 per year. In addition, the state language to calculate the formation fee for an LLC can be confusing. Put simply, if your LLC has six or fewer members (owners), then the fee will be $300.
Tennessee offers a consolidated registration application for new business state tax registration. This is a great convenience - not all states do.
In Tennessee, you can form a single-owner corporation. This owner acts as both president and secretary of the board.
A quick vocabulary tip: what most states call the "articles of incorporation" to create a corporation, Tennessee calls a "charter for a for-profit corporation".
Corporations and LLCs must file an annual report with the Tennessee Secretary of State.

This page was last fact-checked January 22, 2014.

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Start a Business in Tennessee

Helpful Tools

Welcome to Our Community

Step-By-Step Startup

Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Tennessee