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Form an LLC in Tennessee

How to start an LLC in Tennessee.

What the state asks for, what it charges, and what to file after you form. Fees checked against official Tennessee sources in .

No tax on wages, but yearly fees are charged per member with a $300 minimum, plus franchise and excise taxes.

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Tennessee at a glance

State filing fee
$300
Articles of Organization
Annual report
$300
Every year
Filed with
Tennessee Secretary of State
Operating agreement
Not required

The annual report costs $50 per member, with a $300 minimum and $3000 maximum. An additional charge applies to certain registered agent changes. These are the state's own fees, separate from ours, and they can change. Confirm with the Tennessee Secretary of State before you file.

Forming an LLC in Tennessee, step by step.

  1. 1

    Choose a name and check it

    Your name needs "LLC" or a similar designator and must be distinguishable from names on record. Search the Tennessee business database first.

  2. 2

    Appoint a registered agent

    Someone with a street address in Tennessee who accepts legal papers and official notices for the LLC. You can serve yourself or use a registered agent service.

  3. 3

    File the Articles of Organization

    File with the Tennessee Secretary of State. The state fee is $300. Formation costs $50 per member, with a $300 minimum and $3000 maximum, excluding possible online payment charges.

  4. 4

    Write an operating agreement

    Not required. Either way it sets ownership, money, and decisions in writing. See the operating agreement guide.

  5. 5

    Get an EIN

    The business's federal tax ID, free from the IRS. Our EIN assistance can prepare it.

  6. 6

    Register for sales tax if you sell taxable items

    Tennessee issues a Sales and Use Tax registration through the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Check local licenses too.

  7. 7

    File your Annual report

    Every year: april 1 annually. The fee is $300.

General information, not legal or tax advice. State rules and fees change; this page was last checked in October 2026. YaH Brands is not a law firm or an accounting firm.

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Tennessee LLC questions

  • The state filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $300. Formation costs $50 per member, with a $300 minimum and $3000 maximum, excluding possible online payment charges. Plan for ongoing costs too, including the Annual report fee of $300. The annual report costs $50 per member, with a $300 minimum and $3000 maximum. An additional charge applies to certain registered agent changes.

  • Yes. Tennessee requires a Annual report every year. The fee is $300, due april 1 annually.

  • Not required. Having one is still a good idea for any LLC, and banks often ask for it.

  • Yes. Every Tennessee LLC must keep a registered agent with a physical address in the state to accept legal papers and official notices.