How to Form an LLC in Tennessee

It is a great time for a limited liability company (or LLC) to be launched in Tennessee. The state experienced a huge increase in business formations in 2022. Nearly 20,000 new companies and corporations were founded between January and March. More people are now able to start new businesses with the help of government financial aid than ever before.

Are you considering starting a Tennessee LLC. Here’s a guide to help you get started with a Tennessee LLC.

If you want to use an LLC formation service, visit our list of the best LLC services in Tennessee.

Before starting an LLC in Tennessee

There are some important details that you should remember when you start forming your limited-liability company. You can read the following sections to find out what you should do before you start your LLC formation.

Research Your LLC Business Name

Imagine if you were to file paperwork to establish a Tennessee LLC and the name you selected is not available. It is important to verify that your business name is available before you set up your company. This can be done via the Name availability search engine at the Secretary of State’s Division of Business Services or by calling (615-741-2286).

Your business name must stand out from other entities that are registered with the state. You should also be aware of the following:

  • The words “limited liability company” must be included in your company name or an acceptable abbreviation such as “LLC” and “L.L.C.”
  • Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions must grant permission to companies wishing to use certain words, such as “bank” and “trust”, in their names.

After you have confirmed that your name is available, you may reserve it for 120-days by submitting form SS-9425 and the Application for Name Reservation. Although you don’t have to reserve your name immediately, it is a good idea. The fee for Tennessee Secretary of State is $20. You can pay by check, cashier’s cheque or money order. Send your completed form to 312 Rosa L. Parks Ave. FL 6 Nashville, TN 37243.

Northwest R.A. is the 2nd largest registered agent service, charging $125/year. CT Corporation aka Wolters Kluwer is the largest, oldest, and one of the most expensive, charging $337/year. CT Corp charges $788 for incorporation with reg. agent service.  

Mailing: Include the form and payment in one envelope. Write “Tennessee secretary of state, ATTN Corporate Filing” above your address.

Appoint a Registered Agent

Tennessee LLCs need a registered agent. The agent receives legal documents for the business and forwards them on your behalf to the appropriate person at the business. The registered agent can be you or an LLC member. Your agent must be at minimum 18 years old and reside in Tennessee.

You can also employ a third-party entity as your registered agent. For increased privacy and reliability, small business owners often hire registered agents to represent them in multiple states. The annual cost is typically between $100 and $300. To ensure that you get the best value for your money, it is important to do some research before hiring someone.

Filing Your LLC Paperwork

There are many options available in Tennessee for LLC filings. You can file electronically or prepare Articles of Organization online with FormSS-4270. Once you have completed the forms, you can print them and mail them to Secretary of State. A blank form can be printed and filled out. You can mail it to the Secretary of State. Tennessee charges $50 per LLC member. There is a $300 minimum and a $3000 maximum. Online filings require a processing fee.

International LLCs can apply for authority to transact in Tennessee using Form SS-4233 (Application for Certificate of Authority). The fees and procedures for foreign LLCs are the same as those of new Tennessee LLCs.

What to do after starting your LLC in Tennessee

After you have established your Tennessee LLC successfully, there are several steps that you can take to ensure its success over the long-term. These actions will help to keep your company in good standing, and ensure that it succeeds. There are many options available to you if you want to close your LLC.

Register for an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Most businesses require an EIN (sometimes called a Federal Tax Identification Number or Federal Employer Identification Number, FEIN), in order to be eligible for the Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). It is a great alternative to using your Social Security number. This will protect it from potential fraud and exposure. EINs can be obtained free of charge on the IRS Website.

Make an LLC Operating Agreement

Although not required by law, operating agreements are essential because they provide a solid foundation for your LLC’s long-term success. These documents will confirm everything, from who has the most influence on company decisions to how profits or losses are shared to who is responsible for day-to-day business operations. An operating agreement is a document that helps to minimize disputes between members. It also gives legitimacy to your LLC and helps maintain its good standing.

Purchase a web domain and set up social media

You should not only start your LLC but also make an effort to establish an online pres

It is a great time for a limited liability company (or LLC) to be launched in Tennessee. The state experienced a huge increase in business formations in 2021. It was the largest ever. Nearly 20,000 new companies and corporations were founded between January and March. More people are now able to start new businesses with the help of government financial aid than ever before.

Are you considering starting a Tennessee LLC. Here’s a guide to help you get started with a Tennessee LLC.

Before starting an LLC in Tennessee

There are some important details that you should remember when you start forming your limited-liability company. You can read the following sections to find out what you should do before you start your LLC formation.

Research Your LLC Business Name

Imagine if you were to file paperwork to establish a Tennessee LLC and the name you selected is not available. It is important to verify that your business name is available before you set up your company. This can be done via the Name availability search engine at the Secretary of State’s Division of Business Services or by calling (615-741-2286).

Your business name must stand out from other entities that are registered with the state. You should also be aware of the following:

  • The words “limited liability company” must be included in your company name or an acceptable abbreviation such as “LLC” and “L.L.C.”
  • Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions must grant permission to companies wishing to use certain words, such as “bank” and “trust”, in their names.

After you have confirmed that your name is available, you may reserve it for 120-days by submitting form SS-9425 and the Application for Name Reservation. Although you don’t have to reserve your name immediately, it is a good idea. The fee for Tennessee Secretary of State is $20. You can pay by check, cashier’s cheque or money order. Send your completed form to 312 Rosa L. Parks Ave. FL 6 Nashville, TN 37243.

Mailing: Include the form and payment in one envelope. Write “Tennessee secretary of state, ATTN Corporate Filing” above your address.

Choose a representative

Tennessee LLCs need a Registered Agent. The agent receives legal documents for the business and forwards them on your behalf to the appropriate person at the business. The registered agent can be you or an LLC member. Your agent must be at minimum 18 years old and reside in Tennessee.

You can also employ a third-party entity as your registered agent. For increased privacy and reliability, small business owners often hire registered agents to represent them in multiple states. The annual cost is typically between $100 and $300. To ensure that you get the best value for your money, it is important to do some research before hiring someone.

Filing Your LLC Paperwork

There are many options available in Tennessee for LLC filings. You can file electronically or prepare Articles of Organization online with Form SS-4270. Once you have completed the forms, you can print them and mail them to the Secretary of State. A blank form can be printed and filled out. You can mail it to the Secretary of State. Tennessee charges $50 per LLC member. There is a $300 minimum and a $3000 maximum. Online filings require a processing fee.

International LLCs can apply for authority to transact in Tennessee using Form SS-4233 (Application for Certificate of Authority). The fees and procedures for foreign LLCs are the same as those of new Tennessee LLCs.

What to do after starting your LLC in Tennessee

After you have established your Tennessee LLC successfully, there are several steps that you can take to ensure its success over the long-term. These actions will help to keep your company in good standing and ensure that it succeeds. There are many options available to you if you want to close your LLC.

Register for an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Most businesses require an EIN (sometimes called a Federal Tax Identification Number or Federal Employer Identification Number, FEIN) in order to be eligible for the Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). It is a great alternative to using your Social Security number. This will protect it from potential fraud and exposure. EINs can be obtained free of charge on the IRS Website.

Make an LLC Operating Agreement

Although not required by law, operating agreements are essential because they provide a solid foundation for your LLC’s long-term success. These documents will confirm everything, from who has the most influence on company decisions to how profits or losses are shared to who is responsible for day-to-day business operations. An operating agreement is a document that helps to minimize disputes between members. It also gives legitimacy to your LLC and helps maintain its good standing.

Purchase a web domain and set up social media

You should not only start your LLC but also make an effort to establish an online presence for the brand. Customers often search online for companies, and your online presence can have a negative impact on how they perceive you.

A website domain and a social media profile are ideal tools for establishing a point of contact between you and your customers. It’s a good investment for your brand as it will help you spread the word about your Tennessee LLC.

Send an annual report

Tennessee LLCs must submit an annual report every year. It must be submitted annually to avoid it being rejected.

  • Sign and date correctly
  • Type up in ink or type it up

An annual report for LLCs up to six members must be submitted with a $300 filing fee and $50 for each additional member. The maximum fee is $3,000. If your LLC’s registered agent changes, there is an additional $20 fee. Keep up with your annual reports, it is vital for maintaining good standing in Tennessee.

You can avoid spending time and money by following these steps to get your LLC registered in Tennessee. We hope you find this guide helpful as thousands of new businesses open in Tennessee’s “Volunteer State.”

Most Frequently Asked Questions

What is an LLC?

A limited liability corporation combines the flexibility and ease of a sole proprietorship or partnership structure with the greater risk protection offered by a corporate structure. LLC owners, also known as “members”, have limited liability. This means that their personal liability to the company is limited to what they have invested. It does not cover losses or debts beyond that amount.

Members of an LLC are subject to taxes by default. This is the same as for owners of a general partnership or sole proprietorship. This structure is commonly referred to as a “pass-through” tax structure. If the LLC meets certain criteria, it can choose to be taxed either as a C corporation (C-corporation) or an S corporation (S corporation). Small business owners prefer LLCs because of their simplicity and flexibility.

What is the cost of a Tennessee LLC?

Tennessee charges $50 per member for establishing an LLC. There is a $300 minimum and $3000 maximum fee.

How do I register an LLC in Tennessee

For domestic LLCs, you will need to complete Form SS-4270. For foreign entities, please fill out SS-4233. You can submit forms online or by post. For LLC formation in Tennessee or to be authorized to do business in Tennessee, you will need to pay at least $300 and a maximum $3,000, respectively.

How can I file taxes for my LLC

There are many options available, and there is no one-size fits all solution. Most LLCs are treated the same as sole proprietorships and partnerships. The owners of LLCs are taxed according to their personal tax returns. Business income and expenses can be reported. However, LLCs can be taxed as corporations. This approach is beneficial to some LLC owners. Discuss your options with an accountant to determine the best way for you to manage your LLC taxes.

What are the advantages of forming an LLC?

Corporations and LLCs are business entities that help protect their owners against liability for business debts. LLCs are more flexible than corporations and are easier to manage.

Presence for the brand. Customers often search online for companies, and your online presence can have a negative impact on how they perceive you.

A website domain and a social media profile are ideal tools for establishing a point of contact between you and your customers. It’s a good investment for your brand as it will help you spread the word about your Tennessee LLC.

Send an annual report

Tennessee LLCs must submit an annual report every year. It must be submitted annually to avoid it being rejected.

  • Sign and date correctly
  • Type up in ink or type it up

An annual report for LLCs up to six members must be submitted with a $300 filing fee and $50 for each additional member. The maximum fee is $3,000. If your LLC’s registered agent changes, there is an additional $20 fee. Keep up with your annual reports, it is vital for maintaining good standing in Tennessee.

You can avoid spending time and money by following these steps to get your LLC registered in Tennessee. We hope you find this guide helpful as thousands of new businesses open in Tennessee’s “Volunteer State.”

Most Frequently Asked Questions

What is an LLC?

A limited liability company combines the flexibility and ease of a sole proprietorship or partnership structure with the greater risk protection offered by a corporate structure. LLC owners, also known as “members”, have limited liability. This means that their personal liability to the company is limited to what they have invested. It does not cover losses or debts beyond that amount.

Members of an LLC are subject to taxes by default. This is the same as for owners of a general partnership or sole proprietorship. This structure is commonly referred to as a “pass-through” tax structure. If the LLC meets certain criteria, it can choose to be taxed either as a C corporation (C-corp) or an S corporation (Scorp). Small business owners prefer LLCs because of their simplicity and flexibility.

What is the cost of a Tennessee LLC?

Tennessee charges $50 per member for establishing an LLC. There is a $300 minimum and $3000 maximum fee.

How do I register an LLC in Tennessee

For domestic LLCs, you will need to complete Form SS-4270. For foreign entities, please fill out SS-4233. You can submit forms online or by post. For LLC formation in Tennessee or to be authorized to do business in Tennessee, you will need to pay at least $300 and a maximum $3,000, respectively.

How can I file taxes for my LLC

There are many options available, and there is no one-size fits all solution. Most LLCs are treated the same as sole proprietorships and partnerships. The owners of LLCs are taxed according to their personal tax returns. Business income and expenses can be reported. However, LLCs can be taxed as corporations. This approach is beneficial to some LLC owners. Discuss your options with an accountant to determine the best way for you to manage your LLC taxes.

What are the advantages of forming an LLC?

Corporations and LLCs are business entities that help protect their owners against liability for business debts. LLCs are more flexible than corporations and are easier to manage.

 

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