188体育app8体育如何开始一个LLC在田纳西州: Step-by-Step Guide

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To start aTennessee LLC, you'll need to file the Articles of Organization with the Tennessee Secretary of State, with a starting fee of $300 to file. You can apply online, in person, or by mail.

Follow our step-by-step188体育app8体育如何开始一个LLC在田纳西州guide to get started today.

  1. Name Your Tennessee LLC
  2. Choose a Registered Agent
  3. File the Articles of Organization
  4. Create an Operating Agreement
  5. Get an EIN

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Tennessee State map icon with filing cost

Step 1: Name Your Tennessee LLC

Choosing a company name is the first and most important step in setting up an LLC in Tennessee. Be sure to choose a name that complies with Tennessee naming requirements and is easily searchable by potential clients.

1. Follow the naming guidelines for a Tennessee LLC:

  • Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
  • Your name cannot include words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
  • Restricted words (e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your LLC.

2. Is the name available in Tennessee?Make sure the name you want isn't already taken by doing aTennessee LLC name search在the Secretary of State website.

To learn more about searching for aTennessee LLC name, read our full guide. Find name ideas using our freeLLC name generator.

3. Is the URL available?We recommend that you check to see if your business name is available as a网络域. Even if you don't plan to start a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

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Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.

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FAQ: Naming a Tennessee LLC

What is an LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

LLC is short for “limited liability company.” It is a simple business structure that offers more flexibility than a traditional corporation while providing many of the same benefits. Read our118bet金博宝 guide for more information.

Or, watch our two-minute video:What is an LLC?

How do I name my Tennessee LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

You must follow the Tennessee LLC naming guidelines when choosing a name for your LLC:

  • Include the phrase "limited liability company" or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
  • Do not use words that could confuse your business with a government agency (FBI, State Department, CIA, etc.).
  • Receive the proper licensing when using the words such as lawyer or doctor.

If you are having trouble coming up with a name for your LLC use ourLLC Name Generator. That will not only find a unique name for your business but an available URL to match.

After you get your business name, your next step is getting a unique logo. Get your unique logo using ourFree Logo Generator.

Do I need to get a DBA or trade name for my business?An orange arrow pointing down

Most LLCs do not need a DBA or trade name. The name of the LLC can serve as your company’s brand name and you can accept checks and other payments under that name as well. However, you may wish to register a DBA if you would like to conduct business under another name.

To learn more about DBAs in your state, read ourHow to File a DBAguide.

Step 2: Choose a Tennessee Registered Agent

You arerequiredto appoint aregistered agent for your Tennessee LLC.

What is a registered agent? A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important tax forms, legal documents, notice of lawsuits, and official government correspondence on behalf of your business. Think of your registered agent as your business's point of contact with the state.

Who can be a registered agent?A registered agent must be a resident of Tennessee or a corporation, such as aregistered agent service,授权开展业务的Tennessee. You may elect an individual within the company including yourself.

Recommended:Check out thesebest registered agent services.

FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent

Can I be my own registered agent?An orange arrow pointing down

Yes. You or anyone else in your company can serve as the registered agent for your LLC.

Read more aboutbeing your own registered agent.

Is a registered agent service worth it?An orange arrow pointing down

Using a professional registered agent service is an affordable way to manage government filings for your LLC. For most businesses, the advantages of using a professional service significantly outweigh the annual costs.

For more information, read our article onTennessee registered agents.

Step 3: File the Tennessee LLC Articles of Organization

To register your Tennessee LLC, you'll need to fileForm SS-4270: Articles of Organizationwith the Tennessee Secretary of State. You can apply online, in person, or by mail. The filing fee is $50 per member, with a minimum of $300 and a maximum of $3,000.

Now is a good time to determine whether your LLC will bemember-managed vs. manager-managed.

File the Articles of Organization

OPTION 1:File Online With the Secretary of State

File Online

- OR -

OPTION 2:File Form SS-4270 by Mail or In Person

Download Form


State Filing Cost:$300+. Make check, cashier's check, or money order payable to the Tennessee Secretary of State. (Nonrefundable)

Filing Address:
6th floor - Snodgrass Tower
Attn: Corporate Filing
312 Rosa L. Parks Ave.
Nashville, TN 37243

For help with completing the form, visit ourTennessee Articles of Organizationguide.

Tennessee LLC Formation Document

If you’re expanding your existing LLC to the state of Tennessee, you will need to form aforeign LLC.

FAQ: Filing Tennessee LLC Documents

How long does it take to form an LLC in Tennessee?An orange arrow pointing down

Filing the Articles of Organization takes 24 hours online and roughly three to five business days by mail.

What is the difference between a domestic Tennessee LLC and foreign LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

An LLC is referred to as a "domestic LLC" when it conducts business in the state where it was formed. A foreign LLC must be formed when an existing LLC wishes to expand its business to another state.

Read ourWhat Is a Foreign LLCarticle to learn more.

How much does it cost to start a Tennessee LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

The cost to start a Tennessee LLC is $50 per member (minimum of $300 and a maximum of $3,000).

To learn more, read our guide on thecost to form a Tennessee LLC.

Step 4: Create Your Tennessee LLC Operating Agreement

In Tennessee, LLCs are not required to have an operating agreement, but it's a good practice to have one.

What is an operating agreement?An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important?A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read ourTennessee LLC operating agreementguide.

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FAQ: Creating a Tennessee LLC Operating Agreement

Do I need to file my operating agreement with the state?An orange arrow pointing down

No. The operating agreement is an internal document that you should keep on file for future reference. However, many states do legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement in place.

Step 5: Get a Tennessee LLC EIN

You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify a business entity and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. It is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.

Why do I need an EIN?An EIN number is required for the following:

Where do I get an EIN?An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.

FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS:Youdo not need an SSNto get an EIN.Learn more here.

Get an EIN

Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS

Apply Online

- OR -

Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax

Download Form

Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999

Fax:(855) 641-6935

Fee:Free

FAQ: Getting an EIN

How do I get an EIN if I don’t have a Social Security number?An orange arrow pointing down

A Social Security number isnotrequired to get an EIN. You can simply fill outIRS Form SS-4and leave section 7b blank. Then call the IRS at (267) 941-1099 to complete your application.Learn more here about applying as an international applicant.

Do I need an EIN for my LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

All LLCs with employees, or any LLC with more than one member, must have an EIN. This is required by the IRS.

Learn why we recommendalwaysgetting an EIN and how to get one for free in ourDo I Need an EIN for an LLCguide.

What tax structure should I choose for my Tennessee LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

When you get an EIN, you will be informed of the differenttax classification optionsthat are available. Most LLCs elect the default tax status.

However, some LLCs can reduce their federal tax obligation by choosing theS corporation (S corp) status. To learn more, read ourLLC vs. S Corpguide.

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How to Maintain Your LLC

File the Annual Report

Tennessee requires LLCs to file an annual reportonlineby the first day of the fourth month following the close of the LLC's fiscal year. The filing fee is $50 per member, with a minimum fee of $300 and a maximum fee of $3,000.

While the state does not charge late fees if you miss your filing deadline, Tennessee may revoke your LLC's good standing after 60 days of failing to file an annual report.

Steps After LLC Formation

Read all the steps you’ll need to maintain your LLC’s personal liability protection, open a business bank account, get business insurance, and stay up to date with state reporting requirements.

Visit ourAfter Forming an LLCguide to learn more.

What is the corporate veil?An orange arrow pointing down

Business entities, such as LLCs and corporations, protect their owners from personal liabilities for the business’s debts. This protection is often referred to as the corporate veil. Learn how to protect your LLC's corporate veil in ourguide.

Keep Your Company Compliant

Tennessee Business Licenses & Permits

To operate your LLC, you must comply with federal, state, and local government regulations. Fees and requirements for licenses and permits will vary depending on what sort of business license you need.

Find out how to get the necessary business licenses and permits for your LLC with ourTennessee Business Licenseguide.

Recommended:Consider having a professional service research your business’s licensing requirements. Read ourbest business license servicesreview.

Tennessee LLC Tax Filing Requirements

In order to keep your business in good standing, it's important to stay up to date on yourTennessee LLC taxes.

根据nature of your business, you may be required to register for one or more forms of tax:

Sales Tax

If you are selling a physical product, you’ll typically need to register for aseller's permitthrough theTennessee Department of Revenuewebsite.

Tennessee has a 7% sales tax rate, with a maximum local sales tax rate of 2.75%. The local sales tax, imposed by counties and cities, are added to the state tax.

Employer Taxes

If you have employees in Tennessee, you will have to register forUnemployment Insurance Tax在the State of Tennessee's Workforce website.

Franchise & Excise Tax

All Tennessee LLCs must register for and pay both a franchise tax and an excise tax to the state Department of Revenueonline. These are due on the 15th day of the fourth month after the beginning of an LLC’s tax year.

The Tennesseefranchise taxis 0.25% and is based on either the LLC's net worth or the book value of the LLC's real and tangible property owned or used in the state. The minimum tax is $100.

Theexcise taxis 6.5% and is based on the LLC's net earnings or income for that tax year. This tax payment varies and has no minimum.

For more information, check out the state'sFranchise and Excise Tax Manual.

Income Tax

State
Tennessee does not impose an individual income tax. That being said, you'll still need to report your federal income tax using eitherForm 1065(multi-member LLC) orForm 1040 Schedule C(single-member LLC).

What is the taxable rate of LLCs in Tennessee?An orange arrow pointing down

The franchise tax’s minimum payment is $100, and the rate is .25% of the net worth the LLC or the LLC’s tangible property.

The excise tax is 6.5% of the LLC’s taxable net income, made in Tennessee.

Hiring Employees

If you plan to hire employees for your Tennessee LLC, stay compliant with the law by following these steps:

Find more information at theTennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Check out ourHiring for Your Small Business Guidefor resources like sample job descriptions, payroll service reviews, and more.

What is the minimum wage in Tennessee?An orange arrow pointing down

The minimum wage in Tennessee is $7.25 per hour.

How often do I need to pay employees?An orange arrow pointing down

Tenessee requires wages to be paid regularly at least twice per month.

Tennessee Business Resources

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