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How to form an LLC in Tennessee

File an Articles of Organization with the Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Business and Charitable Organizations. State filing fee $300.

Start my Tennessee LLC → Search names on the state site ↗

Due to form

$300

State filing fee

How to file

Online or by mail

Online filings via TNCaB (launched Feb 2025) are often approved quickly; paper processing time not confirmed.

Keeping it active

Annual Report

First day of the fourth month after fiscal year close (April 1 for calendar year) · $300

The steps in Tennessee

  1. 1

    Choose a name

    It must be distinguishable from other businesses on file and end with “Limited Liability Company”, “LLC”, “L.L.C.”. Name must be distinguishable on SOS records (TCA 48-249-106). Check availability in TNCaB. You can reserve a name first for $20 (optional).

  2. 2

    Appoint a registered agent

    Must maintain registered agent and registered office at a physical Tennessee street address (no PO box). Form also asks county.

  3. 3

    File the Articles of Organization

    File with the Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Business and Charitable Organizations (form SS-4270). You can file online or by mail. Fee: $300.

  4. 4

    Sign an operating agreement

    Not filed with the state, and not required by Tennessee law, but banks and partners often ask for one. LLCPros prepares one from your answers.

  5. 5

    Get an EIN and keep up with reports

    Get a free Employer Identification Number from the IRS, open a business bank account, then file the Annual Report (first day of the fourth month after fiscal year close (April 1 for calendar year)).

Fees

Filing fee — Articles of Organization$300
Optional: name reservation$20
Later: Annual Report$300

$50 per member at formation, minimum $300, maximum $3,000.

State taxes to know about

LLCs generally owe Tennessee franchise & excise tax (Dept. of Revenue); excise 6.5% of net earnings, franchise 0.25% of net worth, $100 minimum.

Questions about Tennessee LLCs

›How much does it cost to form an LLC in Tennessee?

The Tennessee filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $300. Optional expedited processing costs more.

›What document forms an LLC in Tennessee?

You file an Articles of Organization (form SS-4270) with the Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Business and Charitable Organizations.

›Does Tennessee require a registered agent?

Yes. Must maintain registered agent and registered office at a physical Tennessee street address (no PO box). Form also asks county.

›Does a Tennessee LLC file an annual report?

Yes: the Annual Report, first day of the fourth month after fiscal year close (April 1 for calendar year), fee $300.

Double-check with the state

We could not confirm these on an official Tennessee page when we last checked (November 12, 2026). Your filing plan lists them too.

  • When the annual (or biennial) report is due, and its fee
  • Expedited filing options and their fees
  • The mailing address for paper filings
  • The state tax rules that apply to LLCs
  • The current filing fee and any service charge
  • The links to the online filing system and the state’s office
Self-help, not legal or tax advice. LLCPros is not a law firm, does not give legal or tax advice, and is not affiliated with any state or federal agency. We prepare documents from your answers and your state’s published rules; you file them and pay the state’s fees directly. Rules and fees change — check the official state links before filing, and talk to a lawyer or accountant about your situation.