State guide
How to Start an LLC in Tennessee (2026)
Everything you need to form an LLC in Tennessee yourself — the filing fee, processing time, ongoing requirements, and every step in plain English.
Not legal advice. Open Legal Aid is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or representation. Our guides and tools offer general legal information and self-help documents only, and using them does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws vary by state and change over time — for advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
Fee, processing time, and annual requirement are estimates — verify current figures with the Tennessee Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing.
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1. Name your LLC
Your name must be unique in your state and usually must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company." Search your Secretary of State's business database to confirm it's available, and check that a matching domain and social handles are free.
2. Appoint a registered agent
A registered agent receives legal mail for your LLC. You can be your own agent in most states, but you'll need a physical address in the state and to be available during business hours — which is why many owners use a registered-agent service.
3. File your Articles of Organization
This is the document that officially creates your LLC. You file it with your state and pay the filing fee. Most states let you file online and approve within days or weeks.
In Tennessee, this filing fee is about $300, with typical processing of ~3–5 business days.
4. Get an EIN
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is like a Social Security number for your business. You need one to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes. Get one for free directly from the IRS — never pay a third party just for the EIN itself.
5. Write an operating agreement
An operating agreement sets out who owns the LLC, how profits are split, and how decisions get made. Even single-member LLCs should have one — it reinforces the liability protection that keeps personal assets separate from the business.
6. Open a business bank account
Keeping business and personal money separate is essential for maintaining your liability protection, and most banks require an EIN and formation documents to open one.
7. Stay compliant
After formation, keep your LLC in good standing: file annual (or biennial) reports, pay any state franchise taxes, and renew your registered agent. Missing these can lead to penalties or administrative dissolution.
Tennessee's ongoing requirement: $50/member annual report ($300 minimum, $3,000 maximum), due 1st day of the 4th month after fiscal year end.
Tennessee LLC FAQ
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Tennessee?
The Tennessee Articles of Organization filing fee is about $300. An EIN from the IRS is free, and you can write your own operating agreement at no cost. Ongoing: $50/member annual report ($300 minimum, $3,000 maximum), due 1st day of the 4th month after fiscal year end. Verify current fees with the state before filing.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Tennessee?
Typical processing in Tennessee is ~3–5 business days. Processing times fluctuate with the state's workload, so check the Tennessee Secretary of State (or equivalent) for current estimates.
Can I form an LLC in Tennessee myself, without a lawyer or service?
Yes — most people can file their own Articles of Organization directly with the state for just the filing fee. A formation service is optional; it handles the paperwork for you but doesn't get you anything you can't do yourself.
Does Tennessee require an annual report for LLCs?
Tennessee's ongoing requirement: $50/member annual report ($300 minimum, $3,000 maximum), due 1st day of the 4th month after fiscal year end. Verify the current requirement and fee with the state before relying on it.
Can I be my own registered agent in Tennessee?
In most states, yes — you need a physical street address in the state (not a P.O. box) and availability during normal business hours to receive legal documents. Many owners use a registered agent service instead for privacy or convenience, typically $100–$150 per year.
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Build my Tennessee checklist →Prefer the full overview? Read the general how-to-start-an-LLC guide, or see every state's fees and requirements. Dig deeper on Tennessee: the full cost breakdown or how to check name availability. Already formed your Tennessee LLC? Build a free operating agreement.