TN

Tennessee LLC Compliance

Complete 2026 Guide

No state income tax state with annual reporting requirements and franchise/excise tax considerations.

US Business Compliance Research Team
Expert LLC compliance researchers
Last updated:
$300
Formation Fee
$300
Annual Report
$300
Foreign LLC Fee
Yes
Franchise Tax

Quick Navigation

1Tennessee LLC Formation

To form an LLC in Tennessee, you'll need to file Articles of Organization with the Tennessee Secretary of State.

Formation Details

2Annual Report Requirements

Tennessee requires LLCs to file a annual report to maintain good standing with the state.

Annual Report Details

  • Filing Fee: $300
  • Due Date: April 1 each year
  • Frequency: Annually

3Registered Agent Requirements

Tennessee requires all LLCs to maintain a registered agent.

Can You Be Your Own Registered Agent?

Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent in Tennessee.

Requirements: Must be a Tennessee resident or a corporation authorized to transact business in Tennessee.

4Foreign LLC Registration

If your LLC was formed in another state but you want to do business in Tennessee, you'll need to register as a foreign LLC.

Foreign LLC Registration

  • Registration Fee: $300
  • Requirements: Certificate of Existence from home state, Application for Certificate of Authority, and registered agent designation.

5Tennessee LLC Taxes

No state income tax on wages. However, LLCs are subject to franchise and excise tax.

Franchise Tax

Franchise tax: $0.25 per $100 of Tennessee property or net worth (minimum $100). Excise tax: 6.5% on net earnings.

6Penalties for Non-Compliance

Late Filing Penalties

$50 per month up to $1,500 maximum penalty

Administrative Dissolution Risk

Administrative dissolution after failure to file annual report and pay fees.

Key Considerations for Tennessee LLCs

  • No state income tax on wages or salaries
  • Subject to franchise and excise taxes for LLCs
  • Higher formation and annual report fees than some states
  • Must file franchise and excise tax returns even if no tax is due

Important Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. LLC requirements, fees, and deadlines change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your state's Secretary of State office before making business decisions.

Tennessee LLC Compliance Guides

Tennessee LLC Taxes & Fees 2026

Formation cost, state/franchise tax, and the yearly fees a Tennessee LLC owes.

Tennessee Registered Agent Requirements

Who can serve, the physical-address rule, and what a Tennessee agent costs.

Can I Be My Own Registered Agent in Tennessee?

The rules — and trade-offs — for acting as your own Tennessee registered agent.

Tennessee LLC Late Filing Penalties

What you owe — and how to fix it — if you file a Tennessee report late.

Tennessee Foreign LLC Registration

How to register an out-of-state LLC to legally do business in Tennessee.

Official Resources

For the most up-to-date information, always check the official Tennessee Secretary of State website:

https://sos.tn.gov/business-services