Form Your Tennessee LLC
State filing fee: $300 • Processing: 5-7 business days
Launch Your Tennessee LLC in the Volunteer State
Tennessee combines no state income tax with a thriving business environment. With Nashville's entertainment industry, Memphis's logistics hub, and growing healthcare sectors, Tennessee offers diverse opportunities at competitive costs.
Compare Top 5 LLC Formation Services
| Service | Price | Processing Time | Registered Agent |
|---|---|---|---|
ZenBusiness Best Overall Value | $0 + state fees | 7-10 days Expedited: 1 day | $199/yr |
Bizee Fastest Formation | $0 + state fees | 3 weeks Expedited: 1 day | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr |
Inc Authority Free Formation | $0 + state fees | 7-10 days Expedited: 2 days | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr |
LegalZoom Best for Legal Support | $0 + state fees | 5-14 days Expedited: 1 day | $249/yr |
Rocket Lawyer Legal Documents | $99.99 + state fees | 5-7 days Expedited: Not available | $149/yr |
Top 3 Recommended Services for Tennessee
ZenBusiness
Entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and compliance tools at an affordable price
ZenBusiness stands out as our top pick for LLC formation services thanks to its unbeatable combination of value, features, and support. With formation starting at $0 plus state fees, you can rest easy with their worry-free compliance service, award-winning customer support, and 100% accuracy guarantee. The Pro and Premium packages add even more value with 1-day processing, an employer ID number, operating agreement, and services to get your business online like domain name registration, AI business website builder, and more.
Pros:
- ✓ Starter package is $0 plus state fees
- ✓ Registered agent and compliance services
- ✓ Free worry-free compliance for 1 year
- ✓ Fast 1-day processing time available
- ✓ 100% accuracy guarantee
- ✓ Award-winning customer support
Cons:
- ✗ Some features require upgraded plans
- ✗ More expensive Registered Agent service
Bizee
Budget-conscious startups needing fast formation
Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers lightning-fast LLC formation with their $0 package. They're perfect for entrepreneurs who need to form their LLC quickly and affordably. With same-day processing in many states and a year of free registered agent service, Bizee provides exceptional value for basic LLC formation needs.
Pros:
- ✓ $0 basic formation package
- ✓ Same-day processing available
- ✓ Free registered agent for first year
- ✓ Compliance alerts included
- ✓ Dashboard for document management
- ✓ Free business tools and templates
Cons:
- ✗ Operating agreement not included in basic package
- ✗ Limited customer support hours
Tailor Brands
Creative businesses wanting formation plus branding
Tailor Brands combines LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Their unique approach includes AI-powered logo design, website creation, and marketing materials. Perfect for creative entrepreneurs who want to establish their brand identity alongside their legal structure.
Pros:
- ✓ Includes logo design and branding
- ✓ Website builder included
- ✓ Business card designs
- ✓ Mobile app available
- ✓ Operating agreement included
- ✓ EIN service included
Cons:
- ✗ No rush processing available
- ✗ Monthly subscription required
- ✗ Customer service via chat/email only
Tennessee LLC Formation Costs
Tennessee LLC Cost Breakdown
Additional Costs to Consider:
- • Formation service fees: $0 - $299 (depending on provider)
- • Registered agent service: $99 - $299/year
- • EIN from IRS: Free (or $99+ if using a service)
Frequently Asked Questions
- State filing fee: $300
- Annual franchise tax: $300 minimum
- Annual report: $50 (due by formation date)
- Registered agent: Required (typically $99-$299/year)
Tennessee charges all LLCs a minimum $300 franchise tax annually, regardless of income or activity. LLCs with over $100,000 in property or receipts may owe more. This tax is due by the 15th day of the 4th month after your fiscal year ends. The franchise tax partially offsets the benefit of no state income tax.
- LLCs pay franchise and excise taxes
- Business tax rates: 6.5% excise tax on net earnings
- Gross receipts tax in some cities
- Higher sales tax (9.55% average combined rate)
- Online filing: 3-5 business days
- Paper filing: 5-7 business days
- Expedited service: Not available
- Entertainment industry: Music, tourism, and media
- Healthcare: Major hospital systems and healthcare companies
- No income tax: Attracts entrepreneurs and remote workers
- Lower costs: Cheaper than coastal cities
- Quality of life: Culture, food, and entertainment
- Growing tech scene: Emerging startup ecosystem
Tennessee requires an annual report on or before the first day of the 4th month following your fiscal year close, with a $50 fee. This report updates member/manager information and registered agent details. Tennessee also requires a separate franchise tax return. Missing either deadline results in penalties and potential administrative dissolution.
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