Filing a Tennessee LLC
First-time business owners will likely find a Tennessee LLC appealing for a few reasons. First and foremost, it’s relatively simple to form a Tennessee LLC, meaning that entrepreneurs could be in business sooner when choosing this structure. Secondly, the LLC structure provides significant protection from corporate liabilities for the owners.
Steps To Filing a Tennessee LLC
Choose A Name
To form a Tennessee LLC, the first thing you’ll need to do is choose a name. When doing so, you’ll need to include something in the title that indicates you have elected the LLC structure. Examples include “Limited Liability Company” and “L.L.C.” If you do not do this, the state of Tennessee will not accept your name. Additionally, the state will not accept your name if it’s already in use by another entity. Prevent this costly mistake by heading over to our Name Availability Check Page.
Choose A Registered Agent
After choosing a name, prospective owners will need to choose a registered agent. Registered agents accept legal correspondence documents on behalf of the company and then passes the information along to the owners. It’s imperative that prospective business owners find a registered agent who they can trust. For this reason, you may want to strongly consider using a third-party registered agent company like DoMyLLC.
File Articles Of Organization & Pay Filing Fees
Once you’ve chosen a name and registered agent for your Tennessee LLC, you can begin filing the Articles of Organization. You’ll need to submit this filing, along with a fee of $300, to the Secretary of State’s office. Also, the Articles of Organization will contain other relevant information such as:
- The name of the company
- Name and address of the registered agent
- Fiscal year close month
- Management structure
- Number of members as of the filing date
- Effective date
- Address of the principal executive office
- Name, title, date, and signature of authorized signer
File Initial Report
Tennessee LLCs do not have to file an Initial Report. However, they must aware of when to file their first Annual Report.
Create An Operating Agreement And Hold Meetings
Business owners will also want to draft an operating agreement, which further defines the corporate structure. Once in place, companies can begin holding meetings.
Obtain Employer Identification Number
The IRS provides Employer Identification Numbers to companies across the United States. Contact them for a number, which will allow you to file taxes and open a business bank account.
File State Required Annual Reports
The state of Tennessee also requires LLCs to file an Annual Report to the Department of State each year. The report is due on the 1st day of the 4th month after the fiscal year end. The cost to file is $50 per member of the company, although Tennessee LLCs must pay a minimum of $300. There is no late fee if owners miss this deadline. However, if they don’t file within 60 days, the state will dissolve the company. Learn more on the Tennessee Annual Reports page.
Ongoing Maintenance
In addition to filing Annual Reports, Tennessee LLCs must also renew their business licenses and permits. They also must file taxes.
How DoMyLLC Can Assist With Streamlining The Process
No matter if you’re a young entrepreneur looking to build your brand or an experienced businessperson struggling to keep up with compliance documents, DoMyLLC is here for you with services like:
- Name availability check
- Articles of Organization preparation
- Filing of the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State’s office
- Sample documents, including a sample Operating Agreement, meeting notices, and meeting minutes
- Dedicated account manager
- Unlimited customer support
We look forward to meeting you soon to help your Tennessee LLC thrive.