- 1). Check on availability and register an assumed business name. This can be done online at the Tennessee Department of State website (see Resources). Tennessee registers businesses as either a general partnership, sole proprietorship, corporation, limited partnership or limited liability company. If you will be registering your business as either a limited partnership, LLC, LLP or corporation, Tennessee requires the creation of an assumed name to represent the business. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships are not required to do business under assumed names.
- 2). File with the Tennessee Secretary of State and legally form your company. For sole proprietorships, Tennessee only requires that you register with the state if you will be using a name other than your own for the company. To file, either mail the registration paperwork to the office of the Tennessee Secretary of State or file in person for a faster turnaround.
Tennessee Secretary of State
312 Rosa L. Parks Ave.
6th Floor, Snodgrass Tower
Nashville, TN 37243-1102
615-741-2286 - 3). Register with the Internal Revenue Service for an Employer Identification Number. While not a requirement of the state of Tennessee, all business started and operated within the U.S. must register with the IRS for federal taxes. Registration may be completed online (see References).
- 4). Register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Tennessee business tax obligations vary by company formation and services offered. Likely taxes include sales tax, use tax, income-tax withholding and unemployment insurance tax. Registration may be completed online (see References)
- 5). Obtain all locally required business licenses and permits. Requirements vary by area, but you should contact the offices of the county commission and city clerk to inquire about local government requirements.
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