Tennessee State Law

Tennessee requires most businesses to register for the state Business Tax with the Department of Revenue before conducting business. Businesses with gross receipts above $10,000 must file business tax returns…

Source: TN Department of Revenue

Tennessee employers who pay $1,500 or more in wages in any calendar quarter or employ at least one worker in 20 weeks of a year must register with the Department…

Source: TN Department of Labor and Workforce Development

Tennessee LLCs are formed by filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and paying a $50 fee per member up to a maximum of $3,000. All LLCs must…

Source: TN Secretary of State

Tennessee corporations are formed by filing a Charter with the Secretary of State and paying a $100 filing fee. Corporations must designate a registered agent in Tennessee and file an…

Source: TN Secretary of State

Tennessee LLCs and corporations must file an Annual Report with the Secretary of State by the first day of the fourth month following the close of the fiscal year. The…

Source: TN Secretary of State

Tennessee imposes a 6.5% excise tax on net earnings and a franchise tax of $0.25 per $100 of the greater of net worth or real and tangible property in Tennessee.…

Source: TN Department of Revenue

Tennessee imposes a state sales tax of 7% on most tangible goods and a 5% rate on food and food ingredients. Local taxes bring combined rates to between 8.5% and…

Source: TN Department of Revenue

Tennessee does not impose a personal income tax on wages or salaries. The Hall Income Tax on investment income was fully repealed as of January 1, 2021. Tennessee business owners…

Source: TN Department of Revenue

Tennessee does not have a state minimum wage law and defaults to the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour. Tipped employees may be paid $2.13 per hour provided tips bring…

Source: TN Department of Labor and Workforce Development

Tennessee employers with five or more employees must carry workers compensation insurance. Construction industry employers must provide coverage with one or more employees. Coverage may be obtained through a private…

Source: TN Bureau of Workers Compensation

Tennessee professional licensing is administered by the Department of Commerce and Insurance through multiple boards covering engineers, architects, real estate agents, healthcare providers, accountants, and contractors. License applications and renewals…

Source: TN Department of Commerce and Insurance

Tennessee requires contractors performing work valued at $25,000 or more to be licensed by the Board for Licensing Contractors. Separate license categories exist for residential and commercial construction. Electrical, plumbing,…

Source: TN Board for Licensing Contractors

The Tennessee FastTrack Infrastructure and Job Training programs provide grants to communities and businesses to support economic development projects. Grants fund infrastructure improvements and employee training tied to business location…

Source: TN Department of Economic and Community Development

The Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) network provides free one-on-one business advising, financial analysis, and training to Tennessee entrepreneurs and small business owners. The network is hosted by Tennessee…

Source: TN Small Business Development Center

Home-based businesses in Tennessee are regulated by local city and county zoning ordinances. Most jurisdictions permit home occupations as an accessory residential use subject to restrictions on signage, customer visits,…

Source: TN Department of Economic and Community Development