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Tennessee LLC Formation: How to Start an LLC in Tennessee (2026)
Here is how to start an LLC in Tennessee: you file Articles of Organization with the Tennessee Secretary of State. After that, every Tennessee LLC must stay compliant with its annual report. We file it all for you, from anywhere in the world — no US visa, no SSN, no trip to the US.
Tennessee LLC at a Glance
How to Start an LLC in Tennessee: 6 Steps
- Search the Tennessee Secretary of State records to make sure your LLC name is available and includes “LLC”.
- Choose your Tennessee registered agent. It must have a physical address in Tennessee.
- File the Articles of Organization with the Tennessee Secretary of State. The state fee is included in our package price.
- Apply for your EIN with the IRS once the state approves your LLC. We do this for you, with or without an SSN.
- Register for franchise and excise tax with the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
- Stay in good standing: an annual report at $50 per member ($300 minimum), plus state franchise and excise taxes.
Our Tennessee LLC Package
One clear price. It covers the state filing fee, your EIN, a registered agent and a US mailing address for one year, plus our service. There are no separate fees to work out.
- LLC formation and state filing (state fee included)
- Articles of Organization
- Tennessee LLC certificate / formation documents
- EIN (federal tax ID) — with or without an SSN
- Registered agent for 1 year
- US mailing address for 1 year
- Operating agreement for banks and payment platforms
Optional add-ons: business bank account help (Mercury, Wise, Payoneer), Stripe setup, Amazon and Shopify setup. You choose them at checkout.
Forming Your LLC From Outside the US
You can form a Tennessee LLC from any country, without a US visa, an SSN or a trip to the US. Our non-resident LLC guide lists the documents we need, realistic timelines and what to expect from US banks in your country.
How Your Order Works
Order online or send us your LLC name on WhatsApp. We confirm the total, file with the Tennessee Secretary of State, apply for your EIN and send your documents by email and WhatsApp as each one is approved.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underestimating the yearly cost. Tennessee’s minimum is $300, plus franchise and excise taxes.
- Using a borrowed or virtual home address on your application. Banks check it against your ID.
- Forgetting Form 5472 if the LLC is owned by a non-US person, even with no income.
Tennessee Ongoing Filings: What You Must Know
Every Tennessee LLC files an annual report with the Secretary of State. Separately, Tennessee’s franchise and excise taxes can apply to LLCs depending on how they operate — we flag this with every Tennessee order so there are no surprises, and remind you ahead of every deadline.
Do You Need a Registered Agent in Tennessee?
Yes. Every Tennessee LLC must have a registered agent located in Tennessee during business hours. You cannot use a PO box, and you can be your own agent only if you have a Tennessee address. We include a Tennessee agent for the first year.
Is Tennessee the Right State for Your LLC?
A good fit for businesses based in Tennessee. Tennessee’s yearly annual report is charged per member, with a $300 minimum. For founders outside the US with no Tennessee connection, Wyoming or New Mexico usually cost less to keep.
Tennessee vs Other Popular States
| Tennessee | Wyoming | Delaware | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual filing | Annual report | $60 annual report | $400 annual tax |
| State income tax | None on wages | None | Yes, for DE income |
| Best for | Living or doing business in Tennessee | Low cost, privacy | Investors, Delaware law |
Compare in detail: Wyoming LLC · Delaware LLC
How LLCPronto Helps With Your Tennessee LLC
One price, $472, covers the Tennessee filing fee, our filing of the Articles of Organization, a registered agent for a year and your EIN. We also remind you when your yearly filing is due.
Yearly filing: see our Tennessee LLC annual report guide for the deadline, fee and how to file.
Tennessee LLC FAQs
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Tennessee?
After formation, you pay for an annual report at $50 per member ($300 minimum), plus state franchise and excise taxes. Our package costs $472 and already includes the state fee, your EIN, a registered agent and a US mailing address for one year.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Tennessee?
Online filings are usually approved within a few business days, though busy periods can take longer. Your EIN is ready within 24 hours of state approval, and bank account setup takes a few more days.
Can a non-US resident form a Tennessee LLC?
Yes. You don’t need to live in the US or have an SSN. You need a Tennessee registered agent, and we get your EIN from the IRS using Form SS-4.
Does Tennessee require an operating agreement?
Tennessee does not require you to file one, but you should have it. Banks and payment platforms often ask for it to confirm who owns the LLC.
Can I get an EIN for my Tennessee LLC without an SSN or ITIN?
Yes. Owners without an SSN apply with IRS Form SS-4. The EIN is included in our package.
Compare Other States
Ready to Form Your Tennessee LLC?
Send us your LLC name on WhatsApp. We confirm the full cost, file your Articles of Organization and set up your registered agent.