Tennessee LLC Cost (2026)

See Tennessee LLC costs in 2026, including state filing fees, recurring fees, registered agent, EIN, taxes, licenses, and common add-on costs.

LLC Route Editorial Team

Reviewed against official state and federal resources.

Updated July 28, 2026

Educational guide, not legal or tax advice.

Tennessee LLC formation and annual report fees are based on the number of members: $50 per member, with a $300 minimum and $3,000 maximum. The state filing fee is only one part of the startup and maintenance budget because Tennessee also has franchise and excise tax, business-license, sales-tax, and local requirements.

Educational note: This guide is for general informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Confirm current requirements with Tennessee Secretary of State, Department of Revenue, local agencies, IRS, and qualified professionals.

Most people need this first

If you are trying to decide…	Short answer
Articles of Organization	$300 minimum; $50/member; $3,000 maximum
Annual report	$300 minimum; $50/member; $3,000 maximum
Annual report deadline	First day of the fourth month after fiscal year-end
Calendar-year deadline	Generally April 1
Registered agent required?	Yes
Sales and use tax account	No registration fee; required when covered activity applies
EIN	$0 from IRS
Business license	$15 license fee when required; tax rules vary
Local or professional licenses	Varies

For many Tennessee LLCs, the practical order is:

Search name -> choose registered agent -> file Articles -> create operating agreement -> get EIN -> register Tennessee tax accounts -> obtain business licenses -> calendar April 1 annual report and franchise/excise tax deadlines

Tennessee LLC cost at a glance

Cost or requirement	Amount	What to know
Formation filing	$50/member, $300 minimum, $3,000 maximum	Member-based state filing fee
Annual report	$50/member, $300 minimum, $3,000 maximum	Separate annual Secretary of State filing
Registered agent service	Varies	Optional paid service if the owner does not serve
EIN	$0	Free directly from IRS
Sales and use tax account	$0 registration fee	Required for covered taxable activity
Minimal activity license	$15	Generally for more than $3,000 and less than $100,000 receipts
Standard business license	$15	Required at applicable business-tax thresholds
Franchise and excise tax	Varies	Includes a $100 minimum franchise tax
Local or industry licenses	Varies	County, city, and activity rules

Formation filing cost

Tennessee charges $50 per member for LLC formation, with a $300 minimum and $3,000 maximum. An LLC with one through six members generally pays the $300 minimum. The filing creates the LLC, but it does not include an EIN, operating agreement, registered-agent subscription, tax accounts, business license, annual report, or professional permit.

Annual report cost and deadline

The annual report uses the same $50-per-member formula, with a $300 minimum and $3,000 maximum. It is due on the first day of the fourth month after the end of the LLC’s fiscal year. A calendar-year LLC is generally due April 1. A $20 fee may apply when changing the registered agent or registered office as part of the report.

Taxes and business licenses

Tennessee LLCs can be subject to franchise and excise tax. The minimum franchise tax is $100, and the excise tax is based on net earnings. Businesses with more than $3,000 in taxable receipts generally need a business license through the county clerk and, where applicable, city official. Sales and use tax registration through TNTAP has no registration fee.

Cost FAQ

How much does it cost to start a Tennessee LLC?

The state formation fee is $300 minimum and rises by member count at $50 per member, up to $3,000. Add the registered agent, taxes, licenses, and optional services.

How much is the Tennessee LLC annual report?

The annual report is $300 minimum and $50 per member, capped at $3,000.

Is the annual report due on the anniversary?

No. It is due on the first day of the fourth month after the fiscal year ends. For most calendar-year LLCs, that is April 1.

Is an EIN free?

Yes. EINs are free when requested directly from the IRS.

Official resources

TimeSee Tennessee LLC processing time factors in 2026, including online filing, paper filing, name issues, registered agent mistakes, EIN timing, and next steps.NameLearn how to search a Tennessee LLC name in 2026, check distinguishability, avoid name rejection, and separate legal names from DBAs, domains, and trademarks.Registered AgentUnderstand Tennessee registered agent rules for LLCs in 2026, including who can serve, address requirements, privacy tradeoffs, and when to use a service.ArticlesLearn how to file the Tennessee LLC formation document in 2026, what information to prepare, what the filing fee covers, and what to do after approval.AgreementLearn what a Tennessee LLC operating agreement should cover in 2026, why banks and partners ask for it, and how it supports ownership and management.EINLearn when a Tennessee LLC needs an EIN in 2026, how to apply through the IRS for free, and how EIN timing affects banking, payroll, and tax accounts.

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