Start a Business in Tennessee
Forming an LLC in Tennessee costs $300 in state filing fees; a corporation costs $100. Expect about $300 a year in recurring state fees for an LLC.
Last verified October 2026 against official Tennessee sources.
Tennessee Business Formation Costs by Type
| Business type | Filing fee | Processing | Recurring state fees / yr (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLC | $300 | 3-5 business days | $300 |
| Corporation | $100 | 5-7 business days | $120 |
| S-Corp | $100 | 5-7 business days | $120 |
| Nonprofit | $100 | 5-7 business days | $20 |
| Partnership | $50 | 5-7 business days | $20 |
Recurring estimate = report fee (halved for biennial reports) + franchise/minimum tax; excludes publication, registered-agent and income taxes. Details and sources are on each guide. Official filing office: sos.tn.gov.
Choose a Business Structure in Tennessee
LLC in Tennessee
Flexible structure with liability protection and pass-through taxation.
Corporation in Tennessee
Formal structure ideal for raising capital and issuing stock.
S-Corp in Tennessee
A federal tax election (IRS Form 2553) for an LLC or corporation.
Nonprofit in Tennessee
Tax-exempt status for charitable, educational, or religious purposes.
Partnership in Tennessee
Simple structure for two or more owners sharing profits and losses.
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