Service
New Businesses
Storefront

File New Businesses Online

 File documents to form or register a new business with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
https://tncab.tnsos.gov/portal
Service
New Businesses

Name Availability Search (make sure your name is available before filing)
Guide
New Businesses

Next Steps for a New Business

What's next? Once your business entity has completed the registration process with the Secretary of State’s Office, there may be additional steps you need to take to get your business running.
Guide
Nonprofit Information

A Guidebook for Tennessee Nonprofits

What Every Board Member Should Know, A Guidebook for Tennessee Nonprofits designed to help board members become more knowledgeable about the principles and practices of Tennessee Nonprofits.
Direction Sign
https://sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com/s3fs-public/document/A%20Guidebook%20for%20Tennessee%20Nonprofits.pdf

People also ask

How do I register a nonprofit in Tennessee?

Domestic and Foreign Nonprofit Corporation filings can be filed through our online filing system.

What are the most common reasons for rejection of an Annual Report?
  1. The correct fee is not paid. The annual report fee for a corporation is $20, and an additional $20 is required if any change is made concerning the registered agent/registered office. The annual report fee for LLCs is $300 minimum up to a maximum of $3000. The fee increases by an additional $50 per member for every member over 6 members up to a maximum of $3,000.
  2. An officer is not listed. If the business is a Tennessee for-profit corporation, the corporation must list at least one officer. If the business is a Tennessee nonprofit corporation, a president and secretary or required.
  3. The board of directors are not listed, the box indicating that the board is the same as the officers listed is not marked, or the box indicating that the corporation does not have directors is not marked.
  4. The annual report is not signed and/or dated.
  5. The annual report is not typed or filled out in ink.
What is a registered agent?

A registered agent is a person or company who agrees to accept legal mail on behalf of your entity.  Tennessee requires that all entities (except General Partnerships (GP) to maintain a registered agent/office in the State of Tennessee at all times.

What is an Assumed Name?

An assumed name is a name other than the true entity name under which it conducts business.  Tennessee does not recognize 'DBAs' (doing business as) or fictitious names.  The assumed name is good for 5 years and can be renewed.

Do you have to use an attorney to incorporate?

You are not required to use an attorney to file a new entity; however, using the services of a professional may be helpful.

What are the most common reasons for rejection of a filing?
  • The required filing fee was not enclosed.
  • The document has not been signed
  • The document is not clear and legible.
  • The document was not enclosed.
  • The document is not dated.
  • An email address was not provided.
  • The name that you have requested is unavailable because it is not distinguishable from another business entity on file.
  • We were not able to obtain tax clearance from the Department of Revenue.  Please, contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue at (615) 253-0600 or (800) 342-1003.  Once you have satisfied their requirements, resubmit your document to our office for filing.
  • The address of the registered office must be a physical Tennessee address; it cannot be a post office box, route number, or box number alone.
How do I decide on the business structure for my Company?

If you are unsure as to what type of business (i.e. Corporation, Limited Liability Company, Partnership, etc.), you may need to contact an attorney or tax professional, as this office is unable to assist in that determination. For information on types of business entities and tax, treatments consult the IRS, Tennessee Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration or the Business Enterprise Resource Office (BERO) at the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.