How Do You Check If a Business Is Registered in Tennessee?

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Finding Tennessee Business Entities

  • Search by Business Name
    • Step 1: Visit the Tennessee Secretary of State website to go to the search page for finding registered business entities in the state.
    • Step 2: You can search for the entities using entity name or control.

Finding Articles of Organization in Tennessee

  • How do I find articles of organization in Tennessee?
    • Option 1: Access the Tennessee Secretary of State’s online services.
    • Option 2: Download the Articles of Organization PDF from the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website.

Naming Guidelines and Business Search

  • Tennessee Naming Guidelines

    • There are Tennessee naming guidelines for limited liability companies that should be complied with for your business name to be approved and registered.

  • LLC Name Search

    • You can use the Tennessee Secretary of State website to look up LLCs and check name availability.
    • If the name is available, you can reserve it for 120 days by filling out and submitting a name reservation application form.

Business Entity Guidelines

  • Picking an Appropriate Name

    • A limited liability company name must contain the words "Limited Liability Company" or the abbreviations "LLC" or "L.L.C."

  • Unique Business Names

    • Each business entity that is registered with the Tennessee Secretary of State must use a unique name.

Business Formation and Name Availability

  • Starting a Business in Tennessee
    • Register your business name.
    • Select a business structure.
    • Register your business.
    • Open a Business Checking Account.
    • Find out about taxes, hire an accountant.
    • Get Liability Insurance.

Business Registration Requirements

  • Registration Process

    • If you decide to use a “doing business as” (DBA) name, our DBA guide will help ensure you are properly registered on a state, county, and/or city level.

  • Structure Selection

    • Before you begin the registration process, you will need to determine which business structure best fits your needs.

Tax and Business Operations

  • Tennessee Excise Tax

    • Tennessee’s excise tax effectively is an income tax. It is a flat 6.5% tax on net earnings from doing business in the state.

  • Business Zoning

    • Check Tennessee zoning regulations. Business locations are regulated by zoning laws.

Business Compliance and Operations

  • Licensing Requirements

    • You must find licenses and permits your business requires to operate in Tennessee.

  • State Registration

    • Register with the State.

Starting a Business in Tennessee

  • Business Starting Tips

    • Sole proprietorships are for Tennessee small businesses with low risks and individuals who want control without complex legal entities.

  • Running a Business in Tennessee

    • Tennessee has no personal income tax. Your business income won’t be taxed by the state.

  • Business Launch Guidance

    • Considering starting a new business in Tennessee? Download Now: Starting a Business Workbook.

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