Form an LLC in Tennessee — or start trading today

Tennessee is one of the fastest-growing states. Nashville is a healthcare, tech and entertainment hub, Memphis is a global logistics centre (FedEx HQ), and the state eliminated all personal income tax in 2021. If your business actually operates in Tennessee, forming here makes sense.

But Tennessee is not a low-cost shell state. Its filing fee is $50 per member with a $300 minimum (and a $3,000 cap), the annual report uses the same formula, and operating LLCs also pay a 0.25% franchise tax on net worth plus a 6.5% excise tax on net earnings. For a founder who simply needs a clean US entity to bank and take payments, that's a lot of friction.

So here's the honest split. If you want a Tennessee company, we'll register one for you — $549 all-in, formed in 1–2 business days. If what you actually need is to start trading now, a ready-made Wyoming LLC that already has its EIN will get you banking the same week, with no per-member fee, no franchise or excise tax, and no public owner register.

Form in Tennessee yourself vs. buy a ready-made Wyoming LLC

Want the Tennessee facts in full before you decide? They're all below. Want the fast route instead? See the Wyoming LLC, or Delaware if you're raising from outside investors.

Complete fee breakdown for Tennessee LLCs. State fees are sourced from the Tennessee Secretary of State.

Step 1 — Choose your LLC name

Your name must be distinguishable from existing entities and include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company." Check availability on the Tennessee business search. You can reserve a name for 120 days for $20.

Step 2 — Appoint a registered agent

Every Tennessee LLC needs a registered agent with a physical Tennessee address (not a PO Box). USLLCGlobal includes one year of registered agent service in all packages.

Step 3 — File Articles of Organization

File with the Tennessee Secretary of State through the Tennessee filing portal or by mail. Required information:

• LLC name with designator
• Registered agent name and address
• LLC mailing address
• Organizer name and address
• Member-managed or manager-managed
• $300 filing fee

Step 4 — Create an Operating Agreement

Not legally required in Tennessee but essential. It defines ownership, profit distribution, management and exit provisions. Banks and the IRS expect to see it.

Step 5 — Obtain an EIN

Your federal tax ID from the IRS — required for bank accounts, hiring and taxes. Non-residents can apply via Form SS-4 (4–6 weeks). USLLCGlobal handles EIN applications in every package. (Buying ready-made skips this wait entirely — the EIN already exists.)

Step 6 — Open a US bank account

With your Articles of Organization, EIN and Operating Agreement, open a US business account. Mercury, Relay and Wise Business allow remote opening for non-residents.

Annual compliance requirements

1. Annual report: due your anniversary month. $50/member, min $300, max $3,000.
2. Federal tax filing: Form 5472 for non-US owners. $25,000 penalty for non-filing.
3. Franchise/excise taxes: excise 6.5% on earnings, franchise 0.25% on net worth.
4. Registered agent: maintain a physical Tennessee address.
5. FinCEN BOI report: file within 30 days.

Tennessee taxes for LLCs

Processing times

Even at 1–2 days, you then still wait on the EIN before banking. A ready-made Wyoming LLC removes that step — its EIN already exists.

Every package includes:

• Articles of Organization filing with the Tennessee Secretary of State
• One year registered agent service
• Custom Operating Agreement
• EIN application
• Banking introduction letter
• Digital delivery within 24 hours of approval
• Compliance calendar
• Dedicated support

No hidden fees. No upsells. The price listed is the price you pay. To register a Tennessee LLC on request, contact us — or, if speed matters more than the state, browse a ready-made Wyoming company that's ready to bank today.