File · budget · verify
Tennessee LLC costs
Start with the quoted state fees. Check the missing pieces before you file.
Partly verifiedQuoted-fee subtotals · 1 and 3 years
- 1-year quoted-fee subtotal
- $300
- 3-year quoted-fee subtotal
- $300
Formation + quoted recurring fees with a verified schedule. Excludes publication, variable taxes, extra filing charges and optional services. These are subtotals, not a complete startup budget.
By the DollarScout team · Updated · Methodology · How we make money
State fees, with the evidence
Year 1 is the formation year. Open a row’s source text for conditions and the exact quote.
| Filing or obligation | Fee / rule and source |
|---|---|
| Formation filing | Show the source text$300 Official source (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked Oct 30, 2026Articles of Organization Limited Liability Company ( PDF , 294.3KB ) SS-4270 $300* |
| Recurring obligations | |
| Franchise / privilege tax rule | Show the source textRule: Variable net-worth franchise tax for nonexempt entities with Tennessee nexus; LLCs are included. The quoted minimum is a floor, not a universal fixed payment. No flat recurring charge is modeled. Official source (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked Oct 30, 2026The franchise tax is a privilege tax imposed on entities for the privilege of doing business in Tennessee. All entities doing business in Tennessee and having a substantial nexus in Tennessee, except for not-for-profits and other exempt entities, are subject to the franchise tax. 203 This includes corporations, subchapter S corporations, limited liability companies, professional limited liability companies, registered limited liability partnerships, professional registered limited liability partnerships, limited partnerships, cooperatives, joint-stock associations, business trusts, regulated investment companies, REITs, state-chartered or national banks, or state-chartered or federally chartered savings and loan associations. 204 Minimum Evidence Note: Annual minimum only; exemptions and the variable tax base must be checked. Official source (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked Oct 30, 2026The minimum franchise tax payable each year is $100. Base Evidence Official source (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked Oct 30, 2026 The franchise tax base is the taxpayer’s net worth (reported on Schedule F1 or F2). The franchise tax rate is $0.25 per $100 (0.25%, or 0.0025) of the franchise tax base. 208 |
| Publication requirement | |
| Expedite options | |
| Processing note |
Build your Tennessee estimate
Use the same math as our LLC cost calculator. Add your own agent and formation-service quotes.
3-year quoted-fee subtotal
$300
Formation + quoted scheduled obligations + your optional quotes.
- Year 1$300Formation filing fee
- Year 2$0No quoted fee scheduled
- Year 3$0No quoted fee scheduled
Unknown charges, variable taxes, publication and expedited filing are excluded. Review the state’s fee evidence.
What to verify
- Confirm the current formation fee and any payment, name-reservation or initial-report charges with Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Business and Charitable Organizations.
- Confirm recurring reporting frequency, your first due date and any tax or publication obligations that apply to your business.
- Review each item marked not verified yet. Get a quote for variable and conditional charges before treating this subtotal as your budget.
- Keep provider subscriptions, agent renewals and state processing times separate.
Choosing a filing service?
Compare published plans, registered-agent billing, renewal conditions and refund policies, with links to each provider’s evidence.
Neighbouring states
Costs are one part of deciding where to form. Check your obligations where your business operates.