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If you are forming an LLC in Tennessee, then this page’s content would be vital. As you learn how to start an LLC, you will realize that the bulk of your initial work and LLC cost comprises filing Tennessee articles of organization, which we will elaborate on this page.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What is an Article of Organization?
Articles of Organization, also known as an LLC certificate or Certificate of Formation in some states, is a document filed with the secretary of state to form an LLC.
Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. An Article of Organization usually includes the following:
- The name of the LLC,
- the effective date of the LLC,
- the company’s principal office,
- the business purpose,
- the duration of the business,
- a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
- the name and address of the registered agent, organizers, and
- at least one member of the company.
You can file an Article of Organization online, by mail, or in person.
Note that the certification of formation is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC formation. It even makes up the bulk of your Tennessee LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.
How to File Tennessee Articles of Organization
These are the simple steps to follow in filing an Article of Organization in Tennessee.
Step 1: Find Forms Online
Go to the Tennessee Secretary of State to download the Articles of Organization form for your LLC or to log into the online service.
Step 2: Fill Out Form
When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to Tennessee LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.
You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Articles of Organization form when filing. You also need to nominate a registered agent. Here are 3 of the best LLC services on our list.
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Step 3: File Formation Certificates
File your formation certificate either online or by mail by filling out a form and sending it to the Secretary of State’s office at 6th FL – Snodgrass Tower ATTN: Corporate Filing, 312 Rosa L. Parks AVE, Nashville, TN 37243.
Steps to Register Article of Organization Online
Time needed: 5 minutes
To operate your business limited liability company in the State of Tennessee, you must first apply for the Articles of Organization of your business LLC with the Secretary of State office. When you opt for an online filing method, your application is processed immediately. The cost of registration is $300. The formation guide in the following steps will assist you in applying for the Articles of Organization in Tennessee.
- Access the Official website of the Tennessee Secretary of State
Go to the Businesses tab on the official Tennessee Secretary of State website. The website provides a very easy and convenient one-stop solution to different business filing requirements through online methods. On the webpage, select the option of ‘File Businesses online’.
- Start Now
On the next page, the instructions are mentioned. After reading all the requirements, click on the red tab ‘Start Now’.
- Business Entity Type
On the following page, select your business entity type as ‘Limited Liability Company.’ Next, tick the ‘I Attest that’ tab and press the continue button.
- Start to fill in the application form
Now, the online application form is displayed on the screen. Enter the business entity name and confirm the same. Select the formation locale as ‘Domestic Tennessee Business’. If your business is a Series LLC, you can accordingly select the same. Next, press the ‘Continue’ tab.
- Proceed with the further details
After completing the first page, proceed to the next pages and provide all the detailed information regarding your business details, registered agent address, principal office address, confirmation. Next, provide the signature for authentication.
- Review the information
Once you have filled in all the required details, you must review all the information mentioned in the application form. All the information should be true and accurate to your knowledge.
- Make the payment
To confirm the submission of your application, proceed to the payment gateway page and pay $300 as the filing fee of your application. After successfully submitting your application form, you will receive a notification from the Secretary of State office acknowledging the receipt of your application. You can expect a reply within 5-7 business days.
Tennessee Articles of Organization Filing By Mail
In case you wish to apply for the business formation articles through offline options, you can do that easily by mail. Follow the instructions below to file your Tennessee Articles of Organization by mail:
- You can access the Articles of Organization (ss-4270) from the Official Secretary of State website. You can also download the Application form PDF on your device.
- Read the instructions and guidelines attached to the application form thoroughly.
- Start to fill in the application form according to the instructions and guidelines. After completing the application, review all the details carefully to avoid any error in the details.
- You can also attach the name reservation certificate along with the application form.
- Issue a money order or check for $300 as the minimum fee and increasing up to $3000 for $50 per member in existence, payable to the Tennessee Secretary of State. Cash is accepted for walk-in filings.
- Arrange all the documents along with the application form and mail it to the following address, Business Services Division Tre Hargett, Secretary of State, State of Tennessee 312 Rosa L. Parks AVE, 6th Fl. Nashville, TN 37243-1102. For walk-in applications, the address is, Secretary of State Business Services Division located at 6th FL – Snodgrass Tower, 312 Rosa L. Parks AVE, Nashville, TN 37243.
Cost of Filing Articles of Organization in Tennessee
Among the offline and online filing methods, the latter is given preference over the former due to the convenience of filing and tracking applications and receiving early processing updates. Irrespective, the registration cost is the same for both the filing options. Here is the cost of filing your formation articles in Tennessee,
- Online Filing costs $300 (minimum) and $50 (per member)
- By mail Filing costs $300 (minimum) and $50 (per member)
F.A.Qs
An Article of Organization is a legal document that will officially make your LLC into existence. This document is needed specifically for Tennessee in forming an LLC business structure.
The application form for the Articles of Organization needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.
Filing by mail or in person is neither highly recommended nor required; waiting an extra week for your LLC to be approved isn’t that bad. The LLC approval you send in will be returned by mail. Online filing, meanwhile, is more convenient as you won’t have to stay in a queue.
Where Can You Find Your Tennessee LLC Articles of Organization
Articles of Organization for Tennessee LLC can be accessed through the Tennessee Secretary of State website. You can also download the PDF from the same website.
One of the primary places to access your Tennessee LLC Articles of Organization is the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website. The Secretary of State is responsible for overseeing business entities in the state, including LLCs. On their website, you can find resources and information related to starting and operating a business in Tennessee, including forms and instructions for filing your Articles of Organization.
To find your LLC Articles of Organization on the Secretary of State’s website, you will typically need to navigate to the business entity section or the specific page for LLCs. There, you may find a link or tab for filing documents or forms, including the Articles of Organization. By following the provided instructions and completing the necessary steps, you should be able to locate and access your documents for review and reference.
In addition to the Secretary of State’s website, you may also receive a copy of your LLC Articles of Organization directly from your registered agent or through your legal representative, such as an attorney or accountant. Your registered agent is the designated person or entity responsible for receiving legal and official documents on behalf of your LLC, and they may provide you with a copy of the Articles of Organization for your records.
Moreover, if you filed your Articles of Organization through a professional filing service or online platform, you may have access to a digital copy of the document through your account or login. Many filing services offer digital copies of filed documents, including the Articles of Organization, for easy access and reference.
Keep in mind that the LLC Articles of Organization are a public record, meaning that they can typically be accessed by anyone upon request. In Tennessee, this information is generally available through the Secretary of State’s office or online database for transparency and accountability purposes. As such, it is important to keep your LLC information current and accurate to comply with state regulations and protect your company’s legal standing.
In conclusion, knowing where to find your Tennessee LLC Articles of Organization is essential for maintaining compliance and understanding the formal structure of your business entity. By familiarizing yourself with the resources available through the Secretary of State’s office, your registered agent, or other authorized channels, you can easily access and reference this important document as needed. Be sure to keep your Articles of Organization in a secure location and stay informed about any updates or changes to your company’s information for successful business operations.
In Conclusion
Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation is the most important document for your Tennessee LLC. Before you submit/file the document make sure to provide proper and correct information about your company. If you have any questions, share that below in the comment section.