How to File an LLC Articles of Organization in Tennessee


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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articles of organization

The Articles of Organization is one of the main documents required while forming an LLC in Tennessee. The document needs to be filed with the Secretary of State in Tennessee to share all the important information related to the limited liability company that is going to be established.

On this page, LLCBuddy editors put all the information together about how to file the Articles of Organization in Tennessee. There might be several ways to file the formation document, online, by mail, fax, or by in-person visit to the office. Let’s dig more to check the available and easy ways in Tennessee to file the Articles of Organization while forming the LLC.

What is an LLC Articles of Organization in Tennessee?

The Articles of Organization for an LLC is the most important document among all. In general, establishing an LLC is much simpler than other types of business structures such as corporation or partnership. Among a few mandatory documents to file, Articles of Organization is one of the main papers.

By submitting the Articles of Organization, the LLC owners provide all sorts of information related to the LLC. Upon approval of the documents and information provided by the LLC, they can register their business with Tennessee Secretary of State.

Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. The Articles of Organization usually includes the following:

  • The name of the LLC in Tennessee,
  • 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

Note that the Articles of Organization in Tennessee is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC. 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 LLC Articles of Organization

Filing an LLC Articles of Organization with the State is easy. There are several ways to file it. As mentioned, the filing can be done online, by sending the PDF form by mail, or by other means (physical visit or fax). Statewise filing methods can be different. Alternatively, hiring a third-party service can make a lot of difference compared to doing it on your own. They help the LLCs to file documents easily without any complications. In Tennessee, the following methods are available.

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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 mention the name and address of the Tennessee Registered Agent. We recommend the best LLC services in Tennessee that you can choose to form your LLC, hire the Registered Agent, and file the Articles of Organization with the SOS.

If you plan to start an LLC in states other than Tennessee, you must file a foreign LLC in other states. For filing a foreign LLC you can explore the best LLC services that operate in 50 other states along with Tennessee.

What information does the Articles of Organization application need in Tennessee?

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.

Step 3: File Formation Certificates

File your formation certificate either online or by mail (whichever is available and convenient for you) by filling out the form and sending it to the Corporate Filings, 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 6th Floor, William R. Snodgrass Tower, Nashville, Tennessee 37243. For online filing, you must log in to the Tennessee Secretary of State or register with the portal. Submit the form online (if available).

Pay the required filing fee at the time of form submission to complete the LLC registration. For online filing, payment should be made using Credit or Debit Cards. For offline filing, payment should be made using a Cheque or in cash (if available).

Cost of Filing Tennessee Articles of Organization

cost

LLC cost in Tennessee includes all types of fees starting from name reservation fee, DBA filing fee (varies by county), Registered Agent costs, and Articles of Organization fee. In Tennessee, the filing fee of a formation document is $300. The standard fee for filing the Articles of Organization allows one to file the LLC within the standard time. However, by paying additional fees, you can expedite the process, and can be done as soon as within a few hours (depending on state rules).

Hiring a professional service can reduce some of the costs while filing an LLC. However, the state filing fee is mandatory and has to be paid at the time of registration. We recommend hiring ZenBusiness as it offers filing an LLC at $0 (plus state filing fee).

Amend Tennessee Articles of Organization: If you make any changes to your LLC, you must file the changes with the Secretary of State. To do so, you must Amend Tennessee Articles of Organization. LLCs can get the amendment form, fill it out with the changed/updated information, and send it back to the SOS online or offline.

FAQs

What is an LLC?
An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, is a business structure that offers limited liability protection to its owners while allowing for pass-through taxation.
How do I file Articles of Organization for an LLC in Tennessee?
To file Articles of Organization for an LLC in Tennessee, you must submit the necessary forms and fees to the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office.
Can I file Articles of Organization for an LLC online in Tennessee?
Yes, you can file Articles of Organization for an LLC online in Tennessee through the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website.
What information is required in the Articles of Organization for an LLC in Tennessee?
The Articles of Organization for an LLC in Tennessee must include the LLC’s name, address, registered agent information, and a brief statement of purpose.
Is there a filing fee to submit Articles of Organization for an LLC in Tennessee?
Yes, there is a filing fee to submit Articles of Organization for an LLC in Tennessee, which can vary depending on the method of filing and other factors.
How long does it take to process Articles of Organization for an LLC in Tennessee?
Processing times for Articles of Organization for an LLC in Tennessee can vary, but typically, it takes a few business days to several weeks.
Can I reserve an LLC name in Tennessee before filing Articles of Organization?
Yes, you can reserve an LLC name in Tennessee before filing Articles of Organization by submitting a Name Reservation form and fee to the Tennessee Secretary of State.
Are there any specific naming requirements for LLCs in Tennessee?
Yes, there are specific naming requirements for LLCs in Tennessee, including the use of the term “Limited Liability Company” or its abbreviation in the business name.
Do I need to have an operating agreement for my LLC in Tennessee?
While not required by law, having an operating agreement for your LLC in Tennessee is highly recommended to establish the internal rules and structure of your business.
Can I form a single-member LLC in Tennessee?
Yes, you can form a single-member LLC in Tennessee, which is a popular choice for sole proprietors and small businesses.
What is a registered agent, and do I need one for my LLC in Tennessee?
A registered agent is a person or entity designated to receive legal documents on behalf of the LLC. You are required to have a registered agent in Tennessee when forming an LLC.
Can an LLC in Tennessee be owned by non-US citizens?
Yes, non-US citizens can own an LLC in Tennessee, but they may need to meet additional requirements or file additional paperwork.
Are there annual reporting requirements for LLCs in Tennessee?
Yes, LLCs in Tennessee are required to file an annual report with the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office to maintain good standing in the state.
Can I change the business name of my LLC in Tennessee after filing Articles of Organization?
Yes, you can change the business name of your LLC in Tennessee after filing Articles of Organization by filing an Amendment form and fee with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
What is the difference between an LLC and a corporation in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, an LLC offers more flexibility and ease of maintenance compared to a corporation, which has more formalities and requirements.
Can I convert my existing business into an LLC in Tennessee?
Yes, you can convert your existing business into an LLC in Tennessee by filing the necessary paperwork and meeting the requirements set by the state.
Can I form a professional LLC (PLLC) in Tennessee?
Yes, licensed professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants, can form a professional LLC (PLLC) in Tennessee to provide services within their licensed profession.
How can I dissolve an LLC in Tennessee?
To dissolve an LLC in Tennessee, you must file Articles of Dissolution with the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office and settle any outstanding liabilities or obligations.
Can I reinstate a revoked LLC in Tennessee?
Yes, you can reinstate a revoked LLC in Tennessee by submitting a Reinstatement form, along with any required fees and filings, to the Tennessee Secretary of State.
Are there any ongoing compliance requirements for LLCs in Tennessee?
Yes, LLCs in Tennessee must comply with various state and federal regulations, maintain proper records, file taxes, and meet any other reporting requirements.
Can I operate my LLC in Tennessee under a DBA (Doing Business As) name?
Yes, you can operate your LLC in Tennessee under a DBA name, also known as a trade name or fictitious name, by filing a Trade Name Registration with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
Can an LLC in Tennessee have multiple members?
Yes, an LLC in Tennessee can have multiple members, which allows for shared ownership, profits, and decision-making among the members.
What taxes do LLCs in Tennessee need to pay?
LLCs in Tennessee may need to pay various taxes, including state income tax, sales tax, and possibly other local taxes, depending on the nature of the business.
Are there any restrictions on foreign-owned LLCs doing business in Tennessee?
Foreign-owned LLCs doing business in Tennessee must register with the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office and comply with state and federal laws, including tax obligations.
Can I move my LLC from another state to Tennessee?
Yes, you can move your LLC from another state to Tennessee by filing a Foreign LLC Registration form and complying with the requirements set by the Tennessee Secretary of State.
What is the Tennessee Franchise and Excise Tax, and do LLCs need to pay it?
The Tennessee Franchise and Excise Tax is a tax on the privilege of doing business in Tennessee. LLCs may need to pay this tax, depending on their income and activities in the state.
Can an LLC agreement be modified after filing Articles of Organization in Tennessee?
Yes, an LLC agreement can be modified after filing Articles of Organization in Tennessee by filing an Amendment to LLC Agreement form with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
Can I use an online service to file Articles of Organization for an LLC in Tennessee?
Yes, there are online services available that can help you file Articles of Organization for an LLC in Tennessee, but make sure to verify their credibility and reliability.
What is an LLC Articles of Organization in Tennessee?
An LLC Articles of Organization in Tennessee is a legal document filed with the Tennessee Secretary of State to formally create a limited liability company.
How much does it cost to file LLC Articles of Organization in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the filing fee for LLC Articles of Organization is $300.

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In Conclusion

The formation document or the Articles of Organization is the main document you need while forming your limited liability company in Tennessee. Certainly, you must attach supporting documents such as a name reservation certificate, registered agent name and address, and others. In Tennessee, filing the Articles of Organization is easy. However, mistakes can happen if you are a beginner or a first-time business filer. It is suggested to hire a professional service.

LLCBuddy editors recommend ZenBusiness, as it not only offers free LLC formation service ($0), but also, offers other services such as Registered Agent, operating agreement, EIN, Certificate of Existence for foreign LLC establishment, business name search, and many more.

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