How to Get Tennessee Certificate of Existence


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
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Get Tennessee Certificate of Existence

Are you looking to expand your business operations or secure financing for your company in Tennessee? One essential document you’ll need in such situations is the Certificate of Existence. This certificate is an official document issued by the state authorities to confirm that your business is compliant with state regulations and requirements. The Certificate of Existence is one of the most important documents your business needs. Whether it is the Tennessee LLC filing or a corporation or any other form of business, the Certificate of Existence must be obtained.

We will share the in and out of Tennessee Certificate of Existence in this article. We’ll also discuss the various scenarios when you might need this certificate and provide helpful tips to ensure your business remains in good standing with the Tennessee authorities. We recommend you read the article on how to get Tennessee Certificate of Existence till the end. Let’s dive in and get your business one step closer to achieving its goals!

What is Certificate of Existence in Tennessee

The Certificate of Existence is a document that every business in Tennessee requires to obtain. This document states that the company (LLC, Corporation, Partnership, etc.) complies with the State government. In other words, the business has fulfilled all the legal requirements in Tennessee. Whether you form an LLC or any other form of business, you must get this document.

If you take your business to a different state, your Certificate of Existence will be a necessary document to be produced. It shows that your business does not have any illegitimate or outlawed activities.

What Information You Have in Tennessee Certificate of Existence

The Certificate of Existence consists of very pivotal information related to your business. Following is the information your Certificate of Existence will have-

  • The entity type (LLC, Corporation, LLP, LP, or any other registered entity type) when it was formed
  • The date of filing the business entity (filing the formation document).
  • The current name and address of the business entity
  • Whether the business entity exists today
  • Name and address of the Resident Agent
  • The State where the document is issued
  • A declaration that the business entity has paid all the required taxes and complies with all applicable legal requirements.
  • A declaration that the business entity met all the requirements to get the document.

Who Should Obtain the Certificate of Existence

Any business entity, a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a Corporation, a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), a Limited Partnership (LP), or any other registered business structure in Tennessee is eligible to obtain the Certificate of Existence. Anyone with a sole proprietorship does not need to obtain the Certificate of Existence because sole proprietorship companies do not have to register their business.

How to Obtain Tennessee Certificate of Existence

The Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Existence, you must fill out the form and send it to the Tennessee SOS along with the required filing fees. There is some information you will need to enter while submitting the form. Here are the points to add-

Step 1: Get the Form

The first thing you need to do is get the form. The form is available on the state SOS website. You can download the form and mail it or submit it online. The following points are required to mention in the form-

Details of The Requester: The first information you need to provide is the detail of the requester. Provide your full name, address (which can be your business address), and phone number.

Name of Your Business: Provide the exact name of your business. Make sure no spelling mistakes are made. The spelling must be the same as mentioned in the Certificate of Formation. Besides the name, provide the company registration number or file number. The SOS issues this number after you file the Certificate of Formation. This is not mandatory, but it is recommended to share the file number to get the process done quickly.

Details of Return Method: The certificate can be collected in person or by mail from Tennessee SOS. If you request the document in person, you can take the return in person or by mail. Choose which way you want it.

Copies of the Certificate: You can request the number of copies of the certificate from SOS. There is a box in the form you need to check for multiple copies of this document. You can obtain more than one copy of the Certificate of Compliance for various purposes. It is recommended to get more copies of the certificate for future use.

Fax Copy of the Certificate: You might get a Fax copy before receiving the certificate’s hard copy. This is one of the options available in some of the states. If you want to receive the fax copy of the certificate, you must provide the fax number while filing the form.

Copies of Other Documents: If you want, you can request copies of other documents filed with the SOS. Other documents include the Tennessee Articles of Organization for LLCs, Charter for Profit Corporation, amendments, and other registered documents with the SOS. This is optional and you can avoid this. With every copy you request, you must pay a stipulated fee.

Step 2: Submit the Form

You can submit the form online, by mail, or in person, whichever is available and more convenient. Send the form to the Corporate Filings, 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 6th Floor, William R. Snodgrass Tower, Nashville, Tennessee 37243 for offline filing. You can also submit the form online. For that, you must go to the Tennessee SOS official website and search for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee must be paid to the SOS to obtain the Certificate of Existence. The amount depends on the number of copies you request. If you request other document copies, you might pay an additional fee for that.

Processing Time: The Certificate of Existence’s processing time varies from state to state. Also, it depends on the expedited filing as well. It can take a few days to a few months to obtain the Certificate of Existence in Tennessee.

Step 4: Receive the Certificate of Existence

Once you submit the form and the necessary filing fee, your forms start processing. The process might take a lot of time. If you do not want to wait, you can check with the Tennessee SOS if they have expedited filing or not. In Tennessee, it can take up to a few months to receive the Certificate of Existence.

Why Do You Need a Certificate of Existence

The Certificate of Existence in Tennessee is a character certificate of any business. Obtaining this document makes your business legitimate officially. You need this document every now and then while making business decisions. You must obtain the document for the following reasons,

  • To get business loans and advances or investors
  • To get business bank accounts
  • To purchase insurance for business coverage
  • To renew licenses & permits
  • To set up your business in other states, for example, a Foreign LLC.
  • To sell or transfer your business completely or partially to another.
  • To get into a legal business contract with other businesses or clients.

The document is required as much as the formation document. Hence, obtaining the Tennessee Certificate of Existence is needed.

FAQs

What is a Tennessee Certificate of Existence?
A Tennessee Certificate of Existence is a document issued by the Tennessee Department of State that verifies the existence of a business entity.
What is required to get a Tennessee Certificate of Existence?
To obtain a Tennessee Certificate of Existence, an entity must submit a properly completed and signed Certificate of Existence form to the Tennessee Department of State.
How long does it take to get a Tennessee Certificate of Existence?
It can take up to 10 business days to receive a Certificate of Existence from the Tennessee Department of State.
How much does a Tennessee Certificate of Existence cost?
The cost for a Tennessee Certificate of Existence is $20.
How do I submit my Tennessee Certificate of Existence?
A Tennessee Certificate of Existence can be submitted online, by mail, or in person.
What type of business entities can obtain a Tennessee Certificate of Existence?
A Tennessee Certificate of Existence can be obtained by any business entity registered with the Tennessee Secretary of State, including corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and non-profit corporations.
How do I know if a business entity is registered with the Tennessee Secretary of State?
You can check the status of a business entity with the Tennessee Secretary of State’s Business Entity Search.
Is a Tennessee Certificate of Existence the same as a Certificate of Good Standing?
No, a Tennessee Certificate of Existence is not the same as a Certificate of Good Standing. A Certificate of Good Standing is a document issued by the Tennessee Department of State that verifies that a business entity is in compliance with all state laws and regulations.
What information is included in a Tennessee Certificate of Existence?
A Tennessee Certificate of Existence includes information such as the business entity’s name, registered agent, registered office address, and date of formation.
What is a registered agent?
A registered agent is an individual or business entity authorized to accept legal documents on behalf of a business entity.
How can I change the registered agent for my business entity?
You can change the registered agent for your business entity by filing an Amendment for Change of Registered Agent with the Tennessee Department of State.
Is a Tennessee Certificate of Existence required for foreign business entities?
Yes, foreign business entities registered to do business in Tennessee must obtain a Tennessee Certificate of Existence in order to remain in good standing with the state.
Is a Tennessee Certificate of Existence required to open a bank account?
Yes, many banks require a Tennessee Certificate of Existence in order to open a business bank account.
Is a Tennessee Certificate of Existence required to apply for a business license?
Yes, some business licenses require a Tennessee Certificate of Existence.
How often does a business entity need to obtain a Tennessee Certificate of Existence?
A Tennessee Certificate of Existence must be obtained each year to remain in good standing with the state.
How do I renew my Tennessee Certificate of Existence?
You can renew your Tennessee Certificate of Existence by submitting a properly completed and signed Certificate of Existence form to the Tennessee Department of State.
Is a Tennessee Certificate of Existence the same as an annual report?
No, a Tennessee Certificate of Existence is not the same as an annual report. The annual report is a document required by the Tennessee Department of State to be filed each year to remain in good standing with the state.
What is the Tennessee Department of State?
The Tennessee Department of State is the state agency responsible for overseeing the formation, registration, and regulation of business entities in Tennessee.
Does the Tennessee Department of State provide online services?
Yes, the Tennessee Department of State provides online services for filing documents, searching for business entities, and obtaining certificates of existence.
How do I contact the Tennessee Department of State?
You can contact the Tennessee Department of State by phone at 615-741-2286 or by email at [email protected].
How can I find a list of forms for business entities?
You can find a list of forms for business entities on the Tennessee Department of State website.
Can I file a Tennessee Certificate of Existence online?
Yes, you can file a Tennessee Certificate of Existence online with the Tennessee Department of State.
Can I file a certificate of existence in person?
Yes, you can file a Tennessee Certificate of Existence in person at the Tennessee Department of State office in Nashville.
Can I file a Tennessee Certificate of Existence by mail?
Yes, you can file a Tennessee Certificate of Existence by mail to the Tennessee Department of State at 312 8th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37243.
Is a Tennessee Certificate of Existence required for a foreign business entity?
Yes, a Tennessee Certificate of Existence is required for a foreign business entity registered to do business in Tennessee.
How do I file an annual report for my business entity?
You can file an annual report for your business entity online, by mail, or in person with the Tennessee Department of State.
How can I find out more information about starting a business in Tennessee?
You can find more information about starting a business in Tennessee on the Tennessee Department of State website or by contacting their Business Services Division at 615-741-2286.
How do I get a Tennessee Certificate of Existence?
You can obtain a Tennessee Certificate of Existence by submitting an online application or mail-in form to the Tennessee Secretary of State.
Are there any other documents I need to provide to get a Tennessee Certificate of Existence?
Yes, you will also need to provide the exact name of the business entity registered in the state and a valid form of payment.
Is a Tennessee Certificate of Existence the same thing as a Certificate of Good Standing?
No, a Tennessee Certificate of Existence is a document that confirms the legal existence of a business entity, whereas a Certificate of Good Standing confirms that the business entity is in compliance with state laws and regulations.

Also Read

Why Tennessee Certificate of Existence is So Important

The Tennessee Certificate of Existence provides a snapshot of a business’s standing, verifying that it has met all required filings and payments to the state. This document is often required when entering into contracts, securing loans, or bidding on government projects. Without it, a business may be seen as unreliable or even operating illegally.

Being able to provide a Certificate of Existence demonstrates to others that a business is up-to-date on its obligations and is a legitimate entity. This can help build trust and credibility with clients and partners, making it easier to secure new opportunities and expand the business.

Furthermore, having a Certificate of Existence can also protect a business from legal issues. If a business is found to not be in compliance with state requirements, it could face penalties or even have its operations suspended. By proactively maintaining this document, a business can avoid potential headaches and legal troubles down the road.

In addition, businesses with a Certificate of Existence may also benefit from access to certain perks and opportunities. For example, some banks may require this document before extending a business loan, or a government agency may require it for a specific contract. By having this document on hand, a business can position itself to take advantage of these opportunities.

Overall, the Tennessee Certificate of Existence is an essential component of running a business in the state. It not only provides evidence that a business is legitimate and in good standing but also opens up opportunities for growth and success. Businesses should prioritize obtaining and maintaining this document to ensure smooth operations and build trust with clients and partners.

In conclusion, the Tennessee Certificate of Existence may seem like a simple piece of paper, but its impact on a business’s reputation and operations is significant. By recognizing the importance of this document and proactively maintaining it, businesses can pave the way for success and growth in the state.

Conclusion

The Certificate of Existence is a vital document for any business entity in Tennessee, as it enables you to expand your operations throughout the United States. It’s essential to provide accurate and truthful information in this document. If you plan to establish the same business in another state, obtaining a Certificate of Existence is necessary.

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