If you already have an LLC in another state and want an LLC in Tennessee, then starting an LLC would be somewhat different. You must register as a foreign LLC. We have here a guide on how you can qualify and register for a foreign LLC in Tennessee.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
Forming a Tennessee Foreign LLC
A foreign LLC does not need to be a company from another country but a business formed under the laws of another state. To start a foreign LLC in Tennessee, you need to register it with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
Step 1: Choose Tennessee Foreign LLC Name
Obtain a name reservation certificate and submit it with your foreign qualification requirements at the Tennessee Secretary of State. Your LLC’s legal name outside of Tennessee will be listed on the application, along with the name it will use in Tennessee. Take note of the requirements for naming your LLC.
Check name availability at Tennessee’s business entity names and reserve your LLC name.
Step 2: Select Tennessee Foreign LLC Registered Agent
You’ll need a registered agent to form a foreign LLC in Tennessee and take note that a Tennessee registered agent must have a local address. Here are three of the best LLC services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries:
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Step 3: File Registration of Tennessee Foreign LLC
Fill out and submit a Foreign LLC Application for Registration form via email to [email protected] or by mail to Secretary of State’s office at 6th FL – Snodgrass Tower ATTN: Corporate Filing, 312 Rosa L. Parks AVE, Nashville, TN 37243.
Include the following:
- LLC’s full legal name.
- A fictitious name or a DBA (only if your LLC’s legal name is not available); Attach a statement of adoption of the fictitious name signed by all LLC members.
- LLC’s principal office and mailing addresses.
- LLC formation state and date.
- Registered agent’s name and address in Tennessee.
- Date when your LLC will start operations in Tennessee.
- Credit card information on the last page of the form for the $150 application fee.
The LLC cost in Tennessee, even for foreign LLCs will differ between online filing and by mail.
Step 4: Determine How Your Tennessee Foreign LLC is taxed
Foreign LLCs are also subjected to the Tennessee Business Privilege Tax, and they must file LLC annual reports each year.
Note that forming a foreign LLC would be good for your business as you can legally operate in a different state thus reaching a larger market and opening more opportunities for higher profit.
Steps to Filing Tennessee Foreign LLC Online
Time needed: 5 minutes.
To start your foreign business as a Limited Liability Company in the State of Tennessee, you must first register your business with the Secretary of State of Tennessee office to obtain the Certificate of Authority. The State offers online and offline filing options. The cost of registration is $300+. When your application is approved by the State office, you will receive the Certificate of Authority of your business documents from the Secretary of State office. We have explained the aspects you need to cover when you apply for Foreign Business Registration in Tennessee.
Following are the steps to register the Foreign LLC online:
- Visit the Official website of the Tennessee Secretary of State
Go to the Businesses tab on the official Tennessee Secretary of State website. On the State main web page, click on the ‘Businesses’ option on the top toolbar.
- Choose the “File new Business Online” option
Click on the File New Business Online tab in the circle.
- Click on Start Now Option
On the next page, you will see a red “Start Now” button. Click on that.
- Choose Business Entity Type
Select “Limited Liability Company” from the business entity type- drop-down menu & check the box before “I Attest That”
- Start Filing the Application Form
The application form is displayed on the screen. Enter the business entity name and confirm the same. Select the formation locale as ‘Foreign Business’. If your business is a Series LLC, you can accordingly select the same. Next, press the ‘Continue’ tab.
- Proceed with other details & signatures
Fill in the required details on all the subsequent pages. Make sure that you have filled in the information correctly. Put all the relevant signatures of the signatories.
- Make the Payment
Once you have correctly filled the application form, proceed to the payment gateway page and make the payment as per your business structure, i.e. $300+ $50 for every member. You receive an acknowledgment of your application, once you have submitted it successfully.
Filing Tennessee Foreign LLC by Mail
If you wish to file your Tennessee Foreign Business LLC Certificate of Authority application by mail, you can do so easily.
- Download the application form PDF (Form SS-4233) on your device.
- Read the instructions attached to the form carefully and accordingly fill in the details.
- You can attach the Certificate of Existence issued by the State of Original Jurisdiction.
- After you have reviewed all the details thoroughly in the application form, issue a money order or check payable to the Tennessee Secretary of State.
- Compile all the documents together 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.
- You can also submit your walk-in application to the Secretary of State Business Services Division located at 6th FL – Snodgrass Tower, 312 Rosa L. Parks Ave, Nashville, TN 37243.
After Forming Tennessee Foreign LLC
Here are added things you need to accomplish after forming your Tennessee Foreign LLC
- Obtain Business Licenses. Find the business licenses you’ll need using the Business License Search.
- File LLC annual reports and Business Privilege Tax.
- Pay State Taxes like sales tax; you’ll need an EIN for your LLC.
It is convenient plus easy to file for the foreign LLC if you are doing it online. The steps are very easy and that’s why it’s possible to go along with the steps and form the foreign LLC in Tennessee.
How Much Does It Cost to Register a Foreign LLC in Tennessee
To register as a foreign LLC in Tennessee, you can file through mail by paying a filing fee od $50 per member to the Tennessee Secretary of State.
Foreign LLCs that wish to do business in the state of Tennessee are required to register with the Tennessee Secretary of State. The process for registering a foreign LLC in the state is relatively straightforward, but the cost of registration depends on a few factors.
First of all, a foreign LLC must file a Certificate of Authority with the Tennessee Secretary of State. The cost of filing a Certificate of Authority is $300. The Certificate of Authority must include the LLC’s name, the jurisdiction in which it was formed, a statement that the LLC is authorized to transact business in Tennessee, a list of the LLC’s officers and managers, and a statement that the LLC has registered with the Tennessee Department of Revenue for tax purposes.
Once the Certificate of Authority is filed, the Tennessee Secretary of State will issue a Certificate of Authority number. This number is used to identify the LLC and must be included in all documents that are filed with the Secretary of State.
In addition to the filing fee, there may also be additional fees associated with registering a foreign LLC in Tennessee. For example, if the LLC wishes to appoint a registered agent in the state, there is a $50 fee. A registered agent is an individual or entity that agrees to accept service of process on behalf of the LLC if it is sued. It is important to note that the registered agent must have a physical address in Tennessee.
The foreign LLC must also register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue for tax purposes. This process requires the LLC to provide information about the business, such as the type of business, its address, and the names of its owners. The registration fee for the Department of Revenue is $20.
Finally, the foreign LLC must also register with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. This process requires the LLC to provide information about the business, such as the type of business, its address, and the names of its owners. The registration fee for the Department of Labor and Workforce Development is $50.
In total, the cost of registering a foreign LLC in Tennessee is $420. This fee covers the cost of filing the Certificate of Authority, appointing a registered agent, registering with the Department of Revenue, and registering with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
While the cost of registering a foreign LLC in Tennessee may seem like a lot of money up front, it is an important step in ensuring that the business is in compliance with the state’s laws. It is also important to note that the fees associated with registering a foreign LLC in Tennessee are subject to change and may be adjusted periodically. Therefore, it is important to check with the Tennessee Secretary of State to ensure that all fees are up to date.
F.A.Qs
If your LLC is formed under the laws of another state, it is referred to as a foreign LLC in Tennessee.
Businesses incorporated outside of the state where they operate must have “foreign qualifications” issued in the other states.
A domestic LLC is a company registered in Tennessee as an LLC. The entity type that has a physical presence in another state is a foreign LLC.
In Conclusion
Starting a foreign LLC in Tennessee does not require a lot of documentation or tasks. However, it is always good to seek help from a professional when it comes to running your business. Get a professional registered agent and form your foreign LLC anywhere without a hassle.