Tennessee Foreign LLC – Qualification and Registration


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
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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.

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:

  1. 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.tennessee-foreign-llc

  2. Choose the File new Business Online” option

    Click on the File New Business Online tab in the circle.tennessee-foreign-llc

  3. Click on Start Now Option

    On the next page, you will see a red “Start Now” button. Click on that.tennessee-foreign-llc

  4. Choose Business Entity Type

    Select “Limited Liability Company” from the business entity type- drop-down menu & check the box before “I Attest That”tennessee-foreign-llc

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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

  1. Obtain Business Licenses. Find the business licenses you’ll need using the Business License Search.
  2. File LLC annual reports and Business Privilege Tax.
  3. 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.

F.A.Qs

What is a foreign LLC in Tennessee?

If your LLC is formed under the laws of another state, it is referred to as a foreign LLC in Tennessee.

Do I need a foreign LLC?

Businesses incorporated outside of the state where they operate must have “foreign qualifications” issued in the other states.

What is the main difference between domestic and foreign LLC?

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.

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.

The cost of registering a foreign LLC in Tennessee can vary depending on several factors. One of the main expenses to consider is the filing fee that the business will need to pay to the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office. The filing fee typically ranges from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the specific circumstances of the LLC.

In addition to the filing fee, business owners must also consider potential additional costs such as hiring a registered agent in Tennessee, obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing from the LLC’s home state, and potentially paying for legal assistance in navigating the registration process. These costs can quickly add up and should be carefully considered as part of the overall budget for expanding operations to Tennessee.

It’s important for business owners to thoroughly research and understand the costs associated with registering a foreign LLC in Tennessee before proceeding. This knowledge can help them make informed decisions about the financial feasibility of expanding their operations to the state.

One potential benefit of registering a foreign LLC in Tennessee is access to the state’s business-friendly environment. Tennessee offers a favorable tax environment for businesses, with no state income tax on individuals and a relatively low corporate income tax rate. This can make it an attractive destination for businesses looking to minimize their tax burden and maximize their profitability.

Furthermore, Tennessee has a reputation for being a pro-business state, with a government that is supportive of entrepreneurship and economic growth. Businesses that choose to register a foreign LLC in Tennessee may benefit from the state’s favorable regulatory environment, which can help them navigate the complexities of operating in a new jurisdiction.

In conclusion, while the cost of registering a foreign LLC in Tennessee can vary depending on several factors, it’s important for business owners to carefully consider these costs as part of their overall budget for expansion. By understanding and planning for these expenses, businesses can make informed decisions about the financial feasibility of establishing a presence in Tennessee. With its business-friendly environment and supportive government, Tennessee can be a strategic location for businesses looking to expand their operations and capitalize on new opportunities.

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.

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