Kimberlee Leonard has 22 years of experience as a freelance writer. Her work has been featured on US News and World Report, Business.com and Fit Small Business. She brings practical experience as a business owner and insurance agent to her role as a.
Kimberlee Leonard Small Business Expert WriterKimberlee Leonard has 22 years of experience as a freelance writer. Her work has been featured on US News and World Report, Business.com and Fit Small Business. She brings practical experience as a business owner and insurance agent to her role as a.
Written By Kimberlee Leonard Small Business Expert WriterKimberlee Leonard has 22 years of experience as a freelance writer. Her work has been featured on US News and World Report, Business.com and Fit Small Business. She brings practical experience as a business owner and insurance agent to her role as a.
Kimberlee Leonard Small Business Expert WriterKimberlee Leonard has 22 years of experience as a freelance writer. Her work has been featured on US News and World Report, Business.com and Fit Small Business. She brings practical experience as a business owner and insurance agent to her role as a.
Small Business Expert WriterCassie is a deputy editor collaborating with teams around the world while living in the beautiful hills of Kentucky. Focusing on bringing growth to small businesses, she is passionate about economic development and has held positions on the boards of.
Cassie is a deputy editor collaborating with teams around the world while living in the beautiful hills of Kentucky. Focusing on bringing growth to small businesses, she is passionate about economic development and has held positions on the boards of.
Written ByCassie is a deputy editor collaborating with teams around the world while living in the beautiful hills of Kentucky. Focusing on bringing growth to small businesses, she is passionate about economic development and has held positions on the boards of.
Cassie is a deputy editor collaborating with teams around the world while living in the beautiful hills of Kentucky. Focusing on bringing growth to small businesses, she is passionate about economic development and has held positions on the boards of.
Brette Sember, J.D. contributorBrette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that.
Brette Sember, J.D. contributorBrette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that.
Brette Sember, J.D. contributorBrette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that.
Brette Sember, J.D. contributorBrette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that.
Updated: Apr 17, 2024, 12:05pm
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Starting a new business is exciting, but it can also be confusing. Businesses that require a license or a permit must determine if they need it issued from a state, county or federal level. Here’s what you need to know about when and how to get a Tennessee business license.
Most businesses that sell goods or services are subject to the business tax and must register with the state Department of Revenue to establish an account to pay the taxes. There are also other licenses and permits required for certain types of businesses, including those that sell alcohol to the public, insurance companies, agricultural and food services companies and medical professionals.
Each of these licenses or permits is issued by a specific department in the state. If you need more than one license, you’ll need to apply to each department individually.
The most common business license needed is the business tax license. You will need this license if you sell goods or services in the state of Tennessee. This includes those businesses headquartered outside of the state that sells to those within the state, even via mail order. If you are located within a specific Tennessee city, you may also need to pay city business taxes as well.
The threshold for needing a business tax license is $3,000 in gross annual receipts. If you have between $3,000 and $10,000 in gross annual receipts, you may qualify for a minimal activity license. Any business with more than $10,000 in receipts must obtain a standard business license.
Just about every business in the state will need to get a business tax license. Once you have this license, you’ll need to determine if you need to get a city tax license as well as any of the other types of licenses that Tennessee requires.
Other types of licenses and permits include:
The licensing process requires that you file an online application found at the Tennessee Department of Revenue’s Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point (TNTAP). The process will require you to enter your business’s name, address and contact number. It will also ask for the owner’s contact information. You will be asked to provide a copy of the owner’s driver’s license and an electronic signature is captured at the end.
Once the application is completed and submitted, you need to pay a $15 fee to the county or municipal clerk where your business is located. It can take up to ten business days to process the application and register the business.
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Most municipalities charge $15 for a business license. Nashville is considered an Urban Services District (USD) and charges a $30 fee for registration.
Other license fees will depend on the type of permit or license required. Liquor license fees depend on the size of the venue and range from $650 to $1,200. Food permits are issued by the county and start at around $30.
Check with your county to determine the actual cost of licenses and permits needed for your business.
Every business in Tennessee should check with the Department of Revenue and local municipalities to determine what, if any, licenses and permits are required to conduct business. If you have at least $3,000 in gross receipts, you’ll definitely need a business tax license at the very least.
Tennessee requires a standard business license for businesses that have at least $10,000 in gross annual receipts. A minimal activity license is required for businesses with between $3,000 and $10,000 in receipts. Your business license must be posted in your business location.
There are certain business organizations that are exempt from paying Tennessee business tax. The list of exempt businesses includes religious or charitable entities, movie theaters, manufacturers and direct-to-home satellite providers.
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Small Business Expert WriterKimberlee Leonard has 22 years of experience as a freelance writer. Her work has been featured on US News and World Report, Business.com and Fit Small Business. She brings practical experience as a business owner and insurance agent to her role as a small business writer.
Cassie is a deputy editor collaborating with teams around the world while living in the beautiful hills of Kentucky. Focusing on bringing growth to small businesses, she is passionate about economic development and has held positions on the boards of directors of two non-profit organizations seeking to revitalize her former railroad town. Prior to joining the team at Forbes Advisor, Cassie was a content operations manager and copywriting manager.
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