Business Formation in Tennessee

To register your business, you’ll need to file the appropriate formation documents with the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office. The specific requirements vary depending on your business structure, but generally involve submitting articles of incorporation or organization and paying the required fees.

Many businesses in Tennessee require specific licenses or permits. The requirements vary by industry and location. You can check with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance for state-level requirements and your local county or city government for local permits.

Tennessee businesses may be subject to various taxes, including:

• Franchise and excise taxes for corporations and LLCs
• Sales and use tax
• Business tax (a local tax on gross receipts)
• Payroll taxes
• Federal income tax

Key employment laws in Tennessee include:

• At-will employment doctrine
• Minimum wage laws (Tennessee follows the federal minimum wage)
• Workers’ compensation requirements
• Anti-discrimination laws
• Occupational safety and health regulations

Tennessee courts generally enforce non-compete agreements if they are reasonable in terms of duration, geographic scope, and protected business interests. The agreements must be supported by adequate consideration and not overly restrictive.

Requirements vary by entity type but generally include:

• Filing annual reports
• Maintaining registered agent services
• Keeping accurate financial records
• Holding required meetings (for corporations)
• Paying necessary taxes and fees

Business contract disputes in Tennessee are typically handled through the state court system. Tennessee follows general contract law principles, including offer, acceptance, and consideration. The state also recognizes the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) for sales of goods.

Yes, Tennessee has several consumer protection laws, including:

• Tennessee Consumer Protection Act
• Home Solicitation Sales Act
• Credit Card Fraud Act Businesses should familiarize themselves with these laws to ensure compliance.

While intellectual property law is primarily governed at the federal level, Tennessee offers some state-level protections:

• Trademark registration with the Secretary of State
• Trade secret protection under the Tennessee Uniform Trade Secrets Act
• Enforcement of non-disclosure agreements