The Tennessee Articles of Organization are the LLC forms that must be completed and filed with the state in order to create an LLC.
It is simple to file the Tennessee Articles of Organization!
We’ll walk you through the Tennessee LLC Articles of Organization filing process in three simple stages.
Get Forms for Your Articles of Organization
Complete the Articles of Organization.
Keep the Articles of Organization on file.
Step 1: Obtain your Articles of Organization.
You may file your Tennessee Articles of Organization as a physical copy or electronically
.
Step two: Complete the Articles of Organization
We will assist you with completing the Tennessee Articles of Organization form in this phase.
To complete the form, you will need the following information:
Name of the Entity
Consent to Name (if applicable)
Additional Labeling (if applicable)
Name of the Registered Agent and the Address of the Registered Office
Month of the Fiscal Year’s End
Date of Implementation
Type of Governing Authority
Members’ Number
Duration
Mailing Address and Principal Office Address
Confirmation of Designation
Obligatory Member Entity Data (if applicable)
Prohibition of Commercial Activities (if applicable)
Other Requirements
Name of the Entity
A unique and clever company name is crucial, but it is not as necessary as a legally valid name.
When selecting a name for your company, you must ensure that the name:
fulfils Tennessee naming standards
is not currently in use by another Tennessee firm
The Tennessee Naming Guidelines should be followed:
Your firm’s name must include the term “limited liability company,” one of its acronyms (LLC or L.L.C.), or words or abbreviations with the same meaning in another language.
Your name must not include the words “corporation,” “incorporated,” or an abbreviation of either.
Your LLC’s name cannot falsely indicate that it is linked with, sponsored by, or organised as a fraternal, veterans’, service, religious, charity, or professional organisation.
Your LLC’s name cannot include terms that may be confused with a government organisation (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
Certain prohibited terms (e.g., bank, attorney, university) may need extra documentation and the participation of a licenced professional in certain jurisdictions.
Your name cannot indicate that the LLC is created for any illegal or non-outlined purpose in its articles of incorporation.
Your name must be distinct from any other current company in the state. Tennessee reserved names are included.
Examine Name Availability:
Is your surname legal in Tennessee? Check the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website to determine if the name you desire isn’t already taken.
Obtain a Domain Name:
We suggest that you check to see whether your company’s name is accessible as a web domain. Even if you don’t intend to create a company website right away, you may wish to purchase the URL to prevent others from doing so.
Consent to Name
Under certain conditions, an LLC in Tennessee may utilise a name that is not distinct from an existing company name. Check the box in this area and attach the relevant application form if your LLC fits the requirements for using a non-distinguishable name.
Additional Labeling
Make a note of any other designations your LLC may have (such as a bank, an insurance business, a PLLC, a series LLC, etc.).
Registered Representative
A registered agent receives and transmits legal paperwork on behalf of your LLC. When you form your Tennessee LLC, you must provide your registered agent and registered office address.
Your registered agent may be someone over the age of 18 who resides in Tennessee. During normal business hours, your registered agent must always be present at the registered office. A P.O. box cannot be used as your registered office address.
Month of the Fiscal Year’s End
Enter the month that marks the end of the LLC’s fiscal year. If left blank, it will default to December.
Date of Implementation
List a future date for the Articles of Organization to become effective, rather than the date of filing.
Governing Bodies
You must choose whether your LLC will be managed by members or management.
Read our Management by Members or Managers guide to discover all you need to know about picking your management structure.
Members’ Number
List the number of LLC members as of the filing date.
LLC Timeline
Indicate whether the LLC’s existence is permanent or whether a definite dissolution date is scheduled.
Mailing Address and Principal Office Address
Enter the major executive office of the LLC’s street address, city, state, and zip code, as well as the county in which the office is situated. Then, if the LLC’s postal address differs from its major office address, insert it here.
Confirmation of Designation
Check the relevant structure if your LLC has an extra designation (Nonprofit LLC, Professional LLC, or Series LLC).
Mandatory Member Entity (If Applicable)
If the LLC will be registered as an Obligated Member Entity, check this option (OME). You must also give a list of obliged members as well as their signatures.
Prohibition of Commercial Activities (If Applicable)
Check this box if the LLC is being created in Tennessee but is not permitted to do business there.
Other Requirements
Additional information about the LLC, such as the names of its management or its commercial goal, might be included here.
Remember that a business goal including licencing, tax-exemption, or tax-deductible status needs explicit wording from the IRS or a professional licence.
Step 3: Submit the Articles of Incorporation.
You must submit the Articles of Organization with the Tennessee Secretary of State in order to register your LLC.
The filing fee is $50 per member, with a $300 minimum and a $3000 maximum.
You may submit your Articles of Organization in two ways:
Fill out the form online.
Send a physical copy via the mail or in person.
Steps to Take After Forming Your Tennessee LLC
After filing your Articles of Organization, you should do the following:
Make a Business Agreement
Obtain an EIN
Establish a Business Bank Account
Purchase Licenses and Permits
Make a Business Agreement
A Tennessee LLC operating agreement is a legal document that details your LLC’s ownership structure and member functions.
Although an operating agreement is not necessary in Tennessee to incorporate an LLC, it is a good idea to have one. You may begin working on your operating agreement before, during, or after filing your Articles of Organization.
Your operating agreement will be held in the private business records of your LLC; you will not submit it with the state.
Obtain an EIN
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your LLC’s equivalent of a social security number. If you want to recruit staff or create company bank accounts, you’ll need an EIN.
You may get your EIN for free by using the IRS website, fax, or mail. Read our What is an EIN article to discover more about EINs and how they might benefit your LLC.
Establish a Business Bank Account
It is critical to use specific business banking and credit accounts to safeguard your company’s corporate veil. When you combine your personal and company accounts, your personal assets (house, vehicle, and other possessions) are at danger if your LLC is sued.
Purchase Licenses and Permits
When forming an LLC, you should consider if your company requires any licences or permissions to operate legally. There are a few commercial operations that need licences or permissions on the federal level.
Learn how to secure the licences and permissions required for your company, or hire an expert to handle it for you:
Federal: For federal business licences and permits, see the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
State: Visit Tennessee’s Department of Revenue Registration and Licensing website to apply for or learn more about licences, permits, and registration.
Local: Inquire with your county clerk regarding local licences and permissions.