Is there a state business licenses that my business
needs in Tennessee?
Tennessee does not have a universal license that
all businesses must have as most licensing is done
at the local level. However, Tennessee does require
certain professions be licensed by the state, including
accountants, barbers, land surveyors, and real estate
agents among others. This occupational licensing is
done by regulatory boards within the Department of
Commerce. If your profession falls under the overview
of one of the state regulatory boards, then you must
complete all licensing and certification requirements
prior to opening your business.
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THE LINKS TO YOUR CITY BELOW TO APPLY FOR A BUSINESS
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What are the local licensing requirements?
State law exempts certain businesses such as manufactures
and some professional groups from local licensing
requirements. Unless your business falls into one
of these exemption categories, you will have to apply
for a business license in the city and/or county where
your business is located. The type of license needed
and the corresponding fee depends on the type of business
you do and the amount of revenue it brings in. Some
types of businesses such as food establishments may
need to obtain additional permits besides the general
business license and submit to inspection before opening.
Because businesses can be licensed at both the county
and municipal level in Tennessee, a business may need
to apply for and obtain both a county and a city business
license. While this is not always the case, it is
best to check with both your local county and city
governments to find out what the specific licensing
requirements are for your business.
What information will I need to provide on
my local business license application?
The information requested will depend on the place
where you are applying, but there are some general
things that most applications will ask for. These
include:
- Business name
- Business address and contact information
- Owner's/Officers' name and contact information
- Type of business (corporation, LLC, LLP, etc.)
- Dominant business service or product sold
- Federal Employer identification Number (EIN) or
social security number
You may also need to provide your business' state
sales tax number if applicable and copies of the owner's
valid driver's license.
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Disclaimer: This site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advise. The information on this site should not be relied upon as an official source of information and should be independently verified. |
