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Who needs articles of organization (LLC) and the annual report in Tennessee?

Issued by Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Business Services, at step 1 of 6 in the opening sequence: set up the business.

Every kind of business in Tennessee

The Tennessee table lists this for every kind of business.

File online through the Secretary of State’s business services site (form SS-4270). The articles name a registered agent with a Tennessee street address. Changing the registered agent on the annual report adds $20. A 2025 bill (SB 37) proposed replacing the per-member schedule with a flat fee; the Secretary of State still publishes the per-member schedule.

Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.

Step 1 of 6: Set up the business

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Business Services.

Sources and dates

Secretary of State business forms and fees page and filing fee FAQ (Tennessee Code 48-249-1007); annual report instructions. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.