Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee requires LLCs, corporations, PCs, LLPs, and nonprofits to file an annual report with the Secretary of State to stay in good standing.
  • You can file online or by mail, with online filing being faster and easier.
  • Filing fees depend on entity type and size, with LLCs paying $300 minimum and $50 for each member above six.
  • Deadlines are the 1st day of the 4th month after the fiscal year ends (April 1 for most calendar-year entities).
  • There is a 60-day grace period, but failing to file after that may cause administrative dissolution.
  • Reports allow you to update company details like registered agent, mailing address, and management.
  • Tennessee annual reports are tied to state tax obligations such as franchise, excise, and sales tax.
  • Businesses should keep proof of submission and monitor compliance to avoid penalties.

What Is a Tennessee Annual Report?

The purpose of the Tennessee Annual Report is to keep the information held by the state up to date. Every limited liability company in Tennessee needs to prepare and file taxation documents and annual reports. You will need to submit the following information in your report:

  • LLC name
  • Registered address
  • Contact information
  • Registered Agent information
  • Secretary of State Control Number
  • Mailing address
  • Names of LLC managers

Who Must File a Tennessee Annual Report

All business entities formed or registered in Tennessee must submit an annual report to maintain good standing. This includes:

  • Domestic and foreign LLCs
  • Corporations and professional corporations (PCs)
  • Limited partnerships (LPs) and limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
  • Nonprofit corporations

The annual report ensures that the Secretary of State has up-to-date information on the business, such as addresses, management, and registered agent details. Even if no changes occurred during the year, filing is mandatory to confirm that the business is still active and compliant.

How to File a Tennessee Annual Report

There are different ways of filing your annual report in Tennessee. You can submit your report online and make the payment for the fee online using a credit or debit card. You can also send your completed form through the post to the following address:

Attn: Annual Report6th Floor – Snodgrass Tower312 Rosa L. Parks AvenueNashville, TN 37243

To file your annual report online, follow the below steps:

  • Go on the Annual Report website, and enter the Secretary of State Control Number.
  • Click on the Business Information Search button to find your company and fill out the captcha.
  • Click “search.”
  • Check that all the information on file is up to date, and click continue.

If you have to make changes, you can do so online. If you change the registered agent information, you are required to pay an amendment fee of $20. The following information can be updated online:

  • Mailing address
  • LLC managers
  • Registered Agents

Once you have reviewed all the information and finished amending the details, click “continue” and sign the document file electronically. Fill out your title and check the “I certify” box. Enter your name and click “continue” to be taken to the payment page.

Filing Options: Online vs. Mail

Most businesses choose to file online through the Tennessee Secretary of State’s Annual Report Filing portal because it provides instant confirmation and faster processing. Payment can be made via credit or debit card.

Filing by mail is still an option, but it requires downloading the annual report form, completing it, and sending it with payment. This method is slower and may increase the risk of delays or missed deadlines.

Tips for Filing Successfully:

  • Use your Secretary of State Control Number to locate your business record.
  • Double-check that all addresses, officer/manager names, and agent details are correct.
  • Keep a copy of your confirmation or receipt as proof of filing.
  • File early to avoid last-minute technical or mailing issues.

Tennessee Annual Report Filing Fees

Different filing fees apply to corporations of various sizes. The fees are listed below.

  • If you have one to six members in your LLC, you will need to pay a flat fee of $300 for filing.
  • For LLCs with more than six members, you pay the flat fee for the first six members, plus $50 for each additional member.
  • Corporations and PCs in Tennessee have to pay a filing fee of $20.
  • Non-profit organizations pay a filing fee of $5, and this applies to both domestic and international non-profits.
  • Domestic LLPs pay $50 per each member — with a minimum $250 and capped at $2500 — as well as an additional fee of $20 for changing the Registered Agent.

Fee Examples by Entity Type

  • LLCs: $300 minimum (for 1–6 members), plus $50 per additional member.
  • Corporations & PCs: $20 flat fee.
  • Nonprofits: $5 flat fee.
  • LLPs: $50 per member (minimum $250, maximum $2,500).

If you change your registered agent while filing, Tennessee charges an additional $20 amendment fee.

Deadlines for Filing the Report

For LLCs, the filing deadline is the first day of the fourth month following the end of the 12-month fiscal year.

The fiscal year is determined by the LLC's accounting method. It is recommended that the Annual Report is filed as soon as possible to avoid penalties and late fees.

Understanding Filing Deadlines

  • The deadline is the 1st day of the 4th month after the close of your fiscal year.
  • Most calendar-year businesses must file by April 1.
  • Tennessee does not extend the deadline if it falls on a weekend or holiday—file before that date to stay safe.

Businesses that fail to file risk losing their legal protections and good standing, which can also affect financing, contracts, and licensing.

Penalties and Late Fees

Organizations in Tennessee benefit from a 60-day grace period. If you miss the deadline, you can still file it without any penalties. However, if you fail to file after the 60-day grace period, your business will automatically dissolve. Talk to a Tennessee Annual Report legal specialist to learn more.

You are likely to receive an Annual Report Filing reminder at the end of the LLC's fiscal year, which is generally December. The filing deadline is usually April 1.

The penalty fee for late filing for charities is $25 per calendar month.

What Happens If You Don’t File

  • Tennessee grants a 60-day grace period after the due date.
  • If still not filed after 60 days, the business may be administratively dissolved or revoked.
  • For charities, a late fee of $25 per month applies until compliance is restored.

Reinstating a dissolved business requires additional paperwork and fees, so timely filing is crucial.

Different Taxes and the Tennessee Annual Tax Report

When you update your Tennessee Annual Report, you can register for different taxes in the state that is related to your organization.

LLCs need to pay a franchise tax and excise tax. It is your responsibility to register your LLC in Tennessee for business tax with the Department of Revenue (DOR). There are different ways of registering for state business taxes: online or in person.

Franchise tax is calculated based on the revenues of your business generated in Tennessee, as well as the net worth of the entity.

If your LLC has employees, you will also need to pay employee taxes. If your LLC sells goods or services to customers in Tennessee, you need to collect and pay the sales tax for the transactions that took place in the state.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing

When you file annual report Tennessee businesses often make these errors:

  • Forgetting to update registered agent or mailing addresses.
  • Miscounting LLC members, which can underpay filing fees.
  • Waiting until the deadline, risking website slowdowns or missed mail delivery.
  • Not registering for franchise and excise taxes, which are separate from the annual report.

By carefully reviewing the report before submission and keeping records, businesses can avoid unnecessary penalties and maintain compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who needs to file a Tennessee annual report? All LLCs, corporations, nonprofits, LPs, and LLPs formed or registered in Tennessee must file annually.
  2. When is the Tennessee annual report due? The due date is the 1st day of the 4th month following your fiscal year end, typically April 1 for most businesses.
  3. How much does it cost to file an annual report in Tennessee? LLCs pay a minimum of $300, corporations $20, nonprofits $5, and LLPs $50 per member (with limits).
  4. Can I update my registered agent when filing? Yes, you can change your registered agent during filing for an additional $20 fee.
  5. What happens if I miss the filing deadline? There’s a 60-day grace period, but if you still don’t file, the state may dissolve or revoke your business.

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