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Start a Business in Tennessee

Costs, permits, taxes, and requirements for TN.

Cost Index

90%

10% below avg

Income Tax

None

Sales Tax

7%

LLC Fee

$300

Tennessee is one of 9 states with no income tax!

Business Guides for Tennessee

Cleaning Business

$1,800 - $9,000

Lawn Care

$2,700 - $18,000

Pressure Washing

$2,700 - $18,000

Food Truck

$45,000 - $180,000

Photography

$1,800 - $27,000

Bakery

$18,000 - $135,000

Restaurant

$157,500 - $675,000

Coffee Shop

$72,000 - $315,000

Catering

$9,000 - $67,500

Landscaping

$4,500 - $45,000

Handyman

$1,800 - $9,000

Pool Cleaning

$1,800 - $13,500

Pest Control

$9,000 - $45,000

Carpet Cleaning

$4,500 - $22,500

Window Cleaning

$900 - $9,000

Junk Removal

$4,500 - $45,000

Moving Company

$9,000 - $90,000

HVAC

$18,000 - $90,000

Plumbing

$13,500 - $67,500

Electrician

$13,500 - $67,500

Auto Detailing

$4,500 - $135,000

Car Wash

$45,000 - $450,000

Pet Grooming

$4,500 - $67,500

Dog Walking

$500 - $4,500

Barber Shop

$22,500 - $135,000

Hair Salon

$45,000 - $225,000

Nail Salon

$36,000 - $180,000

Mobile Spa

$4,500 - $27,000

Bookkeeping

$1,800 - $13,500

Tax Preparation

$2,700 - $18,000

Notary Services

$500 - $4,500

Consulting

$900 - $18,000

Event Planning

$4,500 - $27,000

DJ Service

$2,700 - $22,500

Wedding Photography

$4,500 - $27,000

Web Design

$900 - $9,000

Graphic Design

$900 - $9,000

Social Media Management

$500 - $4,500

Personal Training

$1,800 - $45,000

Gym

$45,000 - $450,000

Tutoring

$500 - $4,500

Daycare

$45,000 - $450,000

Vending Machine

$2,700 - $27,000

Massage Therapy

$4,500 - $45,000

Yoga Studio

$13,500 - $90,000

Laundromat

$90,000 - $450,000

Florist

$9,000 - $45,000

Ice Cream Shop

$18,000 - $90,000

House Painting

$1,800 - $13,500

Tree Service

$9,000 - $45,000

Interior Design

$1,800 - $13,500

E-Commerce

$500 - $9,000

Pet Sitting

$500 - $2,700

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Business Requirements in Tennessee

1

Register Your Business

File with Tennessee Secretary of State. LLC fee: $300

2

Get Business License

Most cities require a general business license ($50-$300).

3

Get EIN

Free from IRS. Required for bank accounts and taxes.

4

Register for Sales Tax

State rate: 7%. Local taxes may apply.

5

Get Business Insurance

General liability protects from lawsuits. Often required by landlords.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to start a business in Tennessee?
Startup costs in Tennessee are 10% lower than the national average. LLC filing costs $300, plus business license ($50-$300). Total varies by business type.
Does Tennessee have income tax?
Tennessee has no state income tax, making it attractive for business owners.
What is the sales tax in Tennessee?
The state sales tax in Tennessee is 7%. Local taxes may apply.
How do I form an LLC in Tennessee?
File Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State (fee: $300). You'll also need an Operating Agreement and EIN from the IRS.

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