Register a Foreign Corporation in Tennessee

Free Guide to Registering a Foreign Corporation in Tennessee

What does it cost to register a foreign corporation in Tennessee?

$600 for normal processing. $600 for non-profit.

How long does it take for the state to process the Tennessee Certificate of Authority?

Normal Processing: Tennessee processes mailed documents in 3-4 business days, but you’ll need to add time for mailing.
In Person Processing: Hand delivering documents to the state will get you immediate processing at no additional charge.

How will I get verification of qualification back from Tennessee?

You will receive a file stamped copy of your form and an acknowledgement letter by mail.

What forms do I file with Tennessee to qualify my out of State Corporation?

Foreign corporations are required to submit the Application for Certificate of Authority form, a Certificate of Existence and the filing fee.

What do I need from my home state?

A Certificate of Existence is required.

Does it need to be an original copy?

Yes.

How current does the certificate need to be?

It must be current within 2 months of filing.

Will I need an Tennessee registered agent for my corporation?

Yes, when you hire Northwest as your registered agent service, it’s a flat rate yearly price of $125 a year. You’ll have an online account that tracks your report due dates, which states you’re registered in, when your yearly service with us is up, and any documents we receive locally for you are uploaded into your account immediately for complete viewing. If or when you get served with a lawsuit, we can email up to 4 people and your attorney at the same time for real time complete viewing of a lawsuit. You’ll receive annual report reminders. It’s the same price every year, and there are no weird fees or cancellation fees.

You’ll also see all the pre-populated forms and specific filing instructions on the thank you page, in your online account, and they are emailed to you immediately upon signing up for 1 year of registered agent service.

Does the Tennessee registered agent need to sign the filing?

No.

How can I file the Tennessee Certificate of Authority?

By mail or in person.

What is the state agency that accepts the out of state registration?

Tennessee Department of State
Corporate Filings
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue 6th Floor,
William R. Snodgrass Tower
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: (615)741-2286

Do the signatures on the Tennessee corporation application need to be original?

Yes.

Who has to sign the foreign corporation filing?

A person who is authorized by the corporation must sign the form.

Are there any weird things about registering in Tennessee?

Prior to rendering professional services in this State, a certified copy of the foreign corporation’s charter may have to be filed with appropriate licensing authorities.

County filing and/or publication may be necessary in the county in which your registered agent resides. You will receive information regarding the county requirements on your acknowledgement letter from the Department of State.

Are there ongoing Tennessee annual report and/or initial reporting requirements?

Tennessee annual reports are due April 1st, or on the first day of the 4th month after the close of your tax year.

You will also want to learn more about Tennessee taxes.

What are your fees?

You’ll need to have an Tennessee registered agent. We charge $125 a year to act as your registered agent in Tennessee. It’s a flat rate, once a year fee, and includes more than other registered agents. Here’s a little more about our registered agent service registered agent service.

We charge a $100 one-time filing service fee if you would like us to obtain the certificates needed from your home state, and register your company in any state you choose. We have offices in every state and can act as your registered agent and make your filings for you in any state. If you would like to register with multiple states at once, we can usually drop our filing service fee down.

Additional resources:

Tennessee corporation
Withdraw foreign corporation from Tennessee