Tennessee Business Requirements

 The Standard Rule vs. Reality

• The Strict Requirement: State law technically requires you to register with your local county and/or city clerk within 20 days of commencing business operations. [1, 2]
• If you know you will pass $3,000: If you already have clients lined up or anticipate your first few event planning contracts will easily push you past $3,000 for the year, you should apply for the minimal activity license before your first official event or transaction. It only costs $15 per jurisdiction. [1, 2]
• If you are testing the waters: If you have zero revenue and are completely unsure if you will make $3,000 this year, you can technically start operating without it, as businesses making under $3,000 are fully exempt. But the moment you project or hit that $3,000 mark, you must immediately apply at your local clerk's office