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    Between 60,000 and 70,000 new entities are formed annually in Tennessee. According to the Office of the Tennessee Secretary of State, nearly half a million business entities are registered in the state. Business entity registrations are completed with the secretary of state.

    Since most information contained in the business entity database are public records, members of the public may access business registration information, by performing a search online. A search for Tennessee businesses may be done to verify that an entity is in good standing with the state and forestall conducting business transactions with illegitimate entities.

    Choose Your Search Criteria

    • Business Entity Name:
      Business Entity Name:

      Search using part or full name of the entity. Use 'starts with' or 'contains' options to narrow results.

    • Business Control Number:
      Business Control Number:

      Use the unique identifier assigned to the business by the Secretary of State.

    Review Search Results

    After providing a business name or control number in the search area of the business information search tool, click the “Search” button to get results. The list will contain businesses matching the search criteria, along with control number, entity type, name type, name status, filing date, and current status.

    Access Detailed Information

    Clicking on the control number in the result list will display detailed information, including:

    • Fiscal Year Close
    • Term of Duration
    • Principal Office
    • Mailing Address
    • AR Exempt
    • Managed By Information
    • Initial Filing Date
    • Delayed Effective Date
    • AR Due Date
    • Inactive Date
    • Obligated Member Entity
    • Number of Members
    • Registered Agent Name and Address

    Further Assistance

    If you require further assistance in completing a business search in Tennessee, contact the Business Services Division of the office of the secretary of state at:

    312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue
    6th Floor, Snodgrass Tower
    Nashville, TN 37243-1102
    Phone: (615) 741-2286
    Email: TNSOS.CORPINFO@tn.gov

    How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Tennessee?

    An internet search may lead you to the website of a company where you may find information on the owner of a Tennessee business entity. However, if the registered agent of the business is the owner of the business, you may use the business entity information search tool on the secretary of state to find the identity of the business owner.

    Other sources through which you may find the identity of the owners of Tennessee businesses include:

    • Local Chambers of Commerce
      Local Chambers of Commerce

      Local chambers of commerce in Tennessee maintain directories of member businesses, which typically include details such as the business name, contact information, and occasionally the owner's name.

    • Better Business Bureau (BBB)
      Better Business Bureau (BBB)

      The BBB database includes profiles of businesses operating in Tennessee, featuring information such as the business name, principal contacts, and sometimes the owner. View the Tennessee chapter.

    Why Conduct a Tennessee Entity Search?

    Members of the public in Tennessee usually perform an entity search for the following reasons:

    • Verifying a business entity ensures it is legitimate, registered, and in compliance with Tennessee regulations. This step helps create consumer trust, meaning that due diligence has been done before transacting with an entity.
    • Investors may use an entity search to evaluate the legitimacy and structure of a business before committing funds as a partner or investor in the business. Information like registration details, status, and ownership helps assess potential risks and opportunities.
    • For businesses, verifying suppliers' legitimacy helps ensure partnerships with reliable vendors. An entity search reveals if a supplier is registered, operational, and may be trusted in business operations.
    • A Tennessee entity search using the business information search tool will reveal key information that may be used to identify red flags that may reveal an illegitimate entity posing as a valid business. Hence, using this tool may help a partner, business, investor, vendor, or individual avoid scams and fraudulent dealings.

    Who Holds Data for Tennessee Business Entity Search?

    The following agencies may hold relevant information about Tennessee business entities:

    What Entities Can You Register in Tennessee?

    Tennessee Entities

    The following are the permitted entity types when registering a business entity in Tennessee:

    Sole Proprietorship

    A sole proprietorship is a business owned and operated by one individual, making it the simplest and most common business structure in Tennessee. The owner's Social Security Number (SSN) serves as the primary entity identifier. If married individuals jointly own the business, they may establish a marital joint account.

    Partnership

    A general partnership involves two or more individuals agreeing to contribute resources such as money, labor, or skills to a business, sharing profits, losses, and management responsibilities. Each partner is equally and personally liable for business debts.

    Limited Liability Company

    A single-member limited liability company (SMLLC) is established by one individual or entity under a written agreement and consists of a single member. A multi-member limited liability company (MMLLC) is formed by multiple individuals or entities through a written agreement. Ownership details include the names and SSNs or FEINs of all members. Both SMLLCs and MMLLCs are federally classified as limited liability companies.

    Professionally Limited Liability Company

    A professional limited liability company (PLLC) is a business entity formed under state-specific PLLC laws to provide professional services. Its primary identifier is the entity’s federal employer identification number (FEIN).

    Corporation

    Corporations are complex legal entities with their own rights, privileges, and liabilities, offering potential tax and financial benefits but involving higher fees and less personal control. They may be formed for profit or nonprofit purposes.

    Non-profit Organization

    A non-profit organization is a business granted tax-exempt status by the IRS.

    Doing Business As (DBA)

    A DBA, also called an assumed name, is issued to business entities that intend to transact business under a name different from their legal business name. It may also be referred to as a fictitious or trade name.

    How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in Tennessee?

    Use the Business Name Availability Search to check if your proposed name is taken.

    You may also search trademarks via the Tennessee Trademark Search tool.

    Other helpful tools include:

    How Do I Set up A Business Entity in Tennessee?

    1. Choose a business name and ensure it follows Tennessee’s naming guidelines.
    2. Register the business with the state or reserve the name for 4 months by filing a name reservation ($20 fee).
    3. Appoint a registered agent with a Tennessee physical address or use a qualified service.
    4. Obtain an EIN from the IRS and register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
    5. Apply for required city or municipal business licenses where the business operates.
    6. Secure appropriate insurance (e.g., liability, property, workers' compensation).
    7. Open a dedicated business bank account to manage finances and ensure liability protection.

    How Much Does It Cost To Start a Business in Tennessee?

    Business startup costs in Tennessee vary by entity type, size, and services required.

    • Registration Costs
      Registration Costs

      LLC filing starts at $300 + $50/member, up to $3,000.

    • Registered Agent Services
      Registered Agent Services

      Optional, but may cost up to $400/year.

    • Licensing and Permits
      Licensing and Permits

      Usually ranges from $15 to $100 depending on locality and industry.

    • Business Insurance
      Business Insurance

      Typical premiums range from $500 to $1,000 annually.

    Additional Information Available on the Tennessee Secretary of State’s Website

    Tennessee Entities

    FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Tennessee

    1. Why would I need to search for a business entity in Tennessee?

      To confirm an entity’s registration status and legitimacy.

    2. What types of entities can I search for in Tennessee?

      LLCs, corporations, partnerships, nonprofits, DBAs, and more.

    3. Where can I perform a business entity search in Tennessee?

      Use the Business Information Search Tool.

    4. What information do I need to conduct an entity search in Tennessee?

      A business name or control number.

    5. How do I find the official name of a Tennessee business?

      Search by business name or control number via the business search tool.

    6. Can I search for foreign entities in Tennessee?

      Yes, search results include out-of-state entities registered in Tennessee.

    7. What information can I find in the Tennessee entity search?

      Details include control number, status, address, officers, and registered agent.

    8. How do I verify if a Tennessee business is in good standing?

      If no inactive date is listed, the entity is in good standing.

    9. Can I search for an entity in Tennessee by its owner’s name?

      Not directly. Consider using search engines or legal resources.

    10. How often is the Tennessee business entity database updated?

      Updates are reflected within a few business days of filing changes.

    11. Can I obtain copies of business filings in Tennessee?

      Yes, some documents are available online; others require a request.

    12. How do I find out who the registered agent of a Tennessee business is?

      Search results display the agent’s name and address.

    13. How can I search for Tennessee businesses by their tax ID number?

      Contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue for assistance.

    14. What should I do if I can’t find a business entity in the Tennessee search?

      Double-check the name or control number, or contact the Secretary of State.

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