Tennessee Business License
General Business License Requirements for Tennessee.
Business licenses are often required of business entities, regardless of their products and services. This page provides an overview of business license requirements in Tennessee.
Tennessee General Business Licenses
Tennessee Business License
Not required
General Business License licensure is not required on the State level in Tennessee.
Tennessee does not have a general business license at the state level, but local licenses are often required.
Local General Business Licenses
Blount County Business Tax License
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | In person |
| Required Attachments: |
|
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
Bradley County Business Tax License
| Agency: | Bradley County Clerk's Office (TN) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | No |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | No |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
Chattanooga Standard Business License
| Agency: | City of Chattanooga City Treasurer's Office (TN) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | Not Set |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | Not Set |
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
City of Brentwood Business License
| Agency: | City of Brentwood Finance Department (TN) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | Not Set |
| Notes: | Businesses located in Brentwood are also required to obtain a business license from the Williamson County Clerk’s office . |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | No |
Initial Registration
The City of Brentwood and the state of Tennessee require businesses located within city limits to obtain a business tax license and pay an annual business tax.
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
City of Columbia Business License
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | The cost for a (regular) Columbia business license is $15.00 per year if your business is located within the city limits of Columbia, and if the gross annual income from your business is more than $3,000 annually. |
| Required Attachments: |
|
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
City of Franklin Business License
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
| Notes: |
|
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
A Business License is an annual tax for doing business within the Gallatin City limits. The City of Gallatin Municipal Code requires that a business obtain a license when it conducts any business activity within the city limits. A business doing work within the city limits is required to obtain a business license if it is located outside of the city limits when the total revenue exceeds $50,000 annually. This requirement includes home-based businesses, building contractors, independent contractors and nonprofit businesses.
City of Gallatin Business License
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | There is an initial $15 fee for each license obtained from the County Clerk and the City Clerk. The license will expire 30 days after the return is due, but will be automatically renewed after the business has filed a return and remitted the tax due to the Tennessee Department of Revenue |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
City of Hendersonville Business License
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
City of La Vergne Business License
| Agency: | City of La Vergne Tax Department (TN) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | No |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | No |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | In person |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
City of Lebanon Business Tax License
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Email brittany.mcdaniel@lebanontn.org or mail |
| Agency Fee: | $15 + $2.95 credit card processing fee. If you are submitting an application by email, you may send in cash/check in the mail, or call the Business Tax Office to pay with a credit/debit card. |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
City of Portland Business License
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
City of Springfield Business License
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
Clarksville Business License
| Agency: | City of Clarksville Finance and Revenue Department (TN) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | Not Set |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | Not Set |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
Davidson County Business Tax License
| Agency: | Davidson County Clerk (TN) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | Not Set |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | Not Set |
Initial Registration
| Form: | Application for Business Tax License or Minimal Activity License |
| Agency Fee: | $15 county fee; an additional $15 fee is added if the business is located within a city in the county |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
Davidson County Minimal Activity License
| Agency: | Davidson County Clerk (TN) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | Not Set |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | Not Set |
Initial Registration
| Form: | Application for Business Tax License or Minimal Activity License |
| Agency Fee: | $15 county fee; an additional $15 fee is added if the business is located within a city in the county. |
Registration Renewal
| Agency Fee: | The fee for a business license or minimal activity license is $30 if you are located in the USD (Metro) and $15 if you are located in the GSD (County only). |
| Due: | Annually by the 15th day of the fourth month following the end of your fiscal year. |
| Notes: | Minimal Activity Licenses are renewed through the county clerk's office. |
Dickson County Business Tax License
| Agency: | Dickson County Clerk's Office (TN) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | No |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | No |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
Goodlettsville Business License
| Agency: | City of Goodlettsville City Clerk's Office (TN) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | No |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | No |
Initial Registration
| Instructions: | Goodlettsville is located in Davidson and Sumner County both. It is required that every business has a County and City Business License before you open. Obtain your County License first and bring it with you to apply for your City License. You may acquire these licenses at the appropriate County Clerk’s Office and Goodlettsville City Hall. |
| Filing Method: | |
| Required Attachments: |
|
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
Hamilton County Business License
| Agency: | Hamilton County Clerk Mail & Internet Services (TN) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | Not Set |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | Not Set |
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
Johnson City Business License
| Agency: | Johnson City Finance Department (TN) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | No |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | No |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
Knox County Business License Tax
| Agency: | Knox County Clerk's Office (TN) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | No |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | No |
Initial Registration
| Form: | Application for Business Tax License or Minimal Activity License |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
Knoxville Business Tax License
| Agency: | City of Knoxville Business License/Tax Office (TN) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | Not Set |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | Not Set |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
Maury County Business License
| Agency: | Maury County Clerk's Office (TN) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | No |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | No |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
Montgomery County Business License
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
| Law: |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
Mount Juliet Business Tax Registration
| Agency: | Mount Juliet Finance Department (TN) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | Not Set |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | Not Set |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
Murfreesboro Business License
| Agency: | City of Murfreesboro Finance and Tax Department (TN) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | Not Set |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | Not Set |
Initial Registration
| Form: | You must obtain your business license in person from the finance department or phone them to request the form to be sent via mail or email. |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
Robertson County Business Tax Registration
| Agency: | Robertson County Clerk's Office (TN) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | Not Set |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | Not Set |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
Rutherford County Business License
| Agency: | Rutherford County Office of the Rutherford County Clerk (TN) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | Not Set |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | Not Set |
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
Shelby County Business License
| Agency: | Shelby County Business Tax Division (TN) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | Not Set |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | Not Set |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $15 for a Shelby County license; $30 if the business is located in Memphis. |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
Sumner County Business License
| Agency: | Sumner County Clerk (TN) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | No |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | No |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
Town of Smyrna Business License
| Agency: | Town of Smyrna (TN) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | Not Set |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | No |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
Washington County Business License
| Agency: | Washington County Clerk's Office (TN) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | No |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | No |
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
Williamson County Business License
| Agency: | Williamson County Business Tax Office and Codes Department (TN) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | Not Set |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | Not Set |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
Wilson County Business Tax License
| Agency: | Wilson County Clerk's Office (TN) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | No |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | No |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online |
| Agency Fee: | $15 Cash or Check, $15.56 Credit/Debit, $16.32 Online (Visa, Mastercard, and Discover accepted). |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
A standard business license is renewed by the annual payment of taxes to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Once this tax is paid each year, the county clerk or city official will provide a license for the next year. There is no charge for a renewal license.
Learn about general business licensing requirements in other states:
