Tennessee annual reports verify your business remains active and legitimate. They update your registered agent information, confirm addresses, and maintain your good standing, crucial for banking, contracts, and daily operations across all jurisdictions where you operate.
Filing your Tennessee annual report doesn't have to be complicated. With minimal prep and the state's streamlined online system, you can complete this task in minutes.
The TNCaB portal has transformed what used to be a paperwork headache into a straightforward digital process. For businesses managing multiple entities across different states, a registered agent service can streamline this process even further.
Every active Tennessee LLC, corporation, limited partnership, and non-profit must file annual reports to maintain good standing. Exceptions generally include entities that have formally dissolved, merged out of existence, or may otherwise be exempt under specific statutory provisions.
When filing, ensure the person entering the report has the legal authority to provide and certify the entity's information. This generally means an officer, member, manager, or other authorized representative.
No universal financial thresholds apply. All active entities, regardless of size, must file annual reports. You don't need a certificate of good standing to file your annual report, but filing your annual report is required to maintain good standing status.
Filing your Tennessee annual report through the Tennessee portal (TNCaB System) takes under 10 minutes per entity when you follow these steps:
You can also file via:
Annual reports are due by the first day of the fourth month following the close of your fiscal year. For entities using a January-December calendar year, this means April 1. Entities with different fiscal year-ends have different due dates based on this formula.
Tennessee does not charge late fees for failing to file an annual report. However, failure to file can result in administrative dissolution.
Under Tennessee Code 48-249-605, the Secretary of State will send a notice after your report is past due, and you have 60 days (two months) to cure the deficiency. If you don't file within approximately 120 days of the original due date, your entity may be administratively dissolved.
Filing fees vary across business types in Tennessee:
This means budgeting for multiple entities may require careful attention to each entity type's specific fee structure, unlike states with flat fee systems. Always check the Tennessee Secretary of State website for current rates before filing.
Getting organized beforehand transforms Tennessee's filing process from frustrating to fast. When you have everything ready, you'll spend less time searching for documents and avoid errors that could delay your submission.
DBA registration is separate from annual report filing requirements. Your annual report should reflect your legal entity name, not DBA names.
Failing to file your Tennessee annual report may result in significant penalties, including:
Dissolved or revoked companies must complete a reinstatement process involving additional paperwork and fees.
Do new businesses in Tennessee need to file an initial report?
No. Tennessee does not require new businesses to file an initial report upon formation. The first filing requirement is the annual report, due in the year after formation.
Is the Tennessee annual report the same as the franchise or excise tax filing?
No. The annual report is a separate requirement and is filed with the Tennessee Secretary of State. Franchise and excise taxes are filed with the Tennessee Department of Revenue and have different forms and deadlines.
How long does it take for the state to process a Tennessee annual report?
Online filings are processed immediately. Mailed filings typically take 5–10 business days to be processed by the Secretary of State’s office.
Can I update my registered agent information on the annual report?
Yes, you can update your registered agent and their address when filing your annual report. However, there is an additional $20 fee if you make any changes to the registered agent or registered office.
What happens if my business is administratively dissolved for not filing?
If your business is administratively dissolved or revoked for failure to file, you must complete a reinstatement process, which involves submitting required paperwork and paying additional fees to restore your business to good standing
For businesses managing multiple entities across various states, Discern offers comprehensive multi-state compliance solutions that automate your compliance and streamline the entire process.
Our platform handles all your annual report filings simultaneously and affordably, ensuring you never miss a deadline regardless of how many states you operate in.
Book a demo to see what else Discern can do for your business compliance needs.
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