The 4 Best LLC Services in Tennessee 2023
Find the Best Service for Your LLC in Tennessee
Forming a limited liability company (LLC) is a great way to provide liability protection and establish credibility for your venture. Many people turn to Tennessee business formation services to help them.
There are various factors that play a role in that decision; we've reviewed the best LLC services in Tennessee and broken them down for you here.
Recommended Tennessee LLC Formation Service: Northwest
Best Tennessee LLC Formation Services
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Best LLC Services |
|---|---|
Northwest 4.7/5 |
HIGHEST CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
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TailorBrands 4.5/5 |
BEST PREMIUM, ALL-IN-ONE PACKAGE
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ZenBusiness 4.2/5 |
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Incfile 4.0/5 |
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We reviewed and ranked the four best Tennessee company formation services by actually forming separate LLCs with each service provider.
In this business formation services review, we’ll explore some of the best Tennessee LLC services in 2023 and share what makes them the top choice.
Best LLC Services in Tennessee:
Best Tennessee LLC Service: Northwest
We recommend Northwest Registered Agent as the overall best online business formation service because of its affordability and knowledgeable customer support.
($29 + State Fees)
1. Northwest
Northwest's incorporation service starts at just $29 plus state fees; it includes Tennessee LLC filing, premium registered agent services, customer privacy protection, online document dashboard, free mail forwarding, and more.
Northwest is known for its top-notch customer service; they provide their clients with Corporate Guides, who are highly trained US-based support agents. Every customer gets a Corporate Guide assigned to their specific account, so you can talk to the same person if you have any questions or concerns.
Pros
- Positive customer reviews
- User-friendly online ordering process
- No hidden fees or “free trials” that cost money later on
- Professional US-based customer service representatives
Cons
- You’ll need to pay extra fees for important company formation features such as an EIN. Another option is to get an EIN for free on your own.
Read our full Northwest Registered Agent review to learn more.
Northwest
Northwest provides personalized, knowledgeable customer service at an affordable price.
($29 plus state fees)
2. Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands offers three company formation plans with some incredible features to empower entrepreneurs, particularly when it comes to online brand-building. For the best deal, check out their Elite plan which, for $199 annually, includes well-designed AI-powered tools like a logo maker, website builder, digital business cards, and social media post maker.
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Unique AI-powered graphic and logo tools
- Branding tools stand out among competitors
Cons
- Registered agent service is not included
Read our full Tailor Brands review to learn more.
Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands provides the best premium, one-stop shop package for entrepreneurs to start a company and build their online presence.
($199 + state fees)
3. ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness offers a $0 (plus state fee) plan that will appeal to budget-minded entrepreneurs. But, if you want the security and privacy afforded by using a registered agent, you’ll have to pay extra for that service.
Those that need expedited filing will want to opt for the $199/year Pro plan, which also includes a banking resolution template and chat support. Meanwhile, the Premium plan adds some interesting essentials, like a business website and email, for $299 annually.
Pros
- Unlimited phone and email support with all plans
- Positive customer feedback
Cons
- Extra charges for registered agent and EIN
Read our full ZenBusiness review to learn more.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness provides essential LLC services to help get your venture up and running.
($0 + State Fees)
4. Incfile
If you’re a small startup looking only for the basics, Incfile's $0 (plus state fee) Silver plan will likely catch your attention. Along with basic filing services, it even throws in a one-year registered agent service for free. But we most recommend the Gold plan which, for $149 annually, includes some robust brand building tools like an EIN, corporate forms, a customized corporate kit, and banking resolutions.
For $299, users can choose the Platinum plan and receive a domain name, business website, and contract library, but we’re not sure the features justify the steep price hike.
Pros
- Free one-year registered agent service with all plans
- Offers $0 plan, plus state filing fee
- All paid plans include a one-hour consultation with a tax professional
Cons
- Customer service may require you to leave a message for same-day call back
Read our full Incfile review to learn more.
Incfile
Incfile is one of the best company formation services if you are working with a limited budget, and want a lot of added features.
($0 + State Fees)
Honorable Mentions
Although the following services didn’t make the list above, their offerings are still worth mentioning briefly.
Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer is a great choice if you want ongoing legal support past company formation. This platform is also ideal for new entrepreneurs who don’t have a lot of background forming contracts. Our New Business Bundle deal offers quality business and legal services that will save you time and money.
Inc Authority
Inc Authority allows Tennessee entrepreneurs to form their venture for $0 plus state fees, making it a great option if you are on a budget and only need basic formation services. It is important to note, though, that you will still be required to pay state fees. You will also have to pay extra for other features you may need such as an EIN or registered agent service.
Swyft Filings
If you use Swyft Filings, you will have three different formation packages to choose from. Pricing for these packages ranges from $0-$299 (plus state fees). Depending on the exact plan that you choose, you can look forward to expert LLC filing services along with additional benefits such as customized banking resolution, electronic delivery of state documents, and a free business website.
MyCompanyWorks
MyCompanyWorks also offers three different formation packages for founders to choose from: a Basic package for $59 plus state fees, an Entrepreneur package for $179 plus state fees, and a Complete package for $259 plus state fees. Each of these plans is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. MyCompanyWorks is also renowned for offering responsive and helpful customer support.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is an online legal services platform that also offers assistance with company formation. While it's more expensive compared to other providers, the platform’s main advantage is its well-established brand reputation and recognition within the formation services industry.
Our Review Methodology
The TRUiC team evaluates each formation service based on the following:
Pricing
It's important to evaluate the pricing structure of different providers and ensure that the cost is transparent and reasonable for the services provided. While a low price point may seem attractive, it's important to make sure that the service includes all necessary features and provides a high level of support.
Features
From a free business website to registered agent services, formation services can offer a variety of beneficial features depending on the exact platform and package that you choose. When comparing providers, it’s always a good idea to research the various features that they offer, from an operating agreement to an EIN.
User Reviews
Reading user reviews is one of the best ways to learn more about the quality of a service. Additionally, user reviews can also highlight any potential issues or concerns with the platform, allowing future clients to make an informed decision.
Customer Support
A responsive and knowledgeable customer support team can provide guidance throughout the formation process, answering questions and addressing any concerns. Excellent customer service can also help clients feel confident in the reliability and professionalism of the provider they choose.
Accessibility & User Experience
The platform that a service provides for forming your company and tracking your filing status should be intuitive and user-friendly. It should also provide accessibility features so that it is easy to use for users with disabilities such as vision impairment.
How to Form an LLC in Tennessee
You can start an LLC in Tennessee on your own in five easy steps:
1. Name Your Company
You won’t be able to form your company until you actually name it. Be sure to follow the LLC naming rules that are outlined in the Tennessee naming requirements.
Then, make sure the name you want isn't already taken by doing a Tennessee LLC name search on the Secretary of State website.
We also recommend using our LLC Name Generator tool to help secure a domain name for your venture.
2. Choose a Registered Agent
You are required to designate a registered agent for your Tennessee LLC, which is an individual or business entity in charge of receiving legal documents, government correspondence, and more on behalf of your company.
If you form your venture online at the Tennessee Secretary of State website, after filling in some basic information about your venture, you’ll be prompted to appoint a registered agent.
If you form your company by mail, download the Articles of Organization form, fill out the required fields, and submit a physical copy to the Tennessee Secretary of State. Your registered agent’s name and contact information will be requested in Section 4.
Learn more by reading our guide on Tennessee registered agents.
3. File the Articles of Organization
To register your LLC, you'll need to file Form SS-4270 - Articles of Organization with the Tennessee Secretary of State. You can apply online, in person, or by mail. The filing fee is $50 per member, with a minimum of $300 and a maximum of $3,000.
Learn more with our Tennessee Articles of Organization guide.
4. Create an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is a legal document that outlines the ownership structure and operating procedures of your limited liability company.
Although an operating agreement is not required, it’s recommended. According to Tennessee Code Section 48-249-203(a), all members of an LLC may enter into an operating agreement to regulate the internal affairs of the company.
You can read more about Tennessee LLC operating agreements in our full guide.
5. Get an EIN
You can think of an Employer Identification Number as a Social Security number for your venture. Get one for free through the IRS website.
Final Thoughts
Depending on your budget and needs, there is a wide variety of great business formation services in Tennessee for you to choose from. While you really can’t go wrong with any of the options on our list, our top recommendation is Northwest Registered Agent thanks to its swift and reliable filing service, affordable pricing, and knowledgeable customer support.
FAQs
How much does it cost to start a Tennessee LLC?
It costs $$50 per member (minimum of $300 and a maximum of $3,000) to start an LLC in Tennessee.
How do I file a Tennessee LLC annual report?
You can file your annual report through the Secretary of State website. You will need your Secretary of State Control Number to file, which you can find with the business information search.
What are some local resources to help me start a company in Tennessee?
To help you start your venture, we have identified the best resources across the state: