TN Business License Basics
If you have a business in Tennessee then you need a license to operate. There are many different types of Tennessee business licenses and permits that are required by various government entities at federal, state and local levels. An operating license is the basic type of business license that most all businesses will be expected to have.
Each level of government has specific regulations and requirements that need to be met before a business can get a license. If you don’t comprehend the licensing rules in Tennessee and follow them it could result in expensive fines and putting your business at risk.
Types of Business Licenses in Tennessee
Federal Business Licenses – The federal government has a number of agencies that regulate and supervise business activities. If your business takes part in any of these federally regulated activities you will have to get a federal business license.
Activities that'll be required to get a federal business license include:
- Alcohol manufacturing, importing and sales
- Agriculture
- Firearm dealing, importing and manufacturing
- Ammunition and Explosives dealing, importing and manufacturing
- Aviation
- Wildlife related activities
- Mining
- Drilling
- Commercial fishing
- TV and radio broadcasting
- Trucking
State Business Licenses – Many Tennessee businesses will have to obtain some type of state business license so as to legally operate. At the minimum a business should get a professional or occupational license. Tennessee business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.
Local Business Licenses – Local Tennessee governments and municipalities also grant business licenses. All businesses will be required to acquire some type of local business license to be able to operate in Tennessee.
Permits – Permits are more specific to a certain type of business within an industry. Permits have a wide array of purposes from parking to product sales.
How to Get a Tennessee Business License
The steps you will have to take to obtain a business license in Tennessee will vary depending on what sort of business license you need. No matter what type of license you are attempting to get you will need to fill out application form(s) and supply detailed information about your business.
If you are starting a business or expanding your business you will have numerous forms to fill out. Be ready to supply your Employer Identification Number (EIN).
The SBA (Small Business Administration) has great online tools for helping business owners determine exactly what type of Tennessee business licenses they should get, links to websites, applications and instructions. If you’re just starting a business and need guidance on licensing, the SBA is the best place to get more info.
Maintaining Your Tennessee Business License
Once you get your Tennessee business licenses and permits you must still maintain them yearly to keep them up to date. The guidelines below are recommended in order to ensure your business license is in good standing.
- Make copies of your business licenses and permits.
- Monitor when licenses and permits must be renewed.
- Follow the regulations for displaying your business license.
- If you would like to change or expand your business make sure to verify whether you need additional permits or business licenses.