The Tennessee secretary of state oversees the Department of state, and the secretary of state is one of the three constitutional officers elected by the General Assembly during a joint session. The duration of the term for the secretary of state is four years. The secretary of state duty is constitutionally mandated to keep a register of the official acts, administrative aspects of the operation of the state government, and other duties.
The duties of the secretary of state’s office include chartering of corporations, registration of trademarks and service marks, and administration of elections.
Search for businesses
To search for business entities (corporation, LLC, Limited partnership) operating in Tennessee using the database of the secretary of state’s website, use the following steps: Perform your lookup by using the business name or control number, if you have a proposed business name for business registration, you can check for name availability by using the business search on the website.
Choosing of entity
The secretary of state business division allows you to be able to preview the business’s control number, entity type, name type, incorporation date, and status. After finding your listing, click on the link under the control number and the information page will load.
Retrieve information
Through the business search option, you will be able to view information about any business entity, including name, business type, status, state of formation, the month of fiscal close, incorporation date, term of duration, principal office address, previously filed documents, and all registered agent information like their name and address. You can obtain a certificate of existence through the website and as an officer or registered agent of your corporation, you may be able to change details like mailing address and registered agent.
Setting a new corporation in Tennessee
To set up a new business entity in Tennessee, some steps need to be taken and this process must be certified by the secretary of state business division.
- Carry out a business name availability search
- Do a domain search to develop a website and email
- Choose the type of business entity (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, Partnership, or Non-Profit Org)
- Obtain an IRS EIN (employer identification number)
- Create the following:
- articles of incorporation and bylaws that describe your business
- purpose of the entity
- names of registered agents
- directors
- registered address
- guidelines for operation
- dissolution provisions
- other information
- Determine if a federal, state, or local license is needed
- Determine the payroll tax requirement
- Determine the filing type (either federal, state, or local government)
- Create a physical and mailing address, phone number, voicemail, website, email, and business cards
Apostille or authentication
An apostille or authentication is used to certify the authenticity of the official’s signature, seal, and position who has executed, issued, or certified a copy of any public document. It is used to enable the public document issued valued in any country.
The Tennessee Department of State Business Service Division is responsible for issuing an apostille or authentication, using the authority of the Tennessee secretary of state concerning the document executed, it is issued or certified by the Tennessee county clerk, state Registrar, and the Secretary of State.
The United State Department of State must also certify the signature of the Tennessee secretary of state on the Authentication. An Apostille does not require this step.
Fling annual reports
All Tennessee corporations, nonprofits, LLCs, LPs, and LLPs compulsorily file an annual report each year with the Business Service Division of the Tennessee secretary of state.
To file an annual report for a business entity electronically, you need to follow these steps:
- Determine your filing due date and fee.
- Complete your report online or print the form as a paper form.
- Identify the appropriate business, enter the secretary of state control number, and click on begin.
- Submit your annual report to the Tennessee secretary of state.
