Department of Revenue
Richard H. Roberts, Commissioner

Taxes at a Glance

Business tax is assessed for the privilege of conducting business within any county and/or incorporated municipality. All counties in Tennessee, with the exception of Clay, Claiborne, and Morgan counties, and many cities have passed local business tax ordinances that require businesses to be licensed and taxes paid. If your business is located in a city and a county that both have approved a business tax, two separate tax returns must be filed.

If you decide to close your business, you must file a final business tax return with the Department of Revenue and pay any tax that is due (minimum of $22). Additionally, you must advise your local property tax assessor’s office regarding the closure and remit any taxes due to the trustee’s office.

Registration:

Business owners should contact their local county or municipal clerk for registration information and forms. Registration data is then shared with the Department of Revenue, who makes note of each taxpayer's records and mails tax returns out to taxpayers when appropriate. A $15 registration fee is required for all new businesses and must be paid before the initial license is issued.

Rates and Due Dates:

Contact Information:

Business owners should contact their local county or municipal clerk for any information relative to obtaining a business license. For questions on tax law, filing and paying business taxes, and other account-related issues, please contact the Department of Revenue at (615) 253-0600 (local in Nashville) or (800) 342-1003.