The Tennessee Secretary of State has made it easier to form a corporation or limited liability company (LLC) online. While companies like LegalZoom have promoted online incorporation services in the past, you now have the option to truly “do it yourself.”
The decision as to what type of business entity to create is an important one (and we certainly encourage you to consult with an attorney and/or CPA), but for many small business owners the convenience of registering their entity online directly with the state is appealing. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development has also prepared an excellent Tennessee Smart Start Guide that provides helpful information, especially for first-time business owners. The online formation and registration service and Tennessee Smart Start Guide can be accessed at http://tnbear.tn.gov/NewBiz/.
It is hoped that the formation and registration of your business is just the beginning. As your company grows, you will encounter legal issues related to contracts, employment, tax and other matters. Please feel free to contact us if we can help in any way.