4 Best LLC Services in Tennessee (2025 Honest Evaluations)

When I started my first business in Tennessee, I was overwhelmed by the amount of paperwork involved. That's when I realized the importance of partnering with a reliable LLC service company, as it made the process so much smoother.

To enable you to select the best LLC service for your business entity, we selected and reviewed a dozen of them and rounded up the 4 best ones.

Together with our experienced legal team, we tested each business formation service in terms of its service features, customer service, and turnaround times.

Company	LLC Packages	LLC Fees	Registered Agent Price	Same & Next Day Filing	Money-Back Guarantee	Free Package Features	BBB Accredited	Advisory Services
ZenBusiness (Best Overall)	3	From 0$	$199	Pro & Premium Package	60 days	LLC Filing & 100% Accuracy Guarantee	Yes	Accounting Consultation
Northwest (Best Premium)	1	$39 (using our link)	First year free with LLC purchase / $125 from 2nd year	No	90 days	None	No, A rating	No
LegalZoom (Best Essentials)	3	From $0	$249	No	60 days	LLC Filing, Digital welcome packet, Customizable website	Yes, A+ rating	Attorney Consultations (Premium Plan)
Bizee (Most Affordable)	3	From $0	First year free with LLC purchase / $119 from 2nd year	Platinum Package	Order refundable before state payment (usually 24h), minus $30 fee.	LLC Filing, FREE Registered Agent (1 year), EIN, Operating Agreement, Business Tax Consultation & more	No	Tax: Free 1-hour Consultation

Top 4 LLC Formation Services in Tennessee (May 2025)

1 - ZenBusiness (Best Overall)

Would you recommend ZenBusiness (Best Overall)?

When we were setting up our LLC, we turned to ZenBusiness. Their well-rounded service features, combined with their affordable pricing, made the entire process a breeze for us.

Three service packages with different features are available from ZenBusiness. You may customize your ZenBusiness plan by paying an additional fee to opt-in for particular features.

Doing this is advantageous if you need one or two components for the top tier.

In our experience, forming an LLC was simple, and the turnaround time of 3 days was impressive.

They present straightforward package options, emphasizing the importance of features like an EIN.

Additionally, the help desk personnel always responded quickly when we contacted them for help, and they adequately resolved our issues.

To delve deeper into this organization, check out our detailed evaluation in the ZenBusiness review.

LLC Formation Packages:

• Starter Formation Package ($0 + $308 State Fee): The Starter Formation Package covers cost-effective LLC filing (with a standard processing time of 7 to 10 days), along with a one-month free trial of banking, and bookkeeping. With business banking here you will avoid an opening deposit, while bookkeeping will save you tax and make tax time easier. Starter option provides an instant access to optional worry-free compliance to make sure that you are meeting all the of state's deadlines.
• Pro Package ($199 + $308 State Fee): The Pro Package takes the good things from the Starter package and adds a fast ''rush'' filing option (1 business day), which is great for quickly starting a business. This package also includes EIN filing and a $99 LLC operating agreement template. This template helps explain who owns the LLC, how things will work, and makes sure everyone in the LLC is legally protected.
• Premium Package ($299 + $308 State Fee): The Premium Package includes everything from the lower tiers, with some valuable additions. It provides a custom website address, domain privacy, and a professional email, helping you build a more polished and credible online presence. With this package, you'll also get templates for essential business documents, ensuring consistency in your branding and high-quality output. Plus, you'll benefit from a 1 business day filing speed, getting your paperwork done faster for quicker results.
• Professional Registered Agent Service ($199): A professional registered agent acts as your contact point with the state.

2 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Premium)

Would you recommend Northwest Registered Agent (Best Premium)?

I remember when I was in the initial stages of my business path, feeling burdened with all the requirements. Turning to Northwest Registered Agent was a game-changer. Their extensive expertise shone through as they addressed each of my concerns efficiently and in detail.

In the United States, where entrepreneurs provide jobs for 61.6 million individuals, making up 45.9% of the country’s workforce according to the Small Business Economic Profile, the offerings provided by Northwest Registered Agent made the LLC formation process straightforward and intuitive.

The beginning filing was completed in just 9 minutes, with everything finalized within 72 hours, even though we opted for a 5-day service and began on a Saturday. Their thoroughness and customer support were clear throughout.

Using PrivacybyDefault ensured that we could forget about protecting our privacy.

LLC Formation Packages:

• Basic Plan ($39 + $308 State Fee): Fast LLC formation service with additional state filing fees, with one year of free registered agent service, a business address, and complimentary mail forwarding when you form your LLC with Northwest Registered Agent. Enjoy added privacy by default, along with a free domain, website, email, and business phone to launch your business seamlessly.
• Registered Agent Services ($125): After you create your LLC with Northwest Registered Agent, you are given the first year of this service for free. Afterward, it will be renewed yearly. Lowered to $100 for national registered agent service for multi-state companies.

3 - LegalZoom (Best Essentials)

Would you recommend LegalZoom (Best Essentials)?

Legal Zoom is another great choice for forming an LLC in Tennessee.

It provides the industry's broadest selection of service options, from creating businesses to defending intellectual property, registered agent services, and tax contracts and agreements.

We really appreciated their customer support team. They offer more liberal support contact hours than their rivals. Their interface is pretty decent as well.

Notably, LegalZoom has served over 2 million customers since their inception, reflecting their widespread trust and effectiveness, including those in Tennessee.

The Business Advisory Plan from LegalZoom gives company owners simple year-round access to legal assistance.

If you decide to engage one of their lawyers for ongoing legal matters, you can take advantage of a 25% discount.

We recommend this program to business owners who frequently need help with legal paperwork.

LLC Formation Packages:

• Basic Package ($0 + $308 State Fee): The package entails a name search service, articles of organization, a complete digital LLC welcome packet, and a Wix-supported website for a professional online presence.
• Pro Package ($249 + $308 State Fee): Includes everything in the Basic package. You also get consultations on taxes and insurance, plus a comprehensive business licensing guide. The pro subscription also comes with an EIN and an operating agreement.
• Premium Package ($299 + $308 State Fee): The Premium package is an excellent choice if you want personalized guidance from a Tennessee business attorney. Also, get a bonus of 30 minutes of limitless consultations on the latest legal topics and applied changes to your formation documents within 3 months from your initial subscription.
• Registered Agent Services ($299): If you select LegalZoom to establish your startup, the registered agent will charge you $249 for the first year. After that, it'd cost $299 to renew.

4 - Bizee (Most Affordable)

Would you recommend Bizee (Most Affordable)?

Bizee (formerly Incfile) provides a free-of-charge LLC formation service for its clients.

We gave this firm a high rating since they offer free formation of Tennessee LLCs. You only have to pay state fees and other small costs.

In contrast to other Tennessee LLC formation services in the market, Bizee processed and delivered our formation and business paperwork within one business day.

We commend their customer service department for its swift response time. They provided timely and thorough explanations for all our inquiries regarding filing procedures.

The only drawback is that this company outsources most of its services.

LLC Formation Packages:

• Silver Package ($0 + $308 State Fee): If you chose to form LLC with Bizee and you opt for Silver Package you get many great services that include preparing & filing the articles of organization, free Tennesse registered agent service for the first year, unlimited name searches, phone, and email support.
• Gold Package ($199 + $308 State Fee): In addition to the previous plan, in Gold Package you get: banking resolution, an operating agreement, lifetime company alerts, online access dashboard, and a business banking account. You will receive great support around your business taxes with tax consultation, EIN Business Tax number, and IRS Form 2553.
• Platinum Package ($299 + $308 State Fee): This plan has all the Gold Package. It also includes a free domain name with a business email, free next-day filing, and many business contract templates.
• Registered Agent Services ($119): This is a yearly subscription and is perfect for startups as Northwest gives you a free year of registered agent service if you decide to open your LLC using their bundles. It comes with a personalized dashboard where you can access your documents online.

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Why Should You Trust Us

You should trust the Venture Smarter team for your Tennessee LLC service recommendations because we have delved into the intricacies of LLC formation services with a level of depth and scrutiny unmatched by others.

Our journey began with a personal quest to simplify the overwhelming paperwork and legalities involved in starting a business in Tennessee. This firsthand experience laid the foundation for our commitment to helping others navigate this complex process with ease and confidence.

At Venture Smarter, we don't just review LLC services; we immerse ourselves in them. Our methodology is rigorous and evidence-based, involving anonymous interactions with service providers and leveraging the insights of an independent review team. This ensures that our recommendations are unbiased and solely in the interest of our readers.

The Venture Smarter team is composed of experienced legal professionals who understand the nuances of business formation. We've tested each service in terms of features, customer service, and turnaround times, ensuring that we recommend only those that meet our high standards. Our reviews are not just summaries but deep dives into each provider's offerings, giving Venture Smarter readers a clear and comprehensive understanding of what to expect.

Moreover, our commitment to transparency and integrity means that we disclose how we make our money and maintain our platform. This ensures that our readers can trust the authenticity of our content and the sincerity of our recommendations. When Venture Smarter readers make a decision based on our reviews, they can be confident that they are choosing from the best LLC services tailored to their needs in Tennessee.

In a landscape filled with options, the Venture Smarter team stands out for our dedication to truth, clarity, and the success of our readers. Trust us to be your guide in selecting the right LLC service for your business in Tennessee, and join the ranks of informed and satisfied Venture Smarter readers who have successfully navigated the path to business formation.

How We Picked And Tested The Best LLC Services In Tennessee

The Venture Smarter team conducted a comprehensive review of numerous LLC services in Tennessee.

We anonymously tested these services to ensure an unbiased evaluation and consulted with legal experts who are well-versed in Tennessee's business environment.

We assessed each service based on several key factors, including the cost of services, the range of primary and supplementary services offered, their reputation in the industry, user-friendliness of their platforms, their expertise in Tennessee-specific regulations, operational speed, customer support quality, and user feedback.

1. Pricing

We compared the total costs of each service, including state fees, to provide a clear picture of the financial commitment required.

We also evaluated the transparency and fairness of each service's pricing structure. For instance, we looked at whether there were any hidden fees and how straightforward it was to understand what each package included.

In our analysis, Bizee emerged as a standout for its affordability, offering free LLC formation services, with clients only needing to cover state fees and minor costs. ZenBusiness also offers competitive pricing with its free package, including a registered agent service.

Northwest Registered Agent provides a great deal at $39, which includes a free registered agent when opening an account through our link.

2. Service Offered

If your business requires more customized solutions, it's important to check the service features to help you identify if the LLC service is flexible and willing to tailor their offerings to your specific business needs.

We assessed the comprehensiveness and adaptability of each service's offerings. This involved examining the range of features provided in each package and the ability to customize services to meet specific business needs.

The Venture Smarter team also evaluated whether services like EIN registration, operating agreements, and compliance alerts were included and how easily additional services could be added or removed.

ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent stood out with their extensive service features, including customizable plans and additional services like mail forwarding and privacy protection.

LegalZoom, while offering a broad range of services, had some expensive add-ons. For example, their registered agent service package costs $299/yr.

3. Customer Support

We evaluated the responsiveness, knowledgeability, and accessibility of each service's customer support team. This included measuring response times to phone and email inquiries and the quality of the support received.

We noted whether customer service representatives could provide detailed and accurate answers to complex questions about Tennessee-specific LLC regulations.

ZenBusiness demonstrated excellent customer support with quick response times and helpful resolutions. Northwest Registered Agent also excelled with its personalized customer service approach.

Bizee, while offering affordable services, had some delays in response, which could be a concern for businesses needing immediate assistance.

4. Reliability and Reputation

We analyzed customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the reliability and reputation of each service.

This included looking for patterns in feedback related to customer satisfaction, problem resolution, and overall service quality. For instance, we considered the frequency and nature of any complaints and how they were resolved.

ZenBusiness received outstanding customer feedback online, indicating a high level of reliability and customer satisfaction.

Northwest Registered Agent's strong customer data protection infrastructure also contributed to its positive reputation.

5. Turnaround Time

For many entrepreneurs, the timing of their business launch is critical.

"A swift turnaround in setting up the LLC means the business can start operations, generate revenue, and capitalize on market opportunities faster."

- Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions

This is particularly important in industries where timing can be a competitive advantage.

Bizee was notable for its quick processing and delivery of business paperwork, often within one business day. ZenBusiness also had an impressive turnaround time of 3 days.

6. Ease of Use

An intuitive website design ensures that information about services, pricing, requirements, and processes is presented clearly and transparently. Clients can quickly understand what they need and how to proceed.

Northwest Registered Agent's online platform was found to be user-friendly with intuitive navigation, making it easy for businesses to manage their services.

7. Local Expertise

Each state in the U.S. has its own set of laws and regulations governing LLCs. An LLC service provider with expertise in Tennessee state laws ensures that your LLC is formed and operates in compliance with these specific regulations. This is crucial to avoid legal pitfalls and penalties.

Both ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent demonstrated strong local expertise in Tennessee-specific regulations, making them reliable choices for businesses in the state.

See our article on how long does it take to set up an LLC in Tennessee.

Key Financial & Business Insights in Tennessee

1. Tennessee-Specific Resources

• Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC): Provides free business consulting and low-cost training through 14 centers statewide.
• Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD): The state's lead economic development organization focused on business recruitment, expansion, and workforce development.
• Chambers of Commerce: Includes the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and local chambers (e.g., Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga) offering networking, advocacy, and business support.

2. Tennessee Business Statistics

• Between March 2022 and March 2023, approximately 24,380 establishments opened and 20,650 closed in Tennessee, resulting in a net increase of 3,730.
• Employment expanded at 37,420 establishments and contracted at 33,580.
• Small businesses accounted for 23,160 openings and 19,620 closings.
• Opening and expanding establishments added 289,700 jobs, while closing and contracting establishments lost 256,200, resulting in a net increase of 33,500 jobs.
• Small businesses contributed 20,770 net new jobs, or 62.0% of the total job growth.
• In 2022, Tennessee businesses with revenues under $1 million received $3.2 billion in small business loans.
• Total reported new lending to businesses in 2022 was $3.9 billion for loans under $100,000 and $8.7 billion for loans under $1 million.

Source: Business Employment Dynamics (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and CRA Aggregate Data (FFIEC).

3. Financial Incentives for LLCs

• FastTrack Economic Development Fund: Grants for companies creating new jobs and making capital investments.
• Tennessee Job Skills Program: Funding for training programs customized to meet the needs of employers.
• Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Matching Funds: Matches Phase I and Phase II federal SBIR grants for qualifying Tennessee small businesses.

4. Tennessee State Taxes

• Corporate Income Tax: Franchise and excise tax – 6.5% of net earnings (excise) plus 0.25% of the greater of net worth or tangible property (franchise tax), with a minimum tax of $100.
• Income Tax on LLCs: Most LLCs are pass-through entities with income flowing to members who don't pay personal income tax on earned income in Tennessee.
• Personal Income Tax: No tax on earned income or wages – Tennessee previously had the Hall Income Tax on investment income only, but this was fully phased out as of January 1, 2021.
• Sales Tax: State rate of 7.0% (one of the highest state-level rates in the country), with local jurisdictions adding up to 2.75% for a maximum combined rate of 9.75%.
• Annual Report Fee: LLCs must file an annual report with the Tennessee Secretary of State and pay a fee of at least $300, with the exact amount depending on the number of members.
• Business Tax: A privilege tax imposed on businesses selling goods or services, with rates ranging from 0.02% to 0.3% depending on classification.
• Property Tax: Rates vary by county and city, with taxes on real property and business personal property.
• Foreign LLC Registration: $50 per member with a minimum of $300 and a maximum of $3,000 for out-of-state LLCs doing business in Tennessee.

Steps To Start An LLC In Tennessee

Follow these steps if you want to start your Tennessee LLC:

• Step 1: Come up with a name for your Tennessee LLC
• Step 2: Hire a registered agent in Tennessee
• Step 3: Create theTennessee Certificate of Formation
• Step 4: Construct your Tennessee LLC Operating Agreement
• Step 5: Get your EIN
• Step 6: Decide on the type of your LLC in the Tennessee department
• Step 7: Draft your Tennessee LLC yearly report

FAQs

Our Verdict

As a small business owner just starting out, you ought to work with a trustworthy and affordable LLC service provider with a successful track record, excellent customer support, and quick turnaround.

With more than 5 years of experience, ZenBusiness has demonstrated that it does not prioritize costs over customer satisfaction.

We were able to quickly set up our new business using some of their excellent customer services tools, such as guided operating agreements, order tracking, and a fully customizable business website.

Additionally, ZenBusiness unquestionably offers extensive service features, first-rate customer care, and speedy turnaround.