Permits for a Contractor in Knoxville, Tennessee

Tennessee requires virtually all businesses to register for Business Tax with the Department of Revenue. Gross receipts $3,000-$100,000 require a minimal activity license from the county/municipal clerk ($15/year). Businesses with $100,000+ file and pay business tax quarterly or annually.

Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors license required for any construction project costing $25,000 or more. Must pass business/law exam plus trade exam, provide financial statements, and demonstrate experience. Multiple classifications by trade and monetary limit.

Registration required for all businesses selling goods or services in Tennessee. Tennessee imposes a business tax (gross receipts tax) at both state and local levels. Businesses must register with the county clerk and the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

License required for contractors performing construction work valued at $25,000 or more (including labor and materials). Issued by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. Requires passing trade and business law exams.

Tennessee does not have a state income tax on wages (the Hall Tax on investment income was fully repealed in 2021). However, employers must register with the Tennessee Department of Labor for unemployment insurance tax purposes.

Registration with Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development for unemployment insurance tax. Required if you pay $1,500+ in wages in any quarter or have at least one employee for 20 weeks. Tennessee has no state income tax withholding. New employer rate is 2.7% on first $7,000 per employee.

Tennessee requires workers' compensation for employers with 5+ employees (construction: 1+). Competitive-state system — purchase from private carriers. Covers medical expenses and lost wages for work-related injuries.

Tennessee requires workers' compensation insurance for employers with 5 or more employees. Coverage must be obtained from a commercial carrier or through self-insurance approved by the state. Restaurant/bar industry rates typically run $1.50-$3.00 per $100 of payroll.

Certificate confirming a building or tenant space meets all building codes, fire codes, and zoning requirements. Required before any business can open in a new or renovated space.

Permit required for installation of business signage. Tennessee regulates outdoor advertising through TDOT at the state level. Local jurisdictions regulate business signage through zoning ordinances. Most municipalities require permits for new sign installation.

Tennessee levies a franchise tax (0.25% of net worth, min $100) and excise tax (6.5% of net income) on LLCs, corporations, and business trusts. Sole proprietors and general partnerships exempt.

Registration with Tennessee Department of Revenue for collection and remittance of state and local sales tax. State rate is 7% plus local rates of 1.5-2.75%. Required for any business selling tangible goods or taxable services. No fee to register.

Registration with the Tennessee Department of Revenue for sales and use tax collection. Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services. Tennessee has a 7% state sales tax plus local rates. No cost to register.

Certificate required before occupying any commercial space in Tennessee. Issued by local building/codes department after final inspection confirms the space meets building codes, fire codes, and zoning for the intended use. Required for new construction, renovations, and changes of use.

Verification from local zoning/planning department that proposed business use is permitted in the zoning district. Required before obtaining a business license in most Tennessee municipalities.