Tennessee Business Certificate of Authority Application and Services Brock Reid, June 3, 2023June 7, 2023 Are you looking to start a business in Tennessee? One important step in the process is obtaining a Business Certificate of Authority. This article will provide an overview of the application process and services available to help you navigate the requirements. Table of Contents Toggle Understanding the Tennessee Certificate of AuthorityHow to obtain a Tennessee Certificate of Authority for Foreign EntitiesFiling Requirements and Fees for Tennessee Certificate of AuthorityAdditional Considerations for Registering a Foreign Corporation in Tennessee Understanding the Tennessee Certificate of Authority The Tennessee Certificate of Authority is necessary for businesses that operate outside their state of formation. It grants the right to conduct business in Tennessee and is issued by the Secretary of State. To apply, businesses must file an Application for Certificate of Authority, along with a good standing certificate from their state of formation. Nonprofit corporations must also include an affidavit of existence and a sales tax exemption certificate. Businesses can also amend their certificate or file for withdrawal if necessary. This certificate is important for businesses to operate legally in Tennessee and should not be overlooked. How to obtain a Tennessee Certificate of Authority for Foreign Entities To obtain a Tennessee Certificate of Authority for Foreign Entities, you must file an application with the Tennessee Secretary of State. The application requires information about your entity’s existence and good standing in its home state, as well as a registered agent in Tennessee. You will also need to provide an affidavit of the entity’s authorized officers or agents. If you are a nonprofit corporation, you may need to provide additional documentation. Once approved, you can request an amended certificate or withdrawal as needed. You may also need to obtain a sales tax exemption certificate or resale certificate. Keep your entity in good standing to avoid any issues with doing business in Tennessee. Filing Requirements and Fees for Tennessee Certificate of Authority Filing Requirements Fees Complete and file the Application for Certificate of Authority form with the Tennessee Secretary of State $50 filing fee Provide a certificate of good standing from your home state N/A Appoint a registered agent in Tennessee N/A Provide a copy of your company’s articles of incorporation or organization N/A Provide a statement of authority authorizing the company to transact business in Tennessee N/A Additional Considerations for Registering a Foreign Corporation in Tennessee When registering a foreign corporation in Tennessee, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind. First, if the corporation has been operating in another state, it must provide a certificate of good standing from that state. Second, an affidavit of the corporation’s authorized officer must be included, stating that the corporation is authorized to do business in Tennessee. Third, if there have been any changes to the corporation’s name or registered agent, an amended certificate must be filed. Finally, if the foreign corporation is a nonprofit corporation, it must provide proof of its nonprofit status. Additionally, if the corporation plans to engage in retail sales, it will need to obtain a resale certificate from the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Brock ReidWas this article helpful?YesNo Certificate Of Authority