If you formed your LLC in Tennessee and need to provide proof of your LLC’s good standing, then you’ll need to obtain a “Certificate of Existence” sometimes also called a Certificate of Good Standing, from the Tennessee Secretary of State.
The cost of a Certificate of Good Standing from the Tennessee Secretary of State is $20.00.
Providing proof of good standing for an LLC may be required when:
Read this page to learn how to obtain proof of Good Standing for a Tennessee LLC.
A Tennessee Certificate of Existence confirms that an LLC is in good standing with the Tennessee Secretary of State. It is issued by the Tennessee Secretary of State and includes:
The best way to get a Certificate of Good Standing from the Tennessee Secretary of State is online:
Step 1. Go to the Tennessee Secretary of State website.
Step 2. Search for your Tennessee LLC using either the name or filing number.
Step 3. Click on the “Certificate of Existence” link under the Tennessee LLC information page.
Step 4. Enter payment information and submit your request .
Step 5. Once approved, the Tennessee Secretary of State will email you a copy of your Certificate of Existence.
If you need to obtain a Tennessee Certificate of Existence quickly, then you can also file an expedited request with the Tennessee Secretary of State for an additional fee. Expedited requests are usually processed within 24 hours.
An LLC might fail to be in good standing if it fails to file its annual report or pay the Tennessee franchise tax. If this happens, then you’ll need to take action to bring your Tennessee LLC back into compliance with the Tennessee Secretary of State before you can obtain a Certificate of Good Standing.
To restore your Tennessee LLC to good standing:
1. File the Tennessee LLC’s annual report and pay any associated fees with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
2. Pay any outstanding franchise taxes that are due.
3. Submit the Tennessee LLC’s application for reinstatement with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
4. Once approved, apply for a Tennessee Certificate of Existence.
The Tennessee Secretary of State charges $20.00 for a Certificate of Good Standing.
If you submit your request online, then it typically takes 1-2 business days to receive your Tennessee Certificate of Good Standing.
If this happens, then you’ll need to take action to bring your Tennessee LLC back into compliance with the Tennessee Secretary of State before you can obtain a certificate of good standing.
To restore your Tennessee LLC to good standing, you’ll need to file the Tennessee LLC’s annual report and pay any associated fees with the Tennessee Secretary of State, pay any outstanding franchise taxes that are due, and submit the Tennessee LLC’s application for reinstatement with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
Once approved, you can apply for a Tennessee Certificate of Existence.