Tennessee lesson 4 of 6
Get an EIN and open a bank account
Tennessee does not issue a separate state tax ID at formation. Your federal EIN is what banks and the Department of Revenue will use to identify the LLC.
Applying for the EIN
Apply on the IRS website free of charge once the Articles of Organization are approved. If the responsible party has a US social security number or ITIN, the number is issued immediately online; otherwise the application goes in on Form SS-4 by fax or post.
Opening the account
Bring the stamped or confirmed Articles of Organization, the EIN confirmation letter, an operating agreement, and identification for signers and significant owners. Tennessee banks can vary in what they ask of non-resident owners, so check ahead if nobody on the account lives in the state.
Keeping business and personal money separate from day one is what supports the liability protection the LLC structure is meant to give you.
Registering with the Department of Revenue
Separately from the EIN, register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue for franchise and excise tax, and for a sales tax certificate of registration if you sell taxable goods or services.
Key takeaways
- The EIN is free and issued by the IRS.
- Tennessee bank account opening typically needs the Articles, EIN letter, and an operating agreement.
- Register separately with the Department of Revenue for state tax obligations.
Official sources
Or let us file your Tennessee LLC for you
Everything above is yours to use for free. If you would rather hand it over, we prepare and file the Articles of Organization (Form SS-4270), act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team