There are some requirements that will apply to most businesses. Here are the most common. Business Licenses are required for most businesses operating in the City or County
Links to Business License Forms
City of Knoxville - PDF
Knox County – PDF
(There are exemptions for certain types of business in Knox County. Click here for more information at their website)
Tax Registration and Identification
IRS – EIN/ TIN (Employer / Taxpayer Identification Number)
A must if you have employees or business organization other than sole proprietorship. Useful for banking and other purposes even for sole proprietors without employees. Fill out a simple form and receive your number from the IRS electronically.
Tennessee Dept of Revenue -
State of Tennessee One Stop Business Resource
Here you can Obtain a Business Name, File a Business Charter, Obtain a State Tax ID Number, Obtain an Unemployment Insurance Number.
Printable form to submit by mail - PDF
Business Registration Guide
Sales Tax Guide – PDF
Businesses selling tangible goods and some services are required to collect sales tax from customers and remit to the state. If you have a question regarding your business contact the Department of Revenue at the number below.
Tennessee Secretary of State
Business Services Website –
Search available names database. Register assumed names, corporations, LLCs, etc. Fees and other documents are required for some registrations.
Local Offices
| City of Knoxville Business Tax Office P.O. Box 1028 Knoxville, Tennessee 37901 (865) 215-2083 |
Knox County Clerk Business Office Post Office Box 1566 Knoxville, TN 37901 (865) 215-2392 |
| Tennessee Dept of Revenue Knoxville Office 531 Henley Street, Suite 606 (Holiday Inn Building) (865)594-6100 |
Internal Revenue Service Tax Information & Assistance Line 1-800-829-1040 |