Accounting / CPA Permits & Licenses in Knoxville, TN

Required for any firm/LLC offering CPA services in TN. All owners must be licensed CPAs; peer review required for firms with audits.

File "Application to Register a Tennessee Assumed Name" if using DBA. Not required if using exact LLC name.

File Articles of Organization online or by mail. Annual Report required separately.

Required for all LLCs to maintain good standing.

Prerequisites: 150 semester hours education (including bachelor's), pass Uniform CPA Exam, 1 year supervised experience. Firm permits required separately for business practice.

Most CPA/accounting services are not subject to sales tax, but register if offering taxable services (e.g., certain consulting).

Most accounting/CPA services are not subject to sales tax in Tennessee as they are considered non-tangible services. However, if the LLC sells taxable items (e.g., tax preparation software), a permit is required. See TN Code § 67-6-202(a).

All Tennessee LLCs are subject to franchise and excise tax unless exempt. The tax is based on the greater of $100 minimum or the tax calculated on net worth. Due annually. See TN Code § 67-4-2014.

Required for all employers in Tennessee. Must file Form WH-1000. Withholding tax applies to wages paid to employees. Filing frequency (monthly/quarterly) depends on tax liability. See TN Code § 67-1-101.

Employers must register with the Tennessee Department of Labor. New employers pay 2.7% on first $7,000 of each employee’s wages. Employers report quarterly using Form UI-5. See TN Code § 50-7-303.

Required for all LLCs with employees or multiple members. Single-member LLCs without employees may use owner’s SSN, but EIN is recommended. Apply via IRS Form SS-4 or online.

Most Tennessee municipalities require a business privilege tax license. For example, Nashville charges $15/year for service businesses under $10k revenue; Memphis charges based on gross receipts. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-4-601. Verify with city/county clerk.

All Tennessee counties require a business license for LLCs; fee based on gross receipts. Check specific county clerk for exact rates (e.g., Davidson County: https://www.nashville.gov/departments/county-clerk/business-tax)

Required in all municipalities; CPA firms classified under professional services. Examples: Memphis (https://www.memphistn.gov/government/city-clerk/business-licenses), Knoxville (https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/residents/business-licenses)

Professional offices (CPA) typically permitted in commercial zones (e.g., Nashville Code Sec. 17.08.030). Home-based may need special exception.

Allowed for low-impact professional services like accounting if no client visits, signage, or employees (e.g., Chattanooga Code Sec. 38-405). Confirm with local zoning ordinance.

Not required for standard office lease without changes. CPA offices rarely trigger unless altering space.

Required under Tennessee's Financial Responsibility Law for any vehicle registered to the business. Minimum liability limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $15,000 for property damage. Personal auto policies exclude business use; commercial policy is required if vehicles are used for business purposes.

Not required for accounting/CPA firms in Tennessee, as they provide services, not tangible goods. No state mandate exists for product liability insurance in service-based professions unless physical products (e.g., software on physical media, books) are sold. Not applicable to standard CPA practice.

Only applicable if the accounting firm hosts events where alcohol is served. Tennessee requires businesses holding alcohol permits to carry liquor liability insurance. Most CPA firms do not serve alcohol and are not subject to this requirement.

All LLCs that have employees, operate as a partnership, or are required to file any federal tax return must obtain an EIN.

LLCs may elect corporate taxation by filing Form 8832; then filing requirements follow corporate rules (Form 1120).

All paid tax preparers, including CPAs, must have a PTIN.

Enrollment requires a PTIN and completion of the IRS e‑File application.

Even a single‑employee LLC must file these forms if it withholds federal income tax, Social Security, or Medicare.

Most accounting offices have <10 employees, so detailed recordkeeping may not be required, but general safety standards still apply.

Professional service offices are considered public accommodations; they must ensure physical access and digital accessibility (e.g., website).

CPA firms must avoid deceptive claims about services, fees, or qualifications.

Even a small CPA firm with hourly staff must comply with minimum wage, overtime, and record‑keeping rules.

Most small CPA firms will not meet the employee threshold, but the rule is noted for larger practices.

Required for permanent signs; size/location per zoning code (e.g., Nashville Code Ch. 17.28).

Confirms compliance with fire codes (NFPA standards). Routine for commercial spaces.

Required to register monitored systems and reduce false alarms.

Not applicable to CPA/accounting offices (no food/public health risks).

Rare for small CPA offices; may apply in dense urban areas.

CPA offices inherently quiet; no permit needed unless equipment violates local noise standards.

Mandatory for all employers with 5 or more employees in Tennessee. Agricultural employers and domestic workers may be exempt. Sole proprietors and partners in an LLC are not counted as employees unless they opt in. CPAs with fewer than 5 employees are not legally required to carry coverage unless they elect to cover themselves.

Not explicitly mandated by Tennessee law for all CPA firms, but the Tennessee Board of Accountancy requires compliance with professional standards. While not a direct statutory mandate, many CPA firms are contractually required to carry E&O insurance. Sole practitioners and firms serving public clients are strongly advised to carry coverage. Firms registered as Public Accountants or CPA firms may be subject to peer review and professional conduct expectations that effectively require E&O coverage.

Not legally mandated by Tennessee for accounting businesses. However, commercial landlords or service agreements often require general liability coverage. Considered strongly recommended for protection against third-party bodily injury or property damage claims.

Tennessee does not require a surety bond for CPA firms or accounting businesses as a condition of licensure or operation. The Tennessee Board of Accountancy regulates CPAs but does not mandate a surety bond for practice. Some third parties (e.g., clients or government contracts) may request bonding for specific engagements, but this is not a state requirement.

Employers must retain I‑9s for 3 years after hire or 1 year after termination, whichever is later.

Most standard accounting offices have minimal hazardous waste; however, compliance is required if any such waste is present.

If the firm only serves private clients, this requirement does not apply.

Accounting and CPA practice are regulated at the state level (Tennessee Board of Accountancy). No separate federal license is required unless the firm engages in activities listed above (e.g., tax preparation, public company audits).