Firearms Dealer (FFL) Permits & Licenses in Nashville, TN

Required if the FFL LLC has employees. Employers must withhold Tennessee income tax from employee wages and remit quarterly using Form WH-301. Registration via TNTAP.

All employers with one or more employees must register with the Tennessee Department of Labor. New employers pay a standard rate for first 2–3 years, then experience-rated. File quarterly using Form UI-2.

FFL dealers do not directly pay the federal excise tax; it is levied on manufacturers and importers under 26 U.S.C. § 4181. However, the tax is factored into the wholesale price paid by dealers. Compliance with FFL recordkeeping is required to maintain lawful status.

Most Tennessee cities and counties impose a local business privilege tax. For example, Nashville charges based on gross receipts. FFL dealers must register with the county or city where they operate. Contact local clerk for specific requirements.

FFL does not exempt from local business privilege/license taxes. Check municipal code Title 5 (Business Regulation).

Required for all LLCs; file online via Tennessee Secretary of State portal. Annual Report also required (see separate entry).

Applies to all LLCs; fee based on number of members (capped at $3,000).

Required for all retailers of tangible personal property; state sales tax rate 7% + local rates.

Applies to LLCs using DBA; register with county clerk in some contexts but state filing recommended.

Required if LLC has employees; register via TNTAP online system.

Administered at county level but state oversight; firearms dealers classified under retail/wholesale.

All firearms dealers selling tangible personal property at retail must register for sales tax. This includes FFLs selling firearms or accessories. Registration is done via the Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point (TNTAP).

All Tennessee LLCs, including FFLs, are subject to franchise and excise tax unless exempt. The tax is based on the greater of the tax base from net worth or real estate investment. Must file annually using Form FAE-101.

FFL businesses often face 'bulletproofing' requirements or distance rules from schools/parks.

NFPA 1 compliance; FFLs must address flammable liquids storage.

A surety bond is required for applicants who do not meet the net worth requirement of $1,000 (or more depending on business scale). The bond guarantees compliance with 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44. Effective per ATF Form 7/7CR instructions. See ATF Publication 5300.11.

Tennessee Code Annotated § 50-6-102(a)(1) mandates workers' comp for employers with 5+ employees. FFL businesses classified under NAICS 453991 (Sporting Goods Stores) typically fall under Class Code 8018. Exemption for employers with fewer than 5 employees.

While not mandated by Tennessee law or ATF regulations, general liability insurance is strongly recommended for premises liability, slip-and-fall, and third-party injury risks. Some commercial landlords may require proof of coverage.

Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-12-104 requires liability insurance for all motor vehicles operated on public roads. Applies to any commercial vehicle used in the FFL business (e.g., transport of firearms, inventory, or supplies).

Applies to all employers with employees. Requires minimum wage ($7.25/hr federally), overtime pay (1.5x regular rate after 40 hrs), and proper recordkeeping. FFL status does not exempt.

Covers eligible employees for up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave annually. Applies to private employers with 50+ employees within a 75-mile radius for at least 20 workweeks in current or preceding year.

All employers with employees must provide a workplace free from recognized hazards. Requires injury and illness recordkeeping (OSHA Form 300) if 11+ employees. FFL dealers with retail space may have additional safety considerations (e.g., secure storage, customer access).

Applies to all places of public accommodation. Requires accessible entrances, counters, restrooms, and pathways. FFL dealers with retail storefronts must comply. Does not apply to home-based FFLs without public access.

Applies to all businesses. Prohibits deceptive advertising, false claims, and unfair practices. FFL dealers advertising online or in print must ensure accuracy (e.g., pricing, availability, transfer requirements). Also subject to 'Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule' if taking orders remotely.

If FFL dealer performs extensive firearm cleaning using regulated solvents or generates lead-contaminated waste, may be subject to RCRA. Most small FFLs qualify as 'Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators' (CESQG) if <100 kg/month. No federal permit required at CESQG level, but storage and disposal rules apply.

Renewal is filed electronically via ATF’s e‑FFL system (e‑FFL).

Required for all FFLs that acquire, sell, or otherwise dispose of firearms.

Includes ATF Form 4473, ATF Form 3310.1 (Inventory), and transaction logs.

Dealers must keep records and premises in compliance at all times.

Filed online via the Tennessee Business Online portal.

Firearms are taxable in Tennessee unless a specific exemption applies.

Quarterly estimated payments are due April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year.

Coverage can be obtained through private carriers authorized by the state.

Include Tennessee Minimum Wage, Workers’ Compensation, OSHA, and anti‑discrimination posters.

Most Tennessee cities and counties require an annual business license for retail operations.

Inspection verifies compliance with NFPA 1021 and local fire‑code requirements.

Not mandated by federal or Tennessee law. However, FFL dealers selling firearms (products) face potential liability for defective products or negligent sales. Strongly recommended but not a legal requirement.

No Tennessee or federal mandate for E&O insurance for FFL dealers. However, given the regulatory complexity of NFA transfers, background checks, and recordkeeping, this coverage is strongly recommended to protect against claims of clerical or procedural errors.

Not applicable to standard FFL dealers. Only required if the business is licensed to sell alcohol. Most FFLs do not fall under this requirement.

Required for any person engaging in the business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing in firearms. LLC structure does not exempt. Form 7/3 Application required. Includes background check and fingerprinting of responsible persons.

Even single-member LLCs engaged in FFL business must obtain EIN if they are required to file ATF Form 4473 or Form 9 (5630.4) for interstate acquisitions. Mandatory for FFL applicants per ATF requirements.

Separate from FFL. Paid annually to IRS via Form 720. Required in addition to FFL for Class 3 dealers (FFL Type 01 with SOT).

FFL holders must complete ATF Form 4473 for every firearm sale. Must be retained for 20 years after the date of sale. Applies to all FFLs regardless of state.

Report submitted via ATF eForm system. Required for all FFL dealers regardless of state. Also applies to sales of certain long guns under specific circumstances (e.g., semi-automatic rifles with magazines over 20 rounds).

ATF Form 6 (5310.12) must be approved by ATF prior to transfer of certain firearms (e.g., NFA items). Required for all interstate acquisitions by FFL holders.

Federal 20‑year requirement supersedes state requirement for firearms logs.

Report via ATF Form 3310.12 (Lost/Stolen Firearms).

All FFL holders must submit ATF Form 5630.7 annually, reporting inventory disposition. Required regardless of sales volume or activity level.

All employers, including FFL holders, must verify identity and work authorization for all employees using Form I-9. Applies to all U.S. employers. Retention required for 3 years after hire or 1 year after termination, whichever is later.