Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a massage therapy in Chattanooga, TN. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
All licensed massage therapists must renew their license biennially. The renewal period opens October 1. Licensees must complete required continuing education prior to renewal.
Includes 2 hours in ethics or professional conduct. Courses must be approved by the Board or an approved national provider (e.g., NCBTMB). Records must be kept for four years.
Required for all LLCs; file online or by mail. Annual Report also required (see separate entry).
Applies to all LLCs; file online. Fees based on total paid-in capital.
Required if using DBA; renews every 4 years ($20). County-specific filing.
Prerequisites: 650 hours approved education, PASS MBLEx exam (score 500+), background check, affidavit of graduation. Applies to each therapist; business must ensure licensed staff.
Required for massage therapy establishment/practice site. Must have licensed manager/owner. Inspections required. Updated rules effective 2023.
Prerequisites: Active TN massage license 5+ years, 500 teaching hours or equivalent. Not required for standard therapy business.
Massage services generally exempt from sales tax per TCA 67-6-102(25), but register if selling products. File returns monthly/quarterly based on revenue.
Massage therapy services are generally not subject to sales tax in Tennessee unless combined with taxable tangible goods. However, if the business sells items such as essential oils, candles, or skincare products, a sales tax permit is required. Services alone do not trigger sales tax liability.
Required for all employers in Tennessee who pay wages. Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages and remit it to the state.
Employers must register with the Tennessee Department of Labor to pay unemployment insurance (UI) taxes. Applies to businesses with one or more employees working 20+ hours per week in a quarter or paying $1,500+ in wages in any calendar quarter.
All LLCs in Tennessee are subject to both franchise and excise taxes. The excise tax is an annual flat $100. The franchise tax is 0.25% of the greater of net worth or real estate value in Tennessee, with a $100 minimum. Due annually on or before the last day of the month following the end of the company’s tax year.
Massage services are generally not subject to sales tax in Tennessee, but tangible goods (lotions, oils) are. Businesses with taxable sales must register with the Department of Revenue and file returns even if no tax is due.
Most cities and counties in Tennessee require a local business tax (also called a privilege license). Examples include Nashville Metro, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Fees and requirements vary. For example, Nashville charges based on gross receipts. Massage therapy businesses must check with their local clerk or finance office.
Required for all LLCs with employees and generally recommended for all LLCs to open bank accounts and file taxes. Single-member LLCs with no employees may use the owner’s SSN, but an EIN is still advisable.
All massage therapists must be licensed by the state. This applies to sole proprietors, LLCs, and corporations. The license must be renewed every two years. Cannot be replaced by a local business tax.
Required in most counties for privilege of doing business; fee schedules on county clerk websites (e.g., Shelby County: https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/574/Business-Tax)
Specific cities like Nashville require registration via https://www.nashville.gov/departments/county-clerk/business-tax-licenses; check municipal code for each city
Massage therapy often classified as personal service; must comply with zoning districts (e.g., Metro Nashville Code Sec. 17.08.030)
Restrictions on clients visiting home, signage, traffic (e.g., Knox County Code Sec. 60-263)
Required under TN Rule 0080-10-02 (local enforcement); inspections for sanitation
Ensures fire code compliance (e.g., Knoxville Code Ch. 22)
Required for any building changes per International Building Code (adopted locally)
Comply with local sign ordinances (e.g., Chattanooga Code Sec. 38-402)
Reduces false alarms; varies by jurisdiction
Required for all employers with five or more employees in Tennessee (Tenn. Code § 50-6-102). However, all employers in the construction industry must carry coverage regardless of number of employees. Massage therapy is not classified as construction; thus, threshold is five employees. Sole proprietors without employees are exempt from mandatory coverage but may elect to cover themselves.
Not statutorily required by Tennessee state law for massage therapy businesses. However, strongly recommended due to risk of client injury or property damage. Some local governments or shopping center landlords may require proof of coverage as a condition of occupancy. No state mandate, but industry best practice.
Not legally required by Tennessee state law for licensed massage therapists. However, the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners regulates massage therapy under TCA § 63-12-101 et seq., and while no statute mandates professional liability insurance, it is strongly recommended to protect against claims of negligence or improper treatment. Required by many employers, third-party platforms, or group practices.
A $10,000 surety bond is required for each licensed massage therapist in Tennessee as part of the licensing process (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0880-02-.12). This is a license bond, not a performance or contract bond. The bond ensures compliance with state laws and regulations governing massage therapy. Required regardless of business structure (LLC or sole proprietor).
Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages and file Form WH-301. Registration required via Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point (TNTAP).
EIN is required for tax reporting. Employers must file Form 941 (quarterly), Form 940 (FUTA), and W-2/1099 forms annually. Independent contractors paid $600+ require Form 1099-NEC.
Most businesses with 10 or fewer employees are exempt. Massage therapy businesses must record work-related injuries/illnesses on Form 300 and post summary (Form 300A) annually.
Each licensed massage therapist must display their current license in a visible location at the place of practice. Includes name, license number, and expiration date.
Many Tennessee cities (e.g., Nashville, Knoxville) require a local business license. Must be displayed visibly. Fees and requirements vary by municipality.
Required if the LLC owns or operates a vehicle used for business purposes (e.g., mobile massage services, transporting equipment). Tennessee law mandates liability insurance for all motor vehicles registered in the state (Tenn. Code § 55-12-106). Commercial use requires higher liability limits than personal policies. Personal auto policies do not cover business use.
Not legally required by Tennessee law. However, if the LLC sells tangible goods to clients, it assumes liability for product defects. While not mandated, it is strongly recommended and often included in expanded general liability policies. No state agency enforces this as a standalone requirement.
Not applicable to standard massage therapy businesses. Only required if the LLC holds a liquor license from the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC) and serves alcohol. Massage therapy clinics are not typically licensed for alcohol service. No mandate unless alcohol is part of the service offering.
Not legally required for all, but strongly advised if digital records are maintained. Required if considered a business associate under HIPAA.
All Tennessee LLCs must file an annual report with the Secretary of State to remain in good standing. The report includes business address, registered agent, and management structure. Example: If formed on March 15, the report is due by March 1 each year.
Massage therapy businesses may be subject to fire inspections under the Tennessee Fire Prevention Code. Inspections ensure compliance with egress, fire extinguishers, and alarm systems.
Most massage-only businesses are not routinely inspected by health departments unless they include spa-like features. Confirm with local health authority.
Keep tax records for at least 3 years. Employment tax records for 4 years. State law may require longer retention for massage therapy records (e.g., client consent forms).
Employers must display posters on minimum wage, EEO, OSHA, and FMLA. Available for free download from DOL website. Must be visible to employees.
Employers must file Form UI-5 each quarter and pay unemployment insurance tax. New employers start at 2.7% rate.
Several federal agencies have jurisdiction, including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for tax obligations, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for advertising and consumer protection, and the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding ADA compliance.
No, there isn’t a specific federal license required to practice massage therapy; however, you must still comply with federal regulations related to business operation, taxation, and consumer protection.
Costs for ADA Title III compliance can vary significantly, ranging from $1000.00 to $20000.00 depending on the necessary modifications to your business premises to ensure accessibility.
If your massage therapy business is structured as an LLC (Disregarded Entity or Partnership), you generally need to file federal income taxes annually with the IRS using Form 1065 or 1120S, and the associated fees vary.
The FTC regulates advertising and consumer protection, ensuring your marketing practices are truthful and don't mislead customers; they also enforce rules against false health claims and deceptive business practices, with varying fees for non-compliance.
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