Tennessee Business Licensing Information for Contractors

Contractor’s License Requirements in Tennessee

In the state of Tennessee, those individuals or businesses that wish to obtain a contractor’s license can do so using the website for the Department of Commerce and Insurance. This website licenses many different professions, businesses and occupations in the state of Tennessee.

Contractor’s licenses are available for projects that exceed $25,000. The website at the above link provides information on what you are required to have in order to proceed. Applications are linked and the application fee is $250. Completed applications should be mailed to the following address:

Board for Licensing Contractors

500 James Robertson Pkwy 4th Floor Davy Crockett Tower

Nashville, TN 37243-1150

Examinations are handled by PSI Exams.

Home Improvement Contractor’s licenses are also available through the website for the Department of Commerce and Insurance.

Tennessee Business Licensing for Electricians

Electrical Contractor and Electrician Licenses in Tennessee

In Tennessee, licenses are available for master electrician, residential wireman and journeyman. Information on these licenses is provided by the Department of Commerce and Insurance.

The application for Limited Licensed Electrician is available online and an application fee of $50.00 is required for new applicants and $80.00 is required for reinstatements. Exams are handled by PSI Exams. Completed applications should be sent to the following address:

Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors

Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE)

500 James Robertson Parkway

Nashville, TN 37243-1150

Business Licensing Information for Plumbers in Tennessee

In order to do plumbing work in the state of Tennessee, the state requires you to have a license. On the website for the Department of Commerce and Insurance, plumbers can access information on applying to become a plumber, rules and regulations, and the plumbing code.

Applications are provided online and an application fee of $75.00 is required. PSI Exams handles the required exams for Plumbing licensure. Completed applications should be sent to the following address:

Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors

500 James Robertson Parkway

Nashville, TN 37243-1150

Additional Business Licensing for All Businesses in Tennessee

Business and Occupational Licenses

Information for business and occupational licenses in the state of Tennessee can be obtained from the website for the Department of Commerce and Insurance. There are many professions in Tennessee that require licensure by businesses operating in the state.

Tennessee Business Tax Information

Business Tax Registration

Any business operating in the state of Tennessee must register for a tax identification number, licenses or applicable permits, sales tax accounts and unemployment insurance tax using the website for the Secretary of State. To determine your tax liability or to make online payments, consult the website linked.

The Department of Revenue’s website can also be used for general tax information and forms related to taxes.

Insurance Requirements for Businesses in Tennessee

Unemployment Tax Requirements

Unemployment insurance is required to be paid by every business operating in Tennessee. This process is managed and regulated by the state’s Department of Labor & Workforce Development. In addition, employers and businesses can use this section of the website to register the business, pay premiums and report wages. Under certain conditions, your business may need to remit payment for unemployment insurance taxes.

A handbook is provided for assistance in understanding the Tennessee Employment Security Law.

Workers’ Compensation Requirements

With very few exceptions, employers in the state of Tennessee who employ more than one worker must get and maintain Workers’ Compensation Insurance. Using the website for the Department of Commerce & Insurance, you can obtain coverage, report your intent to self-insure and verify that a company has the necessary insurance to meet the state’s requirements.

Under the law, the premiums paid for this type of insurance coverage is always paid for by the employer and should never be deducted from the employee’s earnings.

For more information, contact can be made with the Workers’ Compensation department by calling 615-741-0472.

New Hire Reporting Requirements for Businesses in Tennessee

Reporting New Hires

Under federal law, employers are required to report newly hired employees within 20 days of their hire date. The following information can be reported using the New Hire Reporting Program:

• Employee’s name
• Address
• Social Security Number
• Date of birth
• Hire date
• Employer’s name
• Payroll address
• Federal identification number (FEIN)

Employers may use the website for reporting, call 888-715-2280 for more information or by sending it to the following address:

Tennessee New Hire Reporting

P.O. Box 17367

Nashville, TN 37217

Licensed Contractors in Tennessee

Through the website for the Department of Commerce and Insurance, you can verify licensure for contractors and many other professions in the state of Tennessee.