Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
Tennessee Business Formation Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Business Formation and Business Law for Tennessee on
Q: Is it possible to purchase 99% of the shares of an LLC while keeping the original owner on as a non-equity/no-owner?
Mr. James Charles Wright
Mr. James Charles Wright
answered on Nov 16, 2023

A limited liability company has members and membership interests. Yes, you can purchase 99% of the interest in the LLC - but if you are leaving one percent- is that for the old owner- so they would be one percent equity owner? This sounds like a structure of membership issue. It may be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Tennessee on
Q: How do you change the members and owners of a multi-member LLC?
Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 28, 2023

If there is a n Operating Agreement then look at that for any controlling terms. More than likely the Managing Member simply designates new members. A new owner would need to notify the State Secretary of State of their new manager status. But it is also dependent on what State the LLC is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Tennessee on
Q: can the treasurer of a non profit, an officer of the corporation, also serve on the board of directors? State is TN
Matthew Morris
Matthew Morris
answered on Jul 20, 2023

There is nothing to prevent the treasurer from serving on the board of directors in Tennessee, assuming that there is nothing in the bylaws that would prevent this.

The only requirement for serving on the board under the Tennessee Nonprofit Corporation Act is that “All directors must be...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation for Tennessee on
Q: I want to form a LLC for a low budget horror movie. Management Structure and articles of organization. Not sure.

I am not sure what to put for the management structure and the articles of organization. I will be the producer, writer and director making all creative decisions on the project, but a unit production manager will be running the set. Thanks for your help.

Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 27, 2023

It should probably be Member Managed if you are the only Member. You will need Articles of Organization saying this, and it is best to have an Operating Agreement to define the Manager's powers. Hire an attorney to draft and set this up with the State.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Business Formation, Business Law and Land Use & Zoning for Tennessee on
Q: Can my real estate partner sell the property which we built and I operate my small business on? What are my rights and

Options for keeping my portion of the land that my business is located? If we cannot agree to subdivide the majority of the entire property into lots for resale, with him getting reimbursed for all of his expenses prior to me drawing any shares from the sale, will the property be ordered... View More

Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 27, 2023

Consult with an attorney to either work out your differences, or dissolve the partnership/sue for partition of real property.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation for Tennessee on
Q: A C corporation formed in WA State has one employee in TN State who works remotely from his home. The business has

purchased some investment properties in TN. These are single family homes that are never rented. They are purchased, held for less than a year and then sold after some repairs. The properties are all bought and sold through independent real estate agents. Does the business need to register as a... View More

Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 12, 2023

I would recommend registering with the Secretary of State. At some point the corporation will need to sue someone, and then it will be important that standing issues are not existent. If title or lien problems come up, it will also help that the corporation has a legal presence here.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation for Tennessee on
Q: I changing to a s corporation can I put my sole proprietorship under the new s corporation I live in Chattanooga Tenness
Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 8, 2023

Obviously you can... But you need an attorney's advice first. S Corporations require monthly profit/loss determinations, so you will probably be paying alot for accountants. An LLC or a regular C Corporation might work better. Have the attorney so advise as to all options first, before... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Employment Law, Business Formation and White Collar Crime for Tennessee on
Q: I am founder of a new nonprofit in TN. I have felony from 2013 (UE).repaid all monies, no other criminal record.

Can I be an officer/manger on my board if I have felon from another state? I had an over payment for unemployment of 11,033.38 (including a $5,000 fine) ALL of which I REPAID in full. the nonprofit that I am starting is a community building project teaching beginning farmers from low income and... View More

Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 23, 2023

I am not aware of any disability from running a TN non-profit entity. If you already formed it, then apparently the TN Secretary of State has no problem. Since it is from another State, noone here may know about it at this time, and who would want to remove you anyway? You might look into... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Business Formation and Business Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can I have people employed in one S Corp that are meant to work between 2 shared ownership LLCs?

We have 2 LLCs that have partial shared ownership, 2 people are owners in both, 2 more are owners in just one. We are hoping to have an S Corp that is owned by the 2 that own both to employ everyone that currently works in the LLCs to consolidate and simplify things for employees and compliance.... View More

Mr. James Charles Wright
Mr. James Charles Wright
answered on Mar 10, 2023

You could set up an entity to provide employees to both and then be reimbursed by both entities for the employees. Or the employees could be employed by one entity and when they work for the other - the other entity reimburses the first entity for the time of the employees.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Tennessee on
Q: How to get copy of partnership of a firm registered in 1980s
Bennett James Wills
Bennett James Wills
answered on Feb 15, 2023

The Tennessee Secretary of State's Office may have information. Contact the business services department.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Business Formation and Business Law for Tennessee on
Q: If my LLC doesn't have an operating agreement and a member decides to leave do they owe the company for any debt?

A member has decided, of their own will, to leave the LLC. The LLC is in debt and doesn't have an operating agreement. Does the withdrawing member owe any money to the LLC as buying themselves out?

Bennett James Wills
Bennett James Wills
answered on Jan 24, 2023

Depends on the debt. Are they personally obligated? Is the business just in debt? Or does it have a positive fair market value? Typically, without an operating agreement, when a member quits the LLC pays fair market under TCA 48-249-505. But there are other considerations as well. Consult counsel... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Tennessee on
Q: Is there a list of requirements to ensure a tire/car detail shop is up to code?

I am looking to open up a car detail/ tire shop and want to ensure I am not in any violations when looking for a location.

Bennett James Wills
Bennett James Wills
answered on Dec 14, 2022

There's not so much a list but various items you may want to look at - for example, codes and zoning. Make sure where you open up shop, you are permitted to operate. Then you'd want to check the environmental laws on disposal of tires and fluids. And then other statutes like the consumer... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Contracts for Tennessee on
Q: How do I handle a potential business partner I don't really wanna pay 50 percent or even less.

I have an online business that I made with a friend but everything is in my name included the LLC but he is in a good amount of the footage that our online course provides but his name is literally on nothing except for about half of the videos. I do think he should be payed something but how do I... View More

Mr. James Charles Wright
Mr. James Charles Wright
answered on Oct 26, 2022

Your post indicates that you are the only member of the LLC and from this I am assuming all of the online content is owned by either you or the LLC. You don't indicate the agreement with this other person - and you likely should discuss this with a lawyer rather than creating another post. -... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Tennessee on
Q: My general partner in our L.P. has recently died. How do I (limited partner) undergo converting to a sole proprietorship

My father (general partner) in our Limited Liability corporation has recently died and me (the limited partner) needs to convert the business to a sole proprietorship. What form can I access in order to undergo the conversion? If not, is a general partnership a better idea? Thank you.

Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 2, 2022

No form is going to meet your objective, and you are confused about LPs and LLCs. Hire an attorney to examine the business and its assets, and then advise a course of action. Sole Proprietorship means you individually own it. It may be very simple, instead of a formal Dissolution.

2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Tennessee on
Q: Im going to start an ecommerce website. I do I need an LLC out the gate to protect myself?

Im wanting to start an ecommerce website. Do I need a LLC to protect myself just to test the business and the market. However, I do have an ok savings but I do not want to get sued. I'm scared that I would lose my personal savings if I don't.

What I mean by testing the business... View More

Michael Ray Smith
PREMIUM
Michael Ray Smith
answered on May 17, 2022

I'm not a Tennessee attorney, but the answer to your question would be more or less the same in any state.

I agree with Mr. Wright. Yes, you should have an LLC out of the gate. A corporation is another alternative, but an LLC is generally the structure of choice for small...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law, Business Formation and Business Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can I use my Virginia formed LLC in TN?

I have an electricians license in TN as well as local business licenses. I have registered to pay business tax and franchise and excise tax on Tennessee. I live in Virginia and have formed my LLC in Virginia. Am I okay to use my local TN business licenses and my TN electrical license to perform... View More

Bennett James Wills
Bennett James Wills
answered on Apr 1, 2022

You could register your VA LLC in TN as a foreign entity.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Trademark for Tennessee on
Q: How do I get licensed to sell tumblers and products that say tennessee or vols in my small business
Mr. James Charles Wright
Mr. James Charles Wright
answered on Mar 20, 2022

Try this web site:

https://clc.com/

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Copyright and Trademark for Tennessee on
Q: Can I use business name "Bath and Body Goods" or "Bath & Body Goods" without being sued by "Bath & Body Works"?
Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Dec 12, 2021

Very likely you will get sued. Don't do it.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Contracts for Tennessee on
Q: Can a business partner Sue someone with no contract or agreement signed in state of Tennessee
Mr. James Charles Wright
Mr. James Charles Wright
answered on Nov 6, 2020

There is an old saying that anyone can sue anyone for anything. The question would be whether someone can sue over an oral agreement? Most oral agreements are valid. There are a number of exceptions. For instance a contract for the sale of real estate must be in writing.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Tennessee on
Q: What kind of license do I need to manufacture and sell cosmetics (NOT drugs) in Tennessee (Handcock county).

I have contacted every agency I can think of in Tennessee to find out if I need a license to manufacture lotions, soap and Bath Bombs in Tennessee. Everyone says they know if no requirement. If this is true, is there a county or city license I need?

Mr. James Charles Wright
Mr. James Charles Wright
answered on Oct 30, 2020

You would need a business license for the city / county where you are dong business. Beyond this the soap products are regulated -

I am attaching below a link that may help you get some guidance....
View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.