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Tennessee Business Formation Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Tax Law for Tennessee on
Q: Does a DE nonprofit have to file a foreign qualification in TN if the sole member/directors merely lives in Tennessee?

No business will be conducted in TN. The DE Nonprofit will not actively be seeking out donations or soliciting donations particularly from TN residents, although the NP may accept donations from TN residents. Solicitation of charitable donations will be passive from the NP website.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2024

Based on the information provided, it is unlikely that the Delaware nonprofit would need to file a foreign qualification in Tennessee solely because one of its directors or members lives there, as long as the nonprofit is not actively conducting business in the state.

However, there are a...
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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
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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...
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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
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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 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: Do I legally have to include LLC in my marketing materials with the logo/wordmark in the state of Tennessee?

We have a logo for branding and advertising and I'm wondering if we legally have to include LLC in our forward-facing marketing efforts. It hurts the branding to include it and it counterproductive from a marketing standpoint.

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Nov 4, 2024

Without the LLC stated you are representing your business as a sole proprietorship. You might get personally sued.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Tennessee on
Q: Amazon/eBay reselling Are people restricted to only reselling non branded products?

My partner and I are wanting to start an online e-commerce business buying and reselling non branded products from Alibaba. Would it be wise to stick with only selling non branded? Do we need a license to sell branded products?

Jennifer Newton
Jennifer Newton
answered on Sep 9, 2024

Starting an e-commerce business reselling products from Alibaba is a great venture, and understanding the legal landscape for reselling branded versus non-branded products is crucial for your success.

Here are some important points to consider:

Non-Branded Products: If you're...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Employment Law for Tennessee on
Q: I was terminated for closing the store 13 minutes early. When the manager(S) knew I couldn't stay til closing.

Ive never had a warning or write up. I was suppose to close at 12AM. Due to my transportation issues ATM the mangers were very aware that I wouldn't be able to stay til 12. I left that store at 11:47pm . And the manager lied and said I closed and left the store 45 minutes early. It... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Aug 5, 2024

TN is a terminable at will employment State.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Arbitration / Mediation Law, Banking and Business Formation for Tennessee on
Q: Any charge I may have or any of my close family record clear

I have a friend that’s not guilty and she didn’t have any court knowledge with a public defender in murder case that was self defense her name is Monhogani Plummer she’s in Newport At please get her case appealed

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Apr 30, 2024

What is your question? If no conviction yet, she needs to hire a real attorney.

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
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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: 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
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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 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
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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
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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 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 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
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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
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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...
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