Start a Business in Nashville

Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.

✔ 4 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 $15–$100

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Overview

Starting a business in Nashville requires a Business Tax License through the Davidson County Clerk. Base fee: $15–$100. GCC revises fees regularly. Known for significant fee increases.

Required Permits

✓Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)
✓State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration
✓County: health department permit + fire inspection
✓City: business licence/tax certificate

Step-by-Step Process

1

Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

2

State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

3

County: health department permit + fire inspection

4

City: business licence/tax certificate

Costs

Estimated total: $15–$100 depending on permits and inspections.

General Business$15–$100
Restaurant$50–$500

Contact

Davidson County Clerk

Phone: 615-862-6050

700 President Ronald Reagan Way, Suite 101, Nashville, TN 37210

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Common Mistakes

⚠ Consolidated city-county (Metro Nashville-Davidson County)
⚠ Two-tier license: Minimal Activity ($3K-$99,999 gross receipts) vs Standard ($100K+)
⚠ Cities-within-the-city may require DUAL licensing (Berry Hill, Belle Meade, Forest Hills, Oak Hill, Goodlettsville)
⚠ LLC fee is per-member ($50/member, min $300, max $3,000)
⚠ Combined sales tax rate exceeds 9%
⚠ All licenses expire December 31 regardless of issue date

Choose Your Business Type

RestaurantFood TruckBarber ShopRetail StoreCoffee ShopBar / NightclubGym / Fitness StudioNail SalonCannabis DispensaryDog GroomingBakeryCleaning ServiceDaycare CenterAuto Repair Shop

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