Tennessee
Register your business in Tennessee and manage state unemployment tax efficiently.
Tennessee New Business Registration Guide
State Tax Agency
Type of Tax
- State Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax
Tennessee State Unemployment Tax (UI)
The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development administers the state’s unemployment insurance tax. An employing unit becomes liable for UI tax if it:
- Pays $1,500 or more in total gross wages in a calendar quarter, or
- Has at least one employee during twenty different weeks in the current or preceding calendar year
(The employee does not have to be the same person each week, and can be part-time or full-time.)
Registration Steps
1. Register for an Employer Number
- Go to the TN UI Tax homepage
- Under “Obtain an Employer Number,” select the link for your business type
- Complete the “Report to Determine Status Application” for Employer Account Number
- Submitting this form will determine your liability for unemployment insurance
- If determined liable, you will be assigned an 8-digit employer account number (e.g., 0000-000 0)
- Fax the completed application to the Employer Services Unit at 615-741-7214
- Allow 10 business days for processing
Your Employer Account Number will be mailed to the address listed on the application
Next Steps
- Update your account with your Tennessee Employer Number
Your account number is required for all Tennessee UI interactions to ensure proper compliance and accurate filings.
Important Note
Tennessee does not impose a state income tax, so no state withholding tax registration is required.
Need Help?
- Call: (615) 741-2486
- Email: employerstatus.rates@tn.gov
This guide does not contain legal or tax advice. If legal or tax advice is required, an attorney, CPA, or tax adviser should be consulted.
Last updated on March 31, 2022