Form SS-4270 at a glance
What it is: Form SS-4270 is the Articles of Organization for a Limited Liability Company, which set forth the items required by T.C.A. § 48-249-202 (instructions, page 1).
Where to get it: A blank form may be obtained by emailing the Secretary of State at TNSOS.CORPINFO@TNSOS.GOV or by calling (615) 741-2286.
A filled-in Form SS-4270 example: a two member LLC is organized
How to fill out Form SS-4270, box by box
Boxes 1 and 2, the name
Enter the proposed name of the Limited Liability Company.
Pursuant to the provisions of T.C.A. § 48-249-106, each Limited Liability Company name must contain the words "Limited Liability Company" or the abbreviation "LLC" or "L.L.C."
Name Consent (Written Consent for Use of Indistinguishable Name): if checked, the Articles of Organization must be accompanied by an Application for Use of Indistinguishable Name and an additional $20 filing fee (checked October 19, 2026).
Box 3, the additional designation
If applicable to the specific nature of the LLC, enter any additional designation, including Captive Insurance Company, Decentralized Organization, Insurance Company, Litigation Financier, Professional Limited Liability Company, Processing Cooperative or Trust Company.
If "Professional Limited Liability Company" is indicated, check the box certifying that the LLC is a professional LLC, that its purpose is to render the specified professional service(s) as defined in T.C.A. § 48-249-1102(6), that the PLLC has one or more members that are qualified persons as defined in T.C.A. § 48-249-1102(7) and no disqualified persons as member or holders, and identify the professional service(s) in the space provided.
If "Litigation Financier" is indicated, you must submit with your Articles of Organization a bond in the amount of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) made payable to the State of Tennessee (checked October 19, 2026).
Box 4, the fiscal year ending month
Enter the month of the year that concludes the LLC's fiscal year. If a fiscal year ending month is not indicated, the Division will list the fiscal year ending month as December by default.
Box 5, the period of duration
Indicate if the duration of the LLC is perpetual or has a specific end date by checking the appropriate box. If "other" is checked, enter the specific date on which the duration of the LLC's existence will end.
Boxes 6 and 7, the principal office and the mailing address
Enter the street address, city, state, and zip code of the principal office of the LLC and the county in which the office is located.
Common mistake: A post office box is not acceptable for the principal office address.
Enter the complete mailing address of the LLC if different from the principal office address.
A post office box address is acceptable for a mailing address.
Common mistake: The address will be verified and if it cannot be recognized as valid, the form will be rejected by the Division.
Box 8, the business email address
The business email address is: enter a contact email address for the LLC. All reminders will be sent via email.
Box 9, the nature of business
Nature of Business: enter up to three (3) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes and each code's description that best describes the LLC's primary business activity or activities.
Boxes 10 and 11, how the LLC is managed and the number of members
Indicate whether the LLC will be Member Managed, Manager Managed, or Director Managed by checking the appropriate box.
Enter the number of members of the LLC at the date of filing.
Box 12, Obligated Member Entity
If the LLC elects to be registered as an Obligated Member Entity pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-4-2008(d)(1) and § 48-249-114(f), check the box and enter the effective date.
Common mistake: The effective date cannot be prior to the date of filing of the Article.
Also check the box to acknowledge an understanding of the statutory requirements.
Common mistake: The Obligated Member Entity Addendum for Limited Liability Companies must be signed by each obligated member and attached to the Articles of Organization.
Box 13, prohibited from doing business in Tennessee
Check the box if the LLC, while formed under Tennessee law, is prohibited from engaging in business in Tennessee.
Box 14, other provisions
Other Provisions: including any further information in this space is strictly optional.
Box 15, the delayed effective date and time
If the document is not to be effective upon filing by the Secretary of State, enter the delayed effective date and time (Not to Exceed 90 days).
Boxes 16 and 17, the registered agent
Indicate if the registered agent is an individual or an organization.
Enter the name, complete address, and email of the initial registered agent and office located in the state of Tennessee.
A post office box is not acceptable for the registered agent/office address.
Signature
The person executing the document must sign it and indicate the date of signature in the appropriate spaces.
Common mistake: An original signature or verified electronic or digital signature is acceptable. A conformed or typed signature is not acceptable.
Failure to sign and date the application will result in the application being rejected.
Type or Print Name. Failure to type or print the signature name will result in the application being rejected.
By signing this document, you certify that you are authorized to file this document on behalf of this entity, have examined the document and, to the best of your knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete as of this day.
More rules for Form SS-4270
Articles of Organizations for a Limited Liability Company must be accurately completed in their entirety.
Forms that are inaccurate, incomplete, or illegible will be rejected.
The blank form should be hand printed in ink.
Pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503, all information on this form is public record.
How you pay the filing fee
You pay by check, cashier's check, or money order
Applicants who do not wish to pay the convenience fee may choose to complete and mail the form along with a check, cashier's check, or money order. Make check, cashier's check, or money order payable to the Tennessee Secretary of State.
Common mistake: Checks, cashier's checks, and money orders made out to any payee other than the Tennessee Secretary of State will not be accepted and will result in the application being rejected.
You pay by credit card, debit card, or e-check
When paying by credit card, debit card, or e-check, there is a convenience fee that covers the transaction costs incurred by the Division of Business and Charitable Organizations when accepting online or in-person payments.
You pay in cash
Cash is only accepted for walk-in filings.
Common questions about Form SS-4270
What is the filing fee for an LLC in Tennessee?
The filing fee for Articles of Organization is $50.00 per member in existence on the date of the filing, with a minimum fee of $300.00 and a maximum fee of $3,000.00 (checked October 19, 2026). If its Articles of Organization prohibit the LLC from doing business in Tennessee, the filing fee is $300.00, regardless of the number of members in existence on the date of filing (checked October 19, 2026).
How can I get my Articles of Organization for my LLC?
Mail: Go to https://tncab.tnsos.gov/ and use the online tool to complete the form and print. A blank form may be obtained by emailing the Secretary of State at TNSOS.CORPINFO@TNSOS.GOV or by calling (615) 741-2286.
Where do I file it?
Articles of Organization for a Limited Liability Company (LLC) may be filed by E-File: go to https://tncab.tnsos.gov/ and use the online tool to complete the form and pay the filing fee by credit or debit card or e-check. The completed form, along with the required filing fee, should be mailed to: TN Secretary of State, ATTN: Corporate Filing, 312 Rosa L. Parks Ave., Nashville, TN 37243. Walk-In: A blank form may be obtained and submitted in person along with the filing fee at the Secretary of State Customer Service Counter located at 3rd FL - Snodgrass Tower, 312 Rosa L. Parks Ave., Nashville, TN 37243.
Sources
[1] Form SS-4270 (Revised 01/25), Articles of Organization Limited Liability Company, Tennessee Secretary of State (the Official source link on this page).
