Business Tax Division

Business Licenses

Chapter 530 of the Public Acts of 2009 amended the Tennessee Business Tax Act. Effective January 1, 2010, this chapter states that all businesses operating within Shelby County are required to obtain a business license and report their gross receipts to the Tennessee Department of Revenue on an annual basis.

All businesses will continue to register with the County Clerk's Office within 20 days after commencement of business to receive a business license. If the business is operating within a municipality, a separate city business license is required. A remittance of $15 must be submitted with each application. The annual business tax return will be filed on updated tax forms with the Department of Revenue.

Additional information is available on the Tennessee Department of Revenue website or by contacting them directly at (800) 342-1003. To view a list of all applicable licensing forms and printable information sheets, visit our business tax forms page.

Applications are now accepted online; click here

Exemptions

The following businesses are exempt from the above regulations:
  • Accountants
  • Attorneys
  • Businesses that gross less than $3,000 per year
  • Dentists
  • Doctors
  • Insurance agents
  • Loan companies
  • Manufacturers
  • Public utilities
  • Religious organizations
  • Schools
  • Security exchanges
  • Veterinarians

Additional Resources