How to Start a Painting Business In Tennessee
There are some specific steps to starting a painting business in Tennessee.
The state of Tennessee has resources that will help you start a business in Tennessee: Tennessee Smart Start and Register a New Business In Tennessee
1. Register your painting business name.
Find out more about registering a fictitious name here: https://tnbear.tn.gov/ECommerce/NameAvailability.aspx
If you need help selecting a name for your painting business: Choosing a Painting Business Name
2. Select a business structure.
Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.
3. Register your painting business.
You can register your new painting business with the state of Tennessee here: https://tnbear.tn.gov/Ecommerce/RegistrationInstr.aspx
4. Open a Business Checking Account.
You will need to open a separate bank account for your painting business with your new business name.
5. Find out about taxes, hire an accountant.
You may want to file your own taxes if you are a small company. As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work. More information about taxes here:
6. Get Liability Insurance.
We work with Contractors Liability because they’re the one-stop-shop for Painting Contractor Liability insurance and are able to get online quotes in all 50 states. Get a Free Quote Now >
Find out more about liability insurance here: Painting Business Liability Insurance
7. Register as a Contractor with the State of Tennessee.
To see if you need to register your painting business with the state of Tennessee, check here: Tennessee Contractor’s License Application
8. Worker’s Compensation.
The insurance agency that provided your liability insurance should be able to help with this. You don’t need Worker’s Compensation unless you have employees. Get a Free Quote Now >
9. Get Health Insurance.
Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance. If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.
10. City License.
You may be required to obtain a license to operate your painting business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.