Tennessee registration and tax info

What you need to do

• Add a new work address in Gusto for a different state, and;
• Hire an employee and assign them to that address.

Cost and timeline

Prices vary by state. You can see the cost, process, and how long it takes in step four below.

What the process looks like

1. You give us some basic business information.
2. Gusto and CorpNet will check your info.
3. Your registration is usually submitted within 3–5 business days.
4. Watch for mail with your tax account numbers and rates from the state. The state usually sends your tax account numbers and rates directly to you.
   
   • Heads up: If CorpNet does not enter some information into Gusto, they can show you how to do it yourself.

Third-Party Agent (TPA) authorization reminder

Some state agencies need Gusto to have TPA access to file and pay your taxes. Usually, CorpNet does not set this up, so you’ll have to do it yourself after registration. Work with CorpNet directly to see if they’ve set up TPA for any specific agency.

Check the state registration articles to see if TPA is needed and how to set it up. If there's no “Authorize Gusto” section, then TPA is not needed right now. 

• If you're already on the state-specific registration article, scroll to see if there's an “Authorize Gusto” section below.

Prices vary by state. You can see the cost, process, and how long it takes in step four below.

1. Sign in to Gusto.
2. Click the Taxes & Compliance section and select Tax setup.
3. Under “[State name] Tax Setup”, click Have us register for you.
   • The state will only show up if you’ve added a company work address there and assigned an employee to it.
4. Look at the price, process, and how long it'll take.
   
   • We will not charge you until you send in your order.
5. Click Continue.
6. Answer a few questions to see if you're eligible.
   • We can only register for you if you do not already have a state account.
7. Click Save & continue.
8. Enter some company information (we'll fill in what we already know).
9. Click Save & continue.
10. Tell us who the responsible party is. This is the person in charge of the company’s tax matters and good standing. 
    • If you're a nonprofit and need help, check our FAQs below.
11. Click Save & continue.
12. Enter some state-specific operational information.
13. Click Save and continue.
14. Review all info carefully. Mistakes can delay things. 
    • Heads up: State and local agencies might add fees or take longer than expected. CorpNet will notify you if that happens.
15. Check the box to confirm your info is correct and agree to the Terms of Service.
16. Click Send registration order.
    • We’ll email you with order updates and add the cost to your next monthly bill.

Some reminders

• In most cases, you need to give Gusto third-party access (TPA) to your tax accounts.
  • Check the state registration articles to see if TPA is needed and how to set it up. If there's no “Authorize Gusto” section, then TPA is not needed right now.
    • If you're already on the state-specific registration article, scroll to see if there's an “Authorize Gusto” section below.
  • CorpNet may be able to help set up TPA for some state agencies. Work with them directly to see if they can help.
• Keep an eye on your mail for registration details (tax account numbers and rates).
  • Some states will send your tax account numbers and rates this way. CorpNet will tell you how you’ll get your tax account information.

When your order is complete, you’ll receive emails from both Gusto and CorpNet. They’ll detail the next steps, which include:

• Reviewing registration details
• Any other state-specific instructions

Before your order is done, use the link in the state registration email from Gusto to check your order's status.

You can also check the status in your Gusto account:

1. Sign in to Gusto.
2. Click the Taxes & Compliance section and select Tax setup.
3. Scroll to the state's section.
4. Click Check the status of your registration.

If your order is still in progress, you can cancel from your Gusto account:

1. Sign in to Gusto.
2. Click the Taxes & Compliance section and select Tax setup.
3. Scroll to the state's section.
4. Click Check the status of your registration.
5. On the right-side of the page, under “Changed your mind?”, click Cancel your order.
6. Let us know why you're canceling.
7. Click Cancel your order.

If you were already charged, you'll get a refund in a few business days.

If you canceled your order but would like to re-open it, contact CorpNet directly at (888) 449-2638. Or email them at [email protected].

Q: Can I run payroll before my registration is done?

A: Yes, you can usually run payroll before all state tax info is added in Gusto. You may be asked to enter tax rates and tax deposit frequencies, but can use temporary info.

Important reminders

• We cannot submit tax payments or filings until all tax account numbers are added.
• If you run payroll before finishing registration, you might get notices about late tax payments or filings. Any penalties are your responsibility.
• If you’re only registering for unemployment tax and do not have your rate yet, use the new employer rate for your state in Gusto until you get the correct one. Update the rate once you get it.

Q: Can I use Gusto to register in a new state without a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)? What if my business is merging or being acquired?

A: No, you need a FEIN in Gusto to get registration help for state taxes.

If your business is merging or being acquired, CorpNet cannot help with registration. You'll need to work with a tax advisor and state agencies directly.

Q: Where can I find my tax information?

A: You can find your tax info in several places: 

• In Gusto: Click the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax setup, then scroll to state tax setup.
• In CorpNet: Create an account and sign in to see your info.
• In your state’s online portal: Find your account details there.
• By mail: Some agencies send tax info by mail. If that happens, CorpNet will let you know, and you'll need to enter this info in Gusto.

Gusto’s state tax registration service does not contain tax, legal, financial, or HR advice. Since rules and regulations change over time and can vary by location, consult a lawyer, HR expert, or accountant for specific guidance.

Q: What if I'm not liable for unemployment tax yet?

A: If you want CorpNet to start setting up an unemployment account number before you're liable, you can:

• Use today’s date as the first date the employee(s) in the new state will be paid. 
• Enter the start date of the quarter you expect to meet the liability threshold.
  • Check the state’s liability info in the Register on your own section (go to the SUI dropdown). If there’s no info, contact the state agency directly.

Q: Can CorpNet help if the responsible party is international without an ITIN or SSN?

A: CorpNet might be able to help. Contact them at [email protected] or 1(888) 449-2638.

Q: Why am I unable to enter 0% ownership for the responsible party or add a commercial owner?

A: Some states have a 1% minimum for the responsible party ownership percentage. These states include ID, KS, MN, OH, SC, DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, and RI.

You’ll need to place registration orders directly with CorpNet outside of Gusto or register directly with the agency.

Some states require an individual owner to be listed. If you’re a non-profit or unsure, contact CorpNet for help at [email protected] or 1(888) 449-2638.

Q: Does CorpNet help with giving Gusto third-party access (TPA) for tax payments?

A: In most cases, you need to give Gusto third-party access (TPA) to your tax accounts.

• Check the state registration articles to see if TPA is needed and how to set it up. If there's no “Authorize Gusto” section, then TPA is not needed right now.
  • If you're already on the state-specific registration article, scroll to see if there's an “Authorize Gusto” section below.
• CorpNet may be able to help set up TPA for some state agencies. Work with them directly to see if they can help.

Q: Does CorpNet help close state tax accounts?

A: No, you'll need to close the tax account yourself.

• Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development – unemployment tax

Register with the Department of Labor & Workforce Development

To register, Tennessee employers must fill out the Report to Determine Status form (LB-0441) and email it to [email protected]. 

If the Tennessee Department of Labor decides you need to pay unemployment tax, they will send you:

• An eight-digit Employer Account Number (like XXXX-XXX X), and;
• Your unemployment tax rate.

You'll usually get this information 2–3 weeks after sending the form.

If you have problems or need to check your account details, call the agency at (615) 741-2486.

Some reminders

• New construction employers in certain North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) sectors may get a higher tax rate.
• New construction employers in NAICS 23 have a 6% tax rate.
• Your tax rate may change twice a year, typically on July 1st.

Enter the tax account information in Gusto

After a work address in Tennessee is assigned to one or more employees, you can add your tax account information:

1. Go to Taxes & compliance and select Tax setup.
2. Find “Tennessee Tax Setup” and click Manage taxes.
3. Next to “Employer Account Number”, click Edit and enter your unemployment account number. Then, click Save.
   • Heads up: After you save the account number, the signatory might need to sign forms to let Gusto handle tax payments and filings. Payroll in TN could be blocked until this is done.
     
   • If you edit a tax account number after payments or filings have already been made, there may be tax implications. Learn how to pull reports in Gusto that can help you correct any historical tax issues related to tax account number updates.
4. Next to "UI Premium Rate", click Edit and enter your unemployment rate.
   
   • If you do not have your rate yet, enter the new employer rate for Tennessee temporarily. Update the rate once you get it.
5. Click Save.

Employer Account Number (EAN)—for unemployment tax

You can find your Employer Account Number (EAN) on the notices you got from the Department of Labor, like the “Premium Report” or "Wage Report."

Important: Rates can change twice a year—usually on January 1 and July 1—so make sure you use the correct rate and effective date when entering it in Gusto.

Unemployment Insurance (UI) premium rate

Your "Employer Tax Rate" is on the "Notice of Premium Rate" the agency sent you.

If you do not know your account number or rate, call the agency at (615) 741-2486.

If you do not have your rate yet, enter the new employer rate for Tennessee temporarily. Update the rate once you get it.

After a work address in Tennessee is assigned to one or more employees, you can add your tax account information:

1. Go to Taxes & compliance and select Tax setup.
2. Find “Tennessee Tax Setup” and click Manage taxes.
3. Next to “Employer Account Number”, click Edit and enter your unemployment account number. Then, click Save. 
   
   • Heads up: After you save the account number, the signatory might need to sign forms to let Gusto handle tax payments and filings. Payroll in TN could be blocked until this is done.
   • If you edit a tax account number after payments or filings have already been made, there may be tax implications. Learn how to pull reports in Gusto that can help you correct any historical tax issues related to tax account number updates.
4. Next to "UI Premium Rate", click Edit and enter your unemployment rate.
   
   • If you do not have your rate yet, enter the new employer rate for Tennessee temporarily. Update the rate once you get it.
5. Click Save.