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There are some exceptions to the 7%general state sales or use tax rate: Sales of food and food ingredientsas defined in the law. These itemsare taxed at a state rate of 4.00%effective July 1, 2017. Whatconstitutes food and foodingredients is addressed later in thistext. [Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6-228]Aviation fuel actually used in theoperation of aircraft motors is taxedat 4.5%. Effective May 18, 2015, thetotal amount of the 4.5% sales anduse tax imposed and remitted onany one person’s purchase, use,consumption, or storage of aviationfuel is limited to the followingamounts: for July 2017 – June 2018 14,125,000; and for any yearoccurring on or after July 2018 10,500,000. [Tenn. Code Ann. § 676-217]Sales of property to commoncarriers for use outside Tennesseeare taxed at the rate of 3.75%.[Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6-219]When sold to or used bymanufacturers, water is taxed at 1%,and gas, electricity, fuel oil, andother energy fuels is taxed at a rateof 1.5%. [Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6206]Interstate or internationaltelecommunications services sold tobusinesses are taxed at a rate of7.5%. [Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6-221]Gross receipts from the sale ofmanufactured homes, includingaccessories, furnishings, anddelivery or installation fees, aretaxed at half the current rate ofstate tax. [Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6216] Property of a sole proprietorshipthat becomes property of acorporation as a result ofincorporation of the soleproprietorship is not subject to tax.[Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6-223]Video programming servicesincluding cable television, wirelesscable television, and video servicesprovided through wireline facilitiesthat are offered for publicconsumption are taxed at a staterate of 8.25% on all charges of 15.01 - 27.50. Charges of 27.51and higher are taxed at the regularstate and local sales tax rates.Charges of 15 or less are exemptfrom tax. [Tenn. Code Ann. §s 67-6103(f), 67-6-226]Sales of direct-to-home satellitetelevision programming or televisionservices are taxed at a state rate of8.25% only. [Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6227]Electricity sold to or used by aqualified data center is taxed at astate rate of 1.5%. [Tenn. Code Ann.§ 67-6-206(c)]Tennessee vendors must indicate inspecific ways whether customers arepaying sales or use tax. If the purchaseprice of a product includes the tax, it mustbe indicated in writing on the invoice, on asign posted in the business, or in amanner that is assured to make thecustomer aware of that fact. [Tenn. CodeAnn. § 67-6-503]Any county or incorporated city may levy atax on the same privileges that are subjectto the state’s sales or use tax; all countiesand some incorporated cities haveadopted a local option tax of up to 2.75%.11

Interstate and internationaltelecommunications services sold topersons other than businesses are subjectto a state tax rate of 7% and a flat 1.5%local tax rate regardless of the local taxrate levied by the local jurisdiction. [Tenn.Code Ann. § 67-6-702(g)(1)]The tax is imposed in the locality of theseller’s location in Tennessee from whichthe sale is made. If a sale is made from anout-of-state location by a seller withlocations in Tennessee, the local tax isimposed based on the purchaser’slocation of receipt. The seller with nolocations in Tennessee may opt to collectthe local tax at a standard 2.25% local rateinstead of the rate at the purchaser’slocation of receipt. The sale of waterservices is subject to the local tax rate forthe locality where water services aredelivered to the consumer. [Tenn. CodeAnn. §§ 67-6-702(a-f)]Video programming services includingcable television, wireless cable television,and video services provided throughwireline facilities that are offered forpublic consumption are exempt from localtax up to an amount of 27.50. [Tenn.Code Ann. § 67-6-714]Vending machine sales of both food andnon-food items are taxed at a flat rate of2.25% local tax on all sales regardless ofthe local tax rate levied by the localjurisdiction. [Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6702(h)]The law limits some local option tax rates:There is no local option tax on electricpower or energy, natural or artificial gas,coal, or fuel oil. [Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6704]Specified digital products (digital audiovisual works, digital audio works, anddigital books) are subject to a standardlocal tax rate of 2.50% regardless of thelocal tax rate levied by the localjurisdiction. [Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6702(g)(4)]The local tax rate for water sold tomanufacturers is 0.5%. [Tenn. Code Ann. §67-6-702(b)]The local tax rate for sales of tangibleproperty to common carriers for useoutside Tennessee is 1.5%. [Tenn. CodeAnn. § 67-6-702(e)]Intrastate telecommunications servicesare taxed at the state rate of 7% and aflat 2.5% local tax rate regardless of thelocal tax rate levied by the localjurisdiction. [Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6702(g)(2)]For leases under which the lessee willmake periodic (e.g., weekly or monthly)payments, sales tax is to be collected oneach lease payment at the time thepayment is due. For leases under whichthe lessee will make a lump sum paymentup front, tax is due with that payment.Interstate or internationaltelecommunications services sold tobusinesses are subject to the state taxrate of 7.5% and exempt from local tax.[Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6-702(g)(1)]For lease contracts entered into on orafter January 1, 2008, contracts fortransfers of property that require thetransfer of title upon completion of all12

1,600 of the cost of statutorily definedsingle articles of tangible personalproperty.payments and payment of an option pricethat does not exceed the greater of 100or 1% of the total payments under thecontract is a financing contract and not alease. Sales tax is due at the time of sale,and the periodic payments, includinginterest and financing charges madeunder the agreement are not subject totax.The state single article tax rate of 2.75% islevied on the sales price of single articlesof tangible personal property beginning at 1,600.01 and continuing up to, andincluding 3,200. On a lease or rental, thisbasically means the local tax applies tothe first 1,600 of lease or rental incomeon each single article, then the state2.75% begins and continues up to andincluding 3,200 on the single article leaseprice. Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6-204(b)(3)allows for a lump sum payment of thelocal option tax due on the cost price tothe lessee; this can be remitted to theDepartment on the sales tax return forthe tax period in which the tax for the firstperiodic lease payment is due. [Tenn.Code Ann. § 67-6-204 and Revenue Rule1320-05-01-.32]Sales tax applies to the “sales price” of thelease or rental. Generally, the totalamount received from the customerbecomes the base for state sales tax.However, charges that are optional to thepurchaser and separately stated are notpart of the sales price that is subject to taxfor the lease of the property. Interestcharges associated with the lease orrental are included in the sales price uponwhich sales tax is to be collected.When leased property is relocated toTennessee from another state during thelease period, Tennessee use tax applies toeach lease payment for periods duringwhich the property is located inTennessee. The lessor is required toregister with the Department to collectand remit the use tax. If the lessor doesnot collect the tax, the lessee must remitthe tax directly to the Department. If thelessor properly collects and remits salestax to another state with respect to thelease payments, such sales tax will be acredit against the Tennessee use taxliability.For sales and use tax purposes, insurancepolicies such as accident, collision, andGAP on motor vehicles and charges forfuel used in motor vehicles are notincluded in the sales price of a lease orrental when the charges are separatelystated on the invoice and the purchaserhas the option of leasing the propertywithout purchasing the insurance policyor fuel from the lessor.Extended warranties or repair andmaintenance agreements coveringtangible personal property in this stateare subject to sales and use tax.The state general sales tax rate of 7% iscollected for the entire length of the leasecontract. Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6-702defines a “single article” for purposes ofthe local option tax. Generally, the localoption tax is required only on the firstAny entity wishing to manufacture,distribute, sell, rent, or lease tangiblepersonal property, or provide taxable13

Dealers having average monthly grosssales of 400 of tangible personalproperty or less and taxable services of 100 or less, may, at the discretion of theCommissioner, be required to pay tax totheir suppliers on purchases in lieu ofregistering for sales or use tax purposes.For these taxpayers, the Department’scost of administering the account wouldexceed the taxes reported.services, in this state must hold aCertificate of Registration to conductbusiness in Tennessee. Business may beconducted by: Selling, renting, or leasing, even by atransient vendor, any type oftangible personal propertySelling any type of taxable service inthe stateFurnishing property or services thatare subject to the sales taxCharging admission, dues, or feesthat are subject to the sales taxUsing tangible personal property,computer software, specified digitalproducts, or warranty ormaintenance contracts notpreviously taxed.Selling any item from a vendingmachine or device in whichmerchandise is provided upondeposit of money, other than certainvending machines operated for thebenefit of tax-exempt organizations,is taxable under the sales or use taxlaw.In Tennessee, the responsibility for salestax rests on the dealer that provides thetaxable product or service. The lawrequires that the dealer pass the tax tothe customer; failure to do so does notrelieve the dealer of the responsibility totimely remit the tax to the state. In thecase of a property management companyhired to manage vacation lodging for anindividual property owner, the sales taxwill be imposed on the gross charge forrental and will be remitted by the propertymanagement company.Tax will be reported and paid each monthbased on the gross sales, or purchases,from all taxable sales and purchasesduring the preceding month. The tax willbe paid on the return for the month inwhich the taxable event occurs, even if thetax is not collected from the customerduring that month. For example: A chargesale is made during the month of June.The dealer must pay the tax on the Junereturn even though the customer may notpay the account until July.This requirement applies whether yourbusiness is a sole proprietorship,partnership, LLC, corporation, or anyother type of organization including thosethat are not for profit. Retailers fromother states that maintain a physicallocation in Tennessee, whether temporaryor permanent, must also hold a Certificateof Registration. A business having morethan one location must hold a certificatefor each business location. For example: Aclothing business with locations in twomalls must hold a certificate for eachlocation.14

When a user of tangible personalproperty, computer software, computersoftware maintenance contracts, warrantyor maintenance contracts coveringtangible personal property located in thisstate, and specified digital property doesnot pay sales tax to a dealer, the userbecomes personally liable for the tax. Thisgenerally occurs when a user purchasesarticles from an out-of-state dealer notregistered for Tennessee tax. It alsooccurs when a dealer withdraws inventoryitems purchased on a resale certificate forbusiness or personal use. For example: Aclothing store owner purchases clothingon a resale certificate then takes itemsfrom inventory for personal use. Use tax isthen due on that clothing. You may apply for the certificate ofregistration online. Select the link to“Register a New Business” in theAdditional Services section of our TNTAPwebsite https://tntap.tn.gov/eservices/ /.The use tax rate is equal to the sales taxrate on both the state and local level. Usetax is due even when a resident importstangible personal property into Tennesseefor use.You may also visit one of the Departmentof Revenue offices listed on the insidefront cover of this publication. Trainedpersonnel are available to explainTennessee’s tax system and answer any ofyour questions.For example: A business relocating toTennessee brings property purchased in astate with no sales or use tax. The dealerwould be liable for use tax on thisproperty. [Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6-210]When registering, you will need thefollowing information to complete yourapplication: Use tax is normally incurred when: paying no sales or use tax [Tenn.Code Ann. § 67-6-210]Purchasing a product from atransient business that does notcollect sales or use tax [Tenn. CodeAnn. § 67-6-210]Consuming or using a product thatwas purchased without paying salesor use tax [Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6203]Consuming, as a service provider,tangible products in theperformance of a service [Tenn.Code Ann. § 67-6-102(75)]Purchasing a product in anotherstate without paying sales or use taxand bringing it into Tennessee foruse here [Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6210]Purchasing a product from a mailorder catalog or on the Internet and 15The name, address, and phonenumber of the business, all owners,officers, or partners, and the personmaking the applicationThe Social Security Number(s) of theowner(s), partners, or officersThe Federal Employer IdentificationNumber (FEIN) issued by the U.S.

Use company-owned trucks or usecarriers acting as an agent to deliver salesin Tennessee.Provide telecommunications tosubscribers located in Tennessee.Have a subsidiary with physical presencein Tennessee act as an agent to conductin-state activities on behalf of the out-ofstate retailer.Have any other physical presence inTennessee.Internal Revenue Service if you haveone.A description of the business, thetype of ownership, a briefexplanation of the nature of thebusiness, and, if the business is acorporation, the date ofincorporationIf you have purchased yourbusiness, the name and address ofthe previous ownerThe signature, on the paperapplication, of the sole proprietor, apartner, or an officer of acorporationThis requirement applies even though thesale of the product or its delivery is ininterstate commerce. For example: Anout-of-state computer company sellscomputer systems to Tennesseebusinesses through a salesperson thattravels in this state. This business isrequired to obtain a certificate ofregistration and collect sales or use tax onthe price of the system.Out-of-state retailers must register withthe Department of Revenue and obtain acertificate of registration for payment ofthe sales or use tax if they have “nexus” inTennessee. Nexus is essentially havingenough contact with Tennessee so thatthe state can place tax requirements onthe business. Retailers are considered tohave nexus if they:A business having a physical presence inTennessee must collect and remit sales oruse tax on all sales whether orders aretaken in person, by phone, or by mail.Effective July 1, 2015, sales or use tax lawcreates a rebuttable presumption thatout-of-state dealers have nexus and mustcollect Tennessee sales and use tax fromTennessee customers if the dealer paysan in-state party a fee or commission toroute customers to the dealer, and suchdealer derives more than 10,000 overthe past 12 months from the referredcustomers. [Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6-520]Have an office, distribution point, salesroom, warehouse, or any other temporaryor permanent place of business inTennessee.Have an employee, agent, or independentcontractor to solicit sales in Tennessee.Furnish any taxable services in Tennesseeor use an agent or independentcontractor to perform those services inTennessee.Are the lessors of tangible personalproperty located in Tennessee.Are construction contractors performingjobs in Tennessee.Have company personnel participate inpromotional activity in Tennessee,including trade shows.Out-of-state retailers can voluntarilyregister to collect the tax for theircustomers. Out-of-state sellers who arenot registered to collect and remit tax inTennessee and wish to volunteer tocollect tax for Streamlined states mayregister through the Streamlined Salesand Use Tax Central Registration System16

transferring or changing the ownership ofthe business, adding or changingpartners, or changing corporate structurerequiring a new charter or certificate ofauthority. You must also notify theDepartment of Revenue if the businesslocation changes.to collect tax on sales in this state.However, if sellers do not collect andremit the sales or use tax to the state,then the consumer is responsible forreporting and paying the tax. Use tax isdue on use or consumption of tangiblepersonal property, computer software,computer software maintenancecontracts, warranty or maintenancecontracts covering tangible personalproperty in this state, and certain digitalproducts purchased from companies notregistered to collect the Tennessee tax.If any of the changes mentioned shouldoccur, answer the questions on the backof the business’s certificate of registrationand mail it to the Department of Revenue.The new owners or officers, if applicable,must then apply for a new Certificate ofRegistration.Taxpayers may make changes in theirmailing address through the Department’swebsite.Any taxpayer violating the provisions ofthe sales or use tax law may have thecertificate of registration revoked by theCommissioner after an opportunity for adue process hearing has been afforded. Ifthe certificate is revoked, that person willnot be eligible to apply for anothercertificate for 12 months. The taxpayer isentitled to a hearing with the Departmentto determine if revocation was justified.The taxpayer will receive a 10-day noticeof the hearing and be allowed to presentevidence as to why the certificate shouldnot be revoked.If you sell your business or go out ofbusiness, you must file a final sales anduse tax return and pay all sales or use taxdue within 15 days after the date you soldor quit the business. If you sold thebusiness, the purchaser must apply for acertificate of registration in his or her ownname. [Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6-513]For additional information, or to viewactual documents pertaining toTennessee’s tax laws, we invite you to visitthese Internet Web sites:Any person engaging in business as adealer in Tennessee without a certificateof registration from the Department isguilty of a Class C misdemeanor. [Tenn.Code Ann. § 67-6-606]For the Tennessee Code, as well asinformation or changes to the Sales orUse Tax law, Revenue Rulings, ImportantNotices, Answers to Frequently AskedQuestions, and Tax Forms, visit theDepartment of Revenue’s Web site:http://tn.gov/revenue.[Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6-602]You must notify the Department ofRevenue if the business ownershipchanges in any manner. This change couldbe selling or closing the business,Sales and Use Tax Rules and Regulationsare available on the Secretary of State’sweb site at17

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exceed 100,000 per calendar year. Theelection, once made, must remain ineffect for at least four years. An electionform is available on the Department ofRevenue’s website.Business is defined as “any activityengaged in by any person, or caused to beengaged in by such person, with theobject of gain, benefit, or advantage,either direct or indirect.“Effective July 1, 2015, communityfoundations, as defined in 26 US Code §170(c)(2), may elect to make sales duringbiannual auctions in lieu of the two semiannual sales periods. Su

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