The City of Franklin Municipal Code Section 5-201 and 5-202 requires businesses within the municipality to obtain a business license and pay an annual privilege tax which is governed by the State of Tennessee Department of Revenue. The minimum tax fee is $20.00. The privilege tax is due and payable annually and the fee is based on your gross sales. Penalty and interest will apply if taxes are not paid timely. In the event that your business ceases operation, whether you sell out or quit the business, a final return must be filed within 15 days of close of business or penalty and interest will apply. As per T.C.A. 67-4-721, the successor of a business shall withhold sufficient funds to cover the amount of any taxes due including interest and penalty until the former owner produces a receipt showing the taxes have been paid. The purchaser shall be personally liable for the taxes, penalty and interest accrued and unpaid by the former owner. Please notify the City of Franklin immediately of a mailing address change or change of ownership.
Click here for an application for a City of Franklin business license. The application must be mailed to the tax office below. The business location must be approved by completing a Zoning Certification and obtaining approval from Codes. Questions can either be submitted electronically by clicking here or by contacting the tax office below.
Franklin City Hall
109 3rd Avenue South
Suite 143
Franklin, TN 37064
(615) 791-3225
When applying for a business tax license, you must provide the following:
Business name, business address, business telephone number
Owner's name(s), home address, home telephone number, social security number
Copy of owner(s) driver's license
Signature of owner
Businesses located within the city limits of Franklin must also have a business license for Williamson County. This license may be obtained from the County Clerk’s office, Administrative Complex, 1320 West Main St., Suite 135, Franklin, TN 37064. The telephone number is (615) 790-5732.
Calculate Business Tax
The business tax calculation file is temporarily unavailable.
Hotels and motels pay a privilege tax on gross receipts from occupancy. Monthly reports are submitted in accordance with Title 5 of the Franklin Municipal Code.
Transient Vendors
Permits are required for peddlers, solicitors, and itinerant merchants in accordance with Title 9 of the Franklin Municipal Code. Click here for an application. You may also contact the City tax office at (615) 791-3225.
Property Tax
Taxes on real estate and personal property is applicable in accordance with state law. Property taxes are collected locally.