In this article
- Quick facts: Filing for sales tax in Tennessee
- When to file and pay Tennessee sales tax
- Tennessee sales tax filing deadlines
- How to prepare your Tennessee sales tax return
- How to complete and file a Tennessee sales tax return
- How to pay sales tax in Tennessee
- What happens after filing and paying Tennessee sales tax
- Late filing penalties and interest
- Getting third-party help with sales tax filing
- Sales tax filing in other states
If you're registered for Tennessee sales tax, you must file returns and pay any tax due according to the filing frequency assigned by the Tennessee Department of Revenue. This guide focuses on the filing and payment process most relevant to remote sellers and out-of-state businesses using TNTAP (Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point). Tennessee sales tax returns are due on the 20th of the month following the reporting period.
For broader information about Tennessee sales tax rules, rates, and exemptions, see the Tennessee Sales Tax Guide. For details on how to obtain a Tennessee Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Registration, see the Tennessee Sales Tax Registration Guide.
Quick facts: Filing for sales tax in Tennessee
Key information about filing Tennessee sales tax returns, including filing frequency, deadlines, and payment options.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Filing frequency | Monthly, quarterly, or annually |
| Filing deadline | The 20th day after the period ends |
| Filing portal | TNTAP (Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point) |
| Zero returns required | Yes, where applicable |
When to file and pay Tennessee sales tax
The Tennessee Department of Revenue will assign you a filing frequency (monthly, quarterly, or annually) after you register your business.
Tennessee sales tax returns and payments are due at the same time, by the 20th of the month following the end of the filing period. If the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, the due date shifts to the next business day.
Tennessee sales tax filing deadlines
Tennessee monthly filing due dates
Reports are due on the 20th of the month following the reporting month.
| Month | Filing Deadline |
|---|---|
| January | February 20 |
| February | March 20 |
| March | April 20 |
| April | May 20 |
| May | June 20 |
| June | July 20 |
| July | August 20 |
| August | September 20 |
| September | October 20 |
| October | November 20 |
| November | December 20 |
| December | January 20 |
Tennessee quarterly filing due dates
| Quarter | Filing Deadline |
|---|---|
| Q1 (January 1, March 31) | April 20 |
| Q2 (April 1, June 30) | July 20 |
| Q3 (July 1, September 30) | October 20 |
| Q4 (October 1, December 31) | January 20 |
Tennessee annual filing due dates
Reports for the previous year are due on January 20.
Important note: Zero returns
Once you have a Tennessee Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Registration, you are required to file returns for every assigned period regardless of whether any sales tax was collected. When no sales tax was collected, you must file a zero return electronically through TNTAP.
How to prepare your Tennessee sales tax return
Before working on your sales tax return, collect all sales information for the tax period.
Sales transactions
You need to know your total gross sales to Tennessee buyers and your taxable sales. Tennessee taxes both digital goods and SaaS, software as a service is taxable regardless of whether it is sold to businesses or consumers.
Key reporting figures
In addition to your gross Tennessee sales, filing a return requires:
- Total sales and income
- Taxable sales
- Non-taxable sales and exemptions
- Local county and city tax amounts (these are reported and remitted through the same TNTAP return)
- Deductions and adjustments
- Total sales tax collected from customers during the filing period
How to complete and file a Tennessee sales tax return
Tennessee sales tax returns are filed electronically through TNTAP (Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point) and must be reported in US dollars.
Step-by-step: file a Tennessee sales tax return
1. Collect all necessary information
Gather your sales records for the tax period. Because Tennessee has local county and city taxes on top of the 7% state rate, you need to know the combined applicable rate for each sale based on the buyer's location.
2. Log in and file online
- Log in to TNTAP (Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point).
- Navigate to your Sales and Use Tax account.
- Select the filing period you want to file.
- Enter your gross sales, taxable sales, exemptions, local tax amounts, and total tax collected.
- Review and submit your return.
3. Receive confirmation
After submitting, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this as your record of filing.
How to pay sales tax in Tennessee
Tennessee requires businesses to file and pay electronically through TNTAP. You can pay directly within the portal after filing your return. Accepted payment methods include:
- Electronic funds transfer (EFT)
- ACH debit (direct bank account payment through TNTAP)
- Credit card (fees may apply)
What happens after filing and paying Tennessee sales tax
After filing and paying, keep a copy of your return and payment confirmation for your records.
- Save your filing confirmation and payment receipt
- Keep records supporting the reported amounts
- Continue filing according to your assigned frequency, remembering Tennessee's 20th due date
- File a zero return when required
➡ Need help understanding Tennessee sales tax rules, rates, and nexus? See the Tennessee Sales Tax Guide
➡ Need to register for Tennessee sales tax? See the Tennessee Sales Tax Registration Guide
Late filing penalties and interest
If you miss a Tennessee sales tax filing deadline, file as soon as possible. Failure to file returns and remit collected tax on time results in penalties and interest charges that increase the longer you wait.
For current penalty rates and interest charges, refer to the Tennessee Department of Revenue website.
Getting third-party help with sales tax filing
Quaderno can simplify your Tennessee sales tax compliance by generating detailed tax reports and handling the filing process on your behalf. Connect your sales data and Quaderno manages the submission to the Tennessee Department of Revenue, ensuring timely and accurate filing.
Sales tax filing in other states
- Arizona Sales Tax Filing Guide
- California Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Florida Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Georgia Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Illinois Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Kentucky Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Massachusetts Sales Tax Filing Guide
- New Jersey Sales Tax Filing Guide
- New York Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Ohio Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Pennsylvania Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Rhode Island Sales Tax Filing Guide
- South Carolina Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Texas Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Virginia Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Washington DC Sales Tax Filing Guide
Need help filing across multiple states?
Watch our webinar: US Sales Tax Registration & Filing Tips + AMA. Learn how international sellers register, file, and manage US sales tax compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
Note: At Quaderno we love providing helpful information and best practices about taxes, but we are not certified tax advisors. For further help, or if you are ever in doubt, please consult a professional tax advisor or the tax authorities.
