Registered Accounting Firm

TCA 62-1-108 requires that each firm or branch office maintained by each sole proprietor, partnership or professional corporation of certified public accountants or licensed public accountants engaged in the practice of public accountancy shall register annually with the Board.

A permit is required for those firms offering attest services, or those which use the terms “Accountant”, “Accounting”, or “CPA” in the name of the firm.

Requirements

Licensing Requirements

• Must have a Resident Manager who holds an active CPA/PA license in Tennessee.
• Must complete a Firm Ownership form.
• Must complete an Experience Affidavit form.
• Must have an active Tennessee Secretary of State registration of a business charter if an LLP, LLC, Corporation, PC, or PLLC.

Additional Information

• If the firm application requests the terms “and Associates,” “Group,” “Company,” or any similar type wording in the firm name, the firm must have, in addition to the named partner, shareholder, owner, or member, at least one other unnamed partner, shareholder, owner, member, or staff employee.
• Firm names that do not consist of the names or initials of current or former owners or partners may need Board approval.
• Questions regarding firm permits should be directed to the board office in writing at accountancy.board@tn.gov.

Application & Fees

Complete the “Accounting Firm Permit Application” online at core.tn.gov. The fee for an initial application is $50.

Firm Peer Review Information

All firms offering attest services must have a peer review completed once every three years. Compliance with the peer review requirement is mandatory for a firm to renew a permit to practice.  The Tennessee Society of CPAs (TSCPA) administers the peer review program.  Visit the Peer Review Resources page for information and instrucitons for enrollment.