Instructions for Initial Exemption Registration Application

Initial Workers’ Compensation Exemption Registration Application Form (LB-4523)

Download Instructions as a PDF

The Initial Workers’ Compensation Exemption Application is for applicants that do not have a current exemption on the Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Exemption Registry. If you have never had an exemption before, or your exemption has expired, this is the application for you.  

This instruction guide will explain in detail each part of the application. Applications should be accurately completed in their entirety. Applications that are inaccurate or incomplete could result in a delay of the approval of your exemption. If you have questions as you complete your application, please contact our office at 615-532-1319.

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Applicant Information

The applicant should be an officer, member, partner, or sole proprietor who is engaged in the construction industry and is seeking exemption from carrying workers’ compensation insurance on him or herself. The applicant must meet the requirements set forth in T.C.A. § 50-6-901 et seq. to be eligible for exemption.

  • First, MI, Last: Enter the full legal name of the applicant (first name, middle initial, last name).
  • Date of Birth: Enter the applicant’s date of birth (two-digit month, two-digit day, four-digit year).
  • Last 4 digits of SSN: Enter the last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security Number. 
  • Phone: Enter a telephone number (including the three-digit area code) through which the applicant can be reached.
  • Email: Enter an e-mail address through which the applicant can be reached.
  • Physical Address, City, ST, Zip: Enter the physical address for the applicant. If the applicant does not receive mail at his or her physical address, enter the physical address of the business entity through which the applicant is seeking workers’ compensation exemption. The business entity’s address must be the location of the principal business office. Include the street address, city, two-letter state abbreviation, and five-digit zip code. A post office box is not an acceptable form of address under this section.
  • Mailing Address, City, ST, Zip: Enter the mailing address of the applicant. Include the street address and/or post office box, city, two-letter state abbreviation, and five-digit zip code. If the mailing address is the same as the applicant’s physical address, enter or select “same as physical address” in the space provided for mailing address.

Initial Qualification (Select One)

Select the qualification under which the applicant meets the requirements to be eligible for exemption. The applicant can only meet one qualification. A maximum number of five individuals per corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, or general partnership may qualify for exemption. Sole proprietors can only have one qualifying applicant who must own 100% of the business.

Initial Business Entity

  • SOS Entity Control # (Corporations, LLCs, and Partnerships only): Enter the Entity Control # (Secretary of State Control number) of the business entity through which the applicant is seeking an exemption. The Secretary of State Control number is a unique number assigned to a business entity by the Secretary of State at the time of incorporation, formation, or registration. The business entity must be active and in good standing on the records of the Secretary of State. If the business entity is not active and in good standing, the approval of your application may be delayed. If you are a sole proprietor, you are not permitted to register with the Secretary of State; leave this space blank in your application.
  • For questions regarding a business entity name, Secretary of State Control number, or the status of an entity, check online at https://tncab.tnsos.gov/business-entity-search or contact the Secretary of State at (615) 741-2286.
  • Business Entity Name: Enter the business entity name as reflected on the records of the Secretary of State through which the applicant is seeking the workers’ compensation exemption. Do not enter any assumed name or “DBA” associated with the entity in the space provided. For online applications, the business entity name will auto-populate when the Entity Control # is entered.
  • Federal EIN (IRS): Enter the Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) of the business entity through which the applicant is seeking an exemption. All entities, including sole proprietorships, must enter an FEIN to be registered for exemption. If an FEIN has not been obtained, contact the IRS at  http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html or by calling 1-800-829-4933 and obtain a number prior to completing this application. An individual Social Security Number may not be used as the FEIN.
    • An application missing a FEIN may be rejected or delayed
  • You must submit a FEIN Confirmation document from the IRS with your application. This could be form 147(c), CP 575, or other tax. This letter may be obtained by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-4933. It may take 14–21 days to receive this letter. 
    • Applications without this letter may be rejected. 

Initial State Board for Licensing Contractors Information

  • For Online applications:
    • If the business does not have an active contractor’s license issued by the State Board for Licensing Contractors, uncheck the box at the top of the Licenses page of the application. If this box is not checked, the applicant will also be registered as a Construction Services Provider as required by T.C.A. § 50-6-904(a)(1)(A). If this box is checked for an applicant that does not have a active contractor’s license, it may result in a processing delay and the incorrect fee being charged for the exemption application.
    • If the business does have an active contractor’s license issued by the State Board for Licensing Contractors, check the box at the top of the Licenses page of the application. Enter the license number and the expiration date (two-digit month, two-digit day, four-digit year). For questions regarding licensure, contact the State Board for Licensing Contractors at (615) 741-8307.
  • For PDF applications
    • If the business does not have an active contractor’s license issued by the State Board for Licensing Contractors, check the first box. If this box is checked, the applicant will also be registered as a Construction Services Provider as required by T.C.A. § 50-6-904(a)(1)(A).
    • If the business does have an active contractor’s license issued by the State Board for Licensing Contractors, check the second box. Enter the license number and the expiration date (two-digit month, two-digit day, four-digit year). For questions regarding licensure, contact the State Board for Licensing Contractors at (615) 741-8307.

Initial Local Business License Information

  • A business entity may be required to have a county business license issued by the county where the business is located. Enter the name of the county in which the business license was obtained, the license number, and the expiration date (two-digit month, two-digit day, four-digit year). If the business entity is not required to obtain a business license from the county, write “not required” in the space provided for the name of the county.
    • Listing a license with an expiration date that precedes the date of submission of this application may result in the delay or rejection of the application. 
  • A business entity may be required to have a city or municipal business license issued by the city or municipality where the business is located. Enter the name of the city or municipality in which the business license was obtained, the license number, and the expiration date (two-digit month, two-digit day, four-digit year). If the business entity is not required to obtain a business license from the city or municipality, write “not required” in the space provided for the name of the city or municipality. 
    • Listing a license with an expiration date that precedes the date of submission of this application may result in the delay rejection of the application.
  • For questions regarding whether or not you must have a county, city, or municipal business license to apply for the workers’ compensation exemption, contact the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation by calling (615) 532-1319 or by e-mail at wc.exemption@tn.gov.

Attestation

  • Check the box to attest that you meet all the requirements for the workers’ compensation exemption under T.C.A. § 50-6-901 et seq. and that you understand that any false statement made on the application is subject to the penalties of perjury set out in T.C.A. § 39-16-702.
    • Failure to check this box may result in the application being delayed or rejected.
  • Check the box to attest that you understand that you waive your right to sue under workers’ compensation law if you are injured on a job and have utilized the workers’ compensation exemption. 
    • Failure to check this box may result in the application being delayed or rejected.
  • This application must be signed and dated by the applicant seeking workers’ compensation exemption. 
    • Failure to sign and date the application may result in the application being delayed or rejected.

Filing Fee

  • Filing fee for an application is $100.00 for applicants who do not have a license issued by the Board for Licensing Contractors. This fee pays for both the construction services provider registration and the workers’ compensation exemption registration.
  • Filing fee for an application is $50.00 for applicants who do have an active license issued by the Board for Licensing Contractors. This fee pays for the workers’ compensation exemption registration. Applicants licensed by the Board for Licensing Contractors are not required to have a construction services provider registration.
  • Make check, cashier’s check, or money order payable to the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.
    • Applications submitted without the proper filing fee may be delayed or rejected.

Submission Options

Applications may be filed using one of the following methods:

  • Online Application: Go to tn.gov/exemptionregistry and use the online tool to complete the application. You can choose to pay and submit required documents online, or submit the required documentation and the required filing fee to the TN Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, Attn: Exemption Registry, 220 French Landing Drive, Suite 1B, Nashville, TN 37243.
  • PDF submission: A blank application may be obtained by going to tn.gov/exemptionregistry, by e-mailing the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation at wc.exemption@tn.gov or by calling (615) 532-1319. The application is mailed along with the required filing fee to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation at 220 French Landing Drive, Suite 1B, Nashville, TN 37243.
  • Walk-in: A blank application may be obtained in person at the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation located at 220 French Landing Drive, Suite 1B, Nashville, TN 37243.