Small business owners in Murfreesboro trust 1-800Accountant's expert CPAs to handle their bookkeeping and tax needs, freeing them to focus on what matters most—growing their Tennessee business.
Business Tax Preparation: Have your taxes prepared and filed by a CPA with expertise in your industry so you're always confident in your business tax situation. Our CPAs, with more than 17 years of experience on average, can save you thousands annually when you delegate complex Murfreesboro tax preparation to them!
Bookkeeping: Solidify your financial base and manage cash flow with precise, error-free bookkeeping done for you that saves time and provides crucial insights that empower you to make important data-backed business decisions. This meticulous process delivers essential tools for interpreting data with easy-to-understand reporting, enabling your accountant to develop vital financial modeling.
Tax Advisory: Business tax considerations don't end in April. Through our affordable tax advisory service, you can receive the guidance you need when you need it year-round from a dedicated small business tax advisor. Strategic planning helps minimize your business tax liability in Tennessee throughout the year while ensuring compliance.
Payroll: Save hours each pay period with comprehensive payroll services handled for you, with regular tax submissions to the city of Murfreesboro, ensuring accuracy and freeing you to focus on other vital aspects of your business.
Business Formation: Enjoy the advantages of officially establishing your business in Tennessee with our complimentary incorporation services. Simply cover any Murfreesboro fees, and we will manage the rest. This puts you on a path to hiring employees and creating a business bank account as you experience the benefits of an optimized business structure and maximum tax savings.
Level | Rate |
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State Tax Rate | 7.00% |
County Tax Rate | 2.75% |
Municipal Tax Rate | None |
Combined Sales Tax Rate | 9.75% |
City-Specific Taxes |
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Murfreesboro businesses pay a Business Tax under the Tennessee Business Tax Act and a $15 initial license registration fee for both the city and county. Businesses with $3,000 to $99,999 in gross receipts renew each year with the city, and those with $100,000 or more renew with the state. The tax is due on the 15th day of the fourth month after your fiscal year ends. Businesses with under $3,000 in annual gross receipts are exempt. |
Licenses and Permits |
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All businesses in Murfreesboro with gross receipts over $3,000 must obtain business licenses from both the City of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County for $15 each. |
Home-based businesses require additional approval from the City's Planning Department. |
Food trucks need special permits to operate within city limits. |
Businesses or productions filming videos in Murfreesboro must obtain a Film and Video Production Location Agreement. |
Businesses with gross receipts of $100,000+ renew their licenses with the State of Tennessee Department of Revenue rather than the city. |
Grants and Funding in Murfreesboro | Grants and Funding Information |
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Main Street Murfreesboro Property Enhancement Grant | Provides up to $5,000 for businesses in the downtown business district. This dollar-for-dollar matching grant supports exterior building renovations, public safety improvements, awning and window replacements, storefront enhancements, and facade improvements. Applications are currently being accepted until June 1, 2025, with recipients announced by August 1, 2025. |
Murfreesboro Community Grant Program | While the FY26 application period has closed, the FY27 funding opportunities will open in October 2025. This program supports organizations that serve Murfreesboro residents. Eligible organizations must be legally chartered in Tennessee, possess IRS public charity status, and conduct activities that specifically benefit Murfreesboro residents. |
Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Grants | The state offers various small business grants focused on value-added agriculture, technology development, and commercialization programs. These grants are available to for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, and sole proprietors operating from their primary residence in Murfreesboro. |
Tennessee Small Business Development Centers | While not a direct grant provider, the TSBDC offers free business consulting services to help Murfreesboro businesses identify and apply for appropriate grant and funding opportunities. They provide guidance on business planning, financial analysis, and connecting businesses with appropriate funding sources. |
When choosing an accountant or bookkeeper for your Murfreesboro small business, you should consider the following factors:
Certifications and Tennessee Compliance: Your accountant should hold appropriate credentials, such as CPA licensure, and demonstrate thorough knowledge of Tennessee's tax regulations. This expertise is particularly valuable for navigating state-specific filing requirements and maintaining proper compliance with Tennessee Department of Revenue standards.
Industry-Specific Experience: Look for professionals familiar with Murfreesboro's growing sectors including healthcare, education, manufacturing, and technology. An accountant with experience serving MTSU-affiliated businesses or healthcare providers will better understand your specific financial challenges and opportunities in this rapidly expanding market.
Understanding of Local Economic Dynamics: Select a financial professional who comprehends Murfreesboro's unique position as both a university town and Nashville suburb. They should recognize how the city's growth trajectory, influenced by MTSU's presence and Nashville's economic spillover, affects local businesses through changing property values, workforce availability, and consumer spending patterns.
Knowledge of Regional Tax Advantages: Tennessee offers specific tax benefits that Murfreesboro businesses can utilize, including no state income tax on wages and the reduced Hall Income Tax. A skilled local accountant will help you maximize these advantages while navigating Rutherford County's business tax structure and identifying opportunities within Murfreesboro's expanding commercial zones.
*Based on a $12.2k average 2022 tax refund per client, which is 4x the cost of a full-service package. Source: first-party data.
*Includes average business tax preparation, form completion and submission, record keeping, and other misc admin time. Source.
*Historical first-party data.