What is the professional privilege tax?

The professional privilege tax is levied on the privilege of having an active license to practice certain professions, businesses or occupations listed below:

(1) Persons registered as lobbyists pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. Section 3-6-104;

(2) Persons licensed or registered under Title 48, Chapter 2, as:

(a) brokers;
(b) agents; and
(c) investment advisors;

(3) Persons licensed or registered under Title 62 as:

(a) accountants;
(b) engineers;
(c) architects;
(d) landscape architects; and
(e) brokers, as defined in
Tenn. Code Ann. Section 62-13-102(2).

(4) Persons licensed or registered under Title 63 as:

(a) chiropractors;
(b) dentists;
(c) physicians;
(d) pharmacists;
(e) psychologists;
(f) optometrists;
(g) veterinarians;
(h) audiologists;
(i) osteopathic physicians;
(j) podiatrists;
(k) speech pathologists; and
(l) sports agents

(5) Persons licensed as attorneys by the Supreme Court of Tennessee.

Back to Top

What is the tax rate and when is it due?

The tax rate beginning June 1, 2003, is $400 annually. For tax years prior to June 1, 2003, the tax rate was $200 annually. The tax is due June 1 of each year.

Back to Top

What is the fee for persons licensed for more than one profession?

Only one tax is due regardless of the number of licenses a professional may have that are subject to the tax.

Back to Top

Are licensed or registered professionals who are inactive or retired subject to the tax?

No. The tax does not apply to those declared inactive or retired pursuant to the regulations of the appropriate licensing board. Any professional receiving the tax return (remittance document) is considered by the Department of Revenue to be an active, licensed professional. If you receive a return and change your license status to inactive or retired prior to the due date (June 1), you will not be liable for the tax. However you must file the return along with documentation of the status change.

Back to Top

Can a firm pay the tax for their licensed employees?

Yes. A separate return for each employee, or a listing of the employees names, addresses, and Social Security numbers, must be included with the payment.

Back to Top

Where can I find the professional privilege tax laws in the Tennessee Code?

This law is in Tenn. Code Ann. Section 67-4-1701 et seq.

Back to Top