I run into Nashville transplants almost daily. We love it here (full disclosure: I, too, am a Nashville transplant), so it makes sense to us.  Tennessee has no state income tax, so just moving here can raise your take-home income!  Bonus: The food scene has recently improved by leaps and bounds.

Recently, I read about a band, Seryn, that relocated to Nashville and is planning an album release on February 17th.  What intrigues me about Seryn is the instruments they combine.  Each of the six members – only five shown here – play multiple instruments (guitar, ukulele, accordion, bass, viola, banjo and percussion). I was most intrigued by their distinctive sound, described as folk-pop.  Paste Magazine featured them several years back. Here are a couple other articles  about the band. Best of luck to them on their new album and welcome to our town!

My favorite song of theirs is Ivory Black:

One question that comes up during transition to a new headquarters is "what do I do with my corporate entity that is still registered in my old state?"  Do you leave it in your prior state, move it to Delaware or move it to Tennessee with you?  There are good reasons for putting it in Delaware, and many companies do.  However, filing in another state creates additional costs and complications.  For example, you will need to designate an agent for service of process (which costs money), you may trigger taxes in your old state, and you will be subject to the laws of a distant state.

Although it sounds complicated, relocating your corporate entity (referred to as converting it) is a pretty straightforward process.  Tennessee has statutes governing converting into a Tennessee entity, and most states have a statute governing how to leave.  You need to comply with both, but don't let that scare you.

If you are converting to a Tennessee limited liability company (LLC), then you want to look at  §48-249-703 (available free of charge from LexisNexis).  The Secretary of State provides a certificate of conversion form, but you are not required to use it.    You will also need to file Articles of Organization in Tennessee, and there is also a form you can use.  Finally, you will need an Operating Agreement for your new Tennessee entity.

Be sure to check with the Secretary of State (or Department of Commerce) in the state you left to look for requirements for "transferring" or "conversion" from that jurisdiction.  Typical requirements include adopting a plan by the members, filing a statement of conversion (look for a form online) in the state you left, and approval of the conversion by the members.

Come join us in Music City.  And please bring your company with you.  Here is another video of Seryn:

Seryn will play in Nashville at  The High Watt on February 12th.

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