How to Invoice as a Architect in Tennessee

How to invoice as a architect in Tennessee: TN sales tax 7.00% (services usually exempt), late fees capped at 1.5%/mo under Tenn. Code §47-14-103, written contracts required over $25,000. Step-by-step guide with a free template.

State sales tax
7%
Late fee cap
1.5%/mo
Net terms
30 days
Deposit
25%
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1. Tennessee-specific invoice requirements

  • Sales tax line: 7.00% state rate. Most services rendered in Tennessee are exempt from sales tax — but materials, parts, and tangible goods are not. State 7%; combined commonly 9.25-9.75%.
  • Late-fee cap: Tennessee statute Tenn. Code §47-14-103 caps interest on unpaid invoices at 1.5% per month. Spell out the rate in writing on every invoice and in your contract — courts won't enforce undisclosed fees.
  • Written contract required: Tennessee requires a signed agreement for any job over $25,000. Reference the contract number on the invoice.
  • Right-to-cancel notice: Customers in Tennessee get 72-hour cancellation rights on certain home-services contracts. Disclose this in your terms.

2. Architect line items + standard terms

Every architect invoice in Tennessee should itemize work clearly. Standard architects use Net 30 terms with a 25% deposit required upfront.

  • Schematic design phase — billed by flat.
  • Construction documents phase — billed by flat.
  • Hourly — billed by hour (~$195 default).
  • Reimbursable expenses — billed by itemized.

3. Architect licensing in Tennessee

State licensure (NCARB) required to call yourself an architect or stamp drawings. AIA contracts (B101, etc.) are industry-standard.

4. Send and follow up

Send the invoice the same day work completes. Use software that records open events and offers a one-click online payment so you don't need to chase a check by mail. Tennessee customers expect digital payment options today — accepting card and ACH typically reduces days-to-paid by 30–50%.

Average invoice
$9,500
State
TN
Net terms
30 days
Deposit
25%

Tennessee metro guides

Metro-specific guides include the combined sales-tax rate and local pricing benchmarks.

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