Tau Epsilon Phi was founded on October 10, 1910, at Columbia University as an organization of Jewish professional men.

[7] In September 2010, a group of fraternity members called TEPs for Justice filed a civil lawsuit against the national Tau Epsilon Phi organization.

They further argued that the executive director failed to hold elections for the position for over ten years, even though the fraternity's constitution required it biennially.

[9][8] In May 2011, all allegations were rescinded and the parties settled all outstanding cases with the fraternity agreed to hold new national elections.

The Tau Epsilon Phi badge is an enameled black oblong that features the Greek letters ΤΕΦ vertically, in gold.

[6] In 1986, Sidney Suntag, who served as the fraternities' executive secretary from 1946 to 1979, published the book The History of Tau Epsilon Phi: 75 Years of Friendship 1910–1985.

The Grand Chapter, while in session, also serves as TEP’s Board of Directors, authorizing or approving all fraternity business, including any modifications to the Constitution and Statutory Code.

[1] The fraternity has eleven alumni associations, including:[4] Tau Epsilon Phi has chartered 144 collegiate and provisional chapters throughout its existence.