Starting a business in Massachusetts

Starting a business in Massachusetts can and should be easier than you think. You file simple forms with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and your business is formed! Obviously there’s a few more things than that, but if you’d like to start your own business yourself, you will find it easy to hire us as your registered agent and you’ll find all the forms you could file to start a business in Massachusetts, along with great filing instructions on the quickest and cheapest ways to start your business in Massachusetts.

What’s the actual process to start a business in Massachusetts?

1. You file articles of organization for a Massachusetts corporation or certificate of organization for a Massachusetts LLC with the MA Secretary of the Commonwealth. 
2. You obtain a federal tax ID number (FEIN or EIN) with the IRS after you have confirmation and filed articles from the State of Massachusetts showing your approved Massachusetts business.
3. Opening a business banking account under your new Massachusetts business name should be easy with these two items.
4. If you’re going to have employees or need to withhold sales tax, you will probably need to register with the MA department of revenue. We provide all these links in your online account.
5. If your business trade requires a license, you’ll have to apply for a license with the Massachusetts licensing board.  (Most businesses don’t.)  But if you do, these quick links and contact details are in your online account.
6. Some local cities or counties have a general license, but most don’t.
7. You obtain a local trade license if the city or county you’re going to be working in requires it.
8. If you’re going to have an office or shop you might need an approval from the city zoning for your type of business in that location.
9. If you get overwhelmed, just get your business pulling in money and worry about regulations later.

If you want a corporation, you file Massachusetts articles of organization:

The Massachusetts articles of organization cost $50 with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth. 
We custom draft your Massachusetts articles of organization when you hire Northwest to start your Massachusetts business. The basic requirements of Massachusetts corporations are:

• The Massachusetts corporation must have a corporate ending such as incorporated, corporation or an abbreviation thereof.
• The duration of the corporation is "perpetual" unless otherwise stated.
• The purpose of the Massachusetts corporation.
• The number of shares the Massachusetts corporation is authorized to issue and par value.
• The name of the registered agent in Massachusetts and the registered office address.
• The name and address of the directors of the Massachusetts corporation.
• The name and address of the Massachusetts incorporators.
• Date of execution.
• The Massachusetts incorporator must sign the articles of organization.
• The name and business address of the person preparing the MA articles of organization

Massachusetts requires original signatures on mailed filings. Faxed documents do not have this requirement. The Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth does not return the filed document to you. You have to do a name search on their website to see if you’ve been filed and download your filed articles.

If you want an LLC, you file Massachusetts Certificate of organization:

To form a Massachusetts LLC, you file Massachusetts certificate of organization. The basic requirements of Massachusetts LLC filings are:

• The business name must have a LLC ending or variation of it.
• The Massachusetts company name must be different than already registered Massachusetts companies.
• The street address of the office in MA where records will be maintained.
• The character of the Massachusetts Limited Liability Company.
• The LLC has a perpetual duration unless you state a date of dissolution.
• The Massachusetts registered agent name and physical address.
• The names and addresses of each manager.
• The names and addresses of those authorized to execute documents.
• The name and business address of each person authorized to execute, acknowledge, deliver and record any recordable instrument regarding any interest in real property recorded with a registry of deeds or district office of the land court.
• Optional provisions or additional matters.
• Consent of registered agent.
• The Massachusetts organizer or authorized person must sign.
• Contact information.

Massachusetts requires original signatures on mailed filings. Faxed documents do not have this requirement. The Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth does not return the filed document to you. You have to do a name search on their website to see if you’ve been filed and download your filed articles.

Are you a do-it-yourselfer? You can save some money:   

If you want to start a business in Massachusetts yourself, you can just hire us as your Massachusetts registered agent, and you'll instantly have the Massachusetts LLC or corporation forms to file along with filing instructions on the quickest, cheapest, and most efficient way to incorporate a Massachusetts corporation or form a Massachusetts LLC. You'll get the ongoing support of our online tools, reminders and the support of a professional Massachusetts registered agent service.