Register a Foreign Corporation in Massachusetts

Free Guide to Registering a Foreign Corporation in Massachusetts

What does it cost to register a foreign corporation in Massachusetts?

$400 for normal processing.
$375 + $15 for fax filed processing.

How long does it take for the state to process the Massachusetts Certificate of Authority?

Massachusetts accepts applications by mail, fax, and in person. Processing times depend on your method of filing.

• Mail: It takes Massachusetts about 2 weeks to process filings that arrive by mail. Factor in additional time for mailing.
• In Person: Massachusetts will typically process in person filings the same day.
• Fax: Massachusetts will process filings by fax within 1 business day. Make sure to include a Fax Voucher Cover Sheet.

How will I get verification of qualification back from Massachusetts?

They will not mail you anything unless there is a problem with your filing. If you do not receive anything from their office within one week, you can look up the status online and print verification of registration from the website.

What forms do I file with Massachusetts to qualify my out of State Corporation?

The Foreign Corporation Certificate of Registration form, a Certificate of Legal Existence or Good Standing, and the filing fee are required.

What do I need from my home state?

A Certificate of Legal Existence or Good Standing is required.

Will I need an Massachusetts registered agent for my corporation?

Yes, when you hire Northwest as your Massachusetts registered agent, it’s a flat rate yearly price of $125 a year, you’ll have an online account that tracks your report due dates, which states your registered in, when your yearly service with us is up, and any documents we receive locally for you are uploaded into your account immediately for complete viewing. If or when you get served with a lawsuit, we can email up to 4 people and your attorney at the same time for real time complete viewing of a lawsuit. You’ll receive annual report reminders. It’s the same price every year, and there are no weird fees or cancellation fees.

You’ll also see all the pre-populated forms and specific filing instructions on the thank you page, in your online account, and they are emailed to you immediately upon signing up for 1 year of registered agent service.

Does the Massachusetts registered agent need to sign the filing?

The registered agent’s consent to appointment must be either on the certificate or attached thereto.

How can I file the Massachusetts Certificate of Authority?

By mail, fax or in person. All fax filings must have a Fax Voucher Coversheet.

What is the state agency that accepts the out of state registration?

Secretary of the Commonwealth
One Ashburton Place, Room 1717
Boston, Massachusetts 02108-1512
Fax: (617)624-3891

Do the signatures on the Massachusetts corporation application need to be original?

Yes, unless filing by fax.

Who has to sign the foreign corporation filing?

The President, Chairman of the board of directors, court-appointed fiduciary or other officer of the Massachusetts corporation must sign the form.

Are there any weird things about registering in Massachusetts?

The form must be typed.

County filing or publication is not necessary, unless specifically required by the county in which your registered agent resides.

Are there ongoing Massachusetts annual report and/or initial reporting requirements?

Massachusetts annual reports are due March 15th or by the corporation fiscal due date with the IRS if it is different.

What are your fees?

You’ll need to have an Massachusetts registered agent. We charge $125 a year to act as your registered agent in Massachusetts. It’s a flat rate, once a year fee, and includes more than other registered agents. Here’s a little more about our registered agent service.

We charge a $100 one-time filing service fee if you would like us to obtain the certificates needed from your home state, and register your company in any state you choose. We have offices in every state and can act as your registered agent and make your filings for you in any state. If you would like to register with multiple states at once, we can usually drop our filing service fee down.

Additional Resources:

Massachusetts Tax
How to Withdraw a Foreign Corporation in Massachusetts
State by State Foreign Corporation Requirements