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Home > How to Incorporate In Your State > Massachusetts (MA)
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Incorporating in Massachusetts (MA)

Whether you are starting a business or wish to incorporate a business already in existence in Massachusetts, BizFilings can help you learn about the requirements for corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) in the State of Massachusetts.

BizFilings' Massachusetts Incorporation Service Packages

If you decide that a Massachusetts corporation or LLC is the best option for your business, we can incorporate your company in Massachusetts without costly legal fees.  BizFilings is rated "A+" by the Better Business Bureau, offers a lifetime guarantee on filing services, and has been trusted by over 500,000 entrepreneurs to assist with their filing needs.

 
$115 + State Fees
$250 + State Fees
$350 + State Fees
  • Preparation and Filing of Incorporation Documents
  • Preliminary Name Check with State
  • Free Registered Agent Service for 6 months
  • BizComply Online Compliance Tool
  • 24/7 Access to Online Corporate Status Center
  • Everything included with the Basic Package
  • Expedited Processing Service
  • Corporate Kit & Seal
  • Corporate Forms CD
  • Everything included with the Standard Package
  • Tax ID (EIN) Number Obtainment
  • Compliance DVD
  • Certified Copy of State Filed Documents
  • Overnight Shipping





Incorporating Online: How Does it Work?

Whether you wish to form a corporation, form an LLC or form another type of business, it's easy to incorporate online with BizFilings.  Our process for incorporating your business is explained in detail here.  If you have questions about how to incorporate, how to form an LLC, or why you might need to incorporate, read more in our learning center, call our knowledgeable and experienced customer service staff, or chat with one of our representatives online.


State Fees Apply

Each state charges filing fees that apply separately from BizFilings' incorporation package pricing. These fees will be reflected when you get a Fast Quote using any of the links above. You can also view our list of fees by state.

Incorporating in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Corporate Name Endings
Massachusetts Corporation Requirements
Massachusetts Corporate Taxes and Fees
Massachusetts Business License Requirements


Massachusetts Corporate Name Endings

The corporation may assume any name indicating it is incorporated. The name may not be the same as the name or trade name of a Massachusetts corporation, foreign corporation, firm, association, person carrying on business in Massachusetts, name under reservation, nor so similar as to be mistaken for that other name unless given the written consent of existing corporation, firm, association, or person.


Massachusetts Corporation Requirements

Director Information

  • Minimum Number: Not less than three, unless there are only one or two shareholders of record; then the number of directors may be less than three but not less than the number of shareholders.
  • Residence Requirements: No provision.
  • Age Requirements: None.
  • Directors are required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.

    Officer Information

  • Officers are required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.

    Stock Information

    An increase in shares may cause an increase in initial filing fees.

    Corporation Records

  • The articles of organization, bylaws, minutes of shareholders' meetings, and the stock transfer ledger must be kept at the principal office of the corporation, corporate clerk office, or registered agent office.


    Taxes and Fees

    Annual Statements

    The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.

    Taxes

    For more information on taxes, visit http://www.dor.state.ma.us/.

    S Corporation

    S Corporation status is recognized by the State of Massachusetts. A separate state election from the federal election is not required.


    License Requirements

    Massachusetts requires that you obtain a license and pay a fee if operating certain types of businesses in the state. The following is a partial list:
  • Architects
  • Barbers
  • Certified public accountants
  • Contractors
  • Hawkers and peddlers
  • Opticians
  • Outdoor advertising
  • Real estate appraisers
  • Real estate brokers and salespeople
  • Water pollution control
    Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.

  • Form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Massachusetts

    Massachusetts LLC Name Endings
    Massachusetts LLC Requirements
    Massachusetts LLC Taxes and Fees
    Massachusetts Business License Requirements


    LLC Name Endings

    The name of an LLC must end with "Limited Liability Company," "Limited Company," "LC," "LLC," or "L.L.C."


    Massachusetts LLC Requirements

    Member/Manager Information

  • Minimum Number: one or more
  • Residence Requirements: no provision
  • Age Requirements: no provision
  • Members/Managers are required to be listed in the articles of organization


    Massachusetts Taxes and Fees

    Annual Statements

    The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.

    Taxes

    For more information on taxes, visit http://www.dor.state.ma.us/.


    License Requirements

    Massachusetts requires most businesses to obtain a license and pay a fee if operating in the state. Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.

  • Registered Agents in Massachusetts

    Massachusetts corporations and LLCs are required to have a registered agent located in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts registered agent is responsible for receiving important legal and tax documents including service of process (litigation) documents, franchise tax forms, and annual report forms.

    A Massachusetts registered agent is an individual or company located at a street address in Massachusetts. Post office boxes are not acceptable addresses for a registered agent in Massachusetts.

    If a company, such as BizFilings, is acting as your registered agent they must be registered as a corporation in Massachusetts. There are a number of advantages to using a registered agent service provider in Massachusetts, but the advantages differ between large and small companies.

    Large companies in Massachusetts benefit by having service of process and state documents send to their registered agent's office in Massachusetts. The registered agent follows delivery instructions to ensure that important documents reach the correct individual. Smaller companies in Massachusetts benefit by providing a consistent Massachusetts address.

    Another advantage to using another company as your Massachusetts registered agent is that the information of your Massachusetts registered agent is public record.

    Learn how to select BizFilings as your registered agent in Massachusetts.

    Questions? Please contact our customer service team Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM central time at 800-981-7183 or 608-827-5300. You may also email your questions to info@bizfilings.com, or take advantage of our Live Chat option. Live Chat hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM central time.

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    Did You Know?

    Did You Know?

    A corporation's life is not dependent upon its owners. A corporation possesses the feature of unlimited life, meaning if an owner dies or wishes to sell his or her interest, the corporation will continue to exist and do business.


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