Incorporate in Massachusetts (MA)
Learn the basic facts about Massachusetts corporations and Massachusetts limited liability companies (LLCs). Compare the differences between Massachusetts corporations and Massachusetts LLCs and learn about Massachusetts rules and regulations that relate to forming a corporation or LLC.
Forming a Massachusetts Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC)
There are a number of business entity types to consider when you are deciding the structure of your Massachusetts business. The most advantageous entities to form in Massachusetts are typically corporations or LLCs. Although other entity options are possible, these are the entities that offer the highest level of liability protection in Massachusetts. As you review the characteristics of incorporating or forming an LLC in Massachusetts, be sure to keep in mind both the present and future needs of your business. Often, when you start a business it begins as a small organization.
Get Started
If you decide that a Massachusetts corporation or LLC is the best option for your business, BizFilings will form your company in Massachusetts, faster than anyone else, without costly legal fees. Our cost-saving offerings include:
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$115 + State Fees |
$250 + State Fees |
$350 + State Fees |
- Preparation and Filing of Formation 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
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- Everything included with the Basic Package
- Expedited Processing Service
- Corporate Kit & Seal
- Corporate Forms CD
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- Everything included with the Standard Package
- Tax ID (EIN) Number Obtainment
- Compliance DVD
- Certified Copy of State Filed Documents
- Overnight Shipping
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State Fees Apply
Each state charges filing fees that apply separately from BizFilings' package pricing. These fees will be reflected when you generate 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.
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