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Basic
$199
Fees for filing legal documents to register or maintain a business.
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Agent fee
Registered Address
Document filing with the Secretary of State
Standard
$499
Fees for filing legal documents to register or maintain a business.
05 days processing
Includes everything in basic package
Comprehensive name check
Preparation of Articles of Incorporation
Lifetime customer support (phone & email)
Federal Tax ID (EIN) Obtainment Service
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$599
Fees for filing legal documents to register or maintain a business.
01 day processing
Includes everything in standard package
2 hours of free tax consultation
Key Points for Massachusetts LLCs
Strong Legal Protections
Massachusetts LLCs provide personal liability protection, keeping members’ personal assets separate from business obligations.
Favorable Business Climate
The state offers robust support for startups, including access to funding, innovation hubs, and a skilled workforce.
Streamlined Filing System
Massachusetts offers online LLC registration and reporting through the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website, making compliance simple and accessible.
Understanding Massachusetts LLCs
A Massachusetts LLC combines the liability protection of a corporation with the flexibility of a partnership, making it a popular choice for business owners seeking both security and ease of management. It’s known for its clear statutory framework and established filing system.
What is a Massachusetts LLC?
A Massachusetts LLC shields members from personal liability for business debts while allowing flexible governance. It may be managed by its members or by appointed managers, and internal rules are typically governed by an operating agreement.
A Massachusetts LLC offers several benefits, including:
Asset protection, pass‑through taxation (unless electing corporate treatment), flexible ownership, and comparatively straightforward formation procedures.
Why choose an LLC in Massachusetts?
Choosing an LLC in Massachusetts gives you personal asset protection, tax flexibility, and the credibility of an official legal structure—all with a regulated but navigable statewide system.
Key Benefits Include:
Privacy Protection
Predictable Taxes
No Double Taxation
Legal Environment
Business Credibility
Clear Guidelines
Pros and Cons of an LLC in Massachusetts
Starting a Massachusetts LLC: Benefits
A Massachusetts LLC protects your personal assets from business liabilities, supports flexible management, and allows profits to flow through to members’ individual returns.
Taxation of a Massachusetts LLC
By default, LLCs in Massachusetts are treated the same as federal classification—single‑member LLCs are disregarded, and multi‑member LLCs are taxed as partnerships. LLCs electing corporate status are taxed accordingly.
Starting a Massachusetts LLC: Drawbacks
You must pay a relatively high filing fee to form and maintain the LLC (e.g. $500 to file, $500 annual report), publicly disclose member/manager names in formation documents, and comply with regulatory and tax reporting requirements.
Who Can Form an LLC in Massachusetts?
Any individual or business entity can form an LLC in Massachusetts, including non‑residents. There are no restrictions on the number or type of members.
Types of LLCs in Massachusetts
Domestic LLC (Massachusetts-based LLC)
A domestic LLC is formed under Massachusetts law (Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 156C) and operates within the state. It offers limited liability protection, flexible management, and pass‑through taxation unless the LLC elects corporate taxation.
Foreign LLC (Out-of-state LLC registering in Massachusetts)
A foreign LLC is one formed in another state that wants to do business in Massachusetts. It must file a Certificate of Registration (Foreign LLC application) with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth and maintain a registered agent in Massachusetts.
Professional LLC (PLLC)
Massachusetts allows PLLCs for licensed professionals (e.g. attorneys, accountants, medical professionals). All members must hold the required professional license, and the formation must comply with professional licensing board requirements.
How to Start an LLC in Massachusetts
Choose a Business Name
Select a unique name that includes "LLC" or "L.L.C." and ensure it’s distinguishable from existing entities in Massachusetts. Use the Secretary of State’s name search tool to verify availability.
Appoint a Registered Agent
Designate a registered agent to accept legal documents. This can be an individual or a registered service company with a physical address in Massachusetts.
File the Articles of Organization
Submit Form LLC to the Massachusetts Secretary of State, providing LLC name, principal office address, and registered agent details.
Create an Operating Agreement
Though not required, it’s recommended to draft an Operating Agreement outlining ownership, governance, and profit distribution to reinforce liability protection and support tax compliance.
Massachusetts LLC Requirements
Age and Residency
Number of Members
Management Structure
Registered Agent and Office
Name Compliance
Massachusetts LLC Application
To start an LLC in Massachusetts, the key step is filing the Certificate of Organization (Form LLC-1) with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth. This officially forms your business as a legal entity under state law.
Required Information
- LLC name (must include “LLC” or equivalent)
- Registered agent’s name and physical address in Massachusetts
- Business office address (P.O. Boxes not accepted)
- General character of the business
- Name and address of each person authorized to execute documents
- Whether the LLC will be managed by members or managers
The Certificate of Organization must include:
Filing Options
- Online: Submit through the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s online filing portal.
- By Mail: Send completed Certificate of Organization with fee to: Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division, One Ashburton Place, Room 1717, Boston, MA 02108-1512.
- In Person: Deliver to the same Boston address; expedited services may be available.
Post-Filing Requirements
- Operating Agreement: Not required by the state but strongly recommended to define ownership and management rules.
- Annual Report: Must be filed each year by the anniversary date of the LLC’s formation.
- Foreign LLCs: Must file an Application for Registration and submit a Certificate of Legal Existence (also called Certificate of Good Standing) from their home jurisdiction.
Massachusetts LLC Taxation
Corporate Excise / Income Tax
If an LLC is classified (or elects to be taxed) as a corporation, it must pay Massachusetts corporate excise tax on net income and tangible property or net worth.
Pass‑Through & Member Taxation
By default, LLCs are treated as pass-through entities; members pay Massachusetts income tax on their share of profits at the individual rate (5%).
Sales & Use Tax
LLCs selling goods or services subject to sales tax must collect and remit it. Use tax applies when goods are purchased out‑of‑state and used in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts LLC Annual Filing
What to File
LLCs must file an Annual Report with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, updating business name, address, registered agent, and management details.
Filing Deadlines
The Annual Report is due each year on the anniversary date of the LLC’s formation.
Penalties & Consequences
Failure to file can lead to the LLC being marked delinquent and eventually administratively dissolved.
Expanding Your Massachusetts LLC
As your business grows, you may expand your Massachusetts LLC into other states. This involves registering as a foreign LLC in each state you plan to operate in and complying with their local rules.
Registering a Foreign LLC in Massachusetts
If your LLC was formed elsewhere but will operate in Massachusetts, you must file a Foreign LLC Registration with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, submit a Certificate of Good Standing from your home state, and appoint a Massachusetts registered agent.
Doing Business in Other States
To expand outside Massachusetts, register your LLC as a foreign entity in each target state, appoint a local registered agent, file required documents, and meet each state’s tax and licensing rules.
Find The Right State To
Form An LLC
Every state has different rules, costs, and considerations for LLC formation.
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Doing Business in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most states require you to have a registered agent to handle legal documents and notices during business hours.
While not always required by law, having an operating agreement is a smart move to outline your LLC’s rules and avoid disputes down the road.
An EIN is a federal tax ID; most LLCs need one to open a business bank account, file taxes, or hire employees.