How to Start an LLC in Massachusetts: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you have an entrepreneurial dream and want to start a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Massachusetts, this guide can help you. Forming an LLC can protect you legally and give you the flexibility you need, whether you’re planning to sell homemade crafts or launch a tech startup. So, let’s get started on how to start your LLC in Massachusetts.



Step 1: Choosing the Name for Your Massachusetts LLC

Choosing the right name for your LLC is the first step on your business journey. In Massachusetts, your LLC name must:

• Include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “LLC.”
• Be distinguishable from existing business names in the state.
• Do not include words or phrases that could confuse your LLC with a government agency.

Before you settle on a name, make sure it’s unique by checking the Massachusetts Secretary of State‘s website, or you do a quick, free name check. If you are considering getting a website name that matches your business name, You can find good deals for your domain names on Namecheap.

 

Step 2: Appointing a Registered Agent in Massachusetts

Your business needs a Registered Agent in Massachusetts. This person or company will handle the necessary paperwork for you. It can be you, your employee, or a registered agent. Ensure they have an address in Massachusetts and are available during work hours. If picking one sounds complicated, you can use a service. If you want to skip the process, check out Bizee or Northwest Registered Agent.

 

 

Step 3: Files of Articles of Organizations in Massachusetts

It’s time to make your LLC official in Massachusetts! Filing the Articles of Organization is crucial as it legally registers your LLC with the Commonwealth.

What to Include in Your Articles of Organization:

• LLC Name: Ensure the full legal name of your LLC is included, with “LLC,” “LLC,” or “Limited Liability Company” at the end, to align with Massachusetts naming conventions.
• Mailing Address: Specify if your business’s mailing address differs from its physical location.
• Registered Agent: Your LLC must appoint a registered agent in Massachusetts who is responsible for receiving official legal documents. Include their full name and physical address in Massachusetts. The agent must consent to this role.
• Management Structure: Indicate whether your LLC will be member-managed or manager-managed, and list the members’ or managers’ names and addresses. If privacy is a concern, consider using a PO box for addresses.
• Business Purpose: Provide a general or specific description of what your business will do.
• LLC Organizer: Identify the individual or entity filing the Articles of Organization. This role is pivotal in forming your LLC.
• Formation Date: Decide on the date your LLC will officially begin. You can select the filing date or a specific future date.
• Signing: After reviewing the form for accuracy, sign and date it. Make sure your registered agent has agreed to their role.

How to File:

• Online: One of the quickest ways to submit your Articles of Organization in Massachusetts is by using the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s online portal. This method simplifies the filing process and lets you pay your fee electronically.

• By Mail: If you prefer, you can file by mail. Complete the Articles of Organization and send it, along with the $500 filing fee, to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Secretary of the Commonwealth, One Ashburton Place, Room 1717, Boston, MA 02108-1512.

In-Person: Those who file in person can submit their documents to the same address listed for mail submissions in Boston.

Filing Fee:

The cost to file the Articles of Organization in Massachusetts is $500. This fee applies whether you file online, by mail, or in person, making it the primary cost of starting your LLC in the state.

By accurately completing and filing your Articles of Organization, you’re taking a significant step towards establishing your business presence in Massachusetts. This document sets the legal foundation for your LLC, so it’s crucial to ensure all information is correct and complete. 

Step 4: Getting Your EIN from the IRS

Your business needs a number called an EIN from the IRS. It’s like an ID number for your business. This number will help you as an identification number when getting bank accounts, credit accounts, filing taxes, and hiring employees.

It’s free, and you can get it from the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small. 

Step 5: Making an Operating Agreement for Your Business

Let’s discuss setting up some ground rules for your business. This is where an Operating Agreement comes in. Think of it as a handbook that explains how your business runs. It’s important because it helps everyone understand their role and what’s expected in your LLC.

Here’s what an Operating Agreement usually includes:

• Ownership: This part talks about who owns what percentage of the business. 
• Member’s Rights and Responsibilities: Here, you’ll write down what each person in the LLC can and cannot do and what they’re responsible for. It’s like a job description for each member.
• Joining & Leaving: This section covers how new people can enter your business and what happens if someone decides to leave. It’s good to have this figured out so there are no surprises later.
• Dissolution: This might sound a bit gloomy, but it’s practical. It’s about how to close down the LLC if you ever need to. It includes the steps to take and how to handle everything when wrapping up the business.

Creating an Operating Agreement is a smart move. It keeps things clear and organized so everyone knows what to expect, and it can save you a lot of time! 

Massachusetts LLC: Permits, Licenses, Tax Requirements, and Annual Reporting

Starting an LLC in Massachusetts means navigating various state regulations, including obtaining necessary permits and licenses, understanding tax obligations, and adhering to annual reporting requirements. Here’s a breakdown tailored for Massachusetts LLCs.

Obtain Any Additional Permits and Licenses

After your LLC is officially formed, securing the proper permits and licenses is crucial. These requirements vary depending on your business’s location and industry.

Local Business Licenses

• Overview: Your LLC may need specific business licenses based on the city or town where you operate.
• How to Obtain: Contact your local city or town hall or visit their website to learn about necessary local business licenses.

Professional Licenses

• Overview: Certain professions require state-issued licenses, such as those in healthcare, legal services, real estate, and construction.
• How to Obtain: The Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure oversees professional licensing. Check their website for information on your specific profession.

Health Permits

• Overview: If your business involves food service, healthcare, or beauty services, you might need a health permit.
• How to Obtain: Health permits are typically issued by the city or town’s health department where your business is located.

Tax Requirements in Massachusetts

Understanding your tax obligations is critical to running a compliant LLC.

Employer Taxes

If your LLC will hire employees, you need to:

• Register for Unemployment Insurance Tax through the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance.
• Register for Employee Withholding Tax through the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

State Taxes

• Pass-Through Taxation: LLCs in Massachusetts are typically treated as pass-through entities for federal income tax purposes. Profits and losses are reported on the individual member’s tax returns.
• Sales Tax: If your LLC sells goods or specific services, you must register for a Sales Tax Permit through the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
• EIN: Every LLC needs an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, even if it doesn’t have employees. Apply for free on the IRS website.

Annual Report Filing in Massachusetts

Massachusetts requires LLCs to file an Annual Report to keep company information updated with the state.

• Filing Requirements: The Annual Report must be filed with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth annually by the LLC’s registration anniversary date.
• Fees and Filing: The filing fee is $500 for online submissions, which can be done through the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Corporations Division website.
• Importance: Timely filing of this report is crucial for maintaining your LLC’s good standing in Massachusetts.

By following these permits, licenses, tax requirements, and annual reporting guidelines, your LLC will be in a solid position to operate successfully in Massachusetts. For comprehensive information and updates on regulations affecting Massachusetts LLCs, refer to the official Massachusetts government website and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. 

New 2025 BOI Reporting Update

Effective March 26, 2025

Big update for business owners: As of March 26, 2025, U.S.-based companies no longer need to file a BOI report. This is a major change from the 2024 rules. If you run a domestic LLC, corporation, or similar entity inside the U.S., you’re no longer required to file Beneficial Ownership Information reports unless you’re registered as a foreign entity. Here’s what you need to know now:

First Report Deadlines:

• U.S.-Based Entities: If your company is formed and based in the U.S., you’re now exempt—no deadline, no filing.
• Foreign Entities Registered Before March 26, 2025: You must file your first BOI report by April 25, 2025.
• Foreign Entities Registered On or After March 26, 2025: You have 30 days from the date your business is registered in the U.S. to file your BOI report.

Who Needs to Report:

• Domestic Reporting Companies: No longer required to report as of March 26, 2025.
• Foreign Reporting Companies: If your company is formed outside the U.S. but registered to do business here, you still need to report.

Exceptions to Reporting:

Some foreign companies may be exempt. You’ll want to check the latest rules under 31 CFR § 1010.380(c)(2) and the official Small Entity Compliance Guide from FinCEN to confirm.

What Must Be Reported:

The report focuses on transparency. If you’re a foreign company that needs to file, you must report:

• Your company’s legal name, any trade names, and its business address.
• The jurisdiction where it was formed and its U.S. registration details.
• The full name, date of birth, home address, and ID number (plus an image of the ID) of each person who owns or controls the business.

When Must Reporting Companies File Reports:

• Foreign companies formed before March 26, 2025: File by April 25, 2025.
• Foreign companies formed after March 26, 2025: File within 30 days of registration.

Filing Reports & Noncompliance Penalties

• Where to File: All BOI reports must be submitted electronically through FinCEN’s official portal.
• Cost: Filing is free.
• Accuracy: You’re required to certify that the information is true and correct. Double-check your report before hitting submit.
• Penalties for Noncompliance:
  • Up to $10,000 in fines
  • Up to 2 years in prison if you knowingly provide false information or skip the filing.
• Safe Harbor Rule: If you realize you made a mistake in your report, you get 90 days to file a corrected version without penalty.

If you need help filing, you can use a third-party service or visit the official FinCEN website for full guidance.

What to Do After You’ve Started an LLC 

1. Open a Separate Business Bank Account: Keeping your personal and business money apart is super important. Mixing them up can cause significant problems, like losing the protection of having an LLC. This mix-up is sometimes called “piercing the corporate veil,” it can put your stuff, like your car or house, at risk if your business runs into trouble. To open a business bank account, you’ll need:

• Your LLC’s Articles of Organization.
• Your Operating Agreement.
• Your Employer Identification Number (EIN).

When picking a bank for your business, consider the fees, minimum deposits, and benefits (like earning interest) they offer. Look for features that help your business, like using a debit card to pay for things.

Get a Business Credit Card: A business credit card is an excellent tool for handling business purchases and can help build your company’s credit history. Just like with personal credit, a good business credit score can make it easier to get loans and may qualify you for better terms. Check our favorite credit card for your business. 

Our Favorite Credit Card

2. Set Up Your Finances Right: Use good habits to track your money. This means not mixing your cash with your business’s. Good record-keeping makes tax time less stressful and helps avoid problems with the rules. You should use a program like QuickBooks to track your money, inventory, payroll, and sales. Talking to professionals like accountants or business lawyers is also intelligent, especially when understanding your LLC state’s tax rules. Find experts who know a lot about the area where your business is.

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4. Announce Your Business with a Press Release: A press release is a fantastic way to promote your new business and attract customers.

If you’re considering starting an LLC in Massachusetts, don’t worry; it’s not as complicated as it might seem. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way. First, choose a name for your business that still needs to be taken and meets the state’s legal requirements. Next, file your Articles of Organization and get your EIN. These are both essential steps in ensuring your LLC is appropriately established and follows the laws of Massachusetts. If you need help, services like Bizee or Northwest Registered Agent exist. They can handle any legal details your LLC requires, like getting your EIN and sorting out your operating agreement. 

Remember that setting up your business is an exciting journey, and even though there’s paperwork involved, it’s all worth it to bring your idea to life. 

Bizee Overview

​Bizee (formerly known as Incfile) is a business formation service that simplifies the process of launching and managing a company. Bizee has assisted over one million entrepreneurs in establishing their businesses. The company offers a range of services, including the formation of LLCs, S corporations, C corporations, and nonprofits, as well as ongoing compliance support.

 

Why Choose Bizee?

Now, you might wonder, “Why go with Bizee?” First off, they save you a ton of time. We all know how precious time is, especially when you’re trying to get your business rolling. Bizee takes care of the tedious and complex stuff, like filing documents with the state, so you can focus on the fun parts of running your business.

Another big plus is how they help you avoid mistakes. Let’s be honest: filling out government forms can be confusing, and one small error can set you back big time. Bizee knows their way around these forms like the back of their hand, ensuring everything is done right the first time.

 

Bizee Core Services

• Business Formation: They’ll help you officially start your business by filing it with the state. This includes setting up LLCs, corporations, and more.

• Compliance: Bizee ensures your business stays in good standing with the state by managing annual reports and other legal requirements.

These services are the backbone of Bizee, ensuring your business is set up correctly and remains compliant with state laws.

 

Bizee Additional Services

• Registered Agent Service: This is a must-have for keeping your business legit. Bizee will be your official contact for legal documents, ensuring you get all the necessary information.

• EIN Acquisition: Think of an EIN as a Social Security number for your business. Bizee can get this number for you, which you’ll need to open bank accounts and hire employees.