Start a Business in Massachusetts

Helpful Tools

LLC, C-Corp, or S-Corp?
Choose which one is right for you.

Limiting Your Liability
Do you need liability insurance, limited liability protection, or both?

Welcome to Our Community

We're committed to publishing free informational resources such as this how-to guide. Our resources have been shared by important industry organizations including:

This guide on starting your business in Massachusetts provides step-by-step instructions on the paperwork to file formation documents, obtain tax IDs, and set up company records.

Step-By-Step Startup

Below is an overview of the paperwork, cost, and time to form each of the most popular business structures. Simply click on the link for your desired structure to view detailed step-by-step instructions.

If you have not decided whether you want to form an LLC, corporation, or other business structure, click here.
If wish to form your business in a different state than Massachusetts, click here.

Structure	Paperwork	Cost	Time
Massachusetts Limited Liability Company Click for step-by-step instructions	Form D: Limited Liability Company Certificate of Organization Operating Agreement IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN Massachusetts Department of Revenue - WebFile for Businesses - Form TA-1 FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report	Formation: $500 + optional $25 expedite fee	Formation: ~2-3 business days by mail (plus mail time). ~1-2 business days by fax with $25 expedite fee.
Massachusetts Corporation Click for step-by-step instructions	Articles of Organization (It's odd but true: Massachusetts calls the Articles of Incorporation the Articles of Organization) Bylaws IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN Form 2553: S-Corp Election, if desired Massachusetts Department of Revenue - WebFile for Businesses - Form TA-1 FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report	Incorporation: $275 + optional $25 expedite fee + $100 for each 100,000 authorized shares over 275,000	Incorporation: ~2-3 business days by mail (plus mail time). ~1-3 business days by fax with $25 expedite fee.
Massachusetts Nonprofit Click for step-by-step instructions	Massachusetts Articles of Organization Bylaws IRS Form SS-4: Apply for EIN IRS Form 1023: Application for 501(c)(3) Exemption IRS Determination Letter Massachusetts Form TA-1: Application for Registration (WebFile) Massachusetts Corporate Excise Tax Exemption Application Massachusetts Property Tax Exemption Application URS Charitable Registration, if applicable Massachusetts Form PC or Short Form PC: Charitable Registration FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report	Incorporation: $35 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee Massachusetts Charitable Registration: usually $150	Incorporation: ~2-3 business days 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months Massachusetts Charitable Registration: 6-8 weeks

Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Massachusetts

The costs to start an LLC in Massachusetts are significant. LLCs pay a $500 formation fee and $500 annual report fee. Most corporations pay only $275 to get started then $125 per year.
Massachusetts registered agent and resident agent are synonymous. Both refer to an individual or business who receives service of process and government notices on behalf of the business.
It's odd but true: Massachusetts calls the Articles of Incorporation the Articles of Organization
If needed, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue will mail you Form ST-1: Sales and Use Tax Registration. Access to this form is restricted.
The state filing fee for incorporation is $100 extra for each 100,000 authorized shares over 275,000. This will not apply to most start-ups.

Compliance Software

Compliance Services

Start a Business in Massachusetts

Helpful Tools

Welcome to Our Community

Step-By-Step Startup

Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Massachusetts