Resources for Starting and Maintaining a Business in Massachusetts
At CorpNet our mission is to help you start your business and help you keep it in compliance. To assist you in your entrepreneurial journey, we’ve collected answers to the most frequently asked questions small business owners have about starting and maintaining a business in the state of Massachusetts.
Our goal is to provide you with a one-stop solution for all of your business, payroll tax registrations, and compliance filings. And if we can help you along the way, our team of entity filings and compliance experts is just a call away.
Quick Facts for Starting a Massachusetts Business
Expedited Services Available: Yes
New Business Publishing Required: No
Private Registration Available: No
Registered Agent Required: Yes
Annual Report Required: Yes
Franchise Tax Required: Yes (9.5%+)
State Sales Tax: 6.25%
State Income Tax: 8%
Unemployment Insurance: .56%-8.62%
DBAs do not require a registered agent.
Massachusetts Business Entity Options
| Business Entity Type | State Fees | Applicable Form |
| Limited Partnership (LP) | $200 | Limited Partnership Certificate |
| Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | $500 | Certificate of Registration |
| Professional LLP | $500 | Certificate of Registration |
| Limited Liability Company (LLC) | $500 | Certificate of Organization |
| Professional LLC | $500 | Certificate of Organization |
| Foreign Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | $500 | Certificate of Registration |
| Corporation | $250+ | Articles of Organization |
| Professional Corporation | $250+ | Articles of Organization |
| Nonprofit Corporation | $35 | Articles of Organization |
| Foreign Limited Partnership (LP) | $200 | Application for Registration |
| Foreign Limited Liability Company (LLC) | $500 | Application for Registration |
| Foreign Professional LLC | $500 | Application for Registration |
| Foreign Corporation | $400 | Certificate of Registration |
| Foreign Professional Corporation | $400 | Certificate of Registration |
| Foreign Nonprofit Corporation | $400 | Certificate of Registration |
Not Sure Which Type of Business You Need?
Launch CorpNet’s Business Structure Wizard to get suggested entities based on your unique needs. It’s free and easy to use.
Key Massachusetts Government Resources
Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108
sec.state.ma.us
Massachusetts Department of Revenue
100 Cambridge St.
Boston, MA 02114
mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-revenue
Feeling Overwhelmed? CorpNet Is Here To Help!
Below are all the ways CorpNet can help you and your business.
Our knowledge team of experts is here to help and all our services are backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
Business Formation and Launch
- Business Name Search
- Business Name Reservation
- Form a Massachusetts LLC
- Incorporate in Massachusetts
- File a DBA
- Appoint a Registered Agent in Massachusetts
- Obtain an Employee Identification Number (EIN)
- Register for Massachusetts Payroll Taxes
- Request a Permit for Sales and Use Tax
- Research Required Business Licenses
Ongoing Business Compliance
Additional Resources and Articles
Compare Entities
- Choosing a Business Structure
- Business Structures Wizard
- Sole Proprietorship vs. Partnership
- Sole Proprietorship vs. LLC
- LLC vs. Partnership
- LLC vs. Corporation
- C Corporation vs. S Corporation
- S Corporation vs. LLC
- LLC vs. S Corp vs. C Corp
- DBA vs. LLC
- LLP vs. LLC
- LLC vs. PLLC
- Professional Corporation vs. LLC
- Single Member vs. Multiple Member LLC
- Member vs. Manager-Managed LLC
- Domestic LLC vs. Foreign LLC
Common Questions
- What is a Certificate of Incorporation?
- What is a Certificate of Registration?
- What is a Statement of Information?
- What are Articles of Incorporation?
- What are Articles of Organization?
- What is an Annual Franchise Tax Report?
- What is a Certificate of Authority?
- What is a Statement of Purpose?
- What Is a Fictitious Name?
- What is a Pass-Through Entity?
- What is the Owner of an LLC Called?
- What is the Role of an LLC Organizer?
- What Is a Registered Agent?
- What is a Statutory Agent?
- What is a Reseller License?
- What is a Corporate Resolution?
- What Is a Letter of Good Standing?
Helpful Templates
Need a Small Business Compliance Checklist?
Business compliance can slip through the cracks! As your existing business evolves, you are required to file notify the state of any changes. Many business owners lose sight of these requirements and fail to realize they haven’t met compliance requirements.
Use our compliance checklist to determine which business filings you need to perform to manage this year’s activities and changes.
