How To Start an LLC in Texas
Form a Massachusetts LLC in 6 steps: choose a name, appoint a registered agent, file Articles or a Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State, create an operating agreement, obtain an EIN, and secure required licenses and permits. Follow state naming rules and confirm local license requirements.
Starts at $0 + MA state fees and only takes 5-10 minutes
Last Updated: March 13, 2026
Here are the six basic steps to creating an LLC in MA:
Just a heads up: our focus here is on the formation of a for-profit, domestic LLC in Massachusetts. If your compass points toward a foreign LLC or a professional limited liability company (PLLC), note that the route and landmarks differ. While we don’t directly help with those formations, we cover how to establish a Massachusetts PLLC in this article. Safe travels!
Choose a name for your LLC. Massachusetts has some rules for naming an LLC, so it’s important that you do some research to ensure that the name you want follows them. You’ll also want a name that’s catchy, will perfectly translate what your business is about, and be memorable.
Although Massachusetts doesn’t have a long list of naming rules for LLCs, consider each carefully anyway. According to Part I – Title XXII – Chapter 156C – Section 3 (Name of a Limited Liability Company) of Massachusetts’ General Laws, an LLC’s name:
During this process, you can check if the business name you want is available by using the entity search tool found on the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website.
In Massachusetts, licensed professionals like attorneys, medical doctors, and others can organize as a PLLC, which grants them the liability protections of an LLC while still complying with regulatory requirements. For the most part, the process of forming a PLLC matches the process for a standard, but there are a few nuances to address. Making a business name is one of them.
You need to ensure that your name complies with the naming requirements enacted by your industry. If you’re not sure what the rules are, please consult with your industry’s regulatory board. You can use the same designator that you would for a normal LLC (some states require adding “PLLC” or something similar to the end of the name, but not Massachusetts).
If the name you want is available and meets the state’s rules, then you may want to consider reserving it until you get your LLC paperwork together. The Massachusetts Corporations Division has a form titled “Application of Reservation of Name” that you can fill out and file for a fee.
The reservation is good for 60 days. You have the option to renew it for another 60 days for an additional filing fee.
Unless you plan on running a strictly online business, getting a domain name may seem like something you’d rather skip. But in the digital age where everyone has access to the Internet, people looking for goods and services like yours will most definitely take to Google or another search engine to find what they need.
A domain name will provide a space for your business website, and that means an additional source of marketability. People will also find it easier to locate your business’s information (address, phone number, hours of operation, etc.). It can also allow people to do business with you online. It’s best to get a domain name that’s identical or very close to your LLC’s name.
If the domain name for the business name you want isn’t available, then you can try your second option for a business name. If a matching domain name for that one is available, you can move forward.
As you explore potential names for your LLC, you can also check to see if it has a matching domain name. This makes it easier for people to search for you. If the business name you want doesn’t have a matching domain name, then maybe you should consider another business name.
You can’t have a website without a domain name. A website can help people find your business online and help you make sales and market the LLC online. You may also want to check to see if social media handles matching your business’s name are available.
It’s wise to perform a trademark search on your LLC’s name to make sure it doesn’t have one. You’ll want to do this because the state won’t when you submit your formation documents. It’d be unfortunate to get a trademark infringement notice because the name you chose for your LLC had a trademark.
You can check in a couple of ways. First, you can do so on a national level by going to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website. If you’d like, you can apply for a trademark there.
To check at the state level, go to the Massachusetts Corporations Division website. There, you’ll find a trademark database that allows you to search by the trademark/service mark, the registrant, the mark’s description, and more. You can also apply for a state trademark by filling out a Trademark/Service Mark Application form on the Corporations Division website for a fee. The trademark is good for five years.
In addition to checking these databases, it’s wise to do an internet search for your business name, including checking domain names, social media sites, and online phone directories. You can also hire an attorney specializing in trademarks to perform a search for you, although this method may be a bit pricey.
If your business plans to operate under any name other than its legal one, then you’ll need to file a “doing business as” (DBA) name at the local level. This is also known as a trade name, fictitious name, or assumed name. Reach out to your city clerk for more information on the prices and requirements of registering a DBA name for your LLC.
Name a resident agent. Massachusetts requires all LLCs to have a resident agent. You’ll name this agent in your Certificate of Organization. This person or entity must be available at their physical address during normal business hours. This person or entity must also give consent to being the LLC’s resident agent in the Certificate of Organization.
This person or entity is responsible for receiving legal notices (such as subpoenas) and certain official government correspondence on behalf of your business. This title is also known as a registered agent, statutory agent, or agent for service of process in other states.
The state has rules for who can serve as a resident agent. The agent must be:
First, you must name a resident agent for your LLC in your Certificate of Organization; otherwise, the state will reject the form. If you have a resident agent in place and then lose them later on (due to them moving, for example), then you’ll need to appoint a new one by filing a “Statement of Change of Resident Agent/Office” by mail or online with the Massachusetts Corporations Division.
If you don’t appoint one or if a process server attempts to serve a lawsuit and can’t find your resident agent, then your business runs the risk of falling out of compliance and risking your limited liability protection. You can also face the possibility of a lawsuit moving forward without your knowledge.
There are no laws forbidding an LLC owner from being their company’s resident agent. As long as you meet the requirements set by the state, you can list yourself as this agent. Whether you should is something entirely different, however.
Remember that a resident agent needs to be at their resident address during normal business hours. This can make it very difficult to leave the office to run errands, meet clients, or go on vacation. Also, if your business is ever sued, having papers served to you in person can make you (and your business) look bad in front of potential customers.
If you’ve Googled “registered agent service” and didn’t find anything helpful, then know that using a trusted resident agent service offers many benefits, a few being:
Complete and file your Massachusetts Certificate of Organization with the Corporations Division. This formation document is also referred to as the Certificate of Registration and Articles of Organization by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. It needs to be carefully filled out and reviewed. Once the state approves it, your LLC is officially recognized as a legal business entity and you have successfully registered and LLC in MA.
If you’re wondering what exactly you’ll need to include in your Certificate of Organization to ensure the state approves it, then read on. The information you’ll need to include is as follows:
Additional information may vary depending on your situation, so be sure to fill the Certificate out as best as you can.
You’ll need to choose a management structure for your LLC. Massachusetts allows for LLCs to be member-managed or manager-managed. According to Massachusetts General Laws, Part I, Title XXII, Chapter 156C, Section 24, “Unless otherwise provided in the operating agreement, the management of a limited liability company shall be vested in its members.” As we went over earlier, you’ll first list the managers’ names in the Certificate of Organization.
Most LLCs with a single member or a few members prefer to manage the company themselves. In this manner, the members will run the business and make decisions for it. Other LLCs prefer a manager-managed structure. In this manner, one or more of the members of the LLC will make management decisions. The members can also hire someone outside of the company to be the manager.
You can file your Massachusetts Certificate of Organization electronically or print it if you plan to fax, mail, or hand-deliver the form. If you’re going to file online, then you’ll need to go to the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Corporations Online Filing System. On the system’s homepage, click the option to form a new entity, choose the Certificate of Organization, and go from there.
To file by fax, mail, or in person, go to the Secretary’s “Filing Methods” page, choose your option, print it, and fill out the Certificate of Organization. As of this writing, the filing fee is $520.
In some states, PLLCs and LLCs file the exact same form to register with the state. But in Massachusetts, that’s not the case. PLLCs will actually file the Professional Limited Liability Company Certificate of Organization. It’s a slightly different version; it requests much of the same information that we’ve described above. One difference is that you’ll also need to provide information about the professional services you’ll offer.
You also need to provide the name and address of each member who’ll be providing your professional service. As an attachment, you’ll need to provide a certificate (or certificates) from your regulatory board confirming that each member has the appropriate licensure. You’ll also need to attach proof that you have liability insurance.
Please make sure you file the correct version of the form and provide the correct documentation so you can keep the filing process as streamlined as possible.
Massachusetts allows for expediting services when filing your Certificate of Organization for a small fee.
After your Certificate of Organization gets approved and your LLC becomes official, your business will probably undergo some changes as time goes on. Whenever major changes occur, such as member changes, a change in resident agent, relocating to another address, etc., you’ll need to file a Massachusetts Certificate of Amendment.
You can do this online by going to the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s “Amendments” page. You’ll find additional information about amendments that you’ll need to look over before filing. There’s also a filing fee.
In Massachusetts, your LLC’s effective date will be the day you filed the Certificate of Organization. For example, if you filed the Certificate on October 10 but the document wasn’t approved until October 15, then your LLC’s effective date is October 10. The state also allows one to delay the filing date. You can request this through the Certificate of Organization. Why would you want to do this?
Future business owners can have different reasons for delaying their LLC’s filing date. One includes not having to file taxes for only a portion of the year. Delaying the effective date to January 1 means paying taxes for the new calendar year and not the previous one. In Massachusetts, you can set your delayed effective date up to 90 days.
Draft a Massachusetts LLC operating agreement. These agreements establish the business’s organizational structure, rules, and other details. You should know that in Massachusetts, operating agreements aren’t legal obligations, but putting one together can help your business run smoothly and establish its rules.
An operating agreement is not like a business plan. Rather, it allows you to spell out ownership and management details for the LLC, among other things. This is great since it allows you to run the LLC how you want so long as you stay within the law. Without an agreement, the company will be subject to the state’s default rules for LLCs.
If you’re the only owner of your LLC, then you might be thinking that you don’t need an operating agreement since it’ll just be you running the company, right? Reconsider, because an agreement can still come in handy.
For example, potential investors, financial institutions, and others may request to see your agreement. The agreement can make the company look better organized and planned out, showing anyone who requests to see it that you’re serious about running the business.
Additionally, as the only owner, an agreement allows you to decide what will happen to the LLC if you pass away or become incapacitated due to an injury or illness. You can choose to have someone else take over or have the business dissolved on your behalf. It’s entirely up to you.
Having an agreement comes with plenty of benefits. A few include:
You can include anything you want in your agreement that you feel will help the business’s daily operations and more. Here are a few basics:
Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your LLC. An EIN is also known as a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) and a Federal Tax Identification Number. You can get an EIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
This nine-digit number is like a Social Security number for a business. Having one allows you to do several things, like getting a business bank account, paying taxes, and hiring employees. You can get an EIN by visiting the IRS website, by fax, or by mail.
Register your LLC with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue’s MassTaxConnect website to pay taxes online. You’ll need your EIN, your business’s name, your business address, and your business’s start date in order to register.
As an LLC owner, you’ll need to register for the following depending on your industry, location, and more:
Visit the MassTaxConnect website to find out what other taxes you’ll need to register for.
LLCs offer more flexibility than a corporation. One of those flexibilities is how you can choose to have your LLC taxed.
By default, an LLC has pass-through taxation. This appeals to most LLC members because it avoids “double taxation,” in which a corporation pays taxes at both the business level and again when the income is paid to the individual owners. But some LLCs opt to be taxed as a C corporation or an S corporation because, in their case, it works to their advantage.
Being taxed as a C corporation does mean you get double taxation, but, for some LLCs, the pros may outweigh the cons. One benefit is that C corporations have the widest range of tax deductions, which could be an advantage in some scenarios, especially for more profitable LLCs. For example, insurance premiums can be written off as a business expense.
S corp is short for “Subchapter S Corporation” and is a tax status geared toward small businesses. Like a standard LLC, an S corp has pass-through taxation. But there’s another potential advantage for some LLCs: It could reduce your self-employment taxes.
Self-employment taxes are the part of your taxes that pay for Social Security and Medicare. In a typical LLC, you would pay these on all of your profits.
But filing as an S corp allows you to be an “employee-owner” and split your income into your salary and your share of the company’s profits. In this way, you pay employment taxes on your salary but not self-employment taxes on your profits. (You’ll still pay the other applicable taxes on your LLC profits, of course.)
The drawback is that the Internal Revenue Service scrutinizes S corps more closely, meaning you’re more likely to get audited. S corps also have more restrictions for qualifying.
While it’s possible that being taxed as a corporation could benefit your LLC, remember that business taxes are very complicated. They’re also very specific to your situation. That’s why you need to consult a tax professional to see which tax method would work best for your Massachusetts business and help with tax filings.
There’s a good chance that your Massachusetts LLC will need at least one license to operate compliantly, but it could need even more. Unfortunately, this step isn’t quite as simple as saying, “File this form with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.” For this step, you’ll need to dig in and do some research.
For starters, some LLCs need to get federal licenses. For example, suppose you want to distill vodka for a Cape Codder cocktail or craft the best whiskey for a Ward Eight cocktail. In that case, you’d need to get a license from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau since you’d be manufacturing and selling alcohol. Meanwhile, aviation businesses would need to get a license from the Federal Aviation Administration. If your LLC involves a heavily regulated activity, there’s a good chance you’ll need a federal license, but it’s your responsibility to research and know for sure.
Next, you’ll have to check state-level licenses. Unlike some states, Massachusetts doesn’t have a state-level business license. But there may be other state requirements to address. For example, if you’ll be selling qualifying goods or services, then you’ll need to get a Sales and Use Tax Registration Certificate for each business location you have.
Local licenses are another important licensing category to address. Massachusetts municipalities are allowed to administer their own licensing requirements, including general licenses and industry-specific permits. For example, Boston requires businesses within city limits to get and maintain a business certificate, which is valid for four years. Many other cities and counties have similar requirements.
You may also need to get zoning permits for your location. Similarly, if you’re working out of your home, you may be required to get a home occupation permit. Ultimately, it’s your responsibility to research your local requirements.
Last but not least, you’ll need to research licenses related to your industry or profession. For example, restaurants will need food service licenses from the Department of Public Health. Lawyers will need licenses from the State Bar. Doctors, nurses, dentists, chiropractors, and physician’s assistants will all need licenses from their respective boards. And the list could go on.
Long story short: you’ll need to do plenty of research to ensure you get all of the licenses that apply to your business — your unique industry, services, and business location.
Licensing is extremely important for a PLLC in Massachusetts. It’s your responsibility to ensure that everyone who offers your company’s professional service is appropriately licensed at all times. But remember that these professional licensing requirements don’t overwrite your other state and local licensing requirements. You’ll still need to get those licenses, too.
If you’re thinking of forming an LLC in Massachusetts, there are actually a couple of different types available, each suited to different business needs.
If you’re a solo dreamer in the Bay State, then a single-member LLC might be a perfect fit. With this structure, you take charge as the sole owner while also enjoying the liability shield that LLCs offer.
If you have one or more friends or family members excited to start a business with you, then a multi-member LLC could be a great way to team up with security. A multi-member LLC helps ensure each member’s input is valued while splitting profits, losses, and responsibilities according to the agreed terms.
A professional limited liability company (PLLC) is made for licensed professionals such as doctors, veterinarians, and engineers. It provides liability protection while meeting professional licensing requirements. PLLCs do not shield members from personal malpractice claims but protect against claims made against other members. Every member of a PLLC must have a relevant license in the same profession.
Does Massachusetts allow a series LLC?
As of this writing, Massachusetts has no legislation concerning series LLCs. This structure involves a “parent” LLC with other LLCs, known as “child” LLCs, operating under it. This model shields the businesses from the liabilities of each other.
No, only a few states allow this type of LLC in which the Secretary of State office conceals the names of the LLC members.
Yes. To register as a foreign (out-of-state) LLC in Massachusetts, you must file a Foreign Limited Liability Company Application for Registration and pay a fee. You’ll also need to include a Certificate of Good Standing or your state’s equivalent.
The steps listed above are the main ones to follow/consider when starting an LLC. In this next section, we’ll talk briefly about filing your annual report, which is a requirement. The others, though, are considerations.
You’ve probably considered getting a business credit card for your LLC, but what about a bank account to keep track of your business finances? It’s always best to have business accounts separate from your personal accounts as this makes it easier to organize your business income and other financials.
You may also want to consider looking into getting business insurance for your LLC. By default, your LLC will already come with personal liability protection. However, getting extra coverage with various types of business insurance can further secure your company’s well-being.
Your LLC is required to file a Massachusetts annual report with the Corporations Division. This report will be due on the anniversary date of the Certificate of Organization’s filing. So, if you filed your Certificate on June 1, then your report will be due on June 1 every year after. You can file online or by mail for a fee.
After your LLC is formally established, you may have some additional questions, like how to hire employees and file any additional paperwork. Let’s take a look at these topics below.
When the time comes to add employees to your growing business, you’ll have to consider a few things. First, head over to the official Massachusetts state website (Mass.gov). Search for the state’s laws about hiring employees. Familiarize yourself with any laws that may apply to you and how to hire.
As for actually searching for qualified candidates, that’s something you and the other members of the LLC will need to discuss. What skills and level of experience will they need to help the business run smoothly and grow? Of course, we can’t tell you who to hire. This is something you’ll have to do as a new business owner. You may want to start by looking into the state’s HireNow Program.
In Massachusetts, you can get a Certificate of Good Standing for your LLC from the Department of Revenue. This document isn’t a requirement to form an LLC or conduct business, but having one can be beneficial. Having a Certificate of Good Standing can help with the following and more:
You can get your Certificate of Good Standing through the Department of Revenue’s MassTaxConnect tool.
After completing all of the steps above and getting your formation documents approved, your LLC will be up and running! By going through our guide to see what to expect during your Massachusetts LLC formation, you’re already one step closer to making your business idea a reality.
We offer business formation services that can help you make your LLC official. We also have other services that can help you run and grow your business. You’ll have us by your side every step of the way, no matter if you plan to open a Red Sox souvenir shop in Boston or a lawn care business in Amherst.
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MA Limited Liability Company FAQs
Processing times vary by a variety of factors and the time of year, but online filings usually are processed within two business days. Filing by postal mail will take substantially longer.
One of the biggest advantages of starting a Massachusetts professional limited liability company is the flexibility in choosing the tax structure. Your PLLC can function like a corporation or a pass-through entity. The tax rate is 8% for corporate entities and 5% for individuals. If you provide any qualifying service, you may be required to pay additional taxes. It’s highly recommended to consult with a Massachusetts tax attorney for guidance on taxation.
No, Massachusetts requires a physical address in Massachusetts for the office where the business records will be maintained.
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Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. For specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.
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