Massachusetts Single-Member LLC

What is a single-member LLC in Massachusetts?

A single-member LLC (SMLLC) is a limited liability company with only one member. “Member” is another name for an owner. In that sense, SMLLCs and sole proprietorships are the same. But there’s a very important difference between these two business types: a sole proprietor doesn’t have personal asset protection. A single-member LLC does.

After an LLC registers with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, it becomes a distinct legal entity. It’s separate from its owner. A sole proprietor and their business are legally indistinct; if the business gets into legal trouble, the owner’s personal assets can be confiscated.

Start a Massachusetts SMLLC in 5 Steps

Starting a single-member LLC in Massachusetts is an important legal process, but it doesn’t have to feel impossible. Follow these five steps, and you’ll be off to a great start with your LLC. 

One quick note before we dive in: if you’re licensed for professional services, such as law or medicine, you’ll need to start a professional limited liability company (PLLC) instead. We don’t offer a formation service for this business entity, but we can help you understand how to start a Massachusetts PLLC. 

Step 1: Pick a name for your single-member LLC in Massachusetts

Choose a name for your SMLLC. Your first task is to decide what customers will call your business. You’ll want to pick a memorable and descriptive name that will stand out. That said, your name should comply with Massachusetts state law. The state requires your name to:

• Be distinct. Massachusetts law says your name can’t be identical or “deceptively similar to” the name of another Massachusetts business. You can use our helpful Massachusetts business name availability search tool to easily check if your name is unique.

• Contain an entity designator to show you’re an LLC. Massachusetts allows you to use the phrase “limited liability company” or one of these abbreviations: “L.L.C.,” “L.C.,” “LLC,” or “LC.”
• You’re allowed to include your own name as a member of the LLC.

Ideally, your name should also match an available domain name (see domain name definition). Establishing an online presence is vital to success. We can also help you register your domain name for $125 a year.

If you need more time, Massachusetts lets you reserve your business name. This process protects your name for 60 days. 

Step 2: Get a resident agent for your Massachusetts SMLLC

Choose who will be your resident agent. Massachusetts requires every single-member LLC to appoint a resident agent (called a registered agent (For more information, please see our what is a registered agent page) in many states). A resident agent accepts service of process and some other legal communications on your behalf.

In Massachusetts, you can appoint an individual resident of the state or a corporation to serve as your agent. No matter which option you pick, the agent must be available at that address during all regular business hours. Alternatively, you can use our Massachusetts registered agent services to skip the hassle.

Step 3: Complete your Massachusetts Certificate of Organization

Submit the Certificate of Organization to officially create your LLC. Once you’ve picked a name and appointed an agent, it’s time to file your formation documents: the Certificate of Organization. Massachusetts offers paper or online filings for this form. Once it’s complete and accepted, your SMLLC officially exists.

Here’s a quick glimpse at the information your Certificate of Organization must include:

• Your chosen LLC name
• Principal office address where you’ll keep company records
• Name and address of each manager (if your LLC is manager-managed). Look up the manager-managed definition.
• Name and address of at least one person who can file business documents for the LLC (required if your LLC is member-managed; optional otherwise)
• Name, address, and certificate of consent to appointment for your resident agent
• A dissolution date (optional)

Massachusetts currently charges a $500 Massachusetts filing fee for the Certificate of Organization. This makes Massachusetts one of the more expensive states to start an LLC.

Step 4: Create a Massachusetts single-member LLC operating agreement

Next you’ll need to draft an operating agreement for your SMLLC. An operating agreement acts like a charter or constitution for an LLC; it’s an internal legal document that describes the specifics of how the business works. (For more information, please see our operating agreement definition page.) Typically, the agreement describes the responsibilities of each member, how business profits will be distributed, how membership can change, and more. They’re especially important for multi-member LLCs.

Massachusetts doesn’t explicitly require you to draft an operating agreement. If you don’t, your LLC is governed by all the terms of the Limited Liability Company Act by default. Even as a single-member LLC, it’s helpful to create your own operating agreement to set your own terms. A bank might even ask to see it before issuing a business bank account. Most importantly, an operating agreement helps maintain your personal liability protection.

Feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of creating your own? Our guided, customizable operating agreement template makes this process a snap.

Step 5: Get a single-member LLC EIN

Obtain a federal employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS. An What is an EIN is a nine-digit code that the IRS uses to identify a business for federal tax purposes. It’s kind of like a business’s Social Security number. An SMLLC must get an EIN if they’ll have employees or meet one of the IRS’s other requirements for obtaining one.

Some SMLLCs don’t have to get an EIN, but it can be helpful to have. Plus, it’s free to apply for one with a simple online form.

Massachusetts Single-Member LLC Taxes

By default, a single-member LLC is a “disregarded entity” for federal income tax purposes. Basically, the LLC itself doesn’t pay taxes or file a separate tax return; the LLC’s single owner reports that income on their individual tax return. This applies unless the LLC elects to be taxed like a What is a C corporation? or S corporation (please see our What is an S Corp? page).

In Massachusetts, this taxation process repeats at the state level. You’ll pay taxes at the state’s personal rate by reporting your business income on your personal return.

Benefits of an SMLLC in Massachusetts

Still wondering why you should form an SMLLC in Massachusetts? Starting one is an extensive process, but it’s worth the effort. There are several benefits to owning an MA SMLLC.

Limited Personal Liability

One of the biggest advantages of an SMLLC is personal asset protection. Your personal assets usually can’t be compromised if your business gets into legal or financial trouble. That’s because your LLC is a separate legal entity from you, the business owner. Sole proprietorships don’t have that option.

Taxation Options

By default, you’ll pay taxes on your personal tax return at both the federal and state levels. That said, some SMLLC owners decide to opt for C corporation status (if the tax advantages for C corps can help their company enough to make up for the double taxation) or S corporation status (often for paying less in self-employment taxes). The real luxury is that you have the option to choose which taxation approach works best for you.

Flexibility and Easy Maintenance

LLCs are pretty simple to run in the long term. Generally, each year you can expect to pay any tax liabilities, maintain any business licenses, and file your MA Massachusetts annual report. That might sound like a lot, but compared to a corporation, it’s very simple.

Business Autonomy

As the only member of your LLC, you get to call all the shots. You don’t have to answer to other members, shareholders, or a board of directors. If you have a business idea, you can go for it.

Extra Brand Legitimacy

Some potential customers feel more comfortable working with an established brand that’s registered with the state. A business name ending in “LLC” has extra weight.

We can help!

Starting a single-member LLC doesn’t mean you have to do everything by yourself. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by paperwork, our MA formation service can get you started at no cost apart from state fees. We can also help you reserve a business name, file for an EIN, and more. Our goal? To free you up to focus on your business goals, not red tape.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.