Closing an LLC in Massachusetts: A Step-by-Step Guide

How do I close an LLC in Massachusetts?
If you want to cancel your Massachusetts LLC, submit a Certificate of Cancellation to the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division. There is no LLC cancellation form, you have to draft the certificate of cancellation based on statutory requirements.

In order to avoid any financial or legal repercussions, it’s crucial to follow the correct procedures while closing a limited liability corporation (LLC) in Massachusetts. Here is what you must do if you have made the decision to dissolve your LLC in Massachusetts:

File Articles of Dissolution as the first step.

The filing of Articles of Dissolution with the Secretary of State is the initial step in dissolving your LLC in Massachusetts. With the filing of this form, your LLC formally notifies the state that it is no longer in operation. The cost to file the Articles of Dissolution is $100, and you can do it online or by mail.

Step 2: Make all pending tax and debt payments In Massachusetts, you must pay off any outstanding bills and taxes before dissolving your LLC. This involves settling any unpaid debts to the state or federal government as well as taxes and other levies. Additionally, you must revoke any licenses or permits your LLC currently holds.

Step 3: Inform Customers and Creditors You must inform all creditors and clients of your LLC’s dissolution after filing the Articles of Dissolution. This entails notifying all acknowledged debtors in writing, issuing a notice in the neighborhood paper, and publishing a notice on your LLC’s website or social media pages.

Step 4: Removing business permits and licenses

Any business licenses and permissions your LLC holds must be canceled after notifying all creditors and clients. The Massachusetts Department of Revenue and the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance must both be informed that your LLC’s registration has been canceled.

Massachusetts Business Name Reservation

You might want to reserve your company name if you intend to dissolve your LLC in Massachusetts and launch a new venture later on. You can submit a Name Reservation application to the Corporations Division of the Secretary of State to reserve a business name in Massachusetts. A business name can be reserved for $30, and the reservation is good for 60 days.

DBA registration in Massachusetts

You are not needed to register a DBA (doing business as) name with the state of Massachusetts. However, you must submit a Certificate of Business Name Change to the Secretary of State’s Corporations Division if you want to use a name other than the one your business is registered under with the state.

Self-Paying from Your LLC

As a member of an LLC, you are regarded as being self-employed and are responsible for paying yourself through a procedure known as “owner’s draw.” This implies that you may take money out of the LLC’s earnings as required. On the amount you withdraw, you must pay self-employment taxes. Which Company Pays More Taxes: LLC or S Corporation?

The size of the company, the number of employees, and the owner’s income are only a few of the variables that affect the tax implications of an LLC and a S Corp. S Corps generally have more regulatory requirements and may not be appropriate for all firms, but they may pay less taxes overall than LLCs. A tax expert should be consulted to help you choose the right business structure for your particular circumstances.

Although dissolving an LLC in Massachusetts can be a challenging procedure, by taking the right measures and consulting a lawyer, you can make sure that everything goes off without a hitch. Do not forget to submit Articles of Dissolution with the Secretary of State, pay all outstanding obligations and taxes, notify all creditors and clients, and revoke all company licenses and permissions.

FAQ
Should I make my LLC an S corp?

It is not covered in the article “Closing an LLC in Massachusetts: A Step-by-Step Guide” whether or not to convert an LLC into a S corporation. It only focuses on how to dissolve an LLC in Massachusetts. You may want to speak with a tax expert or lawyer who can advise you based on your unique situation if you’re thinking about converting your LLC to a S company.