Do I Need to Register My Business in Massachusetts?

Do I need to register my business in Massachusetts?
Corporations, LLCs and other business entities need to register with the Secretary of the Commonwealth before beginning business in Massachusetts. Annual updates are usually required as well. Begin and/or update your filings at the Secretary of State’s Office.
Read more on www.mass.gov

You might be asking whether you need to register your business if you intend to launch a business in Massachusetts. Regardless of the sort of company entity you select, the answer is that you must register your firm in Massachusetts.

The proper papers must be submitted and the relevant fees must be paid to the Secretary of the Commonwealth in order to register your business in Massachusetts. Depending on the kind of company entity you select, registration fees change. For instance, creating a corporation costs $275 whereas registering a sole proprietorship costs $50.

You might also need to register your trade name, commonly known as your DBA (doing business as), in addition to your business entity. For marketing and branding purposes, a DBA is a moniker that differs from your legal business name. You must submit a certificate of registration to the Secretary of the Commonwealth along with a $50 registration fee in order to register a trade name in Massachusetts.

It’s crucial to remember that a DBA can be any name that isn’t being used by another business in Massachusetts when selecting a trade name. It cannot, however, contain any words or expressions that are illegal, such as those that imply a connection between the company and a public authority.

It’s also critical to comprehend the distinction between an LLC (limited liability business) and a DBA. To conduct business under a name different than the legal name of the corporate entity, a DBA is merely a trade name. On the other hand, an LLC is a legitimate company entity that offers its owners limited liability protection. This indicates that an LLC’s owners are not held personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the company.

In conclusion, regardless of the kind of company entity you select, you must register your firm in Massachusetts. Depending on the type of organization, there are different registration fees, and you might also need to register a trade name. An LLC offers its owners limited liability protection while any name that is not already in use by another firm in Massachusetts may be used as a DBA.

FAQ
What are the disadvantages of a DBA?

A DBA, or “Doing Business As” name, does not offer the business owner any legal or liability protection. This means that the owner’s personal assets may be at danger if the company is sued or owes money. Additionally, a DBA does not grant the business name any trademark protection, which opens the door for another company to use the same or a name that is similar.

Accordingly, can two businesses have the same dba name?

No, in Massachusetts, two businesses cannot share the same DBA name. DBA, or “doing business as,” is a method for companies to conduct business under a name other than their legal name. The name must still be original and unregistered with another company in the state. Customers may become confused if two businesses use the same DBA name, and the businesses may face legal problems.