The Massachusetts Secretary of State must receive a DBA (doing business as) registration from anyone beginning a business in the state who intends to use a name other than their own. DBAs are also referred to as trade names and fictional names. In Massachusetts, registering a DBA is an easy process that can be completed online or by mail.
A DBA gives your company a legitimate name that it can use on contracts, bank accounts, and other legal documents. It also aids in preventing unauthorized usage of your company name. It is crucial to understand that registering a DBA in Massachusetts will not give your company any legal protection.
You might need to register a DBA in addition to getting a certificate of good standing. This certificate attests that your company has complied with all legal requirements, including submitting yearly reports and paying taxes, and is in good standing with the Massachusetts state government. Although a certificate of good standing is not required to register a DBA in Massachusetts, if you want to conduct business in another state or jurisdiction, it may be.
Depending on the kind of company entity and the method of request, a letter of good standing in Massachusetts can cost anywhere from $50 to $300. For instance, an LLC can request a letter of good standing by mail for a price of $20 while a corporation can do so online for a fee of $30.
You might be asking if you need a business license if you intend to sell goods or services online. Online retailers in Massachusetts are exempt from the requirement to acquire a separate business license. However, depending on your particular type of business, you might still be required to obtain any required licences or licenses. You are not obliged to register your business with the state if you run a sole proprietorship in Massachusetts. However, depending on the type of business you have, you might need to apply for any required licences or licenses. Furthermore, it’s critical to remember that, as a sole proprietor, you are individually responsible for any debts or legal problems resulting from your company.
In conclusion, you must file a DBA registration with the state if you intend to run a business in Massachusetts under a name other than your own. Although it is not mandatory, a certificate of good standing can be required if you intend to conduct business outside of Massachusetts. Online retailers in Massachusetts do not require a separate business license, although they may still require other permissions or licenses. The state does not need sole owners to register their firm, although they may need to get the relevant permissions or licenses.
You can search the Corporations Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s web database to find a DBA in Massachusetts. You can conduct a search using either the DBA or the owner’s name.