A possibility to think about if you’re wanting to launch a business in Massachusetts is creating a S corporation. A type of business known as a S corporation, or S corp for short, is taxed similarly to a partnership or a sole proprietorship. This indicates that while the company as a whole does not pay income taxes, the profits and losses are transferred to the shareholders and are then reported on their individual tax returns.
1. Pick a name for your business. The name you choose must stand out from existing company names listed with the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s office. On the Secretary of State’s website, you can verify whether a name is available.
2. Submit organizational documents to the Massachusetts Secretary of State. This document establishes your corporation formally and contains essential details including the name, location, and registered agent of the corporation.
4. You will adopt bylaws, choose officers, and conduct any other essential business during this meeting.
In Massachusetts, does an LLC have to pay a yearly fee?
In Massachusetts, how much does it cost to form a corporation?
Depending on the type of corporation you’re forming and whether you decide to work with an attorney or use an internet formation service, the cost to form a corporation in Massachusetts varies. The Secretary of State’s office requires a $275 filing fee for each set of articles of organization. Expect to pay several thousand dollars in legal expenses if you hire a lawyer.
In Massachusetts, a DBA (Doing Business As) filing costs $50. This amount covers the cost of submitting a certificate of business name to the Secretary of State. Additionally, you might be required to pay extra money to post a notice of your DBA in a local newspaper.
How they are taxed is the primary distinction between an LLC and a corporation. Since LLCs are pass-through businesses, the members receive a share of the profits and losses and must disclose them on their individual tax returns. On the other hand, corporations are taxed separately and are required to pay taxes on their earnings. Furthermore, corporations have a more strict structure with a board of directors and officers, whereas LLCs have a more flexible management and organizational structure.
You can submit an online request for a Massachusetts certificate of good standing through the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s website. Additionally, you can ask for it in person or by mail at the Boston office of the Secretary of State. You’ll need to supply your company name and tax ID number, and the certificate can cost money.