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

How do I start an LLC in Massachusetts?
How to Start an LLC in Massachusetts Choose a Name for Your LLC. Appoint a Registered Agent. File a Certificate of Organization. Prepare an Operating Agreement. Comply With Other Tax and Regulatory Requirements. File Annual Reports.
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An exciting endeavor is launching a business. There are a few steps you need to do in order to form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Massachusetts. We’ll walk you through the process of forming an LLC in Massachusetts, address some frequently asked questions, and offer some useful advice in this post.

Select a Name for Your LLC in Step 1 Choosing a name is the first step in forming an LLC in Massachusetts. Your LLC name must be original and unregistered with another Massachusetts company. By conducting an online search, you can determine whether a name is available in Massachusetts. Once you’ve located an available name, you can reserve it with the Secretary of State’s office for up to 60 days by submitting a Name Reservation Request.

Select a Registered Agent in Step 2 A registered agent is a person or organization that has been given permission to accept legal documents on your LLC’s behalf. Your registered agent in Massachusetts must be a person who resides there or a company that is legally permitted to conduct business there. You can designate a person who is willing to take on the role, or you can pay a registered agent service to serve as your LLC’s registered agent.

Step 3: Submit Articles of Incorporation In order to create an LLC in Massachusetts, Articles of Organization must be submitted to the Secretary of State’s office. Your LLC’s name, address, registered agent, and members’ names and addresses must all be listed in the Articles of Organization. The processing time for articles of organization is normally 5-7 business days, and the filing fee is $500.

Step 4: Obtain Licenses and Permits for Your Business Depending on your industry, you could require additional licenses and permits to legally conduct business in Massachusetts. If your company needs any additional licenses or permits, you can check the Massachusetts Business License and Permit Handbook. Can I use a PO Box in Massachusetts for my LLC? No, in Massachusetts, a PO Box cannot be used as the address for an LLC. The physical street address in Massachusetts must be the address of your LLC. How much does it cost to form a business in Massachusetts? In Massachusetts, incorporating costs $500. When you submit your Articles of Organization to the Secretary of State’s office, you must pay this charge.

In Massachusetts, may an LLC serve as the management of another LLC? In Massachusetts, an LLC may indeed serve as the management of another LLC. There are, however, some limitations and prerequisites that must be fulfilled. It is best to speak with a lawyer to be sure you are according to Massachusetts law. Is a business’s owner also its agent? Most of the time, a business’s owner is not also its agent. However, the owner might be regarded as an agent for legal reasons if they are also serving as the company’s registered agent. To assess your particular circumstances, it is preferable to speak with an attorney.

It can be intimidating to form an LLC in Massachusetts, but by following these instructions and seeking legal advice, you can make sure that your LLC is prepared for success.