Filing a Massachusetts LLC
For new business owners, the Massachusetts LLC structure could work in their favor significantly. First and foremost, filing for LLC ownership is rather straightforward, and is less complicated than creating a business under another structure. Additionally, the LLC structure could protect owners from liabilities associated with the company.
Steps To Filing a Massachusetts LLC
Choose A Name
The first thing that prospective business owners will need to do is choose a name for their new entity. The state of Massachusetts requires businesses filing as an LLC to include an indicator in their name. Consider adding “Limited Liability Company,” “L.L.C.,” or some other similar abbreviation so that you meet the state’s requirements.
Additionally, business owners will want to make sure that the name they select is not already in use. There cannot be any duplicate business names in the state of Massachusetts. To avoid picking a duplicate title, business owners can use the DoMyLLC Name Availability Check Page.
Choose A Registered Agent
After choosing a name, business owners must name a registered agent. The registered agent is responsible for accepting legal correspondence on behalf of the business and passing it along to the company’s owners. Because this position is critical, you may want to consider hiring a company that offers professional registered agent services, such as DoMyLLC.
File Certificate of Organization & Pay Filing Fees
Prospective Massachusetts LLC owners can now begin filing the paperwork necessary to register their new business. Potential owners will want to file a Certificate of Organization with the Corporation Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. There is a $500 fee associated with doing so. This form also gives owners the chance to inform the state of the:
- Name of the company
- Street address where records will be maintained
- General character of the business
- Latest time of dissolution
- Name and address of the registered agent
- Name and business address of each manager
- Consent of registered agent
- Signature of the person filing the document
File Initial Report
Although prospective owners will not have to file an Initial Report, they must pay close attention to future reporting requirements.
Create An Operating Agreement And Hold Meetings
New business owners will also want to define their corporate structure so that they can begin holding meetings. They can do so by drafting an operating agreement.
Obtain Employer Identification Number
Every business in the United States has an Employer Identification Number issued to them by the IRS. This number allows companies to open bank accounts in their name. It is also needed to file taxes.
File State Required Annual Reports
After forming a Massachusetts LLC, owners will need to file an Annual Report each year by the anniversary date of their initial filing. It costs $500 to mail this form or $520 to submit this form online. There is no late penalty for not submitting this form on time. Learn more about the Massachusetts Annual Report.
Ongoing Maintenance
In addition to filing their annual report, Massachusetts LLC owners will also need to file taxes each year. Additionally, they will need to ensure that they secure and maintain proper business licenses.
How DoMyLLC Can Assist With Streamlining The Process
If you feel overwhelmed trying to form or run your Massachusetts LLC, DoMyLLC is here for you with services like:
- Name availability check
- Certificate of Organization preparation
- Filing of the Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office
- Sample documents, including a sample Operating Agreement, meeting notices, and meeting minutes
- Dedicated account manager
- Unlimited customer support
By handling your administrative needs, DoMyLLC makes it easy for you to focus on growing your business. Be sure to contact us today to learn more about how we can help.