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How to form an LLC in Massachusetts

File a Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division. State filing fee $500.

Start my Massachusetts LLC → Search names on the state site ↗

Due to form

$500

State filing fee

How to file

Online or by mail

Not stated on official pages; online filings generally faster than mail.

Keeping it active

Annual Report

On or before each anniversary of the original filing date · $500

The steps in Massachusetts

  1. 1

    Choose a name

    It must be distinguishable from other businesses on file and end with “Limited Liability Company”, “Limited Company”, “L.L.C.”, “L.C.”, “LLC”, “LC”. Must not be the same as or deceptively similar to an existing MA entity name without written consent. Reservation $30. You can reserve a name first for $30 (optional).

  2. 2

    Appoint a resident agent

    Name and Massachusetts business address of agent for service of process; agent's consent signed on or attached to the certificate. The agent must agree to serve — LLCPros prepares a consent for them to sign.

  3. 3

    File the Certificate of Organization

    File with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division. You can file online or by mail. Fee: $500.

  4. 4

    Sign an operating agreement

    Not filed with the state, and not required by Massachusetts law, but banks and partners often ask for one. LLCPros prepares one from your answers.

  5. 5

    Get an EIN and keep up with reports

    Get a free Employer Identification Number from the IRS, open a business bank account, then file the Annual Report (on or before each anniversary of the original filing date).

Fees

Filing fee — Certificate of Organization$500
Optional: name reservation$30
Later: Annual Report$500

Online/fax filings carry an 'expedited service fee' tiered by order subtotal ($20 on a $500 order). Card/e-check processing fee on separate page.

State taxes to know about

No separate LLC-level franchise tax; LLC taxed per federal classification (DOR).

Questions about Massachusetts LLCs

›How much does it cost to form an LLC in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts filing fee for the Certificate of Organization is $500. Optional expedited processing costs more.

›What document forms an LLC in Massachusetts?

You file a Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division.

›Does Massachusetts require a registered agent?

Yes. Name and Massachusetts business address of agent for service of process; agent's consent signed on or attached to the certificate.

›Does a Massachusetts LLC file an annual report?

Yes: the Annual Report, on or before each anniversary of the original filing date, fee $500.

Double-check with the state

We could not confirm these on an official Massachusetts page when we last checked (November 12, 2026). Your filing plan lists them too.

  • When the annual (or biennial) report is due, and its fee
  • How long the state currently takes to process filings
  • The link to the state’s business name search
  • The state tax rules that apply to LLCs
  • Whether state law requires a written operating agreement
Self-help, not legal or tax advice. LLCPros is not a law firm, does not give legal or tax advice, and is not affiliated with any state or federal agency. We prepare documents from your answers and your state’s published rules; you file them and pay the state’s fees directly. Rules and fees change — check the official state links before filing, and talk to a lawyer or accountant about your situation.