How to Start an LLC in Massachusetts
Form your Massachusetts LLC online with transparent pricing, registered agent service and real human support. Incofile prepares and files your Certificate of Organization for you.
Start My Massachusetts LLCStart your Massachusetts LLC in minutes
We handle the paperwork with the state.
Massachusetts LLC filing fee & timeline
To form an LLC in Massachusetts you file your Certificate of Organization with the state and pay the state filing fee of $500. Incofile adds a flat, one-time service fee on top — no monthly charges — and your total is always shown before you pay.
Most Massachusetts LLC filings are prepared and submitted within one business day. State approval time depends on Massachusetts's current processing queue, typically ranging from a few business days to a few weeks, with expedited options available in many states.
Why form an LLC in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is one of the most expensive states to form and keep an LLC: the Certificate of Organization costs $500, and every year you file a $500 annual report. In return you get a simple, flat 5% state income tax on owners' profit.
Massachusetts LLC at a glance
| State filing fee | $500 (a small surcharge applies to online filings) |
|---|---|
| Document filed | Certificate of Organization |
| Annual report | $500 a year |
| Annual report due | On or before the anniversary date of your original filing |
| State income tax | Flat 5% on owners' share of profit; a 4% surtax applies only to income above about $1.1 million |
| Entity-level tax | None for an LLC taxed as a sole proprietorship or partnership |
| Registered agent | Required; the certificate must name a resident agent who consents to serve |
State figures checked against the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division, September 2026. State fees are set by Massachusetts and can change; the exact total is shown before you pay.
How to form an LLC in Massachusetts — 4 steps
Choose your package
Pick the Incofile package that fits your goals. Your Massachusetts state filing fee is shown before you pay.
Tell us about your LLC
Complete our short form with your company name, address and ownership details — about ten minutes.
We check & file with Massachusetts
We confirm your name is available and file your Certificate of Organization with the Massachusetts state office.
Get your documents
Your approved Massachusetts LLC documents land in your dashboard, with reminders for your annual report and other deadlines.
What you need to form an LLC in Massachusetts
- A business name that is available and meets Massachusetts's naming rules (it must include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company”).
- A registered agent with a physical address in Massachusetts — Incofile can be your agent.
- Certificate of Organization filed with the Massachusetts state office — we prepare and submit these for you.
- An operating agreement and EIN to open a business bank account (included in our Gold and Platinum packages).
- Ongoing compliance — Massachusetts's reports, taxes and registered agent rules (see below). We track the deadlines and remind you.
Operating agreement
An operating agreement sets out who owns the LLC, how profits are split, how decisions are made and what happens if a member leaves. Massachusetts does not ask you to file it with the state, but banks usually want to see it, and without one the state's default rules apply. Incofile includes a customised operating agreement in the Gold and Platinum packages.
EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Your EIN is the federal tax ID for your LLC. You need it to open a business bank account, hire staff and file taxes. The IRS issues it free — online in minutes if you have a Social Security number, or by fax or mail (one to eight weeks) if you don't. Our Gold and Platinum packages include it, and it is also available as a separate service.
This is general information, not legal advice. If you're unsure which structure is right, compare LLC vs S-Corp vs C-Corp.
Massachusetts LLC naming rules
The name must contain "limited liability company", "limited company", "L.L.C.", "L.C.", "LLC" or "LC" and must be distinguishable from every entity on the Massachusetts register. Check availability with our free business name search.
Keeping your Massachusetts LLC compliant
Annual report
Every Massachusetts LLC files an annual report with the Corporations Division on or before the anniversary of its original filing. The fee is $500. LLCs that fall behind can be administratively dissolved.
Resident agent
Massachusetts requires an agent for service of process (usually called the resident agent) with a street address in the state, and the agent must consent to the appointment. Professional agents such as Incofile qualify.
Taxes
Owners pay the flat 5% Massachusetts income tax on their share of profit. A 4% surtax applies only to very high incomes. Sellers of taxable goods register for sales tax with the Department of Revenue through MassTaxConnect.
Licences
Many Massachusetts cities and towns require a business certificate or local licence, and regulated professions are licensed by the state.
Incofile clients get every Massachusetts deadline tracked in their dashboard with email reminders — see registered agent service.
Official Massachusetts resources
Massachusetts LLC — frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Massachusetts?
Incofile charges a flat, one-time formation fee (Silver, Gold or Platinum) plus the Massachusetts state filing fee of $500. There are no monthly charges, and the total is shown before you pay.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Massachusetts?
We prepare and submit your Massachusetts Certificate of Organization within one business day. State approval times vary from a few business days to a few weeks; expedited filing is available in many states.
Do I need a registered agent in Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state to receive legal and state mail. Incofile can serve as your Massachusetts registered agent so you stay compliant and keep your address private.
Can I start an LLC in Massachusetts if I live in another state or country?
Yes. You do not need to live in Massachusetts to form an LLC there. Incofile can act as your registered agent and provide a business address, so you can form and run your Massachusetts LLC from anywhere.
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Massachusetts?
The state fee for the Certificate of Organization is $500. After that, the annual report costs $500 every year.
When is the Massachusetts LLC annual report due?
On or before the anniversary date of your original filing each year. The fee is $500.
What is the income tax rate in Massachusetts?
A flat 5% on owners' share of profit. A 4% surtax applies only to income above roughly $1.1 million.
Does Massachusetts call it Articles of Organization?
No. A Massachusetts LLC is formed by filing a Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Ready to launch your Massachusetts LLC?
Most orders are prepared and submitted within one business day.
Start My Massachusetts LLC