Whether you are starting a business or incorporating an existing one in Massachusetts, you’ll want to understand state requirements for Massachusetts corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs).
Massachusetts Corporation Formation Requirements
Cost to incorporate. BizFilings clearly outlines our fees and the state fees to form a corporation in Massachusetts. View our pricing to plainly see:
- BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
- State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in Massachusetts with standard turn-around.
- Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
- 24-hour turn-around. There is a 24-hour filing option in Massachusetts, which is outlined in our pricing.
- Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Articles of Organization.
Corporate name. The name of the corporation must contain the word "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Limited," or an abbreviation thereof. A period must be used at the end of any abbreviation. Symbols cannot be used in a company name. The corporation may assume any name indicating it is incorporated. The name may not be the same as the name or trade name of a Massachusetts corporation, foreign corporation, firm, association, person carrying on business in Massachusetts, or name under reservation. It may also not be so similar as to be mistaken for another name unless given the written consent of the existing corporation, firm, association, or person. The words "United States," "U.S.," or "Veteran" implies an association with the government and cannot be used.
Director information. The following are Massachusetts’s requirements for directors of corporations.
- Minimum number. Corporations must have no fewer than three directors, unless there are two or fewer shareholders. In such case, there may be one or two directors.
- Residence requirements. Massachusetts does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
- Age requirements. Directors must be at least 18 years old.
- Inclusion in the Articles of Organization. Director names and addresses are required to be listed in the Articles of Organization.
Officers. Officer names and addresses are required to be listed in the Articles of Organization.
Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Articles of Organization. An increase in the number of shares or par value can affect initial filing fees.
Registered agent. Corporations must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no P.O. Boxes) in Massachusetts. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.
Professional services businesses. Professional corporations (PCs) are allowed to be formed in Massachusetts for professional services businesses.