Skip to main content

Confirm opening of the external link

Our hearts go out to those affected by the recent wildfires. If you need help, SCORE mentors are here for you. You can also apply for disaster assistance at SBA.gov.
Checklist - Starting a Business in Massachusetts
>
December 12, 2016
Rating
Woman business owner working at the counter of her shop.

Step-by-step checklist for starting a small business in Massachusetts

1) Check Business Name Availability:
corp.sec.state.ma.us/corpweb/corpsearch/CorpSearch.aspx

2) Filing a business online:
• 
Filing fee: $275 for a MA corporation or $500 for a MA LLC
• Process time: 3 days to process articles of incorporation or organization if you mail them.
• FAX and Online filings are auto-expedited
• Expedite fee: LLC -$20, Corp - $15
• https://corp.sec.state.ma.us/corp/loginsystem/login_form.asp?FilingMethod=I

3) Registering with the Department of Revenue:
• MA sales tax: 6.25%
• Income tax: 5.25% tax on earned income (salaries, wages, tips, commissions) and unearned income (interest, dividends, and capital gains)
• Corporate income tax is calculated by using the corporation’s taxable net income plus its property/net worth. The income tax is calculated at a rate of 8 percent of the corporation’s taxable net income. The property/net worth measure is imposed at a rate of $2.60 per $1,000 of either a corporation’s taxable MA tangible property or its taxable net worth. The minimum corporate excise tax is $456.
https://wfb.dor.state.ma.us/webfile/Business/Public/Webforms/Registration/Register.aspx

4) Getting a Business License:
•  No general state business license. Check your city clerk. If doing business as a DBA, you need a local business certificate. You need to register DBAs with your city or town clerk. Check for any other certificates or licenses needed.
•  http://www.mma.org/city-and-town-websites

5) Other licenses:
• The Division of Professional Licensure oversees 31 boards of registration. Check out what professions need licenses: http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/government/oca-agencies/dpl-lp/

6) Workman's Comp and Unemployment Insurance
http://www.mass.gov/lwd/workers-compensation/publications/employers-guide/er-guide-english.pdf
http://www.mass.gov/lwd/docs/dua/business/employer-handbook.pdf

7) Web domain guide:
www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/domain-names-beginners-guide-06dec10-en.pdf
• or go to https://instantdomainsearch.com/

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
CONNECT
5 Patti Page Way
}
Centerville, MA 02632
508-775-4884

Copyright © 2025 SCORE Association, SCORE.org

Funded, in part, through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

Chat generously provided by:LiveChat

In partnership with
Jump back to top