The Massachusetts Certificate of Organization is the LLC form that must be completed and filed with the state in order to create an LLC.
We’ll walk you through the Massachusetts LLC Articles of Organization filing process in three simple stages.
Get Your Organizational Certificate Forms
Fill out the Organizational Certificate Forms.
Fill up the Certificate of Organization Forms and submit them.
You may either download and send your Massachusetts Certificate of Organization or file online.
We will assist you in completing the Massachusetts Certificate of Organization form in this stage.
To complete the form, you will need the following information:
Name and address of the entity
Name of the Registered Agent and the Address of the Registered Office
Manager Specifics
Business Objective
A unique and clever company name is crucial, but it is not as necessary as a legally valid name.
When selecting a name for your company, you must ensure that the name:
fulfils Massachusetts naming standards
is not already in use by another Massachusetts firm.
The word “limited liability corporation” or one of its acronyms must be in your name (LLC or L.L.C.).
Your LLC’s name cannot include terms that may be confused with a government organisation (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
Restricted terms (for example, bank, attorney, university) may need extra documentation and the participation of a licenced professional, such as a doctor or lawyer, in your LLC.
You may read the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s instructions for a comprehensive list of name restrictions in Massachusetts.
Is your name accessible in the state of Massachusetts? Check the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth website’s company name and reserved name databases to be sure the name you desire isn’t already used.
We suggest that you check to see whether your company’s name is accessible as a web domain. Even if you don’t intend to create a company website right away, you may wish to purchase the URL to prevent others from doing so.
A registered agent receives and transmits legal paperwork on behalf of your LLC. When you form a Massachusetts LLC, you must provide your registered agent and registered office address.
Your registered agent may be someone over the age of 18 who resides in Massachusetts. During normal business hours, your registered agent must always be present at the registered office.
You must specify if your LLC will have management. If you have managers, you must name each initial manager as well as their contact details. Leave this area blank if your LLC will be governed by its members.
Massachusetts requires you to explain your company’s “general character.”
Remember that a business goal including licencing, tax-exemption, or tax-deductible status needs explicit wording from the IRS or a professional licence.
After you’ve submitted your Certificate of Organization, you should do the following:
Make a Business Agreement
Obtain an EIN
Establish a Business Bank Account
Purchase Licenses and Permits
A Massachusetts LLC Operating Agreement is a legal document that details your LLC’s ownership structure and member functions.
Although an Operating Agreement is not necessary in Massachusetts to incorporate an LLC, it is a good idea to have one. You may begin working on your operating agreement before, during, or after filing your Certificate of Organization.
Your operating agreement will be held in the private business records of your LLC; you will not submit it with the state.
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your LLC’s equivalent of a social security number. If you want to recruit staff or create company bank accounts, you’ll need an EIN.
It is critical to use specific business banking and credit accounts to safeguard your company’s corporate veil. When you combine your personal and company accounts, your personal assets (house, vehicle, and other possessions) are at danger if your LLC is sued.
When forming an LLC, you should consider if your company requires any licences or permissions to operate legally. On the federal level, a few corporate operations need licences and/or permissions.
Learn how to secure the licences and permissions required for your company, or hire an expert to handle it for you:
Federal: For federal business licences and permits, see the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
State: Visit Massachusetts’ Business Licenses & Permits page to apply for or learn more about licences, permits, and registration.
Local: Inquire with your county clerk regarding local licences and permissions.