Massachusetts Certificate of Organization

How to File Your Massachusetts Certificate of Formation

The following are the steps that you have to complete to legally create your new Massachusetts LLC so that you can be an entrepreneur. But if you’re unsure about doing it yourself, our experts will be waiting to step in and help.

Step 1: Submit Your LLC’s Official Name

This is the fun part. You have to choose a name that’s right for your new company. The only restrictions are that it has to be unique within the state, and it has to use some form of limited liability company, LLC, or something similar. 

Step 2: Add A Copy of the Name Reservation Certificate

You might not have to do this step if you didn’t reserve your business name before filing the business registration in Massachusetts. Some people aren’t ready to create their company but want to reserve a perfect name they came up with. A name reservation saves the name while you prepare to file the certificate. 

Step 3: Provide the Name and Address of Your Registered Agent

Every business registration in Massachusetts has to have a registered agent. This person or company acts as your agent for receiving legal documents or being served with litigation. The person’s name and address are written on the Certificate of Organization. If you want to keep everything in one basket and efficiently organized,  we also offer a registered agent service.

Step 4: Provide the name of the LLC’s manager

Usually, the manager of the LLC is the person that is in control of the company and is one of the members (owners) of the LLC. However, you can also have more than one manager. Also, you have to provide the name and address of any member that can execute documents with the Secretary of State and file documents regarding real estate. Luckily, this all can be just one person.

Step 5: Describe the general character of your business

There is a section on the Secretary of State’s Certificate of Organization form where you have to provide a brief description of your type of business. You do not have to go into great detail here. It could read something like “Retail” or “Computer Services,” or even as broad as “Any legal business.” 

Step 6: Attach any needed statements

Because of the size of the form, you may have to attach additional pages that have continued information on it. Also, if you previously reserved your company’s name before filing the state of Massachusetts Certificate of Organization form, you need to attach that reservation certificate.

Where to file your Massachusetts Certificate of Organization?

Your completed LLC Certificate of Organization has to be filed with the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s office. You can file your Certificate of Organization online with the payment of a filing fee or via mail by paying the fee with a check or money order. 

What are the next steps?

Although Massachusetts doesn’t require it, creating an operating agreement is a smart idea. An LLC operating agreement is a document that the owners create that details the rules, regulations, and procedures for running the business. This makes sure that everyone is on the same page and knows their responsibilities. If you use an operating agreement, it does not need to be filed with the state. This document would be used only for internal purposes. We can help you create a rock-solid operating agreement with our operating agreement template. 

You also need to get an EIN, which is an employer identification number and can be obtained online via the IRS. It is an identification number for your business, similar to a social security number for an individual. With it, you can identify your company when you file taxes, apply for loans, and open up a checking account. We also offer a service that obtains your EIN for you.

We can help

Our goal is to help you more quickly accomplish these research and paperwork tasks so that you can spend more time on making your new company a success. Our experts are here to help you from the very beginning, and we continue to help you into the future. With our Worry-Free Compliance Service, you can be assured that you will continue to be compliant and legal for years to come.