Cost to Form an LLC in Massachusetts: MA LLC Cost

Last Updated on November 29, 2023 by Dr. Gabriel O’Neill, Esq.

Navigating the path to entrepreneurship in Massachusetts involves more than just a simple paperwork shuffle. Aspiring business owners often find themselves faced with various costs when forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the state. 

However, don’t let the potential expenses deter you from pursuing your business dreams. By delving into the intricacies of LLC formation in Massachusetts, you can uncover ways to manage and mitigate these costs effectively. 

In this article, we’ll explore the essential expenditures involved in establishing an LLC in the Bay State and unveil insightful LLC services, such as ZenBusiness, that offer strategies to ensure judicious financial choices throughout the process. 

With the right knowledge and tools at your disposal, the journey to starting your own business venture can be not only affordable but also financially savvy.

>> Get Started With ZenBusiness >>

What Is the Cost of Forming an LLC in Massachusetts?

The primary cost to form an LLC in Massachusetts is the $500 charge for submitting your LLC’s Certificate of Organization via the online portal of the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Here’s the LLC Cost Guide for all US States:

Massachusetts Foreign LLC Formation Costs

In the scenario where you possess an existing LLC that’s registered in a different state, and you aim to extend your business operations into Massachusetts, it becomes imperative to enroll your LLC as a foreign entity within the state.

The associated fee for the registration of a foreign LLC in Massachusetts amounts to $500. To effectuate the registration of a foreign LLC in the state, you’re required to submit the “Foreign Limited Liability Company Application for Registration.” This procedure can also be accomplished through traditional mail correspondence.

Annual Cost for LLCs in Massachusetts

When establishing a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Massachusetts, it’s essential to factor in the continual expenditures that play a vital role in shaping your business budget. Gaining a clear understanding of these financial obligations empowers you to gauge the comprehensive costs of managing an LLC in the state and make well-informed choices. 

The key ongoing financial considerations linked to upkeeping an LLC in Massachusetts encompass the Annual Report submission, which mandates LLCs to furnish updated information about their members and operations to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, with a filing fee of $500. Notably, this fee stands apart from the initial charge for filing the Certificate of Organization.

Additionally, there’s the Business Certificate Renewal, which varies based on city jurisdiction; for instance, Boston necessitates LLCs to renew their business certificates every four years, incurring a $65 fee. 

Moreover, the appointment of a resident agent, akin to a registered agent in most states, is compulsory as per Massachusetts law, and engaging a registered agent service introduces variable annual costs, averaging between $100 and $300. 

Careful consideration of these ongoing financial obligations is paramount when strategizing the financial facets of your Massachusetts-based LLC.

>> Try Out ZenBusiness Now >>

How Much Does it Cost to Start an LLC in Massachusetts with the Best LLC Service? 

ZenBusiness LLC Formation Cost

The state filing fee for an LLC in Massachusetts is $500. So, the total cost of forming an LLC in Massachusetts with ZenBusiness will vary depending on the plan you choose. 

Normally, the processing duration is around 2 – 3 weeks. However, if you wish to accelerate the processing and approval of your documents, you have the option to pay an expedited service charge of $50. This would enable you to receive your documents within 4 – 6 days. Alternatively, for a fee of $100, you can expedite the process even further and expect to receive your documents within 1 – 2 days.

ZenBusiness offers three pricing plans for business formation services: Starter, Pro, and Premium. 

• Starter plan: This is a good option for basic business formation needs and costs $0 plus state fees. 

• Pro plan: This includes additional features such as expedited filing and registered agent service and costs $199 plus state fees. 

• Premium plan: This is the most comprehensive plan and includes everything in the Pro plan plus unlimited Worry-Free Compliance, which helps businesses stay compliant with state and federal regulations. The Premium plan costs $349 plus state fees. 

ZenBusiness also offers a free year of Worry-Free Compliance with the purchase of any plan.

>> Get Expert Assistance From ZenBusiness >>

Additional Costs When Starting an LLC in Massachusetts

Massachusetts LLC Name Costs

Registering a name for your Limited Liability Company (LLC) won’t incur any charges. The approval of your Massachusetts LLC name is included in the acceptance of your Certificate of Organization filing by the state, and this incurs no extra fees.

You might have come across information online suggesting the necessity of LLC Name Reservations. However, this is generally not accurate for most states. Forming an LLC usually doesn’t require a Name Reservation.

If you wish to secure your chosen name for your LLC for a period of up to 60 days before the formation of the company, you can do so by submitting an Application of Reservation of Name. This entails a filing fee of $30. If needed, the reservation duration can be prolonged by another 60 days for an additional cost of $30.

Massachusetts Registered Agent Costs

Massachusetts mandates a registered agent (also known as a Resident Agent) for LLC formation, necessitating a fee of $0 or $125 annually. The registered agent in Massachusetts plays a pivotal role by receiving legal documents and state notifications on behalf of your LLC. It’s imperative that the registered agent possesses a physical address within the state and maintains availability during regular business hours.

Opting to designate yourself or a familiar individual as your LLC’s registered agent incurs no extra charges. Alternatively, you have the choice to engage a registered agent service, which comes at an expense ranging from $100 to $300 per year. These services extend beyond registered agent responsibilities, offering valuable business-related assistance and privacy safeguards.

Enlisting a registered agent service is particularly advisable if:

• You lack a physical address in Massachusetts, as state law mandates registered agents to possess an in-state address.

• You aim to shield your address from public exposure. Depending on the service provider, it might be possible to utilize their address to maintain your personal address in confidentiality.

Massachusetts Operating Agreement Costs

There’s no charge for the LLC Operating Agreement ($0). A Massachusetts LLC Operating Agreement serves as a written agreement among the LLC Members, outlining essential details about ownership, management of the LLC, and the allocation of profits.

Both Single-Member and Multi-Member LLCs should create an Operating Agreement, retain it among their business documentation, and provide each Member with a copy. On the majority of websites, LLC Operating Agreements are priced between $50 and $200.

Massachusetts EIN Cost

An EIN Number, also referred to as an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), serves various purposes, including income tax filing, LLC bank account setup, and employee hiring (if relevant). While numerous websites impose service charges for acquiring an EIN for your LLC, you have the option to obtain it free of charge. 

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides an online filing process that can be completed within a few minutes at no cost.

>> Use ZenBusiness >>

Massachusetts LLC Taxes

The costs of Massachusetts LLC taxes vary significantly due to the diverse array of taxes that owners are obligated to pay on an annual basis. Some of these taxes include:

Federal Income Taxes

The IRS offers different approaches for how your LLC’s tax status is treated for federal income tax purposes.

Single-Member LLC Taxes (Default Status)

The IRS considers all Single-Member LLCs as Disregarded Entities when it comes to taxes. This implies that the IRS doesn’t require the LLC to file a separate federal income tax return. Instead, the owner of the Single-Member LLC handles the tax return and pays the federal income taxes associated with it.

The method by which the LLC pays federal income tax depends on the owner’s identity:

• If the LLC is owned by an individual, it’s taxed similarly to a Sole Proprietorship
• If the LLC is owned by another company, it’s taxed as a division of the parent company

Multi-Member LLC Taxes (Default Status)

For LLCs with two or more owners, taxation resembles that of a Partnership. The LLC must file a 1065 Partnership Return and provide a Schedule K-1 to its owners. These K-1s report the proportionate share of profits for each owner, and this income “flows through” to the owners. Subsequently, each owner pays income taxes on their individual tax return (Form 1040).

Husband and Wife LLC Taxes

In some states, a husband and wife LLC might have the option to be taxed as a Single-Member LLC (also known as a Qualified Joint Venture) rather than a Multi-Member LLC. This is applicable in community property states, excluding places like Massachusetts, which doesn’t support Qualified Joint Ventures.

Electing Corporate Taxation for Your LLC

Apart from the default statuses, an LLC can opt for corporate-style taxation.

It’s advised to consult an accountant before making a corporate election. There are two main corporate election types:

• S-Corporation
• C-Corporation

LLC Taxed as an S-Corporation (Elective Status):

Filing Form 2553 allows an LLC to be taxed like an S-Corporation. This can be advantageous for established businesses seeking to reduce self-employment taxes. However, this election is best considered once the business is well-established and generating consistent revenue (around $70,000 in annual net income per LLC Member).

LLC Taxed as a C-Corporation (Elective Status):

By submitting Form 8832, an LLC can choose to be taxed as a C-Corporation. This option can be beneficial for larger employers aiming to save on healthcare fringe benefits, though it’s not commonly chosen.

Massachusetts State Income Tax

Single-member LLCs in Massachusetts generally don’t file state-level returns. Instead, the owner includes the LLC’s profits or losses in their personal state-level return. For Multi-Member LLCs, the LLC might need to file a Partnership return at the state level while the owners report profits or losses on their personal returns.

Local Income Tax for Massachusetts LLCs

LLCs or their owners may be required to file and pay income taxes at the local municipality level. Professional assistance is recommended to navigate local income tax filings.

Massachusetts Sales Tax

For businesses selling products to Massachusetts consumers, collecting sales tax and obtaining a Seller’s Permit might be necessary. The permit, often called various names like resale license, wholesale license, or sales tax permit, grants the authority to collect sales tax. Massachusetts DOR resources offer more guidance.

Massachusetts LLC Payroll Taxes

LLCs in Massachusetts with employees must handle payroll taxes, including federal and state income tax withholding, Social Security tax, Medicare tax, and more. Employers set up payroll, calculate taxes, and submit filings to relevant agencies. Given the complexity, most opt for professional help to avoid errors and penalties.

>> Get Started With ZenBusiness >>

Massachusetts LLC Cost FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Open an LLC in Massachusetts?

Initiating a Massachusetts LLC requires a payment of $500, which covers the singular expense of filing the LLC Certificate of Organization.

Certain Massachusetts LLCs might necessitate obtaining a business license, contingent on their sector and geographical location. The expenses tied to local business permits differ based on specific circumstances.

How Much Does an LLC in Massachusetts Cost Per Year?

Massachusetts LLCs are required to submit an Annual Report fee of $520 to the Secretary of State, serving as the sole obligatory state-based annual payment to maintain the LLC’s active status. Additionally, if you’ve enlisted a registered agent service, an annual subscription fee of approximately $125 will apply. 

Depending on your business’s industry and location, certain LLCs might also necessitate a Massachusetts business license, with potential annual renewal fees associated, contingent upon municipal regulations.

Should I Hire an LLC Formation Service?

Utilizing a Massachusetts LLC formation service isn’t obligatory for establishing your LLC; you have the option to manage the formation independently. 

Nevertheless, for a streamlined and accurate filing process, we suggest considering the assistance of a ZenBusiness. Renowned for their exceptional customer support, they even provide complimentary registered agent services for the initial year. 

Moreover, they offer supplementary features such as an Operating Agreement and assistance with Annual Report submissions, presenting a comprehensive package for your LLC needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the process of establishing an LLC in Massachusetts involves more than just the initial formation fee. Navigating this financial landscape entails obtaining essential documentation, seeking assistance from registered agents, and carefully managing critical components such as operating agreements and obtaining an EIN.

The significance of effective financial management cannot be overstated, and this is precisely where the proficiency of LLC service providers like ZenBusiness comes into play.

By grasping the intricacies of these diverse expenses and harnessing the support of ZenBusiness, prospective business proprietors are equipped to embark on their Massachusetts LLC journey with a sense of assurance. 

>> Try Out ZenBusiness Now >>

Related Articles

• How to Register a Business in Massachusetts
• How to Register a Business Name in Massachusetts
• Massachusetts Anonymous LLC