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Designating a registered agent is one of the first responsibilities of any new business owner in the state of Massachusetts. Every company is required to designate a registered agent, not just in Massachusetts, but in any U.S. state the company wishes to do business in. Your registered agent can be any individual or company who agrees to receive “service of process” from the state on your behalf – service of process can include any legal notices or documents pertaining to your company. The agent must maintain a physical address in the state and must be reachable during normal business hours.
Choosing an agent you can trust can be a challenging decision for any business owner, as you could be putting at stake the good name of your company. You need a registered agent who can be trusted to handle your legal information responsibly and to promptly notify you about important filing deadlines, or in some cases lawsuits, so that you can prepare a response on behalf of your company.
National Registered Agents, Inc. (NRAI) is a professional registered agent service provider. We offer services in all 50 U.S. states. If you’re looking to start a new business in Massachusetts, we can connect you with a registered agent who has knowledge of the state commercial laws and who can handle your company’s service of process with confidence. Should you decide to expand your business beyond Massachusetts one day, we can also connect you with qualified registered agents in any state of your choosing.
NRAI enjoys a broad network of professional corporate service specialists with proven track records of success. Our clients value us for our personalized services – we offer individualized consultations that will help us determine what your goals are and design a solution that’s right for your business. Call (800) 520-6724 to speak with one of our customer service specialists or you can also fill out our quick quote form online at www.registeredagent.com. If you would like to switch to NRAI from your existing registered agent, we can also help you make a simple transition.
Forming a new company in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
If you start a new business in Massachusetts, your company will act as a “domestic” business entity. Below are instructions for forming either a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation.
LLCs: To form an LLC, you must choose a name that contains the words: “limited liability company”, “limited company,” or an abbreviation such as, “L.L.C.”, “L.C.”, “LLC” or “LC.” The state requires that your company maintain an office—other than your registered office—where your records will be kept. Send the Secretary of the Commonwealth an original and a copy of the Certificate of Organization, along with a $500 filing fee made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Corporations: To form a corporation, you must choose a name that contains and ends with the words, "Corporation," "Corp.," "Incorporated," "Inc.," "Limited," or "Ltd.” Send the Secretary of the Commonwealth an original of the Articles of Incorporation. The Secretary will endorse the file and return a copy to you. Your filing fee will depend on the aggregate authorized shares of your corporation: You must submit $275 for up to 275,000 shares and $100 for each additional 100,000 shares.
Registering to do business in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
If your company already exists but you’re interested in transacting business in Massachusetts, your company will act as a “foreign” business entity. Below are instructions for registering either an LLC or a corporation.
LLCs: To do business in Massachusetts, your LLC name must include one of the following terms: “limited liability company,” “limited company,” or an abbreviation such as, “L.L.C.,” “L.C.,” “LLC,” or “LC.” Send the Secretary of the Commonwealth the following information: an original of your Application for Registration as a Foreign LLC Certificate and a certificate of legal existence issued by the state in which you were organized. The Secretary will file the Application and return an endorsed copy to you. Also submit a $500 filing fee made payable to the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Corporations: To do business in Massachusetts, your corporation must set forth its exact name, reflecting whether it is incorporated or limited liability. If your name is already taken, you may submit a form indicating you have filed an assumed name with the city clerk where your office will be located. Send the Secretary of the Commonwealth the following information: an original of your Foreign Corporation Certificate and a certificate of legal existence issued by the state in which you were organized. The Secretary will file the Application and return an endorsed copy to you. Also submit a $400 filing fee made payable to the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.
