Do I Need a Business License in Massachusetts?

Doing business in the State of Massachusetts requires a Massachusetts business license. Learn more about local regulations and other requirements.

Do I Need a Business License in Massachusetts?

Doing business in the State of Massachusetts requires a Massachusetts business license, but the state does not have a general business license requirement. Local regulations may vary, but most cities require certain businesses and professional occupations to obtain special occupational licenses in order to conduct business in the city. Name reservation is not required by the state, but it is a good way to ensure that your company name is available and will remain available while you apply for incorporation. You won't have to file statutes, but drafting the bylaws of your corporation is a fundamental step in forming your company, as they are a plan that you will use to govern operations.

Massachusetts has no follow-up filing requirements. The main office of an LLC can be located out of state, although you must have a Massachusetts address where your LLC records are kept. You won't need to file an operating agreement to form your LLC in MA, but drafting your operating agreement is a fundamental step in forming your company, as it is the plan you will use to govern operations. Business titles are the perfect stepping stone to building a career, increasing earning potential, and ultimately growing your business.

Be sure to check with the Small Business Administration (SBA) for help determining what licenses you may need and for information on federal licensing for specific industries. Using your company's characteristics and location, the Business License Report can provide you with a single, comprehensive report that identifies what licenses, permits, and registrations your business needs at the federal, commonwealth, and local levels. Even if you created your business properly under Massachusetts law, you may still need to obtain a federal license or permit to do business legally. To request your certificate of sales use and tax registration from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, you will need to provide the full name, address, contact information and names of the business owners and have the application notarized.

With MSBDC, you'll have access to training and advisory services that can make it easier to start and run your business.Improving knowledge and increasing earning potential can be done by earning a degree in online business. Kimberlee Leonard has taken her professional experience as an insurance agency owner and financial advisor and has translated it into a financial writing career that helps business owners and professionals succeed.For companies with employees, Massachusetts requires that all companies provide their employees with workers' compensation insurance, which companies attest by filing a special affidavit with the Department of Industrial Accidents.