A business license is not required at the state level in Massachusetts. There is no general business license from the state of Massachusetts, but many cities require businesses to be licensed to operate. Depending on your industry, the nature of your company, or the location of your company, you may need one or more licenses. The cost of a business license in Massachusetts will depend on the type of business and the required licenses you need.
Small businesses that buy merchandise for resale will generally want to obtain a Massachusetts resale certificate to avoid paying sales tax on merchandise being resold to customers. You can obtain a business license by applying to the right regulatory and licensing agency for your company. 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. If you need to obtain a business license, you must do so before starting your business operations.
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.
