How to Form an LLC in Massachusetts

State fee: $500Processing: 5-10 business daysTrueFormed bundle: $89 + state fee
Full disclosure: You can form an LLC in Massachusetts yourself for just the $500 state fee. The Secretary of the Commonwealthdoesn't care who submits the form. Our $89 bundle is for people who'd rather not spend the hour — and it adds EIN, Operating Agreement, and the first year of Registered Agent service.

Massachusetts LLC Cost Summary

Articles of Organization (state fee)$500
Annual Report$500
Registered Agent (1st year, included in bundle)Included
EIN (IRS — included in bundle)Included
TrueFormed formation service fee$89
Total Year 1 with TrueFormed$1089

Year 2+: Registered Agent renewal is $99/yr. Compare: ZenBusiness Year 1 runs about $898 (Pro formation $199 + RA $199 + state fee) for the same services. We publish our full cost breakdown.

Step 1: Choose a name for your Massachusetts LLC

Your LLC name must be unique in Massachusettsand include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company." Search the Secretary of the Commonwealth database at Secretary of the Commonwealth website to check availability.

Step 2: Choose a registered agent

Massachusetts requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state. A registered agent receives legal and tax documents on behalf of your business. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Massachusetts address, or use a service like TrueFormed. Our $89 formation bundle includes the first year; renewal is $99/year.

Step 3: File Articles of Organization

File your Articles of Organization with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth. You can file online at corp.sec.state.ma.us. The filing fee is $500 and processing typically takes 5-10 business days.

Or let TrueFormed handle it — our $89 bundle includes this filing plus EIN, Operating Agreement, and your first year of Registered Agent service. You pay the $500 state fee on top.

Step 4: Get an EIN from the IRS

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your business's tax ID. It's free from the IRS and takes about 5 minutes online. You'll need it to open a business bank account, file taxes, and hire employees.

See our complete EIN guide →

Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement

Massachusetts doesn't legally require an operating agreement, but every LLC should have one. It defines ownership percentages, management structure, and what happens if a member leaves. Banks often require it to open a business account.

Step 6: Stay compliant — Massachusetts annual requirements

Massachusetts requires a n annual report filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Deadline: By anniversary date each year. The fee is $500.

Miss the deadline and your LLC can be administratively dissolved. If you keep our $99/yr Registered Agent service active we track this deadline automatically; filing the report is a $99 + state-fee add-on when it comes due.

See our annual reports guide →

Massachusetts tax notes

5% income tax. Most expensive state to form an LLC.

Ready to form your Massachusetts LLC?

Our $89 bundle covers formation, EIN, Operating Agreement, and your first year of Registered Agent service. State fee ($500) is paid to Massachusetts at cost.