Licenses and permits to open a retail store in Boston

1. 1

   Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)

   Internal Revenue ServiceUS federal

   Owners with an SSN or ITIN apply online. A company whose responsible party has neither (most China-based owners) faxes or mails Form SS-4, or calls the IRS international line.

   Fee

   Free

   Filed

   Paper form, faxed or mailed

   Takes

   Fax: about 4 business days. Mail: about 4 to 5 weeks. Phone: issued on the call.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

2. 2

   LLC formation

   Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations DivisionMA

   Form the LLC or register a foreign company online.

   Fee

   $500

   Filed

   Filed online

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

3. 3

   Sales tax registration

   Massachusetts Department of RevenueMA

   Register for sales tax and withholding before trading.

   Fee

   Free

   Filed

   Filed online

   Takes

   DOR doesn't publish how long registration takes; once approved, it mails a registration certificate for each location.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

4. 4

   Boston business certificate (DBA)

   City of Boston, City ClerkBoston

   Needed when the business trades under a name other than its legal name. Bring the notarized form, the signed lease and photo ID to City Hall, Room 601 (the clerk notarizes free), or mail them with a check; there is no online filing. An LLC or corporation registers with the Secretary of the Commonwealth first.

   Fee

   $65

   Filed

   Filed in person

   Takes

   Issued while you wait in person; 2 to 3 business days by mail.

   Renews

   Every 4 years from the first registration; the clerk mails a renewal letter.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

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<div class="placetta-checklist"><p><strong>Licenses and permits to open a retail store in Boston</strong></p><ol><li>Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN) (Internal Revenue Service)</li><li>LLC formation (Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division)</li><li>Sales tax registration (Massachusetts Department of Revenue)</li><li>Boston business certificate (DBA) (City of Boston, City Clerk)</li></ol><p>Source: <a href="https://placetta.com/guides/boston/retail-store.html">Placetta license guide</a></p></div>Copy the code

More on opening in Boston

• How much permits cost to open in Boston
• How long permits take in Boston
• Opening in Boston as a foreign company
• Importing goods into Boston
• Renewals and annual filings in Boston

Questions people ask

• How do I get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN?
• How long does it take to get an EIN?
• Does a foreign-owned single-member LLC have to file Form 5472?
• How do I become an importer of record in the US?
• How does a foreign owner get an ITIN?
• Does a single-member LLC with no employees need an EIN?

Other businesses in Boston

• Milk tea and bubble tea shops
• Coffee shops
• Restaurants
• Hot pot restaurants
• Bakeries
• Dessert shops
• Grocery stores
• Cosmetics stores
• Toy stores
• Importers and online sellers
• Warehouses and 3PLs

Agency requirements change. Check each agency's page before you file.