Opening a business in Massachusetts: state licenses, permits and registrations
The 5 state-level filings in Massachusetts, and full guides for 1 city there. The fixed government fees add up to about $500, 2 fees are set by the space or the business and 2 filings are free.
Fees and timelines at a glance
| Filing | Agency | Government fee | How long | Renews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLC formation | Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division | $500 | Not listed | Not listed |
| Sales tax registration | Massachusetts Department of Revenue | Free | DOR doesn't publish how long registration takes; once approved, it mails a registration certificate for each location. | Not listed |
| Certified food protection manager | Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Food Protection Program | Varies | Not listed | Every 5 years. |
| Allergen awareness certificate | Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Food Protection Program | Varies | Not listed | Every 5 years. |
| Employer registration for unemployment insurance | Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance | Free | Not listed | Not listed |
City guides in Massachusetts
Every filing links to the agency's own page, and every fact comes from an official form or agency page. Agency requirements change; check the agency's page before you file. How we source and check these guides
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Get the plan for your exact address
This guide covers the city. Your exact address decides the county, the health district and the zoning. Placetta maps every filing for it, fills the official forms from your details, adds the deadlines and puts them up for your approval.
- The full list for your address, in filing order
- The official forms, filled line by line
- Renewal and inspection reminders