How to Incorporate in Massachusetts

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Incorporating in Massachusetts is relatively easy.  This article should give you resources to understand how the incorporation process works in Massachusetts, and to use the legal forms from the Massachusetts Secretary of State to incorporate in Massachusetts.

Though not required, it is advised that you check your corporate name for availability before filing any applications. To do this you can conduct a name search at http://corp.sec.state.ma.us/corp/corpsearch/corpsearchinput.asp. Once name availability is established, you can fill out and submit an Application for Reservation of Name (http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cor/corpdf/c156ds402950c11318.pdf). The filing fee for a reservation of name is $30. The form and fee can be submitted to: Secretary of the Commonwealth, One Ashburton Place, Room 1717, Boston, Massachusetts 02108-1512.

Once your company name is established there are three ways in which to incorporate.

To do so by mail you can fill out the Articles of Organization (http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cor/corpdf/c156as7950c10504.pdf). The filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $275.  And can be mailed to the address listed above. Upon filing, a copy will be available at www.sec.state.ma.us/cor.

Massachusetts also accepts fax filing. To file via fax you must have your completed forms, and a Fax Voucher Cover Sheet (http://corp.sec.state.ma.us/corp/loginsystem/FaxEntry.asp). When filling out your fax voucher cover sheet, you will be automatically taken to a secure Web site in which to process payment. Once you have paid the filing fee, you can put together your forms and the fax voucher sheet and fax it to (617) 624-3891.

To file your articles online, simply visit https://corp.sec.state.ma.us/corp/FilingForms/0200013.asp?stage=DataInput and follow the easy step-by-step process Massachusetts has laid out.

Annual reports can be filed either online, or by printing a Pre-Filled annual report. To file online, visit the Corporations Online Filing System (https://corp.sec.state.ma.us/corp/loginsystem/login_form.asp?FilingMethod=I). To print a pre-filled annual report you can visit: https://corp.sec.state.ma.us/corp/loginsystem/login_form.asp?FilingMethod=B and type in your Customer ID and PIN number and an annual report will be automatically generated for you.

There are many companies that offer the service of filing these articles on your behalf, such as FileOnline  or LegalZoom.