How to Form an LLC in Massachusetts (2026): $500 Filing Fee
$500 2026 state filing fee. 3–5 business days to process. Step-by-step guide to forming your Massachusetts LLC.
Forming an LLC in Massachusetts costs $500 in state filing fees and takes 3–5 business days. Annual maintenance costs $500 per year for the required report. Massachusetts has the highest LLC formation and annual report fees in the US.
Share This Page
Massachusetts LLC Filing Fee (2026): $500
The Massachusetts Secretary of State charges $500 to file your Certificate of Organization. This is a one-time fee paid at formation. Standard processing takes 3–5 business days. After that, plan for a $500 annual report fee to keep your LLC active.
State Filing Fee
$500
One-time cost
Processing Time
3–5
Business days (standard)
Ongoing Report Fee
$500
Annual
Form Your Massachusetts LLC Online
These services file your Massachusetts LLC paperwork and include registered agent service, which is required by state law.
File your Massachusetts LLC for just the $500 state fee + their service fee. Includes registered agent, operating agreement, and compliance reminders.
Start your LLC in Massachusetts →
Free LLC formation service (you pay only the $500 state fee). Includes first year of registered agent, EIN, and business bank account setup.
Form free LLC in Massachusetts →
Some links may be affiliate links. CostCrunch may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
How to Form an LLC in Massachusetts: Step by Step
Choose a Name for Your LLC
Your LLC name must be unique in Massachusetts and include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company." Check availability on the Massachusetts Secretary of State website before filing. You can also reserve a name for a small fee (typically $10–$25) if you're not ready to file.
Appoint a Registered Agent
Massachusetts requires every LLC to have a registered agent — a person or company with a physical Massachusetts address who can receive legal documents on your behalf. You can be your own registered agent or use a service ($100–$300/year) for privacy and reliability.
File Certificate of Organization
File your LLC formation documents (Certificate of Organization) with the Massachusetts Secretary of State. The 2026 state filing fee is $500. Standard processing takes 3–5 business days. You can file online at the Massachusetts Secretary of State website or through a formation service.
Create an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement outlines how your LLC is managed, how profits are distributed, and what happens if a member leaves. While not always legally required in Massachusetts, it's strongly recommended — especially if you have multiple owners. Many banks require it to open a business account.
Get an EIN from the IRS
Apply for a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) at IRS.gov. You'll use it to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file your business taxes. The IRS issues EINs immediately online.
File Annual Reports & Maintain Compliance
Massachusetts requires an annual report to keep your LLC in good standing. The report fee is $500. Missing the deadline can result in late fees or administrative dissolution of your LLC.
You Might Also Need
Most people forming an LLC are starting or growing a business. These tools answer the questions that come right after formation.
Self-Employment Tax Calculator
As an LLC owner, you pay 15.3% SE tax on net income. See your quarterly payment amounts.
Startup Cost Estimator
Budget what it costs to open your doors — one-time and monthly costs by business type and city.
Break-Even Calculator
Find how many units to sell — or revenue to generate — before your business starts making money.
Employee Cost in Massachusetts
If you plan to hire: see total employer cost including SUTA, workers' comp, and benefits in Massachusetts.
Can I Afford to Start a Business?
Enter your savings, financing, and monthly expenses to see if you have enough to cover startup costs and a cash reserve.
Should I Start a Business in Boston?
Viability score for starting a business in Boston — factors in startup costs, LLC fees, labor taxes, and market size.
Total Cost to Form an LLC in Massachusetts
| Cost | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee (Certificate of Organization) | $500 | One-time |
| Registered agent service | $0–$300 | Annual |
| Operating agreement (attorney or service) | $0–$200 | One-time |
| Annual report fee | $500 | Annual |
| Business bank account (varies) | $0–$35/mo | Monthly |
| Year 1 Total (estimated) | $500–$1,920 | First year |
Massachusetts Tax Environment for LLCs
State Income Tax
Yes
LLC income flows through to your personal state tax return.
SUTA Rate (Employer)
2.3%
State Unemployment Tax on first $15,000 of wages per employee.
As an LLC owner, you'll also pay self-employment tax (15.3% on net business income up to $184,500 in 2026) unless you elect S-Corp status. If you hire employees, see the full employer cost breakdown for Massachusetts.
LLC Formation in Other States
Ready to Start Your Business?
Get startup cost estimates, licensing requirements, and tools for your specific business type.
Browse Startup Guides by Business Type →Also Need a Business License in Massachusetts?
Forming an LLC is separate from getting a business license. See the full cost breakdown for Massachusetts business licenses, local fee ranges, and what you need to apply.
Massachusetts Business License Cost Guide →After You Form Your LLC
Check Your Grant Eligibility in Massachusetts
Many grant programs require an active LLC. See which Massachusetts and federal grants your new business qualifies for.
Compare Massachusetts LLC Costs vs Other States
See how Massachusetts's $500 filing fee compares to the most popular LLC formation states:
Get the Massachusetts LLC formation checklist
We'll send you a step-by-step guide to forming your LLC in Massachusetts, including filing links, registered agent options, and license requirements.
Was this calculator helpful?
Your feedback helps us improve CostCrunch
Thank you for your feedback! ✓
Save Your Results
Download a professional PDF report with your complete analysis, charts, and key insights.
Download Your Report
Enter your email to get your personalized PDF report. We'll also send you useful financial tips.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Calculators for Your New LLC
Self-Employment Tax Calculator
Estimate SE tax and quarterly payments for freelancers
Startup Cost Estimator
Estimate one-time and recurring startup costs
Employee Cost Calculator
Find the true cost of hiring an employee
Break-Even Calculator
Find how many units to sell to cover costs
Payroll Tax Calculator
Estimate employer payroll taxes by state
W-2 vs 1099 Calculator
Compare employee vs contractor costs
Markup & Margin
Convert between markup and margin percentages
Loan Comparison
Compare loan options side by side
Get notified when tax rates change
We monitor payroll tax rates, SUTA, and cost-of-living data across all 50 states. When rates change, we'll let you know. Free, no spam.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe with one click.