Are you considering starting a professional corporation in Massachusetts? Congratulations! Establishing a professional corporation is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs and professionals alike who seek to benefit from a business structure that provides limited liability protection, tax advantages, and enhanced credibility. However, navigating the process of forming a professional corporation in Massachusetts can be daunting.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to form a professional corporation in Massachusetts, covering everything from understanding the basics of this business entity to the essential steps and requirements you must comply with to launch your new venture successfully. Let’s dive in and explore the ins and outs of forming a professional corporation in Massachusetts!
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
- What is a Professional Corporation in Massachusetts?
- How to Form a Professional Corporation in Massachusetts
- Step 1: Verify If You Are Qualified for a Professional Corporation
- Step 2: Name your Professional Corporation in Massachusetts
- Step 3: Choose the Massachusetts Resident Agent
- Step 4: File the Articles of Incorporation in Massachusetts
- Step 5: Write an Operating Agreement in Massachusetts
- Step 6: Designate the PC Board of Directors in Massachusetts
- Step 7: Write the Corporate Bylaws
- Step 8: Hold the First Board of Directors’ Meeting
- Step 9: Request an EIN in Massachusetts
- Step 10: Open a Bank Account and Prepare for Taxes
- Step 11: Get a Business License in Massachusetts
- Step 12: File Your Taxes in Massachusetts
- Important Information
- Advantages of Forming a Professional Corporation in Massachusetts
- FAQs
What is a Professional Corporation in Massachusetts?
A professional service corporation (PSC), sometimes called a professional corporation (abbreviated as PC), is a type of organization authorized by state law to allow owners of particularly licensed professions in Massachusetts. The owner of a professional corporation is responsible for their own negligence or misconduct, but they are not held personally accountable for the actions of other owners. PC or P.C. is a regularly used abbreviation to identify professional corporations.
PCs and LLCs provide personal asset protection; that is, the personal assets are free from business debts. However, they do not have similar tax benefits. There is no secret formula as to which type of business structure is better than the other. It solely depends on the requirements of your business. However, forming an LLC is easier than setting up a PC in Massachusetts.
– LLCBuddy Editorial Team
Unlike other types of corporations, owners of Professional Corporations get two types of citizenship. One is where they incorporated the corporation, and the other is where they conduct the business. This benefit is not available for other types of corporations. You can form a free LLC in Massachusetts if you hire a professional service that provides LLC formation at $0.
How to Form a Professional Corporation in Massachusetts
To form a Professional Corporation for the professional service you provide, you must follow a few steps that include verifying if you are qualified for a PC, naming your business, hiring a Resident Agent, filing the Articles of Incorporation, outlining an operating agreement, requesting for an EIN, opening a bank account, getting a business license, and filing for an annual report and taxes.
Step 1: Verify If You Are Qualified for a Professional Corporation
In forming a professional corporation in Massachusetts, you should know if you are qualified. There are specific professions that are allowed to form a professional service corporation, including-
- Doctors
- Architects
- Engineers
- Accountants
- Lawyers and others
You should be qualified to have a license to provide your service. In most cases, once you have graduated with your studies, passed the exam, and got your license, you may now form a professional corporation. However, if you work in an industry that doesn’t offer a license or professional certification, you should consider forming a corporation or limited liability company.
Step 2: Name your Professional Corporation in Massachusetts
After you have decided on the idea to form a professional corporation in Massachusetts, deciding the name for your corporation is significant. There is a complete guide on Massachusetts LLC name guidelines for you to have a proper business name. Here are some regulations you must follow while naming your professional corporation.
- The business name should have the word PC, frequently followed by the name of the principal owner in place of Inc or LLC. (Example. John Doe, MD, PC)
- No confusion with a government entity name.
- A unique name is needed with no match
- Limit of restricted words that need a license.
In Massachusetts, if you do not wish to file your professional corporation right away but want to hold the name that you have decided on, then you can reserve your corporation name for 60 days. To keep the name, you must file a name reservation application with Massachusetts Secretary of State.
A professional corporation, professional association, service corporation, or professional service corporation must be present in the name if it doesn’t already. You might opt to register your business under a different legal name if your preferred name isn’t available. Once you have chosen a name, you can submit an application for a DBA (doing business as). In this manner, you can choose any name you desire to run a clinic or law firm.
Step 3: Choose the Massachusetts Resident Agent
The next step in forming a professional corporation is hiring the Massachusetts Resident Agent, a person that accepts legal paperwork on behalf of your business. This person or business will receive important tax forms, legal documents, all notices of lawsuits, and other official government correspondence in Massachusetts. Forming a professional corporation for your service will be easier if you have Resident Agent in Massachusetts.
Alternatively, you can serve as your own Massachusetts Resident Agent if you have the time. However, you must stay compliant to avoid missing any important documents from Massachusetts.
Step 4: File the Articles of Incorporation in Massachusetts
After you hire a Massachusetts Resident Agent to form a professional corporation, the next step is to file the Massachusetts Articles of Incorporation. In writing the Articles of Incorporation, the business name, owner’s contact information, corporation address, and Resident Agent contact information should be written. You should also include the names of all co-owners. All owners have to prove they have the proper license to practice the specific profession they intend to.
Filing the Articles of Incorporation in Massachusetts may be done with four ways, online, by mail, fax, and in person. The Articles of Incorporation fee may vary from different states. However, in Massachusetts, it costs $275 for filing online, in-person, or by mail. Get the online form from Secretary of State, fill it up, and submit. Don’t refresh the page during the process. It will erase everything. . For offline filing, Send the form by mail or drop it off in person to William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth, One Ashburton Place, Room 1717, Boston, MA 02108. .
Step 5: Write an Operating Agreement in Massachusetts
An operating agreement is a document that contains all of your company’s organizational details. It is not required to draft an operating agreement in most states. Yet, having one as an internal document is strongly advised. The Massachusetts operating agreement includes information like-
- About Business
- Members and management
- Capital contribution
- Profit Distribution
- Change of membership
- Dissolution
Step 6: Designate the PC Board of Directors in Massachusetts
The next step is to appoint the initial board of directors in your PC in Massachusetts. All the initial directors must submit their details to the owner. The owner must keep the records and submit them in accordance with the Massachusetts SOS. When writing the By-laws, as a shareholder and owner, you must make sure there is a point mentioned about appointing a new director later.
Step 7: Write the Corporate Bylaws
Now that you are done forming the team of the board of directors, the next step is to draft corporate bylaws. Corporate bylaws are the basic rules that control a corporation. It includes the organization’s structure, processes, laws, and rules. As a result, all personnel, managers, and corporation members must obey the firm’s rules.
In creating corporate bylaws, you should include the following on how the decisions will be made.
- The responsibilities are given to each officer.
- How will judgments in business be made?
- Where and when are the annual shareholder meetings?
- The minimum number of shareholders required for decision-making.
- Location and timing of dividend payments.
Step 8: Hold the First Board of Directors’ Meeting
After drafting the corporate bylaws, gather all the board of directors for the first meeting. This meeting will be finalized by appointing directors to manage the company’s daily operations, approve the bylaws, choose the corporation’s accounting year, and approve the stock issue. All board meetings should have minutes taken and stored with the company’s records.
Step 9: Request an EIN in Massachusetts
After documenting the operating agreement, you should get or request an Employer Identification Number (EIN). An EIN will serve as the tax ID for your professional corporation. EIN can be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is a 9-digit number similar to Social Security Number. EIN, however, is distinct from SSN. It is only used for business-related activities, particularly for submitting general taxes. The form must be completed and uploaded to the IRS website.
The application of an EIN in Massachusetts can be through the following:
- Apply Online- The online EIN application is the preferred method for customers to apply for and obtain an EIN.
- Apply by Fax- Taxpayers can fax the completed Form SS-4 application to the appropriate fax number), after ensuring that the Form SS-4 contains all of the required information.
- Apply by Mail- The EIN application Form SS-4 can be filed via mail. The processing time frame to receive the mail is 4 weeks.
- Apply by Telephone-International Applicants – International applicants may call 267-941-1099 (not a toll-free number) from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday to obtain their EIN.
After you have your EIN number, you can benefit in a number of ways. It will give your professional corporation the final advantage necessary to operate at full capacity without encountering legal or judicial issues.
Step 10: Open a Bank Account and Prepare for Taxes
Once you have filed and received your Employer Identification Number, you should open a bank account since you will use this account for yourself, your clients, and your employees.
Your business dealings in Massachusetts might be simpler by having a US business bank account because it boosts your company’s legitimacy and liquidity. For firms other than sole proprietorships, most banks demand an EIN to create a business bank account. Also, keeping separate finances helps you avoid combining personal and professional finances. Also, having an EIN makes tax preparation easier. With a professional corporation, you can anticipate paying employment and corporate taxes.
Step 11: Get a Business License in Massachusetts
Before your professional corporation operates in Massachusetts, you need to have a business license first. A business license is a formal document issued by the state government agency that allows you to operate your business in the geographic region that that agency governs. In Massachusetts, business license and permit costs depend on the business’s nature and type. You must check with the local authorities if any special licenses or city-based permits are needed.
Step 12: File Your Taxes in Massachusetts
Finally, you are down to the last step. After getting a business license and being ready to operate, do not forget to file your taxes first. You should start paying taxes quarterly as soon as possible to avoid a large tax bill. Each state has different tax requirements. Go through the Massachusetts classification of taxes for the taxes an LLC in Massachusetts has to pay.
Important Information
Maintaining Professional and Business License in Massachusetts
Now that you have established your professional corporation, you must maintain or renew your professional license every now and then. Even if your business is established but you don’t have a valid license to operate, your business is irrelevant. And, even if your professional license is still valid for a year or two, but your business license is already expired, it is still irrelevant.
Make time to check the status of your licenses at least once per year. Then, you can keep from missing anything significant. If there are any issues, you can address them.
Filing an Annual Report in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, you will be required to submit a report each year. The owners’ and Resident Agent’s names and contact details are listed in the annual report. Also, it should include all of your yearly financial activity. You must submit one yearly in Massachusetts, and you can do it yourself or hire someone else to handle it. Everything must be precise and up to date.
Advantages of Forming a Professional Corporation in Massachusetts
A professional corporation takes a lot of time to process and pursue. However, with the help of the Massachusetts Resident Agent, everything will become easier. In fact, there are advantages that will help you form a professional corporation in Massachusetts.
- Limited Liability: The biggest advantage of setting up a professional corporation is that the owners are not held personally responsible for the debts and obligations of the company. This indicates that only the company’s assets will be confiscated to settle claims and creditors if the business is sued or declares bankruptcy. Additionally, this protection exempts corporate owners from being held accountable for other owners’ reckless or criminally negligent acts.
- Tax Deductions: Similar company expenses, such as employee fringe benefits, startup and operating costs, and equipment purchases, can be written off by professional companies in the same ways they can be for other kinds of firms. However, there are several tax deductions professional corporations can take advantage of that other types of businesses can’t. For example, the salaries and bonuses paid to owners and employees are tax-deductible.
- Retained Earnings: Professional corporations can keep a portion of their profits under the corporate tax system to grow their companies.
FAQs
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Why Massachusetts Professional Corporation is So Important
Professional corporations, or PC’s, are specifically designed for licensed professionals such as doctors, lawyers, accountants, and other professionals who provide services to the public. These types of businesses are unique in that they offer certain legal protections that are not available to other forms of business entities. For example, a PC can shield its owners from personal liability for the debts and liabilities of the business, meaning that their personal assets are protected in case the business runs into financial trouble. This is crucial for professionals who can face lawsuits from dissatisfied clients or other unforeseen circumstances.
In addition to protection from personal liability, forming a professional corporation in Massachusetts also has tax advantages that can lead to significant savings for the business owners. For example, a PC can provide owners with the ability to deduct business expenses, salaries, and other costs that can help lower their overall tax burden. This can be especially advantageous for high-earning professionals who want to maximize their income and reduce their tax liability.
Furthermore, forming a professional corporation can also provide professionals with a certain level of credibility and professionalism that can help them attract more clients and build a reputable brand. Clients are more likely to trust and do business with a professional who operates under a corporate structure, as it demonstrates a level of commitment and seriousness that can set them apart from other competitors.
Another important aspect of professional corporations in Massachusetts is the flexibility they offer in terms of ownership and management. Professionals can form PC’s with other professionals in the same field, allowing them to share resources, expertise, and responsibilities to better serve their clients. This can lead to more efficient operations and higher-quality service delivery, ultimately benefiting both the business owners and their clients.
Overall, the benefits of forming a professional corporation in Massachusetts are numerous and can have a significant impact on the success and sustainability of a business. From legal protections and tax advantages to increased credibility and flexibility, professional corporations offer professionals the tools they need to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.
In conclusion, for professionals looking to establish a solid foundation for their business and protect themselves from potential risks, forming a professional corporation in Massachusetts is a smart and strategic move. By taking advantage of the unique benefits and protections offered by PC’s, professionals can position themselves for long-term success and growth in their respective fields.
Conclusion
In forming a professional corporation in Massachusetts, having someone to help you build it is not necessary but suggestible. Even though it is easy because of the listed benefits and advantages above, forming your group of professional individuals will make it somehow successful. Just make sure to be guided by the steps and ensure that every one of the details and records is accurate and precise. And if you have any questions, share them in the comment section below.