Massachusetts Foreign LLC – Qualification and Registration

If you already have an LLC in another state and want a Massachusetts LLC, then starting an LLC would be somewhat different. You must register as a foreign LLC. We have here a guide on how you can qualify and register for a foreign LLC in Massachusetts.

Forming a Massachusetts Foreign LLC

A foreign LLC does not need to be a company from another country but a business formed under the laws of another state. To start a foreign LLC in Massachusetts, you need to register it with the Massachusetts Secretary of State.

Step 1: Choose Massachusetts Foreign LLC Name

Obtain a name reservation certificate and submit it with your foreign qualification requirements at the Massachusetts Secretary of State. Your LLC’s legal name outside of Massachusetts will be listed on the application, along with the name it will use in Massachusetts. Take note of the requirements for naming your LLC.

Check name availability at Massachusetts’s business entity names and reserve your LLC name.

Step 2: Select Massachusetts Foreign LLC Registered Agent

You’ll need a registered agent to form a foreign LLC in Massachusetts and take note that a Massachusetts registered agent must have a local address. Here are three of the best LLC services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries:

Step 3: File Registration of Massachusetts Foreign LLC

Fill out and submit a Foreign LLC Application for Registration form via email to [email protected] or by mail to Secretary of the Commonwealth One Ashburton Place, Room 1717, Boston, Massachusetts 02108-1512.

Include the following:

• LLC’s full legal name.
• A fictitious name or a DBA (only if your LLC’s legal name is not available); Attach a statement of adoption of the fictitious name signed by all LLC members.
• LLC’s principal office and mailing addresses.
• LLC formation state and date.
• Registered agent’s name and address in Massachusetts
• Date when your LLC will start operations in Massachusetts.
• Credit card information on the last page of the form for the $150 application fee.

The LLC cost in Massachusetts, even for foreign LLCs will differ between online filing and by mail.

Step 4: Determine How Your Massachusetts Foreign LLC is taxed

Foreign LLCs are also subjected to the Massachusetts Business Privilege Tax, and they must file LLC annual reports each year.

Note that forming a foreign LLC would be good for your business as you can legally operate in a different state thus reaching a larger market and opening more opportunities for higher profit.

Steps to Filing Massachusetts Foreign LLC Online

When you are registering for the foreign LLC in the State of Massachusetts, you will have to submit your Application for Registration of foreign LLC with the Secretary of the Commonwealth which costs $500. After approval, you will receive a Verification Certificate from the State Office. The State does not offer online filing options for foreign LLC. We have explained the aspects you need to cover when you apply for Massachusetts Foreign LLC.

1. Download the Application Form PDF on your system.
2. Read the instructions provided in the form carefully and fill the form accordingly.
3. Before making the payment, thoroughly review the information provided in the form to be correct and accurate.
4. Make sure to fill the form by typing. The State office does not accept the form filled in ink or any other form of handwritten form.
5. Attach your name reservation application along with the reservation fee.
6. You are also required to attach the ‘Cover Sheet’, which is provided on the third page of the application form PDF.
7. The State mandates the filing of the Certificate of Existence or Good Standing issued by an officer or an agency properly authorized by the State of Original Jurisdiction.
8. Make the payment of $500 to the ‘Secretary of the Commonwealth’ via check or by card for the faxed forms.
9. If you are filing the application by fax, you are also required to attach the Fax Voucher Cover Sheet. For additional instructions about fax filings, you can read the fax filing guidelines issued by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts office.
10. Attach all the documents, i.e., the application form, cover sheet, Certificate of Existence or Good Standing, Filing fee, name reservation form and fee, and Fax Voucher Cover Sheet in case of faxed filing together.
11. For mail or in-person filing, submit the documents to the following address: Secretary of the Commonwealth One Ashburton Place, Room 1717, Boston, Massachusetts 02108-1512
12. To fax your documents, place the fax voucher coversheet, as the first and only cover sheet, on top of your fax filing and fax it to 617-624-3891.

After Forming Massachusetts Foreign LLC

Here are added things you need to accomplish after forming your Massachusetts Foreign LLC

1. Obtain Business Licenses. Find the business licenses you’ll need using the Business License Search.
2. File LLC annual reports and Business Privilege Tax.
3. Pay State Taxes like sales tax; you’ll need an EIN for your LLC.

It is convenient plus easy to file for the foreign LLC if you are doing it online. The steps are very easy and that’s why it’s possible to go along with the steps and form a foreign LLC in Massachusetts.

F.A.Qs

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Foreign LLC in Massachusetts

To register as a foreign LLC in Massachusetts, you can file through mail, fax, in-person or online by paying $500 to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

There are various costs associated with registering a foreign LLC in Massachusetts. First and foremost, there is the initial filing fee to consider. This fee covers the cost of processing the paperwork and officially registering your LLC with the state. It is crucial to factor in this cost when budgeting for your business expansion.

Additionally, there may be other miscellaneous fees to keep in mind. These could include fees for obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing from your home state, translation fees for any required foreign documents, or expedited processing fees if you need your registration to be completed quickly.

It is also important to consider ongoing costs associated with maintaining a foreign LLC in Massachusetts. These can include annual report fees, which are required to keep your LLC in good standing with the state. Failure to pay these fees can result in penalties or even the dissolution of your LLC, so it is crucial to budget for these costs each year.

Another cost to consider is any required registered agent fees. In Massachusetts, LLCs are required to have a registered agent who is designated to receive legal documents on behalf of the company. Some businesses choose to hire a professional registered agent service, which can incur additional costs.

When planning your budget for registering a foreign LLC in Massachusetts, it is important to keep in mind that these costs can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your business. Factors such as the complexity of your business structure, the number of members in your LLC, and any additional requirements imposed by the state can all impact the overall cost.

While the cost of registering a foreign LLC in Massachusetts is an important consideration, it is essential to also weigh the benefits of expanding your business into a new state. Massachusetts boasts a strong economy, a skilled workforce, and a plethora of resources for entrepreneurs. Taking the time to fully understand the costs associated with registering a foreign LLC in Massachusetts can help you make informed decisions about your business expansion.

In conclusion, when considering expanding your business into Massachusetts by registering a foreign LLC, it is crucial to understand the costs associated with this process. By carefully budgeting for initial filing fees, ongoing maintenance costs, and any other miscellaneous fees, you can ensure that your business remains compliant with state regulations and set up for success in the long run.

In Conclusion

Starting a foreign LLC in Massachusetts does not require a lot of documentation or tasks. However, it is always good to seek help from a professional when it comes to running your business. Get a professional registered agent and form your foreign LLC anywhere without a hassle.