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If you are forming a Massachusetts LLC, then this page’s content would be vital. As you learn how to start an LLC, you will realize that the bulk of your initial work and LLC cost comprises filing a Massachusetts certificate of organization, which we will elaborate on this page.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What is a Certificate of Organization?
A Certificate of Organization, also known as an LLC certificate or Articles of Organization in some states, is a document filed with the secretary of state to form an LLC.
Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. A Certificate of Organization usually includes the following:
- The name of the LLC,
- the effective date of the LLC,
- the company’s principal office,
- the business purpose,
- the duration of the business,
- a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
- the name and address of the registered agent, organizers, and
- at least one member of the company.
You can file a Certificate of Organization online, by mail, or in person.
Note that the certification of formation is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC formation. It even makes up the bulk of your Massachusetts LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.
How to File an Massachusetts Certificate of Organization
These are the simple steps to follow in filing a Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts.
Step 1: Find Forms Online
Go to the Massachusetts Secretary of State to download the certificate of organization form for your LLC or to log into the online service.
Step 2: Fill Out Form
When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to Massachusetts LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.
You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Certificate of Organization form when filing. You also need to nominate a registered agent. Here are 3 of the best LLC services on our list.
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Step 3: File Formation Certificates
File your formation certificate either online or by mail by filling out a form and sending it to the Secretary of the Commonwealth One Ashburton Place, Room 1717, Boston, Massachusetts 02108-1512.
Filing Massachusetts Certificate of Organization Online
Time needed: 5 minutes
If you want to form an LLC in Massachusetts, you need to file for the Certificate of Organization. You can do this online. When applying through online filing, along with an easy process it also helps to get the benefit of immediate processing too. The formation guide in the following steps will help you file for the Certificate of Organization in the State of Massachusetts, so read on and get the info.
- Go to the Official Commonwealth of Massachusetts website
Go to the website of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The website will guide you in establishing an LLC in the State and in a convenient manner through online mode. Visit the Corporations Online Filing System on the State website. The portal offers a one-stop solution to all business filings and information.
- Select the Online Form
Scroll down to the List of Internet-enabled forms. Click on the link ‘Certificate of Organization’ under the heading ‘Domestic Limited Liability Company’
- Proceed to fill in the details
On the following page, start to fill in the needful details in the proper blank spaces provided in the online form. In the first section, provide the name of your Limited Liability Company.
- Location and Address
In the second box, provide the street address of the principal office and the physical address of the office in the Commonwealth at which records will be maintained.
- General Characteristics
In this section, provide the details about the general characteristics of the company, a specific purpose of establishing your limited liability company, and the professional services that are to be rendered by your Massachusetts LLC.
- Date of Dissolution
If you have a specific date on which your Massachusetts Limited Liability Company shall get dissolved, provide that date in this section.
- Registered Agent Details
In this section, provide the name and address of the Resident Agent.
- Details of the Business Manager
Mention the details of the business address of each manager. You can check the box if your business address and office location are the same. In the succeeding section, also mention the name and business address of the person who is authorized to execute documents to be filed with the Corporations Division. Also, in the next succeeding section (point 8), provide the name and business address of the person authorized to execute, acknowledge, deliver and record any recordable instrument purporting to affect an interest in the real property.
- Additional Matters
In case of any additional information, you can provide the message in the box provided in this section.
- Filer’s Contact Information
Enter the name, mailing address, and contact details of the filer of the application. Any rejection or any other response from the Corporation Division shall be communicated to the email address and address provided in this section.
- Review your Information
Review all the information provided in the application form to be correct and accurate. Next, provide the signature of the person forming the LLC. Next, check the ‘Accept’ box and click on the ‘Click HERE to submit this information.’
- Payment
Next, you will be asked to submit the filing fee costing $500.00. Make the payment and in 5 to 7 business days, you shall receive a communication from the State office.
F.A.Qs
A Certificate of Organization is a legal document that will officially make your LLC into existence. This document is needed specifically for Massachusetts in forming an LLC business structure.
The application form for the Certificate of Organization needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.
Filing by mail or in person is neither highly recommended nor required; waiting an extra week for your LLC to be approved isn’t that bad. The LLC approval you send in will be returned by mail. Online filing, meanwhile, is more convenient as you won’t have to stay in a queue.
Where Can You Find Your Massachusetts LLC Certificate of Organization
Certificate of Organization for Massachusettes LLC can be accessed through the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth website. You can also download the PDF from the same website.
The Massachusetts LLC Certificate of Organization is typically issued by the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office, specifically the Corporations Division. This division is responsible for processing and maintaining all business entity filings in the state of Massachusetts, including LLCs. Once your LLC formation documents have been submitted and approved by the Corporations Division, you will receive your Certificate of Organization in return.
So, how do you go about obtaining your Massachusetts LLC Certificate of Organization? The process is relatively straightforward and can be completed online or by mail. If you choose to file online, you can visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Corporations Division website and navigate to the online filing system. There, you can create an account, fill out the necessary forms, and submit your LLC formation documents electronically. Once your filing has been processed and approved, you will be able to download and print your Certificate of Organization directly from the website.
Alternatively, if you prefer to file by mail, you can download the LLC formation forms from the Corporations Division website, fill them out, and mail them to the specified address along with the required filing fee. The processing time for mail-in submissions may be slightly longer than online filings, but once your documents have been approved, you will receive your Certificate of Organization in the mail.
It is important to note that the Massachusetts LLC Certificate of Organization is a vital document that should be kept in a safe and accessible place. This document is often required when opening a business bank account, obtaining business licenses and permits, entering into contracts, and conducting other business transactions on behalf of your LLC. Additionally, your Certificate of Organization may need to be presented to banks, investors, and other stakeholders as proof of your LLC’s legal existence.
If you misplace or lose your Massachusetts LLC Certificate of Organization, do not panic. You can request a duplicate copy from the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office for a small fee. The process for obtaining a duplicate Certificate of Organization is similar to the initial filing process and can be completed online or by mail. Simply fill out the necessary forms, submit the required fee, and await your duplicate certificate to be processed and sent to you.
In conclusion, the Massachusetts LLC Certificate of Organization is a critical document for LLC owners that serves as official proof of the entity’s existence and registration with the state. By filing the necessary formation documents with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Corporations Division, you can obtain your Certificate of Organization and begin conducting business on behalf of your LLC. Be sure to keep this document in a secure location and request a duplicate copy if needed to ensure that your LLC remains compliant and operational.
In Conclusion
Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation is the most important document for your Massachusetts LLC. Before you submit/file the document make sure to provide proper and correct information about your company. If you have any questions, share that below in the comment section.