How to File an LLC Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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articles of organization

The Certificate of Organization is one of the main documents required while forming an LLC in Massachusetts. The document needs to be filed with the Secretary of State in Massachusetts to share all the important information related to the limited liability company that is going to be established.

On this page, LLCBuddy editors put all the information together about how to file the Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts. There might be several ways to file the formation document, online, by mail, fax, or by in-person visit to the office. Let’s dig more to check the available and easy ways in Massachusetts to file the Certificate of Organization while forming the LLC.

What is an LLC Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts?

The Certificate of Organization for an LLC is the most important document among all. In general, establishing an LLC is much simpler than other types of business structures such as corporation or partnership. Among a few mandatory documents to file, Certificate of Organization is one of the main papers.

By submitting the Certificate of Organization, the LLC owners provide all sorts of information related to the LLC. Upon approval of the documents and information provided by the LLC, they can register their business with Massachusetts Secretary of State.

Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. The Certificate of Organization usually includes the following:

  • The name of the LLC in Massachusetts,
  • 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 Resident Agent, organizers, and
  • At least one member of the company

Note that the Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC. 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 Massachusetts LLC Certificate of Organization

Filing an LLC Certificate of Organization with the State is easy. There are several ways to file it. As mentioned, the filing can be done online, by sending the PDF form by mail, or by other means (physical visit or fax). Statewise filing methods can be different. Alternatively, hiring a third-party service can make a lot of difference compared to doing it on your own. They help the LLCs to file documents easily without any complications. In Massachusetts, the following methods are available.

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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 mention the name and address of the Massachusetts Resident Agent. We recommend the best LLC services in Massachusetts that you can choose to form your LLC, hire the Resident Agent, and file the Certificate of Organization with the SOS.

If you plan to start an LLC in states other than Massachusetts, you must file a foreign LLC in other states. For filing a foreign LLC you can explore the best LLC services that operate in 50 other states along with Massachusetts.

What information does the Certificate of Organization application need in Massachusetts?

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.

Step 3: File Formation Certificates

File your formation certificate either online or by mail (whichever is available and convenient for you) by filling out the form and sending it to the William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth, One Ashburton Place, Room 1717, Boston, MA 02108. For online filing, you must log in to the Massachusetts Secretary of State or register with the portal. Submit the form online (if available).

Pay the required filing fee at the time of form submission to complete the LLC registration. For online filing, payment should be made using Credit or Debit Cards. For offline filing, payment should be made using a Cheque or in cash (if available).

Cost of Filing Massachusetts Certificate of Organization

cost

LLC cost in Massachusetts includes all types of fees starting from name reservation fee, DBA filing fee ($65 Filing fee and $35 Additional fee if a non-Massachusetts resident), Resident Agent costs, and Certificate of Organization fee. In Massachusetts, the filing fee of a formation document is $500. The standard fee for filing the Certificate of Organization allows one to file the LLC within the standard time. However, by paying additional fees, you can expedite the process, and can be done as soon as within a few hours (depending on state rules).

Hiring a professional service can reduce some of the costs while filing an LLC. However, the state filing fee is mandatory and has to be paid at the time of registration. We recommend hiring ZenBusiness as it offers filing an LLC at $0 (plus state filing fee).

Amend Massachusetts Certificate of Organization: If you make any changes to your LLC, you must file the changes with the Secretary of State. To do so, you must Amend Massachusetts Certificate of Organization. LLCs can get the amendment form, fill it out with the changed/updated information, and send it back to the SOS online or offline.

FAQs

What is a Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts?
A Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts is a legal document that officially forms an LLC in the state.
How do I obtain a Certificate of Organization for my LLC in Massachusetts?
To obtain a Certificate of Organization, you must file the necessary paperwork with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.
What information is required on the Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts?
The Certificate of Organization must include the name of the LLC, its principal place of business, the names and addresses of the LLC’s members, and the name and address of the LLC’s registered agent in Massachusetts.
Can I file the Certificate of Organization online in Massachusetts?
Yes, you can file the Certificate of Organization online through the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website.
How much does it cost to file a Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts?
The filing fee for a Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts is $500.
How long does it take to process a Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts?
Typically, it takes 3-5 business days for the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth to process a Certificate of Organization.
Do I need an attorney to file a Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts?
No, you do not need an attorney to file a Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts, but it is recommended to seek legal advice to ensure all legal requirements are met.
Can I change the information on my LLC’s Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts?
Yes, you can amend the Certificate of Organization to update information about your LLC in Massachusetts.
Do I need to publish my LLC’s Certificate of Organization in a newspaper in Massachusetts?
No, there is no requirement to publish the Certificate of Organization in a newspaper in Massachusetts.
What is the purpose of a Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts?
The Certificate of Organization is a formal document that establishes the existence of an LLC in Massachusetts and outlines its key organizational details.
How long is the Certificate of Organization valid in Massachusetts?
The Certificate of Organization is valid for the duration of the LLC’s existence, as long as the LLC remains in compliance with Massachusetts state laws.
Can I obtain a copy of my LLC’s Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts?
Yes, you can request a copy of your LLC’s Certificate of Organization from the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Will my LLC receive a unique identification number with the Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts?
Yes, your LLC will receive a unique identification number from the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth upon filing the Certificate of Organization.
What are the consequences of not filing a Certificate of Organization for my LLC in Massachusetts?
Operating an LLC without a Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts is illegal and can result in penalties, fines, or the dissolution of the LLC.
Can I file the Certificate of Organization on behalf of another person’s LLC in Massachusetts?
No, only the members or authorized representatives of an LLC can file the Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts.
Is a Certificate of Organization the same as an operating agreement in Massachusetts?
No, a Certificate of Organization is a legal formation document while an operating agreement outlines the internal operations and ownership structure of an LLC in Massachusetts.
Are there any annual requirements for maintaining my LLC’s Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts?
Yes, LLCs in Massachusetts are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of the Commonwealth and pay a fee to maintain their Certificate of Organization.
Can I dissolve my LLC and cancel the Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts?
Yes, you can dissolve your LLC and cancel the Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts by filing the necessary paperwork with the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
What happens if the information on my LLC’s Certificate of Organization is inaccurate in Massachusetts?
It is essential to keep the information on your Certificate of Organization accurate and up-to-date in Massachusetts to avoid potential legal issues or complications.
Is there a deadline for filing the Certificate of Organization for my LLC in Massachusetts?
There is no specific deadline for filing a Certificate of Organization, but it is recommended to file it as soon as you intend to begin conducting business in Massachusetts.
Can I file a Certificate of Organization for a foreign LLC in Massachusetts?
Yes, foreign LLCs can file a Certificate of Organization as a Foreign LLC in Massachusetts if they wish to conduct business in the state.
Can I file a Certificate of Organization for multiple LLCs in Massachusetts under one filing?
No, each LLC must have its own separate filing and Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts.
Who can I contact for assistance with filing a Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts?
You can contact the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Corporations Division for assistance with filing a Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts.
Are there any restrictions on the LLC name I can use on the Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts?
Yes, the LLC name must be unique and meet specific guidelines outlined by the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Can I list a virtual office or PO Box as the principal place of business on the Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts?
No, the principal place of business listed on the Certificate of Organization must be a physical address where the LLC conducts its business in Massachusetts.
How can I check the status of my LLC’s Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts?
You can check the status of your LLC’s Certificate of Organization online through the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website.
Can I expedite the processing of my LLC’s Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts?
Yes, you can request expedited processing of your LLC’s Certificate of Organization for an additional fee in Massachusetts.
What should I do if I make a mistake on the Certificate of Organization for my LLC in Massachusetts?
If you make a mistake on the Certificate of Organization, you can file an amendment with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth to correct the error.
How do I obtain an LLC Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts?
To obtain an LLC Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts, you need to file a document called the Articles of Organization with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.
What information is required when filing for an LLC Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts?
When filing for an LLC Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts, you will need to provide the name of your LLC, the address of the principal place of business, the name and address of the LLC’s registered agent, and the names and addresses of the LLC’s organizers.

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In Conclusion

The formation document or the Certificate of Organization is the main document you need while forming your limited liability company in Massachusetts. Certainly, you must attach supporting documents such as a name reservation certificate, registered agent name and address, and others. In Massachusetts, filing the Certificate of Organization is easy. However, mistakes can happen if you are a beginner or a first-time business filer. It is suggested to hire a professional service.

LLCBuddy editors recommend ZenBusiness, as it not only offers free LLC formation service ($0), but also, offers other services such as Resident Agent, operating agreement, EIN, Certificate of Good Standing for foreign LLC establishment, business name search, and many more.

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