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.

The first and most significant cost associated with registering a foreign LLC in Massachusetts is the filing fee. While the exact amount may vary depending on the particular circumstances of the business, it is important to be prepared to pay a fee to officially submit the necessary paperwork to the state. This fee covers the administrative costs of processing the application and officially incorporating the LLC in Massachusetts.

Additionally, some businesses may also be required to appoint a registered agent in the state, which could also incur some additional fees. A registered agent is an individual or entity that is designated to receive legal documents and official notices on behalf of the business. This is a crucial requirement in most states, including Massachusetts, to ensure that the business remains in compliance with all legal obligations.

Aside from the direct costs associated with registering a foreign LLC in Massachusetts, it is also important to consider any potential ongoing fees or taxes that may be required to maintain the business. For example, businesses operating in Massachusetts are subject to an annual report filing requirement, which involves submitting a report to the state that includes updated information about the LLC, such as its address, officers, and members.

In addition to annual reporting requirements, businesses operating in Massachusetts must also be prepared to pay state taxes on any income generated within the state. While the exact amount of these taxes may vary depending on the business’s structure and revenue, it is crucial to factor these expenses into the overall cost of operating a foreign LLC in Massachusetts.

Overall, the cost of registering a foreign LLC in Massachusetts is not prohibitive for most businesses, but it is essential to be aware of these costs and requirements before proceeding with the process. By properly accounting for these expenses and planning accordingly, business owners can ensure a smooth and successful expansion into the Bay State.

In conclusion, registering a foreign LLC in Massachusetts comes with its own set of costs and requirements that business owners must be prepared to address. By understanding these costs and planning accordingly, businesses can navigate the process smoothly and establish a successful presence in the Bay State.

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.