Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
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.
LLC Service | Our Rating & Pricing | Top Features | Learn More |
#1 TOP PICK  | $0 + State Fees |
| |
 |
|
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.
So, where exactly can you find your Massachusetts LLC certificate of organization? The process is relatively straightforward, but it’s essential to know where to look. Once you have completed the necessary steps to form your LLC – such as selecting a name, designating a registered agent, and filing the articles of organization with the Secretary of the Commonwealth – you will receive a stamped and approved copy of your certificate of organization.
Typically, this document will be sent to the address you provided when you filed your articles of organization. It is crucial to keep this document in a safe and easily accessible place, as you will likely need to provide it during various business transactions and legal proceedings. If you have not received your LLC certificate of organization within a reasonable amount of time after filing your articles, you may need to follow up with the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office to ensure that there are no issues delaying the processing of your paperwork.
In some cases, you may need to request a duplicate copy of your LLC certificate of organization. You can do this by submitting a request to the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office and paying a small fee for the copy. It’s important to keep in mind that you will need to provide specific information about your LLC, such as the name of the company and the date of formation, in order to obtain a duplicate certificate.
In addition to the physical copy of your LLC certificate of organization, you may also want to consider keeping a digital copy stored securely on your computer or in the cloud. This can help ensure that you have easy access to your important legal documents at any time, even if the original paper copy is lost or damaged.
Overall, knowing where to find your Massachusetts LLC certificate of organization is essential for any business owner in the state. By staying organized and keeping track of this important document, you can ensure that your business remains compliant with state laws and regulations, and that you are prepared to handle any legal or financial challenges that may arise. If you have any questions or concerns about obtaining or storing your LLC certificate of organization, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office for guidance.
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.