Forming an LLC in Massachusetts
Why Massachusetts
Very high costs ($500 formation + $500 annual = $1,000 first year) Home to Boston, Cambridge — education + biotech + finance hub Excellent VC + capital access Hispanic community ~12% (Lawrence, Lowell, Springfield, Boston) Accepts ITIN — but high cost leads many to form in DE or NH
Key facts
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Formation fee | $500 (highest in country) |
| Annual fee | $500 annual report |
| Deadline | Annual Report due on anniversary ($500) |
| Accepts ITIN | ✅ Yes |
Process
- Unique name ending in “LLC”
- Registered Agent in Massachusetts
- Articles of Organization ($500 (highest in country))
- Operating Agreement (internal)
- EIN from IRS (free)
- Business bank account
Platform: Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth
Related
Last verified: 2026-07-11.
State services and resources in Massachusetts
Where to register your LLC in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division handles LLC registrations. Generally accepts filings:
- Online (fastest)
- By mail
- In person, where the office offers it
The steps that are the same in every state — EIN, business bank account, annual report, estimated taxes, ITIN ownership and the common errors — are maintained once, on the LLC formation hub.
Massachusetts-specific resources
- Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division — LLC filings and business search
- Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) — state business taxes
- SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) — free small business mentoring
- SBA (Small Business Administration) — free counseling via SCORE and SBDC, open to everyone. ⚠️ SBA loans (7(a), 504, microloans) are closed to non-citizen owners since March/April 2026 — including green-card holders. See who can still use each SBA program and the CDFI lenders that do accept an ITIN.
Last verified: 2026-07-11.
General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.
Related procedural information
- ITIN — file business taxes without SSN — ITIN holders can form and operate LLCs
- ITIN-friendly business banking — checking accounts that open without an SSN
- USCIS forms — H-1B, L-1, E-2 investor visas — when LLC ownership supports a visa case
- State income tax obligations — business taxes vary by state
- Find an immigration attorney — for complex investor or work-visa cases tied to your LLC
