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Form Your Massachusetts LLC

State filing fee: $500 Processing: 5-7 business days

Form Your Massachusetts LLC in the Bay State

Massachusetts offers world-class education, innovation economy, and access to venture capital. With Boston's biotech and fintech sectors, Cambridge's research institutions, and a highly educated workforce, Massachusetts leads in knowledge-based industries.

Innovation and biotech hub
Access to venture capital
World-class universities
Strong legal protections

Compare Top 5 LLC Formation Services

ServicePriceProcessing TimeRegistered Agent
ZenBusiness
Best Overall Value
$0
+ state fees
7-10 days
Expedited: 1 day
$199/yr
Bizee
Fastest Formation
$0
+ state fees
3 weeks
Expedited: 1 day
Free Year 1
Then $119/yr
Inc Authority
Free Formation
$0
+ state fees
7-10 days
Expedited: 2 days
Free Year 1
Then $119/yr
LegalZoom
Best for Legal Support
$0
+ state fees
5-14 days
Expedited: 1 day
$249/yr
Rocket Lawyer
Legal Documents
$99.99
+ state fees
5-7 days
Expedited: Not available
$149/yr

Top 3 Recommended Services for Massachusetts

Best Overall
#1
ZenBusiness logo
$0 + state fees
★★★★⯨ 4.9/5

ZenBusiness

Entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and compliance tools at an affordable price

ZenBusiness stands out as our top pick for LLC formation services thanks to its unbeatable combination of value, features, and support. With formation starting at $0 plus state fees, you can rest easy with their worry-free compliance service, award-winning customer support, and 100% accuracy guarantee. The Pro and Premium packages add even more value with 1-day processing, an employer ID number, operating agreement, and services to get your business online like domain name registration, AI business website builder, and more.

Pros:

  • Starter package is $0 plus state fees
  • Registered agent and compliance services
  • Free worry-free compliance for 1 year
  • Fast 1-day processing time available
  • 100% accuracy guarantee
  • Award-winning customer support

Cons:

  • Some features require upgraded plans
  • More expensive Registered Agent service
Fastest Formation
#2
Bizee logo
$0 + state fees
★★★★⯨ 4.6/5

Bizee

Budget-conscious startups needing fast formation

Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers lightning-fast LLC formation with their $0 package. They're perfect for entrepreneurs who need to form their LLC quickly and affordably. With same-day processing in many states and a year of free registered agent service, Bizee provides exceptional value for basic LLC formation needs.

Pros:

  • $0 basic formation package
  • Same-day processing available
  • Free registered agent for first year
  • Compliance alerts included
  • Dashboard for document management
  • Free business tools and templates

Cons:

  • Operating agreement not included in basic package
  • Limited customer support hours
Best for Branding
#3
Tailor Brands logo
$49 + state fees
★★★★☆ 4.3/5

Tailor Brands

Creative businesses wanting formation plus branding

Tailor Brands combines LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Their unique approach includes AI-powered logo design, website creation, and marketing materials. Perfect for creative entrepreneurs who want to establish their brand identity alongside their legal structure.

Pros:

  • Includes logo design and branding
  • Website builder included
  • Business card designs
  • Mobile app available
  • Operating agreement included
  • EIN service included

Cons:

  • No rush processing available
  • Monthly subscription required
  • Customer service via chat/email only

Massachusetts LLC Formation Costs

Massachusetts LLC Cost Breakdown

State Filing Fee
$500
Annual Report Fee
$500
Total First Year Cost $1,000

Additional Costs to Consider:

  • Formation service fees: $0 - $299 (depending on provider)
  • Registered agent service: $99 - $299/year
  • EIN from IRS: Free (or $99+ if using a service)
Standard Processing Time: 5-7 business days

Frequently Asked Questions

Massachusetts LLC formation costs:
  • State filing fee: $500 (one of the highest nationally)
  • Annual report: $500 (due on anniversary date)
  • Registered agent: Required (typically $99-$299/year)
Massachusetts has some of the highest LLC fees nationally, with $1,000 in state fees the first year. These costs reflect the state's premium business environment and services.
Massachusetts charges $500 for both formation and annual reports, among the highest nationally. These fees support:
  • Sophisticated business registry system
  • Strong legal framework and courts
  • Business development programs
  • Quick processing times
  • Comprehensive online services
Despite high fees, Massachusetts remains popular due to its innovation economy and access to capital.
Massachusetts processing times:
  • Standard filing: 5-7 business days
  • Expedited 24-hour: $50 additional fee
  • Same-day service: $100 additional fee
Massachusetts' online filing system is efficient despite processing high volumes from the busy Northeast economy.

Massachusetts requires an annual report on your LLC's anniversary date with a $500 fee. This substantial fee is one of the highest nationally. The report updates business information, confirms good standing, and must be filed to maintain active status. Late filing results in penalties and potential dissolution.

Massachusetts offers unique advantages:
  • Venture capital: Second only to California in VC funding
  • Talent: MIT, Harvard, and other top universities
  • Biotech/Pharma: World's leading cluster
  • Healthcare: Top hospitals and medical research
  • Financial services: Major fintech and asset management
  • Innovation economy: Highest patents per capita
For technology, biotech, and knowledge-based businesses, Massachusetts' ecosystem often justifies the costs.

Yes, Massachusetts requires a "resident agent" (their term for registered agent) with a Massachusetts address. The agent must be available during business hours to receive legal documents. Unlike some states, Massachusetts allows LLCs to serve as their own resident agent if they have a Massachusetts office address open during business hours.

Ready to Start Your Massachusetts LLC?

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Formation starting at $0 + state fees