Business plans assist business owners in starting a business.
Massachusetts ranks No. 5 on CNBC's list of the best states for businesses, according to a July 13, 2010 story in the Boston Herald. Many factors should be considered before starting a business. A business plan, start-up capital, location and how the business will be structured should be addressed. Starting a business in Massachusetts requires certain businesses and professionals to obtain business licensing to operate in the state. Barbers, cosmetologists and day care providers are among those requiring licenses, according to the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations website, which provides a list of requirements for various Massachusetts businesses.
Register the Business
A corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership starting a business in Massachusetts must register the company with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division Office, before obtaining a business license. Sole proprietorships or partnerships are not required to register with the Commonwealth. If the business name is different from the legal name of the owner(s), the name must be filed as a fictitious business name within the city where the business is located. Filing the business entity can be achieved online, by fax, by mail or in person.
Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division
One Ashburton Place, 17th Floor
Boston, MA 02108-1512
617-727-9640
corp.sec.state.ma.us
Federal Tax Number
Businesses must apply to the Internal Revenue Service for an employer identification number (EIN) or federal tax identification number before becoming an employer and hiring employees. The EIN identifies the business for taxes purposes. Payroll taxes and employee earnings are tracked using an EIN. An EIN is issued by the IRS online, in person or by mail.
IRS
JFK Federal Building
15 New Sudbury Street
Boston, MA 02203
617.316.2850
irs.gov
State Tax Registration
Businesses must register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Businesses new to the state must pay state taxes if they have employees, withhold a pension or retirement distribution, sell or rent taxable items in the state, serve meals or beverages in the state, purchase goods for resale, provide lodging and exercise an excise tax, or sell, acquire or import cigars and tobacco for sale or consumption in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Department of Revenue
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, MA 02114
617.887.6367
wfb.dor.state.ma.us
Certificate of Good Standing
A Certificate of Good Standing is a document issued by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue to businesses requiring proof that all state tax obligations have been met. Restaurants or bars that must apply for liquor licenses are examples of businesses that require the certificate. All applicable taxes have to be paid before a business is granted a license to operate. Applications for certificates can be obtained and submitted online, in person or by mail.
Massachusetts Department of Revenue
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, MA 02114
617.887.6367
wfb.dor.state.ma.us
Tags: Department Revenue, Massachusetts Department, Massachusetts Department Revenue, business Massachusetts, starting business, Street Boston
