Information on the 50 States and the District of columbia

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Incorporating in Massachusetts

Corporate Name Requirements

* The corporation may assume any name which indicates it is incorporated. The name may not be same as name or trade name of Massachusetts corporation or foreign corporation, firm, association, or person carrying on business in Massachusetts or which is under reservation; nor so similar as to be mistaken for that other name, unless with written consent of existing corporation, firm, association or person.

Articles of Incorporation Requirements

Director Information

  • Minimum Number – Three or more. If only one or two shareholders, the number of directors can be less than three but not less than the number of shareholders.
  • Residence Requirements. – No provision.
  • Age Requirements – None.
  • Directors are required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.

Officer Information

  • The officers are required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.

Stock Information

  • An increase in the shares may cause an increase in the initial filing fee.

 

Yearly Requirements

Annual Statements

  • Must be filed on or before 15th day of 3rd month after close of fiscal year. Foreign corporations must file an initial certificate or report with the State Secretary within 10 days after commencing business in Massachusetts and an annual certificate of condition on or before the 15th day of the 3rd month following the close of their fiscal years. The filing fee of amount to be determined annually by the Commissioner of Administration.

Income Tax Rate

  • Net income @ 8.0% plus Tangible property or net worth @ $2.60 per $1,000. Minimum: $456 Due: On or before the 15th day of the fourth month after close of taxable year.

For more information on taxes, visit Massachusetts Department of Revenue

 

C-Corporation

  • Shareholders have limited liability protection
  • May be listed and traded as a publiccorporation on the stock market or “over the counter”
  • Has a separate and independent tax status from its owners
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S Corporation

  • Profits are not subject to “double taxation”
  • Corporate losses may be “passed through” to share holders
  • Shareholders are afforded the same protection as C Corp.
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LLC formation

  • Contains characteristics of both corporation and partnership
  • Shareholders may take advantage of “Pass-Through” taxation
  • Limited liability for share holders
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Not for profit corp

  • Eligible for tax-exempt status
  • Limited Liability protection
  • Qualify for public and private gains
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