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A Massachusetts LLC operating agreement is used by newly formed limited liability companies to outline the company ownership, structure, and management. The agreement defines each member’s rights and responsibilities, their capital contributions to the company, and their respective ownership percentages. This form is not required by the state of Massachusetts; however, completing an operating agreement is highly advisable as it protects each member from any company debts, liabilities, and obligations.
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Types (2)
Single-Member LLC Operating Agreement – A company with a single owner may use this document.
Download: PDF, Word (.docx), OpenDocument
Multi-Member LLC Operating Agreement – This operating agreement should be completed by companies with more than one (1) owner.
Download: PDF, Word (.docx), OpenDocument
Laws
- Chapter: Chapter 156C
- Definitions: Chapter 156C, Section 2
- Formation: Chapter 156C, Section 12
- Naming of LLCs: Chapter 156C, Section 3
How to File (6 Steps)
- Step 1 – Reserve the Entity Name
- Step 2 – Select a Registered Agent
- Step 3 – File a Certificate of Organization
- Step 4 – Create an Operating Agreement
- Step 5 – Obtain an EIN
- Step 6 – File Annual Reports
Step 1 – Reserve the Entity’s Name
The name of each LLC must be unique, and cannot be the same as, nor too similar to the name of any other corporation or LLC in the commonwealth unless explicit consent is given. The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Business Entity Search may be used to verify the availability of names.
As stated in Chapter 156C, Section 3, “Limited Liability Company,” “Limited Company,” or the abbreviation “L.L.C.,” “L.C.,” “LLC,” or “LC,” must be included in the chosen entity name.
When the name has been chosen, it may be reserved by delivering the following to the Secretary of the Commonwealth:
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- Complete the Application of Reservation of Nam
- Write a $30 check payable to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
- Mail or deliver both items to: One Ashburton Place, Room 1717, Boston, Massachusetts 02108-1512
Step 2 – Select a Registered Agent
In Massachusetts, every LLC must appoint a registered agent to receive service of process and other legal documents on behalf of the company. The registered agent may be an individual who resides in the state, a domestic or foreign corporation, or LLC that is legally allowed to do business and has a mailing address in Massachusetts
Step 3 – File a Certificate of Organization
Filing a Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of the Commonwealth legitimizes the limited liability company in the eyes of the state.
Method 1 – Online
Go to the Corporation Online Filing System, fill out the form, and click the Click here to submit this information button when complete. Foreign companies cannot use this method.
- Cost: $520
Method 2 – Mail
Domestic Companies
To file by mail, fill out the LLC Certificate of Organization form, print and sign the document, and send it to:
- Secretary of the Commonwealth, One Ashburton Place, Room 1717, Boston, Massachusetts 02108-1512.
- Cost: $500
Foreign Companies
Fill out and print the Foreign Limited Liability Company Application for Registration form. It must be signed and sworn to by a general partner of the company. The completed form may be delivered in the following manners:
- Delivered in-person or mailed to: Secretary of the Commonwealth, One Ashburton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02108-1512
- Delivered via the fax instructions on the Secretary of the Commonwealth website.
The cost to file the Foreign Limited Liability Application for Registration is $500; an additional $20 will be required if filed by fax.
Note on Foreign Applications
Foreign applications require a Certificate of Existence or a Certificate of Good Standing issued from the entity’s state of origin.
Step 4 – Create an Operating Agreement
Although not legally required in Massachusetts, executing an operating agreement will improve the company’s organization, how it will run, and clearly define its members’ obligations. The form gives company owners the ability to structure their business and inner management as they see fit.
Furthermore, in the event the company faces litigation or debt, the operating agreement serves to limit its owner’s liability.
Step 5 – Obtain an EIN
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is required in nearly every case for tax reporting purposes. The exception is a single-member LLC that doesn’t wish to be taxed as a corporation and has no employees.
An EIN may be obtained by applying through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website and selecting the Apply Online Now button. A paper Application for EIN (Form SS-4) may be used if applying by mail.
Step 6 – File Annual Reports
Every LLC, domestic and foreign, must file an annual report containing all information required to be included in the Certificate of Organization. The report must be filed on or before the date the original certificate was filed.
The filing fee is $500, and the report can be filed online or by mail (Domestic|Foreign).
ResourcesFiling Options: Online (Domestic Only) or by Mail Costs:
Forms:
Links:
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