Massachusetts LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes
Initial state filing fee: $500. Ongoing annual report fee: $500 (annual). No state franchise tax.
Check if your LLC name is taken on official Massachusetts database
Every LLC name must be legally distinguishable on state records. Perform a free corporate name lookup on the official Massachusetts Corporations Division registry before submitting your $500 Articles of Organization.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Massachusetts?
An LLC in Massachusetts costs $500 to form (one-time state filing fee) and $500 per year in annual report fees. The estimated total 5-year cost is $2,695, including state fees, annual reports, and registered agent service.
| Fee Component | Statutory Cost | Frequency | Due Date / Requirement | Recipient Entity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Filing Fee) | $500 | One-time | Upon LLC formation | Massachusetts Corporations Division |
| Periodic Annual / Biennial Report | $500 | annual | Due Anniversary date annually | Massachusetts Corporations Division |
| State Franchise Tax / Entity Fee | $0 | None | No franchise tax | N/A |
| Registered Agent Service | $0 (Self) or $39–$125 | Annual | Continuous requirement | Appointed agent / Commercial service |
| Operating Agreement & Federal EIN | $0 (Free) | One-time | Internal record / IRS issuance | Internal Company Record / IRS |
| Total Minimum Initial Formation | $500 (State statutory fees to open LLC) | |||
Massachusetts LLC 5-Year Cost Model
MAChoose a state and assumptions. Your five-year estimate updates instantly.
Future years assume today's reviewed rates remain unchanged. Historical estimates are not enabled because older rules have not been fully verified.
This estimate covers liabilities incurred in five taxable years (2026–2030), even when payment is due later.
Future years use an unchanged-current-law assumption. Income tax, legal advice, penalties, and unselected optional services are excluded.
Initial formation fee ($500) + registered agent
Annual report ($500/yr)
Estimated liability for the selected inputs and disclosed scope in Massachusetts.
Five taxable years by cost category(Click any year to inspect)
Select a year to inspect its included liabilities and applicable tax due date.
Tax year 2026 included items
Total: $5395-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category
Save on your Massachusetts filing fees & protect your personal privacy
Pro Tip: Filing directly through the state exposes your personal home address on public government records forever. You can keep your private details off the public registry and save time by using a top-rated Registered Agent service starting at $39 + state fees.
Open a zero-fee business checking account for your Massachusetts LLC
Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.
Massachusetts LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)
Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Massachusetts Corporations Division.
Massachusetts Franchise Tax & Business Privilege Tax Rules
No franchise tax, but annual report fee is the highest baseline in the nation ($500/year).
Advantages of a Massachusetts LLC
- Premier biotech, medical, higher-ed, and venture capital ecosystem
Drawbacks & Hidden Costs
- Nation's highest formation fee ($500) and annual report ($500/yr) = $2,500 over 5 years in baseline state fees alone
Founder Pro-Tip for Massachusetts
Budget at least $500 every single year for Massachusetts compliance.
Step-by-Step Massachusetts LLC Formation Checklist (2026)
Choose an Available Entity Name
Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable on the Massachusetts Corporations Division registry.
Appoint a Massachusetts Registered Agent
Must have a physical street address in Massachusetts (no P.O. boxes) to receive official service of process during regular business hours.
File Articles of Organization ($500 State Fee)
Submit electronically to the Massachusetts Corporations Division. Approval is typically granted within 1-2 business days online.
Execute an Operating Agreement & Obtain Federal EIN
Establish member capital contributions, voting rights, and obtain a free 9-digit EIN from IRS.gov for business checking accounts.
Maintain Ongoing Legal Good Standing (Anniversary date annually)
Submit the annual report with the $500 fee to prevent automatic forfeiture or late fee assessments.
Massachusetts LLC Cost FAQ
Common questions about forming and maintaining an LLC in Massachusetts.
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Massachusetts?
The state filing fee to form an LLC in Massachusetts is $500, paid to the Massachusetts Corporations Division when you file your Articles of Organization. With a registered agent service ($39–$125/yr), expect to pay approximately $539 in your first year.
What is the Massachusetts LLC filing fee for 2026?
The Massachusetts LLC filing fee is $500. This is a one-time fee paid to the Massachusetts Corporations Division to register your Articles of Organization. Normal processing time is 1-2 business days online.
What are the annual fees for an LLC in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts charges a annual report fee of $500, due Anniversary date annually. There is no state franchise tax for standard LLCs in Massachusetts, making ongoing costs relatively low.
How much does it cost to maintain a Massachusetts LLC per year?
The annual cost to maintain a Massachusetts LLC includes the annual report fee ($500), and a registered agent ($39–$125/yr). Over 5 years, the estimated total cost is $2,695.
Does Massachusetts have a franchise tax for LLCs?
No. Massachusetts does not impose a franchise tax or entity-level tax on standard domestic LLCs. This makes Massachusetts one of the more affordable states for LLC maintenance.
Can I form an LLC in Massachusetts if I live in another state?
Yes, you can form a domestic LLC in Massachusetts regardless of where you live. However, if your principal business operations are in a different state, you will also need to register as a Foreign LLC in that state. In Massachusetts, foreign LLC registration costs $500 plus $500/year in ongoing fees — often resulting in paying double.
Compare Massachusetts with Rival & Neighboring States
Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions: