Deal alert! Northwest, our favorite company, is forming
LLCs for $39 (60% off!) See details.
You can form an LLC in Massachusetts in 1-2 business days if you file online (or about 1 week if you file by mail).
Massachusetts LLC Processing Times
| Normal LLC processing time: | Expedited LLC: | |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts LLC by mail: | 1-2 business days (plus mail time) | Not available |
| Massachusetts LLC online: | 1-2 business days | Not available |
What is LLC processing time? This is the time it takes for the state of Massachusetts to review your LLC filing and enter it in their system. After your LLC is approved, the state sends back your approved documents electronically or by mail.
Massachusetts LLC Approval Times
Mail filings: In total, mail filing approvals for Massachusetts LLCs take around 1 week. This accounts for the 1-2 business day processing time, plus the time your documents are in the mail.
Online filings: In total, online filing approvals for Massachusetts LLCs take 1-2 business days. Since you can download your documents as soon as they’re approved by the Secretary of State, there is no extra transit time.
What is LLC approval time? This is the total turnaround time to get your LLC approved from start to finish. It includes the processing time plus any transit time to and from the state.
Massachusetts expedited LLC
Since all online and mail LLC filings are approved within 2 business days in Massachusetts, there is no expedited filing option.
What’s the fastest way to form an LLC in Massachusetts?
The fastest way to form an LLC in Massachusetts is to file it yourself online. This option has the fastest approval time.
Should I hire an LLC filing service in Massachusetts?
Hiring an LLC filing service isn’t going to get your LLC approved any faster. Filing companies still have to wait for the state to approve your LLC.
However, the benefit of hiring a filing company isn’t to reduce LLC approval time. It’s to have someone else take care of the paperwork for you (and make sure it’s filed correctly).
Need to save time? Hire a company to form your LLC:
Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)
(check out Northwest vs LegalZoom)
Why we recommend Northwest? Northwest Registered Agent has been in business for over 20 years and they have the best customer support. Our favorite thing about Northwest is that you can use their address throughout your LLC filing. This can provide you with additional privacy by keeping your address off public records. No other filing company offers this.
Even though Northwest is our favorite company, you may want to look at other companies and compare your options. Check out Best LLC Services in Massachusetts for additional recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an LLC cost?
The one-time cost to start an LLC varies by state. There are also LLC Annual Fees to maintain your business that vary by state.
Here are the costs for a Massachusetts LLC:
| Requirement | Cost |
|---|---|
| LLC Name | $0 |
| Registered Agent | $0 or $125 per year |
| Certificate of Organization | $500 |
| Operating Agreement | $0 (free on our site) |
| EIN Number | $0 (free through IRS) |
| Annual Report | $520 (every year) |
| Taxes | varies (filed and/or paid every year) |
How to start an LLC in Massachusetts?
Here are the steps to starting an LLC in Massachusetts:
- Search your Massachusetts LLC name
- Choose your Massachusetts Registered Agent
- File Massachusetts Certificate of Organization with the state
- Sign your Massachusetts LLC Operating Agreement
- Get an EIN for your Massachusetts LLC
- Open an LLC bank account
How long does it take to form an LLC in every state?
Important: Just because one state is faster than another doesn’t mean you should form your LLC there. If you form your LLC out-of-state, you’ll need to register it as a foreign LLC in your home state. For more information, please see the best state to form an LLC.
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.