Massachusetts Registered Agent
What is a Massachusetts registered agent?
Massachusetts registered agents are individuals or entities that accept important state and legal documents on behalf of your business. Also called “resident agents,” their job is to forward these documents to you as soon as possible. All businesses in Massachusetts must always have a registered/resident agent listed with the state.
The Purpose of Massachusetts Registered Agents
In Massachusetts, the purpose of a registered agent is to reliably manage the transfer of documents between your business and the legal system. If the state needs to reach you or if a lawsuit is filed against your business, your registered agent will accept the paperwork and forward it to you right away.
What’s the difference between a registered agent and a resident agent?
The answer is, not a whole lot! The only tiny difference is that you’ll see the term “resident agent” used on LLC filings and registered agent used on corporate filings. Rest assured that the function of both registered and resident agents is exactly the same.
Massachusetts Registered Agent Requirements
Massachusetts registered agents must meet a few state requirements:
- Massachusetts Physical Address – All Massachusetts registered agents must have a physical street address within the state. PO boxes and virtual office addresses are not permitted. This address must also be attended by a real person to accept your time-sensitive legal documents.
- Availability During Normal Business Hours – Your Massachusetts registered agent must be present at their state listed address Monday through Friday between 8am-5pm local time (except on federal holidays).
- Signed Consent to Serve – The person or entity you choose must agree to be your legally appointed registered, or resident, agent. If filing your business formation paperwork by mail, your registered agent must provide their signature. If filing online, type in the name of your registered agent next to the “I certify” statement on the application.
When choosing who will serve as your Massachusetts registered (or resident) agent, it is important they have a secure physical address where they will be present to receive your business’s legal correspondence.
Who can be a registered agent in Massachusetts?
According to Chapter 156C, Section 5 of Massachusetts General Law, individuals who want to serve as a resident agent must be residents of Massachusetts over the age of 18. This person must have a physical address in Massachusetts. They can be a family member, friend, or member of your business.
You can also choose to hire out this position to a registered agent service for a fee. This may be worth your while as a commercial registered agent often provides state-specific business knowledge and is likely more reliable than an individual.
Can I use myself as a registered agent?
Yes, you can be your own resident agent if you are a Massachusetts state resident. This can save you some money and bother when completing your business paperwork.
However, by listing your full name and address on public state record, you risk becoming the target of scammers, solicitors, and all kinds of junk mail. You would also need to be present at your address all day in case important mail should arrive.
How Do I Find a Registered Agent in Massachusetts?
To find a registered agent in Massachusetts, first decide if you want to designate an individual or hire an entity.
If you prefer to ask an individual, just make sure they are a resident of Massachusetts and over the age of 18. This person must be someone you trust to receive your important business mail on your behalf. They will also need to tolerate having their full name and Massachusetts address on public record.
There are quite a few professional registered agent services if you choose to hire an entity. When shopping for a service, ask about other products and services they can offer your business. For example, Registered Agents Inc will maintain your information privacy, file your annual report, and secure all your state and legal mail for just $200 per year.
Why Should I Hire Registered Agents Inc?
At Registered Agents Inc, we believe you deserve more from a registered agent service than just an address. We are a national company that offers professional local services to support your entire business. For example, we provide you with:
Same-day document uploads.
Our local Massachusetts team will have your legal mail uploaded to your account right away. Your mail is never sent out of office to be processed. All your mail will be waiting for you to download or print out at your convenience.
Instant notifications.
You are notified via email immediately after your mail is uploaded to your private account. You’ll never have to guess when you’ve received something.
Annual report filing.
All Massachusetts entities are required to file an Annual Report. Corporations must file it 2.5 months after their fiscal year end, and LLCs must have it filed by their formation anniversary date. Our Registered Agent service includes annual report filing (you just pay the state fee) so you stay in good standing with the state.
Local offices nationwide.
Registered Agents Inc has offices in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington DC. So when your Massachusetts business is ready to expand into New York or Connecticut, we’ll be there to help you.
Secure online account.
All our clients receive their own secure online account. State and legal mail is uploaded to this account and is accessible anytime, anywhere. This account also allows you to add new services and access free state-specific resources.
Expert assistance.
Our local customer support team assists clients with Massachusetts business filings every day. They work closely with the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office to stay aware of updates and offer you accurate information. When you have questions about your business, they are just a call or email away.
Interested in offering registered agent services to others? Check out our Wholesale Program.
How to Change My Massachusetts Registered Agent
To change your Massachusetts registered agent information, you’ll need to submit the right filing for your entity type:
- For LLCs – Complete the Statement of Change of Resident Agent/Resident Office. Submit this to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts office by mail, in person, by fax, or online.
- For Corporations – Complete the corporate Statement of Change of Registered Agent/Registered Office. In addition, a Statement of Appointment of Registered Agent must also be submitted to the Commonwealth office.
Documents submitted by mail will take the state 3-5 business days to process. When submitted in person, it takes 1-2 business days while faxed in filings only take 48 hours. Online filings are processed immediately.
How much does it cost to change registered agent in Massachusetts?
The cost to change your registered agent in Massachusetts is $25 if filed by mail, in person, or by fax. Online filings are free!
To file online, you will need to log in to the Massachusetts Corporations Online Filing System with your CID/PIN. If you don’t know, or can’t find, your CID/PIN you can email the state at [email protected] and request a new one.
How do I appoint a registered agent in Massachusetts?
The process for appointing a registered agent depends on what kind of Massachusetts entity you are forming:
- For LLCs – Fill in the resident agent information in section 5 of the LLC Articles of Organization application. The resident agent will also need to sign their consent to serve at the bottom of page 2.
- For Corporations – Complete the resident agent information under Article VIII of the Massachusetts Corporate Articles of Organization. Domestic corporations who maintain a physical address in Massachusetts also have the option of serving as their own registered agent. If you choose to use your corporate address as the resident agent address, you will need to submit the Statement of Appointment of Registered Agent when you file the Articles of Organization.
Massachusetts business filings can be submitted by mail, in person, by fax, or online. Visit the Corporations Filing Methods page of the Secretary of the Commonwealth website for complete filing submission instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a registered agent cost in Massachusetts?
The cost for registered agent (aka: resident agent) service in Massachusetts can be anywhere from $50 to more than $250 per year (depending on what services are included). At Registered Agents Inc, our specialized registered agent service is just $200 per year and includes many extras to support your business.
How much does it cost to set up an LLC in Massachusetts?
The cost to form an LLC in Massachusetts is $500.
How much does it cost to set up a Foreign LLC in Massachusetts?
The cost to register a foreign LLC in Massachusetts is $500 and must be filed by mail, in person, or by fax. If filed by fax, the cost is $520. This application can not be submitted online.
Do I need to live in Massachusetts to register my business?
No, you do not need to live in Massachusetts to register your business. However, you will need a Massachusetts registered or resident agent (you can not be your own resident agent) if you do not reside in this state.
How can I contact the Massachusetts Secretary of State?
You can contact the Massachusetts Secretary of State in the following ways:
- Phone: (617)727-9640
- Fax: (617)742-4538
- Email: [email protected]
- Physical & Mailing Address:
Secretary of the Commonwealth
One Ashburton Place, 17th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
