Business License by State

Business License by State › Massachusetts

Massachusetts business license (2026)

General licenses are issued locally. The Massachusetts (mass.gov) says: “Check with licensing boards in your city or town to see if your business needs a license to operate.”

  • State page read October 21, 2026
  • Quoted from the state

Massachusetts at a glance

State rule
General licenses are issued locally
Next step
Contact your city or county for the license; the state does not issue a general one.
Forming an LLC
$500 with the Massachusetts Secretary of State
Best overall in Massachusetts

Mainstay Filing

Our rating: 4.9 out of 5

$199 / year, same at renewal

  • LLC formation, prepared and filed
  • Registered agent, all year
  • EIN application (with an SSN or ITIN)
  • Annual report filed every year it is due where the state requires one
  • Compliance reminders and stored documents

Price from the Mainstay Filing pricing and FAQ pages, checked October 21, 2026. State fees are passed through at cost and shown before you pay.

Questions

Does Massachusetts require a business license?

General licenses are issued locally. The Massachusetts (mass.gov) says: “Check with licensing boards in your city or town to see if your business needs a license to operate.”

Who do I contact in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts (mass.gov) (page linked below), your city or county clerk, and the Massachusetts Secretary of State for forming the company.

Is a Massachusetts LLC the same as a license?

No. Forming the LLC is a filing with the Massachusetts Secretary of State, which charges $500. A license, where one applies, is a separate step.

Sources