Before you start your business, there are some legal forms you'll have to fill out. This page has information and links (when available) to all the forms you should need. Make sure to download this Boston guide from the Boston Office of Business Development.

1. Choose your entity type.
You need to choose what type of business entity you will have (ex. will you be the only owner? will you have a partnership? a corporation?)


2. Register your business name.
You need to register the name of your business (and make sure no other business has the same name).


3. Apply for a license.
Depending on your business, you might need special kinds of licenses to operate in MA. 


4. Apply for a "Doing-Business-As" Certificate.
Depending on your business, you might need to file a "doing-business-as" certificate.


5. Obtain a Federal Employer ID Number (if hiring employees).
If you plan to hire employees; or if you're a partnership; or if you answer "Yes" to any of the questions here, you will need a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). You can apply online with the IRS. In addition, you will need to apply for state workers' compensation and unemployment insurance.


6. Fill out new Tax Forms.
Register with the Department of Revenue (online application) for business taxes. See Massachusetts Tax Forms. 
For more help on taxes, visit the IRS' Small Business/Self-Employed Virtual Tax Workshop site for instructional videos on what you need to know about filing and paying taxes as a small business.

7. Apply for a "Certificate of Good Standing."
You might need a "Certificate of Good Standing" or "Certificate of Compliance" from the DOR (Department of Revenue) to show that you have met all state tax liabilities.


8. Think about Job Safety.
Consider applicable job safety and health regulations (OSHA). Determine applicable environmental regulations. 


Massachusetts Government Guide to Starting a Business




Free workshops on the legal aspects of starting a small business are offered by the Massachusetts Department of revenue. They're designed for people new to taxes. The workshops will cover:
  • Registering your business with DOR using WebFile for Business
  • Meeting employer responsibilities
  • Reporting business income
  • Filing sales and use tax returns
  • Filing and payment procedures

Go here for information about upcoming free workshops.


United States Small Business Administration

Small business Forms 


        - Financial Assistance Forms
        - Disaster Assistance Forms
        - TechnicalAssistance Forms

        - Contracting & Surety Bonding Forms
        - Business Development Forms
        - Miscellaneous Forms
        - IRS Forms
        - OSHA Forms
 
SBA Partner Forms
        - Lender Forms
        - SBIC Forms
 
Federal Forms 
http://www.sba.gov/tools/Forms/index.html