1. Does Massachusetts Require an LLC Annual Report?
Yes. In Massachusetts, LLCs generally must file an Annual Report with the Corporations Division each year. This filing keeps your company record current and supports your good standing.
2. What Massachusetts LLCs Must File Each Year
Massachusetts yearly compliance is usually straightforward. Most LLCs should plan for these recurring items:
Annual compliance checklist
- Massachusetts LLC Annual Report : filed with the Corporations Division each year
- Registered Agent / address updates (if needed): keep agent info current so you don’t miss legal notices
- Massachusetts tax obligations (if applicable): depends on activity, classification, and nexus
- Federal tax return (IRS) : depends on SMLLC vs partnership vs S-corp election
- Bookkeeping + records: clean records help with audits, banking, and compliance reviews
3. What the Massachusetts LLC Annual Report Covers
The Annual Report keeps your company’s public record accurate and up to date. It typically confirms key details like your LLC’s business address, managers/authorized persons, and other core information.
What the annual report typically includes
- Legal LLC name and jurisdiction details
- Principal office address and mailing address
- ] Registered agent name and address (if applicable)
- Names/titles of managers or authorized persons
- Any updates needed to keep the company record accurate
If you only remember one thing: file your Massachusetts LLC Annual Report every year to keep your company in good standing and avoid future verification headaches.
4. Massachusetts LLC Due Dates (Anniversary Date Rule)
Massachusetts uses a simple deadline rule for LLCs: Your Annual Report is due on or before the anniversary date of your Certificate of Organization filing.
What “anniversary date” means
- If you formed on June 10, your report is generally due by June 10 each year
- The due date stays the same unless the state changes rules or your entity status changes
- It’s easy to track: “same date every year”
What can still cause trouble?
- Forgetting the date after the first year
- Missing notices due to outdated addresses
- Waiting until the final day (portal issues happen)
- Not saving proof for bank/payments verification
STAY COMPLIANT
Click below and our team will guide you through Massachusetts annual report filing—fast and correctly.
Get Compliance Help5. Where to File + What You’ll Need
Massachusetts LLC Annual Reports are filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth (Corporations Division) . Most founders file online for speed and proof.
What you should keep ready
- Legal LLC name and Massachusetts entity ID (from the state record)
- Principal address and mailing address
- Registered agent details (if applicable)
- Manager/authorized person names and titles
- Payment method for the filing fee
Why founders use a compliance service
- Avoid missed deadlines and loss of good standing
- Reduce errors and rejected filings
- Maintain strong documentation for banks and payment processors
| Feature | FormLLC | Provider A | Provider B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built for non-US founders | ✅ Deep non-resident focus | ➖ Limited support | ➖ Generic templates |
| End-to-end compliance guidance | ✅ State + federal clarity | ➖ Partial | ➖ DIY-heavy |
| Transparent pricing | ✅ No surprise upsells | ⚠️ Hidden add-ons | ⚠️ Tiered upsells |
| Human support (WhatsApp / email) | ✅ Dedicated support | ➖ Ticket-based | ➖ Slow response |
*Sample stats for illustration. Add your real numbers and link to verified reviews.
The Annual Report is not just “paperwork.” It plays a key role in maintaining good standing. Good standing helps prevent issues with banks, payment gateways, and vendor verification.
6. How to File the Massachusetts LLC Annual Report (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Confirm your anniversary date
Find the formation date of your LLC (the date your Certificate of Organization was filed). That anniversary date is typically your annual report deadline.
Step 2: Verify your company details
Before filing, confirm your principal address, mailing address, and the managers/authorized persons listed for the LLC. If something changed, update it accurately in the report.
Step 3: File online (recommended) or by paper if needed
Many Massachusetts LLC owners file through the state’s online system for faster processing and cleaner proof. Save your confirmation page/receipt for your compliance records.
Step 4: Pay the filing fee and store proof
The Massachusetts LLC Annual Report base fee is commonly listed as $500 . Save the receipt/confirmation for bank and platform verification.
7. Tips to Stay Compliant
- Set a recurring reminder for your anniversary date every year
- Keep your registered agent and address information updated
- Save the annual report confirmation/receipt in a compliance folder
- Maintain clean bookkeeping and keep your tax classification documented
8. Fees, Penalties & Good Standing
- Massachusetts LLC Annual Report fee: commonly listed as $500 (base state filing fee)
- Registered Agent (if using a service): typically $50/year
- Late filings: can create good-standing issues and future verification problems
- Good standing : banks and payment platforms often ask for current status
| Compliance Item | Typical Timing | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts LLC Annual Report | Annually (on/before anniversary date) | $500 (base) |
| Registered Agent Renewal | Annually | $100–$300 |
| Federal Income Tax Return | Annually | Varies |
| State taxes (if applicable) | Depends on activity/classification | Varies |
9. Federal Compliance That Impacts MA LLCs
1. Federal Tax Return (IRS)
Your federal filing depends on classification: single-member LLCs often report on the owner’s return, partnerships file an informational return, and S-corp elections follow S-corp filing rules. Federal schedules often influence your overall compliance calendar.
2. EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Many LLCs use an EIN to open bank accounts, hire employees, and work with payment processors. Keeping EIN-related confirmations organized helps when banks request proof.
3. BOI updates (Corporate Transparency)
If your ownership or key information changes, you may need to update federal beneficial ownership information (where applicable). This is separate from Massachusetts annual reporting but often comes up during annual reviews.
4. Other recurring federal obligations
- Payroll tax filings if the LLC has employees
- Information returns (such as 1099 forms) when required
- Clean bookkeeping for audits, banking, and compliance reviews
10. Conclusion
The biggest takeaway: Massachusetts LLCs generally must file an Annual Report every year with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The deadline is typically on or before your anniversary date.
With FormLLC, you can stay compliant without confusion—our team helps you follow the right schedule, file the right information, and keep your business in good standing.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Massachusetts LLCs generally must file an Annual Report each year with the Secretary of the Commonwealth (Corporations Division). This helps maintain good standing.
The annual report is typically due on or before the anniversary date of your LLC’s original Certificate of Organization filing. Set a yearly reminder for that date.
The base Massachusetts LLC Annual Report filing fee is commonly listed as $500. Some online methods may add an extra processing/convenience charge depending on the portal you use.
Yes. Many LLCs file through the state’s online system under the Corporations Division. Filing online is typically faster and makes it easy to save proof.
Often, yes. The annual report is typically required to keep your entity record current and maintain good standing, even if the LLC had low activity. Always verify based on your entity status and any special circumstances.
Missing required filings can lead to penalties and loss of good standing, creating issues with banks, payment processors, vendor onboarding, and contracts. If you missed the deadline, file as soon as possible and keep proof.
