Who must file a business certificate?
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 110, §5 states that any person conducting business in the Commonwealth under any title other than the real name of the person conducting the business, whether individually or as a partnership, shall file (a certificate) in the office of the clerk of every city or town where an office of any such person or partnership may be situated.

Under Chapter 110, §6 a business certificate is not required if a corporation is doing business in its true corporate name, or if a partnership is doing business under any title which includes the true surname of any partner. Certain other associations and partnerships may also be exempt (refer to above citation for details.)

Show All Answers

1. What is a business certificate?
2. Who must file a business certificate?
3. How old do I have to be to file a business certificate?
4. Do other departments have to sign off on my application?
5. Why do other departments have to sign off on my application?
6. Will I need other documentation?
7. How do I file or renew a business certificate?
8. What do I do if I discontinue or withdraw from the business, or move to another location?
9. Are business certificates public documents?
10. Does the filing of a business certificate protect me from others using the same name?