Best LLC services in Massachusetts

When evaluating LLC service providers, it helps to look at factors beyond cost in order to find a solution that works best for your business needs.

Massachusetts is consistently recognized for its skilled workers, strong innovation centers, and diverse markets. The state has more than 700,000 small businesses that employ close to 1.5 million people.

In this guide, we review the leading online LLC services for forming an LLC in Massachusetts.

• BizFilings
• LegalZoom
• Northwest Registered Agent
• ZenBusiness
• Bizee
• Inc Authority

Comparing Massachusetts LLC service providers

BizFilings

For businesses looking for support in addition to LLC formation, BizFilings provides compliance services and guidance for all stages of the LLC lifecycle. State filings are simplified through their step-by-step process, making it easy to set up a Massachusetts LLC in minutes. BizFilings also provides post-formation and ongoing LLC services, such as registered agent and annual report filing services.

As part of global compliance firm Wolters Kluwer, BizFilings brings extensive experience and credibility to the LLC formation process.

Pros:

• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Average Trustpilot score of 4.7
• Strong customer support from live representatives

Cons:

• No free formation plan
• Fewer customization options for packages

LegalZoom

LegalZoom offers legal documents, business services, and access to attorneys as an alternative to traditional law firms. In addition to LLC formation, they provide attorney-drafted document templates, trademark services, annual report filings, and more. These combined services are designed for entrepreneurs who need both formation assistance and ongoing legal support.

Pros:

• Offers legal services beyond business formation
• Well-known brand
• 60-day satisfaction guarantee

Cons:

• Expensive registered agent service
• No phone support with the basic plan
• Slower turnaround times for some services

To learn more about what this service provider has to offer, read our LegalZoom LLC review 

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Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent provides LLC formation, registered agent, and compliance services in all 50 states, plus D.C. The company features a "Privacy by Default" policy and assigns each customer a dedicated Corporate Guide for support.

Pros:

• Strong focus on privacy and data protection
• Positive customer service reviews
• Flat pricing with fewer upsells

Cons:

• No free formation plan
• Fewer add-on services compared to competitors

Read our full Northwest Registered Agent LLC review. 

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ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness offers an easy-to-use platform, compliance tools, and customer service with evening and weekend availability. They also provide brand-building features like a website builder, domain name, and logo kit. These features are available as add-ons with the starter and pro packages and are included in the premium package.

Pros:

• Affordable starting price
• User-friendly dashboard
• Extended customer support reviews

Cons:

• Registered agent service is not included in the free plan
• Business templates are included with the Premium plan only
• Upsells can add up

Want to learn more? Read our  ZenBusiness LLC review 

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Bizee

Bizee, previously known as Incfile, offers free LLC formation where customers pay only state fees, with one year of registered agent service included in the free and higher-tiered packages. The platform focuses on a straightforward, cost-effective approach.

Pros:

• Free LLC formation base cost with one year of registered agent service
• Transparent pricing
• Preferred by budget-conscious startups

Cons:

• Customer support can be inconsistent
• Upsells during checkout

To learn more, read our Bizee LLC review 

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Inc Authority

Inc Authority provides free LLC formation where customers pay only state filing fees. The free package includes one year of registered agent service plus either EIN assistance or expedited filing. Paid packages and add-on services are available for those seeking more comprehensive support.

Pros:

• Free LLC formation base cost with one year of registered agent service
• Suitable for basic business needs

Cons:

• Aggressive upselling
• Limited transparency on pricing for add-ons

Want to learn more? Read our  Inc Authority LLC review.

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Facts about forming an LLC in Massachusetts

• LLC name: The name of a Massachusetts LLC must include "limited liability company", "limited company", "L.L.C.", "L.C.", "LLC", or "LC".
• Formation document: The document used to form a Massachusetts LLC is called "Certificate of Organization".
• Registered agent requirement: Massachusetts requires LLCs to appoint and continually maintain a Massachusetts resident agent (also known as a registered agent) for service of process. The resident agent must have a physical address in Massachusetts.
• General business license requirement: While Massachusetts does not issue a general business license at the state level, most businesses will need a Sales and Use Tax Registration Certificate for each business location. General business licensing or tax registration may exist at the city and county levels.
• Annual report requirement. Massachusetts has an annual report requirement. LLCs must file their annual report by anniversary of the LLC's original filing.

For more information on starting an LLC in Massachusetts, see our Massachusetts LLC Formation Guide.

Massachusetts LLC frequently asked questions

How much does a Massachusetts LLC cost?

Each state charges a fee for establishing a new LLC or registering an existing out-of-state LLC to do business there. The filing fee to form an LLC or register an out-of-state LLC in Massachusetts is $500. The annual report filing fee is also $500.

Why create an LLC?

LLCs provide a number of advantages over sole proprietorships, partnerships, or corporations. Here's why small business owners frequently choose to form an LLC:

• Personal asset protection: LLC members are shielded from personal liability for business actions and debts. Creditors generally cannot pursue owners' personal assets to satisfy business obligations.
• Flexible taxation: LLCs typically don't pay entity-level taxes. Business income and losses pass through to the owners' personal tax returns; taxes are paid at the individual level. LLCs can also elect to be taxed as an S corporation or C corporation.
• Credibility: An LLC provides a more formal business structure than a sole proprietorship or partnership, which can help establish credibility.
• Easier than incorporating: LLCs face fewer state requirements and ongoing formalities than S corporations or C corporations.

What are the downsides of starting a Massachusetts LLC?

LLC usually costs more to form and maintain than a sole proprietorship or general partnership. There are also ongoing compliance obligations with the state, such as maintaining a registered agent and filing an annual report.

In Massachusetts LLCs must meet the state’s basic compliance requirements to remain in good standing. Both domestic and foreign LLCs must file an annual report ($500) each year. Failure to file can ultimately result in the LLC being administratively dissolved.

For more information on LLC pros and cons, read our Guide to forming an LLC.

Conclusion

For small business owners, making the decision to form an LLC is a major step. Since LLC services aren't one-size-fits-all, it's important to identify what your business needs and choose a provider that delivers those essentials. Review what's included in each package, especially "free" options. Some services exclude essentials or add fees later, so understand what you're getting upfront. Choose a provider with a proven track record for accurate, timely filings and clear guidance, and look for companies that guarantee their work against filing errors.