Massachusetts Annual Report Guide

Navigating the complexities of annual report filings is a critical aspect of maintaining good standing for businesses operating in Massachusetts. This guide provides an in-depth overview of the requirements, processes, and essential information necessary for successful annual report submission in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Annual Report Requirements

All corporations, LLCs, and LLPs registered to do
business in Massachusetts must file an Annual Report
with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The report
keeps your company’s records current, confirms that
the business is active, and ensures compliance with
state regulations.

Who Must File

In Massachusetts, certain business entities are legally
required to file annual reports with the Secretary of the Commonwealth to maintain compliance and ensure
accurate public records.

The obligation applies specifically to:

Corporations (domestic, foreign, professional):
List officers, directors, principal office address, and
share details.
LLCs: Provide details from the certificate of
organization, management structure, and member/manager info.
LLPs: File by listing all partners; professional LLPs
must also confirm partner licensing.
Nonprofits: Must file to keep active status.

Required Information for a Michigan Annual
Report

When filing a Massachusetts Annual Report, you’ll need to provide updated company details to keep your records current with the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Key information includes:

Business details: Legal name, Department ID number, principal office address, and date of formation/registration.
Registered agent: Name and Massachusetts address of your registered agent.
Management & ownership:

Corporations – officers, directors, corporate purpose, and share information.
LLCs – details from the certificate of organization, management structure (member-managed or manager-managed), and member/manager information.
LLPs – names and addresses of all partners; professional LLPs must also confirm that partners providing services are properly licensed.

Keeping this information accurate each year ensures compliance, maintains good standing, and prevents administrative issues.

Filing Deadlines for Massachusetts Business Entity Types

Corporations: 2.5 months after fiscal year end (e.g., Dec 31 year-end → due Mar 15).
LLCs: On or before the anniversary date of formation.
LLPs: By February 28 each year.

Tip: Extensions of up to 60 days are available if requested before the original deadline.

Meeting these deadlines is not just a matter of good practice; it is a legal obligation. The state of Massachusetts enforces these deadlines strictly, and failure to comply can result in financial penalties and a loss of good standing.

Fees and Costs

Understanding the financial obligations of biennial report filings is essential for businesses operating in Washington, D.C. The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) requires all entities to pay specific filing fees to maintain good standing. These fees vary by entity type and can be subject to periodic changes.

Corporations: $100 + $10 fee
LLCs: $20
LLPs: $20

Failing to file can also cause loss of good standing, blocking contracts, financing, or licenses. Continued non-compliance may lead to administrative dissolution or revocation of your authority to operate, removing liability protections.

Step-by-Step Filing Process

Filing an annual report in Massachusetts may seem straightforward, but it involves a series of steps
that businesses must follow carefully to stay compliant and maintain good standing with the
Secretary of the Commonwealth. The process can be done online or via paper forms, giving
companies some flexibility.

Step 1

Confirm your deadline
based on entity type.

Step 3

Choose filing method: online via
the Secretary of the
Commonwealth’s portal (fastest)
or by mail/fax (slower, higher fee
for corporations).

Step 5

Keep confirmation
for your records

Step 2

Gather information: business
name, ID number, registered
agent, office address, leadership
details, and any changes.

Step 4

Submit and pay fees: $109 online/fax
or $125 by mail for corporations; $500
for LLCs and LLPs. Extra processing fees
may apply ($3 e-check, $9 credit card).

Step 1

Confirm your deadline
based on entity type.

Step 2

Gather information: business
name, ID number, registered
agent, office address, leadership details, and any changes.

Step 3

Choose filing method: online via the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s portal (fastest)
or by mail/fax (slower, higher fee for corporations).

Step 4

Submit and pay fees: $109 online/fax or $125 by mail for corporations; $500 for LLCs and LLPs. Extra processing fees may apply ($3 e-check, $9 credit card).

Step 5

Keep confirmation
for your records

What Happens If You Miss the Michigan Annual Report Deadline

Failure to comply with Massachusetts' annual report
filing requirements can lead to a range of penalties
and adverse consequences for businesses. These repercussions are designed to encourage timely and accurate submissions, ensuring that the state's
records remain current and that businesses operate
in good standing

Consequences include:

Loss of good standing, which can block contracts, financing, and licenses
Potential loss of limited liability protections
Administrative dissolution or revocation of authority to operate in Massachusetts
Complex and costly reinstatement if dissolved

Key takeaway: File on time to avoid fines, maintain good standing, and protect your business operations.

Professional Massachusetts Annual Report Filing Services

Palm makes filing your Massachusetts Annual Report simple and stress-free:

Accurate, expert-prepared filings
Automated deadline tracking & compliance reminders
Full support from compliance specialists
Optional registered agent services
Secure year-over-year recordkeeping

With Palm, you save time, reduce risk, and keep your business in good standing.

What is an annual report and why is it required in Massachusetts?

An annual report is a mandatory filing with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth that updates the state with current information about a business entity. It is required to ensure transparency, maintain accurate public records of active businesses, and verify compliance with state regulations. It helps the state monitor and maintain current information regarding the entity's status and operations.

Which business entities are required to file annual reports in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, Corporations, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) are generally required to file annual reports. Each entity type has specific requirements and deadlines.

What is the filing deadline for annual reports in Massachusetts?

The filing deadline varies by entity type:
• Corporations: Within 2.5 months after the close of the fiscal year end.
• LLCs: On or before the anniversary date of the filing of its original certificate of organization.
• LLPs: On or before the last day of February.

What information is typically required in a Massachusetts annual report?

While specifics vary by entity, common requirements include the entity's name and identification number, registered agent information, principal office address, and details about officers, directors, managers, or partners. For LLPs rendering professional services, identification and certification of licensed partners are also required.

How much does it cost to file an annual report in Massachusetts?

The filing fees vary:
• Corporations: $109 (online/fax) or $125 (mail).
• LLCs: $500.00 (online/mail).
• LLPs: $500.00 (online/mail).

Ready to file your Massachusetts Annual Report?

Palm makes it simple with deadline tracking, expert preparation, and full compliance support for businesses across Massachusetts.

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