Business Certificates

Who must file for a business certificate?

• Any person, whether individually or as a partnership, conducting business under any title other than the complete real name of the owner(s).
• Any corporation doing business in a name other than its corporate name. The certificate must be completed and filed by a corporate officer.
   

How/where do I file my business certificate?

File with the Town Clerk, either in person or by mail, in every Town or City where an office of said business may be situated. Filing a business certificate at the town level does not protect your name as a corporate filing or a trademark registration does, it merely allows consumers and or creditors to identify the names of the actual owners of a business. This filing is required by state law. 

• A business certificate does not give you permission to operate your business either, it only registers the name.
• It is your responsibility to obtain all appropriate permits and/or licenses for your business from the building department, licensing authority and board of health.
• Business certificates filing and renewals cost $25.00 and are good for four years.
• The business certificate requires a sign off from the Zoning/Health department prior to submission to the Town Clerk. The business certificate must be signed by the applicant either in front of the Town Clerk or in front of a Notary Public (if mailing).

What about a change?

Upon discontinuing, retiring or withdrawing from such business, or in the case of a change of residence of such person or of the location where the business is conducted, a form must be filed with the office of the Town Clerk.
 

Do business certificates expire?

A business certificate is in full force and effect for four years from the date of issue. A new filing must be made every four years as long as the business is being conducted.

The Town Clerk will send out renewal letters around the time of expiration. 
 

Are there any exemptions?

The following are exempted from filing a business certificate with the Town Clerk:

• Corporations doing business under its true corporate name which is required to file records and reports with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division.
• Partnership doing business under a title which includes the true surname of any partner.
• Association which has complied with MGL Chapter 159 Sections 5 and 6 related to common carriers whose agents must file information with the State Treasurer.
• Partnership, joint stock company or association conducted under a written instrument or declaration of trust, provided that the names of the trustees, with a reference to the instrument or declaration of trust, have been filed on a business certificate.
   

Should you have any questions about the process, please feel free to contact the Town Clerk's office at 781-334-9400