Registering your restaurant as an LLC, corporation, or sole proprietorship with the MA Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Who needs it

Every restaurant owner. Required for hiring employees, opening a business bank account, getting a liquor license, and protecting personal assets.

How to get it

File with the MA Secretary of the Commonwealth Corporations Division. Get a federal EIN from the IRS (free, instant). Register for MA state taxes and unemployment insurance.

Cost

LLC filing: ~$500. DBA: ~$50–$100 at city hall. EIN: free.

Where to start

MA Secretary of the Commonwealth — Corporations ↗IRS — Get an EIN ↗