Business Certificate Form

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Filing a Business Certificate

(Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 110, Section 5)

WHO MUST FILE?

  • Any person or persons conducting a business under any title other than the complete real name of the owner
  • Any corporation doing business in a name other than the corporate name

WHERE DOES ONE FILE?

  • With the City or Town Clerk in every city or town where an office of any such business is located

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 location of such business, such change must be filed with the clerk's office

DOES A BUSINESS CERTIFICATE EXPIRE?

  • Yes, a business certificate is in effect for four (4) years from the date of issue whereupon it must be renewed if the business continues to operate

DO I HAVE TO DISPLAY THE CERTIFICATE?

  • No, however, a copy must be provided upon request during regular business hours to any person purchasing goods or services from such business

FEES

Business Certificate Filing (includes one certified copy)................................ $30.00
Withdrawals, Discontinuances, Changes (includes one certified copy).......... $ 5.00

PENALTIES
Violations of these provisions shall be subject to a fine of not more than three hundred dollars ($300.00) for each month during which such violation continues.

HOW TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE
All persons to be named on the certificate must be present to sign the certificate which is then certified.

Approval from Building Department is needed before issued from Town Clerk’s office.