If you're going to operate your business in Massachusetts, when you start up you're going to incur filing fees and licensing fees depending on the type of business you run and your business form (corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership or limited liability company (LLC)).

Corporations. If you're doing business as a domestic corporation (a corporation incorporated in Massachusetts) in Massachusetts, you will be subject to various fees when you start up. The following are some of the payments that may be paid by domestic corporations to the Massachusetts Secretary of State:

If you're doing business as a foreign corporation (a corporation that is incorporated somewhere other than in Massachusetts) in Massachusetts, you must pay a minimum fee to the Secretary of State of $400 ($375 if filed by fax) for registering your foreign corporation and a $100 fee for an amendment to the registration or withdrawal. You must also make an annual report of condition and pay the annual $125 fee ($100 if filed electronically; $150 if filed late) to the Secretary of State.

Limited liability companies. If your company is either a domestic or foreign limited liability company (LLC), you must file the following documents with the Massachusetts Secretary of State.

Licenses and fees. Massachusetts requires that you obtain a license and pay a fee if you are operating certain types of businesses in the state. Below is a partial list of some of the types of businesses required to obtain a license. Be sure to check with the state to make sure you are complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.

• certified public accountants
• architects
• barbers
• contractors
• hawkers and peddlers
• opticians
• outdoor advertising
• real estate appraisers
• real estate brokers and salespeople
• water pollution control