Skip to content

Start a Business in Massachusetts

Costs, permits, taxes, and requirements for MA.

Cost Index

121%

21% above avg

Income Tax

5%

Sales Tax

6.25%

LLC Fee

$500

Business Guides for Massachusetts

Cleaning Business

$2,400 - $12,100

Lawn Care

$3,600 - $24,200

Pressure Washing

$3,600 - $24,200

Food Truck

$60,500 - $242,000

Photography

$2,400 - $36,300

Bakery

$24,200 - $181,500

Restaurant

$211,800 - $907,500

Coffee Shop

$96,800 - $423,500

Catering

$12,100 - $90,800

Landscaping

$6,100 - $60,500

Handyman

$2,400 - $12,100

Pool Cleaning

$2,400 - $18,200

Pest Control

$12,100 - $60,500

Carpet Cleaning

$6,100 - $30,300

Window Cleaning

$1,200 - $12,100

Junk Removal

$6,100 - $60,500

Moving Company

$12,100 - $121,000

HVAC

$24,200 - $121,000

Plumbing

$18,200 - $90,800

Electrician

$18,200 - $90,800

Auto Detailing

$6,100 - $181,500

Car Wash

$60,500 - $605,000

Pet Grooming

$6,100 - $90,800

Dog Walking

$600 - $6,100

Barber Shop

$30,300 - $181,500

Hair Salon

$60,500 - $302,500

Nail Salon

$48,400 - $242,000

Mobile Spa

$6,100 - $36,300

Bookkeeping

$2,400 - $18,200

Tax Preparation

$3,600 - $24,200

Notary Services

$600 - $6,100

Consulting

$1,200 - $24,200

Event Planning

$6,100 - $36,300

DJ Service

$3,600 - $30,300

Wedding Photography

$6,100 - $36,300

Web Design

$1,200 - $12,100

Graphic Design

$1,200 - $12,100

Social Media Management

$600 - $6,100

Personal Training

$2,400 - $60,500

Gym

$60,500 - $605,000

Tutoring

$600 - $6,100

Daycare

$60,500 - $605,000

Vending Machine

$3,600 - $36,300

Massage Therapy

$6,100 - $60,500

Yoga Studio

$18,200 - $121,000

Laundromat

$121,000 - $605,000

Florist

$12,100 - $60,500

Ice Cream Shop

$24,200 - $121,000

House Painting

$2,400 - $18,200

Tree Service

$12,100 - $60,500

Interior Design

$2,400 - $18,200

E-Commerce

$600 - $12,100

Pet Sitting

$600 - $3,600

Get a personalized cost estimate for Massachusetts

Calculate Costs

Business Requirements in Massachusetts

1

Register Your Business

File with Massachusetts Secretary of State. LLC fee: $500

2

Get Business License

Most cities require a general business license ($50-$300).

3

Get EIN

Free from IRS. Required for bank accounts and taxes.

4

Register for Sales Tax

State rate: 6.25%. Local taxes may apply.

5

Get Business Insurance

General liability protects from lawsuits. Often required by landlords.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to start a business in Massachusetts?
Startup costs in Massachusetts are 21% higher than the national average. LLC filing costs $500, plus business license ($50-$300). Total varies by business type.
Does Massachusetts have income tax?
Massachusetts has a state income tax rate of 5%.
What is the sales tax in Massachusetts?
The state sales tax in Massachusetts is 6.25%. Local taxes may apply.
How do I form an LLC in Massachusetts?
File Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State (fee: $500). You'll also need an Operating Agreement and EIN from the IRS.

Ready to Start Your Business?

Calculate your startup costs and get state-specific requirements in minutes.