This handout is meant to provide basic information regarding forming a corporation in Massachusetts. It is in no particular order and is not necessarily all of the steps, rather an introduction to what it takes to form a corporation. The information in this handout is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Because each individual’s situation is unique, please consult an attorney.

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BASIC CHECKLIST FOR FORMING A MASSACHUSETTS
CORPORATION
(In no particular order)
 Recruit/appoint director(s) – these will be the ones making the major and strategic financial
decisions
o Need names and addresses of the individuals who will serve as the corporation’s
initial board:
 director(s),
 president,
 treasurer, and
 secretary of the corporation
 Prepare and file Articles of Incorporation
o Determine number of shares to authorize and issue
o Need to include:
 Name of the corporation (consider if it is already taken or if it is a trademark
owned by third party). You can also reserve a corporate name in advance of
forming the entity.
 Determine type (class/series, common/preferred), amount, and par value of
stock (amount will often range, depending on how much you want to invest
initially and how many shares you initially authorize and issue)
 Any limitations on the stock (such as limits on ability transfer of shares, rights
of each class/series, etc.)
 Address of registered agent, cannot be entity
 Names of board members and directors
 Fiscal year end date
 Type of business the corporation will be engaged in
 Address of the principal place of business
 Address where all of the books will be kept
 Duration of existence, generally perpetual
 Tax related considerations
o Consult with accountant skilled in corporate taxes
o Request Employer Identification Number (“EIN”) from IRS
o Register with Commonwealth for withholding payroll taxes (if employees or
corporate officers)
o Obtain workers compensation insurance, if needed
o File with Department of Revenue
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Ascentage Law, PLLC One Broadway, 14th Floor, Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
TEL: +1.617.475.1603 www.ascentagelaw.com FAX: +1.617.401.3706

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 Create the corporation’s bylaws (not required to file this, but must keep copy on file at
principal place of business)
o Generally these explain internal rules and procedures for the corporation, such as:
 Existence and responsibilities of corporate officers,
 Size of the board of directors and the manner and term of their election,
 How and when board and shareholder meetings will be held,
 Who may call meetings, and
 How the board of directors will function.
 Determine shareholders agreement, if any
 Hold a corporation organizational meeting
 Issue stock certificates to the initial owners of the corporation
o By default Board of Directors has power to set the par value, but can change this in
the Articles of Incorporation
 Obtain any required local licenses or professional licenses required to operate
 Open business bank account
o Generally will need
 EIN
 Articles of Incorporation
 May need corporate resolution for some banking institutions
 File annual report with Massachusetts within 2.5 months of end of fiscal year
 Ensure that necessary corporate records are kept up to date and on file at principal place of
business
The information above is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal
advice.
Because each individual’s situation is unique, please consult an attorney.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Ascentage Law, PLLC One Broadway, 14th Floor, Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
TEL: +1.617.475.1603 www.ascentagelaw.com FAX: +1.617.401.3706