Massachusetts State Registration Documents
MASSACHUSETTS STATE REQUIREMENTS
Running a nonprofit in Massachusetts is pretty straightforward. Unlike some other states, there are few extra hoops to jump through or terms to understand. Even the standard set of forms can be confusing, though, so if you’re interested in starting a nonprofit in Massachusetts, call the experts at BryteBridge Nonprofit Solutions to see how we can help you start, maintain, or improve your nonprofit operations in MA.
Incorporation
Form
Articles of Incorporation
Business Entity Search
Fee
$41.00
Average Processing Time
2-3 Business Days
Electronic Filing?
Yes
Charity Registration
State Requirement?
Yes
Charity Registration Search
Fee
$150
Renewal Requirement?
Yes
990 EZ Requirement?
Yes
Annual Report
State Requirement?
Yes
Due:
Annually, by November 1
Fee:
$18.50
Other Exemptions
State Income Tax
Yes- $0
Sales Tax Exemption
included with state tax
Tax Returns
All organizations (except those classified as churches) in this state are required to file a 990EZ (or more complex) regardless of their minimum annual income. (No 990N is accepted).
The 990 return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of the organization’s fiscal year.
Failure to file for 3 consecutive years could cause your organization lose tax-exempt status.
State Tax ID For A Nonprofit In Massachusetts
One of the few differences in Massachusetts nonprofit filing requirements is that your organization will need a separate, specific state tax ID. You can register for one with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue after
- Your nonprofit has incorporated
- You’ve received an EIN from the IRS
- You’ve achieved tax-exempt status from the IRS as a 501c organization
Registering happens all online through the Department of Revenue’s portal, MassTaxConnect. This will exempt you from state income taxes. To be exempt from state sales taxes, you must also apply for a Certificate of Exemption through the same portal. There may be additional local taxes on your nonprofit in Massachusetts, but many towns, cities, and counties allow you to apply for local exemptions.
SDO Nonprofit Organization Certification
If you’re starting a nonprofit in Massachusetts and your board of directors/voting membership will be at least 51% female or minority, then your business could be eligible for Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) nonprofit organization certification. This gets you access to networking events to connect with other companies that could be partners or donors, and access to programs for making your company more marketable.
In order for your nonprofit in Massachusetts to be eligible for this certification, in addition to being primarily composed of women and/or minorities, your organization has to be:
- Tax-exempt
- Controlled by the board of directors/voting members
- Regularly and actively engaged in business activity
- Not dependent upon or influenced by another, non-eligible, person or organization
All these Massachusetts nonprofit filing requirements mean that the company has to actually be run by women/minorities who make consequential and lasting decisions on a frequent basis.
Even in a state as straightforward as Massachusetts, starting, running, and growing a nonprofit can be overwhelming. Let BryteBridge Nonprofit Solutions take care of the confusing stuff so you can focus on helping people. With an affordable service, easy payment options, and over 30k people helped, we make this first choice for your organization a simple one. Schedule a consultation with us now.