Starting a Business in Massachusetts or New Hampshire: Legal Steps You Can’t Miss
- Barbara Collins
- Jul 19, 2025
- 3 min read
By The Law Office of Barbara Collins – Serving MA & NH Businesses
Starting a new business is an exciting journey—but without the proper legal groundwork, it can quickly become overwhelming. Whether you're opening a small shop in Amesbury, MA, launching a consulting business in Manchester, NH, or setting up an online service in the Boston area, it’s essential to understand and complete the legal steps to protect your investment and set your business up for success.
At The Law Office of Barbara Collins, we work with entrepreneurs throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire to provide practical, tailored legal support for every stage of their business journey.
Step 1: Choose the Right Legal Structure
Before you open your doors or launch your website, you’ll need to choose a business entity. The most common types include:
Sole Proprietorship – Easy to set up, but offers no personal liability protection
LLC (Limited Liability Company) – A flexible and popular choice that separates personal and business liabilities
Corporation – Offers robust protections and may be preferable for larger or investor-backed companies
Partnership – Ideal for two or more individuals sharing ownership and responsibilities
We help you weigh the pros and cons of each based on your industry, goals, and risk tolerance.
Step 2: Register Your Business with the State
If you're forming an LLC or corporation in Massachusetts or New Hampshire, you must register with the Secretary of State. This includes:
Filing the necessary formation documents (Articles of Organization or Incorporation)
Selecting a registered agent
Complying with state naming rules
Paying the required filing fees
We assist business owners with this process from start to finish to avoid delays and costly mistakes.
Step 3: Obtain Permits, Licenses & Tax IDs
Depending on your business type and where you operate, specific permits or licenses may be required. These can include:
Sales tax permits for retail businesses
Food service licenses for restaurants or cafés
State contractor licenses for trades
Local business certificates or zoning approvals
We also guide clients through applying for a federal EIN (Employer Identification Number) and any required state tax IDs.
Step 4: Create Strong Legal Documents
Even for small businesses, legal documents are essential. They help define responsibilities, prevent disputes, and show professionalism. We help draft:
Operating Agreements for LLCs
Partnership Agreements
Service and Independent Contractor Agreements
Employment Contracts and Policies
Website Terms and Privacy Policies for online businesses
These documents are customized to your specific business model and compliant with Massachusetts and New Hampshire laws.
Step 5: Stay Compliant Over Time
Forming your business is only the beginning. Staying legally compliant includes:
Filing annual reports with the state
Renewing licenses and registrations
Keeping accurate records and separating personal and business finances
Updating contracts and policies as your business grows
We offer continued legal support so our clients can stay focused on growth without worrying about compliance lapses.
Start Your Business with Confidence
Every business starts with a dream—but to turn that dream into a sustainable reality, you need smart legal planning. At The Law Office of Barbara Collins, we help small businesses across Massachusetts and New Hampshire build strong legal foundations from day one.
Attorney Barbara Collins is a licensed attorney in good standing in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and the founder of Barbara Collins Law, PC. With a strong background in education, business, and marketing, she brings exceptional research, writing, and advocacy skills to her legal practice. Now in her second decade of law, she is certified by the Massachusetts First Circuit Court Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeals, offering clients knowledgeable and strategic legal representation.
Proudly serving clients in Essex County, Middlesex County, and Hillsborough County
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward launching your business the right way.
Phone: 603-793-3531
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