How to Form a Partnership in Massachusetts

Here are the steps you should take to form a partnership in the state of Massachusetts. A partnership (also known as a general partnership) is created whenever two or more people agree to do business together for profit, even if there is no intent or written agreement to form a partnership. While there are no formal filing or registration requirements needed to create a partnership, partnerships must comply with registration, filing, and tax requirements applicable to any business. There are also some steps every partnership should take to make sure they follow sound business practices when they start their new venture.

To form a partnership in Massachusetts, you should take the following steps:

1. Choose a business name.
2. File an assume business name.
3. Draft and sign a partnership agreement.
4. Obtain licenses, permits, and zoning clearance.
5. Obtain an Employer Identification Number.

To find out how to establish a partnership in any other state, see Nolo's 50-State Guide to Forming a Partnership. To read more about partnerships in general (including the difference between a partnership and limited partnership), see Nolo's section on Partnerships.

1. Choose a Partnership Name

In Massachusetts, a partnership may use the surnames of the individual partners or may use a fictitious business name. If you plan to use a fictitious business name, it must be distinguishable from the name of any other company currently on record. It is also a good idea to choose a name that is not too similar to another registered business because of common law and federal trademark law protections. To make sure your business name is available, run a search in the following government databases:

• Massachusetts Secretary of State
• U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: (Click on the TESS link under Tools.)

2. File an Assumed Business Name

If you use a business name that is different from the surnames of the individual partners, Massachusetts requires you to file a business certificate for doing business under an assumed business name. The certificate must be notarized and filed with the municipal clerk in the municipality where you are located. The filing fee varies by municipality. The assumed name must be renewed every four years.

3. Draft and Sign a Partnership Agreement

A partnership agreement is not a mandatory legal requirement for establishing a partnership. However, it is a very important step to ensure there are no misunderstandings between you and your partners. A well-drafted partnership agreement will help you decide in advance how to handle certain situations.

Here's a list of some of the items that should be covered in your partnership agreement:

• each partner's contribution to the partnership
• the allocation of profits, losses, and draws
• the partners' authority and management duties
• voting rules for decision-making
• how to admit new partners
• what happens upon the bankruptcy, withdrawal, or death of a partner, and
• how to resolve disputes.

Even well intentioned, honest partners can find themselves in a legal battle if they do not have a written partnership agreement memorializing their initial purposes. Your partnership agreement can always be amended at a later date should circumstances or conditions change. For help creating your partnership agreement, see Form a Partnership: The Complete Legal Guide, by Denis Clifford and Ralph Warner (Nolo).

4. Obtain Licenses, Permits, and Zoning Clearance

Your business may need to obtain business or professional licenses depending on the type of business activity you are engaged in. Massachusetts provides a comprehensive database of every occupation that requires a license by a partnership. You can obtain this information from the State of Massachusetts Business License, Permits and Regulation. In addition, local regulations, including licenses, building permits, and zoning clearances, may apply to your business. You will need to check with your city and county governments for more information.

5. Obtain an Employer Identification Number

Partnerships are required by the IRS to obtain an Employer Identification Number, or EIN. This is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS for tax reporting purposes. Partnerships must have an EIN regardless of whether or not they have employees. Registering for an EIN can be done online at the IRS website.

In Massachusetts, businesses are required to report taxes and file various employee reports. You may need to use your EIN when registering your business to report taxes through the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. If you have employees, you must report and pay employment taxes on a periodic basis. You will be able to report and pay all employment related taxes by registering through Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

Next Steps

It is important to consider doing the following once you have created your partnership:

• Open a business bank account. Using your assumed business name and EIN, you should set up a bank account to keep your business and personal finances separate.
• Obtain general liability insurance. Because partners of a partnership are personally liable for all debts and obligations of the business, a business liability insurance policy may be your only financial protection against unforeseen events. Having adequate business liability insurance can protect your business and personal assets in the event of a lawsuit or other claim against your business.
• Report and pay taxes. Depending on your specific business activities, you may be required to report and pay taxes, such as sales tax and use tax. You can register to report and pay all taxes through Massachusetts Department of Revenue.