Frequently Asked Questions

What is a resident agent in Massachusetts?

A resident agent is an individual or business entity designated to receive legal documents, service of process, and official state correspondence on behalf of your LLC, corporation, or other business entity. Massachusetts law generally expects every registered business to maintain a resident agent with a physical address in the state.

Why do I need a resident agent?

The Massachusetts Secretary of State requires a resident agent so there's a reliable point of contact for legal notices, compliance reminders, and official documents. If your business is sued or the state needs to reach you, they send documents to your resident agent. Without one, your entity may fall out of good standing.

Who can serve as a resident agent in Massachusetts?

Individuals must be 18 or older and Massachusetts residents. If you use a business entity as your agent, only corporations (domestic, foreign, or nonprofit) can serve, and they must be authorized in the Commonwealth. Entity owners or members can serve as their own resident agent, but their address will appear on public filings.

What documents will I receive through my resident agent?

You'll receive service of process, state compliance notices, tax correspondence, annual report reminders, and official mail from the Massachusetts Secretary of State. We scan each document the same day it arrives and upload it to your secure portal with an email notification.

Can I be my own resident agent?

Yes. Entity owners or members can serve as their own resident agent in Massachusetts. However, your address will appear on public state records, which means anyone can look it up. Many business owners prefer a professional service to keep their personal address private.

How do I change my resident agent in Massachusetts?

File a resident agent change form with the Massachusetts Secretary of State. The fee is $0 online, $25 by mail or walk-in, and $30 by fax. Once the state processes your form, your new agent becomes the official point of contact. We provide the paperwork and instructions.

What are Massachusetts's annual report requirements?

Massachusetts requires an annual report due on your anniversary date each year. The filing fee is $500 by mail or $520 online (which includes a $20 expedite fee). This is one of the highest annual report fees in the nation. The report updates your entity's contact information, officers, and resident agent details with the state.

How much does the annual report cost?

The Massachusetts Secretary of State charges $500 for mail filing and $520 for online filing (the online fee includes a $20 expedite charge). This is separate from our resident agent service fee. We send reminders before your anniversary date so you don't miss the filing window.

Why are Massachusetts filing fees so high?

Massachusetts has some of the highest business filing fees in the nation. LLC formation costs $500, and the annual report is $500 by mail or $520 online. The state sets these fees, and they apply to all businesses registered in Massachusetts. We have no control over state fees, but we keep our resident agent service affordable at $99 per year.

Who is the Massachusetts Secretary of State?

The Massachusetts Secretary of State oversees business entity registrations, elections, and public records. Their Corporations Division manages LLC and corporation filings, resident agent records, and annual reports. You can find more information at sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/.

Why does your service cost $99 when others charge more?

We focus on providing value without inflating prices. Many services charge between $125 and $436 per year. Massachusetts already has high state fees—we keep our service affordable so you're not paying excessive amounts for resident agent service on top of expensive state filings.

What's included in the $99 annual fee?

Everything: a physical Massachusetts registered office address, same-day document scanning and forwarding, compliance reminders, online portal access, and privacy protection. No setup fees or additional charges.

How quickly do you forward documents?

We scan and upload documents to your portal the same day they arrive. You'll receive an email notification with the scanned copy attached. If you request physical forwarding, we send the original by mail.

How do I sign up?

Visit our enrollment page, provide your business details, and submit payment. We'll confirm your service within one business day and send you login credentials for your document portal. If you're changing agents, we'll guide you through filing the change form with the state.

Can I use your address for my business operations?

No. Our address is for resident agent service only. You cannot use it as a mailing address, business location, or operational headquarters. It exists solely to receive legal documents and state correspondence on your behalf.

What happens if I miss my annual report deadline?

The state may impose late fees or administratively dissolve your entity. Massachusetts sends notices before your anniversary date, but it's your responsibility to file on time. We send compliance reminders to help you stay on track.

How much does it cost to change my resident agent?

The Massachusetts Secretary of State charges $0 for online filing, $25 by mail or walk-in, and $30 by fax. This is one of the few free or low-cost filings in Massachusetts. Our service fee is $99 per year, which is separate from any state fees.

Do you offer refunds if I'm not satisfied?

We aim to provide reliable service and will work with you to address any concerns. Contact us at support@maregisteredagent.org if you have issues. Our pricing is annual, so refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis.

How do I contact you?

Email us at support@maregisteredagent.org or call . Our office is open Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm Eastern Time. We typically respond to inquiries within one business day.