DBA "doing business as certificate"

 DBA applications are available at the Clerks' office for those who qualify  for a DBA.

What is a business certificate?

You must file a business certificate if your business operates under any name other than its legal name. The “legal name” is the official name used when incorporating or, in the case of a sole proprietor, the owner’s legal name.  

Note: This document is sometimes called a "doing business as (DBA)," "trade name," “fictitious name,” or "assumed name."

You'll file your business certificate in the city or town where your business is located. This certificate is not a business license. It makes a public record of the business owner's name and address (M.G.L. ch.110 §5).

Who needs a business certificate?

If your business operates under any name different from its legal name, you need a business certificate.

For example, the owners of “Smith & Sons Accounting Services" want to operate as “FastTax Solutions.” They must file a business certificate since the business name differs from the legal business name or the name they used to incorporate.

Any subsequent business name changes will also require filing a new business certificate.

For example, if Smith & Sons Accounting Services later decides to operate as “Best Tax Solutions,” they’ll need to file a new business certificate since they’re still operating a business under a name other than its legal name. 

A DBA is also referred to as a fictitious business name, trade name, or assumed name. The only business aspect a DBA changes is your business name.

A DBA is good for 4 years and costs $30.00. All owners are required to provide the business name, names of all owners, location and mailing addresses and contact phone numbers and email, all owners will sign in front of the Clerk and for businesses unable to do so a notary public can witness their signatures and should provide a separate attached sheet for the notary. A renewal fee of $20.00 is charged when a business is renewing and  if the business is dissolved a letter sent to the office to close the account and the Tax /Assessors office will be notified of its closing.  Forms are available at the counter or in the case of all owners not being present to sign can be emailed upon request.