Business Certificates

In accordance with MGL 110:5, any person conducting a business under a name other than their own name is required to file a Business Certificate with this office to register the business at the address where such business is to be conducted (“doing business as” or “DBA” certificate). Corporations must also file a business certificate if they are doing business under a different name.

An individual must be 18 years of age or older to legally sign a business certificate.

Business Certificates are valid for four (4) years. Certificates are maintained by the Town Clerk and are public records. The cost for a business certificate is $20.

Businesses are subject to Personal Property taxes. (Mass. G.L. Chap. 59, Sec. 29) You should speak with the Buckland Assessor’s office to file a “Form of List” with them. This should prevent being over-assessed on personal property used in conjunction with your business. Businesses remain subject to Personal Property assessment until a Statement of Discontinuance is filed with the Town Clerk’s office.

Filing a DBA does not protect your business name. If you wish to register a trademark or service mark with the State of Massachusetts, contact the Corporations Division, One Ashburton Place, 17th floor, Boston, MA 02108. Some useful information about business names in the State of Massachusetts can be found on the mass.gov Housing and Economic Development website