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Business Certificates

The primary purpose of filing a business certificate is to protect consumers or creditors by identifying the names and addresses of the owners of the business. A business certificate is commonly called a “DBA” (Doing Business As) registration.

Who Must File a Business Certificate? Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 110, section 5, states that any person conducting business, individually or as a partnership, in the Commonwealth under any title or name other than their real name, must file a business certificate with the Clerk for each city or town in which the business has an office. If a corporation is operating a business in a name other than the incorporated name, they too need to file.

Where Does One File a Business Certificate? In the Town of Washington, an Application for a Business Certificate should be filed with the Town Clerk. The application requires that the applicant’s taxes are current. The certificate must be signed under oath by each person conducting the business and by the Town Clerk before it becomes effective. The date the certificate is signed by all parties becomes the effective date of filing for your business. Once the certificate is filed with the appropriate fee by the Town Clerk, you will receive a certified copy of the Business Certificate.

Note: The filing of a business certificate does not imply zoning compliance and is not a license or permit to conduct a business in the Town of Washington. In order to legally operate a business other than a Home-Occupied Business, the appropriate special permits, licenses, or variance, etc., will also be required.

Changing or Discontinuing a Business Certificate. When a business is discontinued or there is a change of residence or location, a Business Certificate Change form should be filed with the Town Clerk. The completed form must be submitted with the appropriate fee and then signed by the Town Clerk.

Does a Business Certificate Expire? According to State law, a Business Certificate is in effect for four (4) years from the date of issue. A new filing should be made every four years as long as business is conducted.

Do I have to display the Business Certificate? No, but copies of business certificates shall be available at the address of said business and shall be furnished on request during regular business hours to any person who has purchased goods or services from said business.

Fees
Business Certificate Filing (includes one certified copy) - $1.00
Business Certificate Change - $0.50