Filing A Business Certificate

MGL C.110, Sect. 5

Who Must File?

  • Any person, whether individually or as a partnership, conducting business under any title other than the complete real name of the owner(s).
  • Any corporation doing business in a name other than its corporate name. (This certificate must be signed by a corporate officer).

Changes

Upon discontinuing, retiring or withdrawing from such business, or in the case of a change of location where the business is conducted, a Discontinuance/Change of Business Registration form (PDF) must be filed with the office of the Town Clerk.

Fees

  • Business Certificate filing: $40.00
  • Discontinuance or Change of Business filing: $20.00

Business Certificate

Business Certificate is in full force and effect for four (4) years from date of issue.

A new Filing must be made every four years for as long as the business is being conducted. The certificate does not have to be displayed but you must provide a copy upon request.

Filing Process

  1. Certificate must be in black ink or typewritten. Complete the form with the exception of the expiration date.
  2. Signatures must be notarized if not signed in Town Clerk's Office.
  3. Fee is $40.00 (Checks made payable to Town of North Attleboro).
  4. Discontinuance, Change of Residence, Change of Location of Business, Withdrawal, or Deceased from Business or Partnership the fee is $20.00. Follow  Steps 1  and 2 above and return to the North Attleboro Town Clerk's Office.
  5. If you wish to receive a certified copy of the Business Certificate, please enclose a SELF ADDRESSED STAMPED envelope.

Penalties

Violators of these provisions shall be subject to a fine of not more than three hundred ($300.00) dollars for each month during which said violation continues.

Please Note:

A business certificate does not give you permission to operate your business; it only registers your name. It is your responsibility to obtain all appropriate permits and/or licenses for your business from the Building Department, Board of Health, and/or other licensing authorities. 

Filing a Business certificate with the Town Clerk merely allows consumers and/or creditors to identify the name(s) of the actual owner(s) of a business. It does not protect your name as a corporate filing or a trademark does.

Any questions please call the Town Clerk's Office at (508) 699-0100 ext 2561.