Show All Answers

1. What is a Business Certificate, DBA (doing business as)?

A Business Certificate is a local registration of a business that is conducted within the Town and filed with the Town Clerk, either in person or by mail, in every city/town where a business of any such person, partnership or corporation may be situated. It is commonly referred to as a "d/b/a" (doing business as). The primary purpose of filing is to protect consumers or creditors by identifying the names and addresses of the owners of the business. Essentially, the public has a right to know who "is" a particular business, since a customer will not know who owns the business simply by the name of the business.

Note: A business certificate is not a license to do business in the Town of Bedford. Additional licenses / permits issued by other town departments or state agencies may be required in order to do business. Please refer to the Town of Bedford Zoning Bylaws for conducting a business in the business district or the residential / home business. You may be required to check with the Code Enforcement Office at 781-275-7446.

2. Who must file?

Any person conducting a business under any title (business name) other than the complete real name of the person conducting the business must file a certificate. A person is defined here as an individual, a partnership, or a corporation.

Exemptions to filling are allowed under section 6 if the corporation is doing business in its true corporate name, or if a legal partnership is doing business under any title which includes the true surname of any. Certain other exemptions exist for trusts and limited partnerships.

3. Who must sign the Business Certificate?

If the business is owned solely by one person, only that person needs to sign. If it is a partnership of two or more people (but not a formal legal entity), both or all of the "partners" must sign. If it is a legal partnership, any officer who has the authority to sign on behalf of the partnership may do so. If it is a corporation, an officer who has signatory authority must sign - which is usually the President, but not always. All signatures must be made in front of a notary or at the Town Clerk's Office.

4. How long is my Business Certificate valid?

Business Certificates are valid for a period of four years from the date of its original filing. They must be renewed every four years for as long as the business is being conducted.

5. What if I “go out of business”, change my residence; change the location of the business or want to change the name or owner of the business?

Change of Residence as listed on the certificate, change of location of the business within the town (but keeps the same business name): You must file either a Statement of Change of Residence or a Statement of Change of Location of Business.

Discontinuance of business, retire or withdraw from conducting business (i.e.: go out of business or move it to another town: You must file a Statement of Discontinuance. If you will be conducting a "Going out of Business Sale" please contact the Town Clerk's office regarding the legal requirements for this type of sale.

Change the name of the business or the owner of a business: You must first file a Discontinuance and then file a new Certificate for the new business or owner's name. You cannot simply change the name of the business. You are discontinuing business in one name and starting a business in a new name.

In case of death of the owner of the registered business (d/b/a): A statement may be filed by the executor or administrator of the estate.

6. Does the filing of a Business Certificate protect me from others using the same name?

No, the protection of a trademark (word, name, symbol or device) in Massachusetts is accomplished through the Secretary of State's Office. 

7. What are the fees?

• Filing / Renewal of a Business Certificate: $35 (4 years)
• Changes: $25
• Certified Copies: $5
• Photocopies: 5 cents / page

Cash, or a check made out to the "Town of Bedford", are the only accepted forms of payment. If filing by mail, please do not send cash. Credit and Debit Cards are not accepted.

8. Must I display a copy of my Business Certificate?

The law states that copies of your certificate must be available at the address at which the business is conducted, and shall be produced for inspection upon request during regular business hours to any person who has purchased goods or services from such business.

9. What is the penalty if I do not file a certificate or statement?

Massachusetts Law states that violations will be punished by a fine of not more than three hundred dollars ($300) for each month during which the violation continues.

10. Where do I get tax information regarding my business?

The Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) can answer all of your questions regarding collecting sales tax or other tax questions you may have. The Taxpayer Assistance Bureau is open from 8:45 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. The toll-free number is 800-392-6089 or 617-887-6367. The DOR has a publication entitled "A Guide to Sales and Use Tax" which answers the most commonly asked questions about sales/use tax.

FID Numbers

Obtained from the IRS at 800-829-1040 or 617-523-1040.