How to start a restaurant in Massachusetts (2026)
Everything a new restaurant in Massachusetts needs in the first months: registration, licenses, taxes, insurance and the yearly deadlines, with official links.
1. Register your business
Most owners form an LLC with the Massachusetts Corporations Division. Once it's registered, find it here to claim a free website and see your exact dates.
2. Licenses
In Massachusetts, your county or city health department usually issues food service permits. Call them before you sign a lease; most review kitchen plans first.
Your city or county may also require a general business license or tax receipt.
3. Taxes
Get a free EIN from the IRS first. How. Register with Massachusetts before your first taxable sale. Register in Massachusetts
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax for the year, you pay estimated tax four times a year.
Massachusetts's yearly report
An annual report is due by your formation anniversary date each year. The state fee is about $500.
Example: an LLC formed today would have its first one due Oct 4, 2027.
Your first-month checklist
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Get your food service and health permits
In Massachusetts, your county or city health department usually issues food service permits. Call them before you sign a lease; most review kitchen plans first.
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Get food safety certified
Most places require a certified food manager on staff and food handler cards for the crew.
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Get your EIN
Free from the IRS, online in about 10 minutes. Banks, clients and payroll all ask for it. You never need to pay a service for it. How to get it free
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Open a business bank account
Keeps the company's money separate from yours, which is what protects your LLC. See options
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Register for sales tax if you sell taxable goods or services
Register with Massachusetts before your first taxable sale. Register in Massachusetts
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Get general and liquor liability insurance
Liquor liability matters if you'll serve alcohol; landlords usually require both. See options
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Choose a POS system
Handles orders, card payments and tips, and feeds your bookkeeping. See options
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Payroll and workers' comp before your first hire
Most states require workers' comp once you have employees, and payroll software handles the tax filings. See options
What insurance costs
| Coverage | Median per month |
|---|---|
| General liability | $47 |
| Business owner's policy (BOP) | $190 |
| Workers' compensation | $100 |
| Liquor liability | $64 |
| Commercial auto | $222 |
Source: Insureon, Sep 2026. Your price depends on your work, location and history.
Other trades in Massachusetts
Sources: state agency sites linked above; annual report rules compiled from state sites (checked Oct 2026). Rules change, so confirm with the agency before filing.