Business Certificates

What Is a Business Certificate

A Business Certificate is a local registration of a business that is conducted within the Town (must be a physical address in Randolph; NO P.O. Boxes or mailing center boxes are allowed) 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 cost for a Business Certificate is $50 and checks or money orders can be made payable to the "Town of Randolph."

View the Business Certificate/DBA form (PDF)

A business certificate is not a license to conduct business in the Town of Randolph Additional licenses/permits issued by other town departments or state agencies may be required in order to conduct business. Please refer to the Town of Randolph Zoning Ordinances for more information. If needed you may be required to check with the Building Commissioner/Zoning Enforcement Officer at 781-961-0921.

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 as an individual, a partnership, or a corporation. See Mass General Law. Exemptions to filling are allowed under section 6 and certain other exemptions exist for trusts and limited partnerships.

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 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. If the address being used for the business is a home address, the person filing must reside at the same address. If the person filing does not reside at the same address as the business, the homeowner must be listed and sign the certificate. All signatures must be made in front of a notary or the Town Clerk. Do not sign the certificate unless it is in front of one of these individuals. An individual must be 18 years of age or older to legally sign a business certificate.

How Long Is the Business Certificate Good

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.

Tax Information for Businesses

The Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) can answer questions regarding collecting sales tax or other tax questions you may have through the Taxpayer Assistance Bureau. The DOR has a number of publications regarding business taxes that may answer commonly asked questions.

You obtain an employer identification number EIN number from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).