FILING A BUSINESS CERTIFICATE

(Mass. General Laws, Chapter 110, Section 5)

WHAT IS A BUSINESS CERTIFICATE?

A business certificate is a local registration of a business that is

conducted within the Town of Kingston. It is commonly referred to as a

“d/b/a” form or “doing business as” form. Its purpose is primarily for

consumer protection and public information purposes. Essentially, the

public has a right to know who “is” a particular business; since, more

often than not, a customer will not know who owns the business simply by

the name of that business.

NOTE: A business certificate is not a license to do business in

town. Additional licenses/permits issued by other town

departments or state agencies may be required in order to do

business. Please check with the Building Inspector/Zoning

Enforcement Officer (781-585-0505) to determine if the business is

an allowed use in the intended zoning district.

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) must file a business certificate.

Any corporation doing business in a name other than its corporate name

must file a business certificate. The certificate must be completed and

signed by an officer having corporate signatory authority.

WHERE DOES ONE FILE?

File with the Town Clerk, either in person or by mail, in every city or

town where an office of said business may be situated.

WHAT ABOUT A CHANGE?

Upon discontinuing, retiring or withdrawing from such business, or in

the case of a change of residence of such person or of the location

where the business is conducted, a statement of change or discontinuance

must be filed with the office of the Town Clerk.

DOES A BUSINESS CERTIFICATE EXPIRE?

A business certificate is in full force and effect for four (4) years

from the date of issue. A renewal filing must be made every four years

as long as the business is being conducted.