What licenses and permits are required to open a restaurant in Massachusetts?

Opening a restaurant in Massachusetts requires obtaining several licenses and permits. These include a business certificate (DBA), an Employer Identification Number (EIN), a MassTaxConnect account, and a food service permit from the City of Boston's Inspectional Services Department. The specific licenses and permits required may vary depending on the nature of your restaurant and the city or town it is located in.

1. Business Certificate (DBA)

• Purpose: This certificate is required if your company name is different from your legal business name. It allows you to operate your business in your city or town.
• How to Register: You can apply for this certificate with the town or city where your business is located. Check your town or city’s website for more details about filing a business certificate.

2. Employer Identification Number (EIN)

• Purpose: This number is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number. It is required for all businesses except sole proprietorships with no employees.
• How to Register: You can apply for an EIN on the IRS website.

3. MassTaxConnect Account

• Purpose: If your business is responsible for collecting and paying taxes to the state, you'll need to create a MassTaxConnect account.
• How to Register: You can create a MassTaxConnect account on the Massachusetts Department of Revenue website. You will need your Social Security number, EIN/FEIN, the start date of your business, and your business's legal and mailing addresses.

4. Food Service Permit

• Purpose: To open a restaurant in Massachusetts, you need to apply for a food service permit from your town or city's Inspectional Services Department.
• Estimated Cost: Permit fees vary depending on the type of establishment and its size. For example, a sit-down restaurant with no take-out has a minimum fee of $200 for up to 100 seats, then $1 for each seat after 100. A retail food location with less than 2500 square feet has a minimum fee of $100, with an additional $50 fee for each 1000 square feet in excess of 2500.
• How to Register: You can apply for the permit by bringing your completed application, documents, and payment to the Division of Health Inspections at 1010 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA 02118. The office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. If you are paying with cash or credit card, you need to make your payment by 3:30 p.m.

For more detailed information, please refer to the following sources:

• Massachusetts General Laws
• Massachusetts City and Town Websites
• IRS EIN Application
• MassTaxConnect Registration
• Boston Inspectional Services Department

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