Business Certificates

What is a Business Certificate?
Commonly known as a “DBA” (“doing business as”), a business certificate creates public record of the name and address of the owner(s) of a business. This also includes anyone operating any type of home-based business. Consumers are entitled to this information.
 
Who must file a Business Certificate?
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 110, Section 5 states that any person conducting business in the Commonwealth under any title other than the real name of the person conducting business, whether individually or as a partnership, shall file a Business Certificate in the office of the Town Clerk of every city or town where an office of any such person or partnership may be situated.
 
How do I file or renew a Business Certificate?
Forms are available at the Town Clerk’s Office, 454 College Highway, or by calling 413.569.5504. Each person named on the certificate must sign the form in person at the Town Clerk’s Office.
 
Applicants must file each of the following: a Business Certificate, a Supplement to State Form 486, a Worker’s Compensation Insurance Affidavit, an Emergency Operation form and a Building Department form. Please be careful to fill out all of the information on the forms completely. Filing fee: $25.00
 
Please note a verification of all obligations due to the Town of Southwick will be researched and no Business Certificate will be issued until all are paid in full.
 

Download Business Certificate Application Packet

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

NO, filing a Business Certificate (DBA) does not protect your business name. The protection of a trademark (word, name, symbol or device) in Massachusetts is accomplished through the Secretary of States office.

What if I discontinue or withdraw from the business?

A Statement of Discontinuance from must be completed and filed with the Town Clerk if one of the following occurs before the expiration:

  • Business is discontinued
  • One or more persons named on the certificate is withdrawn or retired from the business or partnership.
  • One or more of the persons named on the certificate dies.

A filing fee of $5.00 will be charged for the above changes.

Download Discontinuance Form

Any other items that might be needed before I open my business?

The issuance of a Business Certificate by the Town Clerk does not ensure your compliance with other state and local laws and regulations. The operation of your business may require the issuance of licenses and or permits as mandated by local and state laws and regulations including but not limited to the Zoning By-Laws of Southwick, Code of the Town of Southwick, and the Massachusetts Building Code to conduct business in the Town of Southwick.

The operation of your business in the Town of Southwick may require contact with one or more of the following municipal departments for required permits and licenses that may include the following:

BUIDLING DEPARTMENT
PLANNING BOARD
SELECTMAN'S OFFICE
BUILDING PERMIT
SPECIAL PERMIT
ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE
PLUMBING PERMIT
 
LIQUOR LICENSE
ELECTRICAL PERMIT
 
AUTO DEALERSHIP
SIGN PERMIT
  
 
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
FIRE DEPARTMENT
 
VARIOUS LICENSES OR PERMITS
STORAGE OF FLAMMABLES

*To ensure that your business is legally permissible and to avoid added expenses or unnecessary delays to the opening of your business, it is strongly recommended that you contact the above mentioned municipal departments prior to initiating any work associated with your business venture.

For more information about starting a business in Massachusetts can be found on the State’s website: www.mass.gov.