Business Certificates (DBAs)

Business Certificates, commonly referred to as DBAs (Doing Business As), can be obtained at the Town Clerk's office during regular business hours. Appointments are not required at this time.  Fees and proper identification (driver's license preferred) are required at the time of filing.  Certificates should be filed by the owner(s) of the business.

Fees: $20 (Cash, Check payable to the "Town of Paxton" or Debit/Credit are accepted. Please note there is a $1 fee for Debit/Credit.)
The certificate is valid for a period of four years from the date of filing.  Additional certified copies of your DBA may be obtained. The fee is $5.00 per copy. 
 
Who needs a Business Certificate (DBA)?   Any person conducting business in the Commonwealth under any title other than the real name of the person conducting the business, whether individually or as a partnership, shall file in the office of the clerk of every city or town where an office of any such person or partnership may be situated.  (MA Gen Law Chapter 110 Section 5)
 
Can I file online? No. The certificate must be signed in the presence of the Town Clerk or in the presence of a person authorized to take oaths.
 
Renewing DBAs: Certificates should be renewed every four years as long as the business is in operation.
 
Ending or Changing a DBA: A person who has filed a DBA, upon discontinuing, retiring or withdrawing from such business or partnership, or in the case of a change of residence of such person or of the location where the business is conducted, file in the office of the Town Clerk a statement under oath and pay the required fee of $10.00.  In the case of death of such a person, such statement may be filed by the executor or administrator of his estate. 
 
Fines: Persons conducting a business in the Town of Paxton without a Business Certificate may be fined up to $300 for each month during which such violation continues. 
 
LLCs: Limited Liability Companies are different than DBAs.  You will need to file a DBA if you are conducting business under any name other than the official name of the LLC or any variation of the LLC name.   LLCs are obtained at the state level. For more information on LLCs click here.