Business Certificates

What is a Business Certificate? (MGL Ch 110 Sec.5)

A business certificate is the registration of a business that is being conducted and is located within the town of Truro. It is commonly called a “d/b/a” (doing business as). Its primary purpose is to protect consumers or creditors by identifying the names and address of the owners of the business. Businesses  are not allowed to register at a Post office box, you must have a valid, physical Truro address.

Who Must File?

Any person conducting a business in Truro, individually or as a partnership, under any title or name other than their own name must file a business certificate with the Town Clerk. If a corporation is operating a business in a name, other than the incorporated name, they too need to file.

Exemptions

The following are exempted from filing a business certificate with the Town Clerk:

• Corporation doing business under its true corporate name which is required to file records and reports with the state secretary, corporations division.
• Partnership doing business under a title which includes the true surname of any partner.
• Association which has complied with MGL ch.159 sec.5&6 related to common carriers whose agents must file information with the state treasurer.
• Partnership, joint stock company or association conducted under a written instrument or declaration of trust, provided that the names of the trustees, with a reference to the instrument or declaration of trust, have been filed on a business certificate.

Where Does One File?

File with the Town Clerk, 24 Town Hall Rd, Truro, MA, 02666 either in person or by mail. If filing by mail the business certificate must be completed, signed and notarized. A check in the amount of $30.00, made payable to the Town of Truro, and a self-addressed stamped envelope must accompany the certificate.

If your Business is located in your residence you must check with the Building Inspector and or Health Inspector to see if any special permits are required depending on the nature of your business.

What if I Am No Longer in Business or I Move?

If a business is discontinued, or it the information related to the business or the individuals conducting the business changes after the original filing, a statement of discontinuance or changes must be filed with the Town Clerk.

The filing fee is $30, and the business certificate (PDF) is valid for 4 years.

Does a Business Certificate Expire?

A business certificate is in force and effect for four(4) years from the date of issue. A new filing must be made every four years as long as the business is conducted.

Do I Have to Display the Certificate?

No, however you must provide a copy on request during regular business hours, to any person who has purchased goods or services from such business.

Penalties

Violations of these provisions shall be subject to a fine of not more than three hundred dollars ($300) for each month during which such violation continues.

Please be advised: The issuance of a Business Certificate by the Town Clerk does not certify or imply that the business registered thereunder is in conformance with applicable local, state or federal laws or regulations. It shall be the responsibility of the business owner to demonstrate compliance with all Town of Truro Building, Zoning, Health, and Licensing requirements.

Filing a Business certificate, "d/b/a" does not give  a person a license to operate a Business.

Additional Information

Filing a business certificate at the local Town Clerk's office does not protect your name as it does a corporation filing or a trademark registration (which is done through the State). It also does not give you permission to operate a business in the town. It only registers your name (some states refer to these as fictitious name documents). In order to operate a business locally in the town, you must get the appropriate permits, permissions, variances, and licenses. 

A business certificate primarily allows consumers and/or creditors to identify the names of the actual owners of a business and, in some cases, helps in opening up a bank account for the business. Therefore, a city or Town Clerk may even accept more than one certificate with an identical business name in order to provide this public record.