The Department of Revenue requires most businesses (corporations) incorporated in Massachusetts to file an annual certification entity tax status. This year, the deadline for filing is April 1, 2014.

 

The certification helps to ensure that a company appears on the annual Corporations Book, which is used by cities and towns in Massachusetts to help determine which corporations are eligible for local property tax benefits, and to help local boards of assessors with the assessment of property taxes.

 

Any corporation that does not complete the online application by April 1st may be omitted from the Corporations Book and may not receive personal property tax exemptions to which it would otherwise be entitled.

 

According to the Department of Revenue, any entity that (1) does not own real or personal property in Massachusetts as of January 1, (2) is a non-profit corporation that may be eligible for local property tax exemptions, or (3) is a sole-proprietor, would not be required to file the annual certification of entity tax status.

 

To learn more about how to complete the required filing, please refer to Directive 12-5 or FAQs.  If you have any questions about this or any other state or federal tax issue, please contact us.