How to start a child care business in Massachusetts (2026)
Everything a new child care business in Massachusetts needs in the first months: registration, licenses, taxes, insurance and the yearly deadlines, with official links.
1. Register your business
Most owners form an LLC with the Massachusetts Corporations Division. Once it's registered, find it here to claim a free website and see your exact dates.
2. Licenses
Massachusetts licenses child care centers, and family child care homes usually need a license once they care for more than a few unrelated children. Expect a home or site inspection, health and safety training, and background checks. Massachusetts child care licensing
Your city or county may also require a general business license or tax receipt.
3. Taxes
Get a free EIN from the IRS first. How. Register with Massachusetts before your first taxable sale. Register in Massachusetts
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax for the year, you pay estimated tax four times a year.
Massachusetts's yearly report
An annual report is due by your formation anniversary date each year. The state fee is about $500.
Example: an LLC formed today would have its first one due Oct 4, 2027.
Your startup checklist
0 of 23 steps done · Check steps off as you go. Saved on this device.
Make it official0/7
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Register your business
Most owners form an LLC with the Massachusetts Corporations Division. Massachusetts business filing
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Get your child care license
Massachusetts licenses child care centers, and family child care homes usually need a license once they care for more than a few unrelated children. Expect a home or site inspection, health and safety training, and background checks. Massachusetts child care licensing
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Run background checks
Licensed programs need background checks, usually including fingerprints, for every adult who works with the children.
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Get your EIN
Free from the IRS, online in about 10 minutes. Banks, clients and payroll all ask for it. You never need to pay a service for it. How to get it free
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Keep your home address off public records
The state publishes your registered agent's address. A registered agent service lists its office instead and forwards your legal mail.
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Sign an operating agreement
Most states don't ask to see it, but banks often do. It sets out who owns what and what happens if someone leaves.
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File your state report on time
Most states want a short report every year or two. Miss it and you can be charged late fees or lose good standing. Massachusetts due dates
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Protect your business name Optional
Registering with your state doesn't stop a business in another state from using the name. A federal trademark does.
Banking and credit0/2
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Open a business bank account
Keeps the company's money separate from yours, which is what protects your LLC.
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Start building business credit
Lenders and suppliers check your business credit file, separate from your personal score. A free account shows yours.
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Know your funding options Optional
For equipment or working capital, one application compares lenders instead of applying one by one.
Bookkeeping and taxes0/3
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Set up bookkeeping
Track every sale and expense from day one so taxes take hours, not weeks.
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Register for sales tax if you sell taxable goods or services
Register with Massachusetts before your first taxable sale. Register in Massachusetts
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Pay estimated taxes each quarter
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more for the year, the IRS wants payments in April, June, September and January. A tax pro can set them up.
Insurance0/2
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Get general liability insurance
Covers injuries to children in your care. Parents and landlords often ask for it.
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Get workers' comp before your first hire
Most states require it as soon as you have employees, even part-time.
Getting paid0/3
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Set up booking and invoicing
Online booking and automatic invoices get you paid faster.
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Send professional estimates and invoices
Numbered invoices with clear terms get paid faster. Make one free here, or use an app that tracks who owes you. Free invoice maker
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Take card payments
Customers expect to pay by card or phone. A free app and reader gets you set up the same day.
Hiring and payroll0/2
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Payroll and workers' comp before your first hire
Most states require workers' comp once you have employees, and payroll software handles the tax filings.
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Schedule shifts and track hours
A free scheduling app and time clock keeps hourly pay accurate and overtime under control.
Getting customers0/4
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Get a free website
Find your business here and we'll draft a website you can claim free. Prefer to build your own? A website builder works too. Find my business
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Get on Google Maps
A free Google Business Profile is how most local customers will find you. Step-by-step guide
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Get your own domain and email
An address like you@yourbusiness.com looks more established than a free email account.
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Get a business phone number
Keep work calls and texts apart from your personal number, on the phone you already carry.
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Get a logo and business cards Optional
A simple logo on your site, truck and invoices makes you easier to remember.
Some options are partner links: we may earn a fee if you sign up, at no cost to you. We only list services new owners commonly use. How we're paid
What insurance costs
| Coverage | Median per month |
|---|---|
| General liability | $45 |
| Business owner's policy (BOP) | $83 |
| Workers' compensation | $54 |
| Professional liability | $88 |
Source: Insureon (100,000+ customers), Feb 2026. Overall small-business figures; your trade and state can cost more or less. Your price depends on your work, location and history.
Other trades in Massachusetts
Sources: state agency sites linked above; annual report rules compiled from state sites (checked Oct 2026). Rules change, so confirm with the agency before filing.