Landscaping Business Permit Requirements in Boston, MA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a landscaping business in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.

Updated 2026-03-13 6 stops $400–$1,000 est. 4-10 weeks
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of Massachusetts

4 stops

  1. MA Home Improvement Contractor Registration (OCABR)

    Required by the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) for landscaping businesses performing residential home improvement work, including hardscaping, retaining walls, and outdoor improvements. Registration requires a $150 fee and background check.

    Official government source

    $150/year2-4 weeks

  2. MA Department of Agricultural Resources - Pesticide Applicator License

    Required by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) for commercial landscape businesses applying pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Requires passing a state exam in the applicable pesticide application categories.

    Official government source

    $75-$2004-8 weeks

  3. MA Sales Tax Registration (DOR)

    Required by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Landscaping services in Massachusetts are generally not taxable as services, but the sale of plants, mulch, and materials may be subject to the 6.25% sales tax. Register with MA DOR if selling taxable materials.

    Official government source

    Free1-2 weeks

  4. MA Secretary of State Business Registration

    Required by the Massachusetts Secretary of State for LLCs, corporations, and other formal business entities. Landscaping businesses must register their entity with the MA SOS Corporations Division.

    Official government source

    $35-$500 (one-time filing, varies by entity type)1-2 weeks

City of Boston / Suffolk County

1 stop

  1. City of Boston Business Certificate

    A Business Certificate (DBA) is required from the Boston City Clerk for any business operating under a trade name in Boston. Landscaping companies serving Boston clients must file this certificate before beginning commercial operations.

    Official government source

    $65 (for 4 years)1-2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$1,000 · 4-10 weeks

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Official Sources

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