Firearms Dealer (FFL) Permits & Licenses in Boston, MA

Required for all LLCs formed or qualified to do business in MA. Annual report required separately.

All active LLCs must file annually to maintain good standing.

Required for all retail sales of firearms, ammunition, and large capacity weapons. Local licensing authority (police chief/city clerk) issues; must comply with MGL c. 140 §§ 122-131B.

Applies to all retailers; renew online annually at no cost.

DBA filed with local city/town clerk, not state level. No renewal required unless name changes.

Required for dealers handling restricted firearms; state approval needed beyond local dealer license.

All businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Massachusetts must register for sales tax collection. Firearms are tangible personal property; thus, sales are subject to Massachusetts sales tax unless specifically exempted. However, federal law (26 U.S.C. § 7872) exempts firearms from state sales tax if sold by a licensed dealer under FFL regulations. Despite this, registration is still required to document compliance and establish tax accounts. Confirm exemption status with DOR.

Required for all employers with Massachusetts-based employees. Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages and remit it to DOR. Applies regardless of business type, including FFLs with employees.

All employers in Massachusetts must register and pay UI tax. This includes LLCs operating as firearms dealers. The tax funds unemployment benefits. Rate increases may apply after experience rating is established.

Massachusetts LLCs are typically pass-through entities. Profits are reported on owners' personal tax returns (Form 1 MA). The LLC itself may need to file Form 3 for composite returns or non-resident members. All businesses with income sourced in Massachusetts must comply.

Required under 26 U.S.C. Chapter 53 for certain firearms dealers. Applies to manufacturers, importers, and dealers of NFA firearms. Standard FFL holders (Type 01) must pay SOT if engaging in NFA item sales. Payment grants SOT status and is administered by ATF. This is a federal excise tax registration, not a state tax.

Some Massachusetts cities and towns impose a local business excise or privilege tax. For example, Boston imposes a Business Excise Tax based on gross receipts. Business owners must contact their city or town clerk to determine local requirements. Not universally applicable.

Massachusetts does not impose a general gross receipts tax on all businesses. Only specific industries (e.g., banks, insurers) are subject to Chapter 63A or 63B taxes. Firearms dealers operating as LLCs are not subject to these taxes.

Required for all businesses operating in Boston, MA. Renew every 4 years for $65. LLCs must file with the city clerk.

Firearms dealers typically require special permit or variance under Boston Zoning Code (effective 1/1/2021). Confirm site complies with zoning for retail/gun shops.

Required under Boston Fire Prevention Code (527 CMR). Inspection verifies sprinklers, exits for gun retail.

FFL holders must submit ATF Form 3310.4 (Report of Lost or Stolen Firearms) within 48 hours of discovery. Required under 18 U.S.C. § 923(j).

FFL must report such transactions on ATF Form 3310.4 within 24 hours. Known as the 'multiple handgun sale report'. Required under 18 U.S.C. § 923(g)(3).

If firearms are lost or stolen during shipment to or from the FFL, the licensee must report using ATF Form 3310.4 within 48 hours. Applies to all interstate and intrastate shipments.

FFL holders must not sell or transfer firearms to individuals prohibited under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) and (n), including felons, domestic abusers, unlawful drug users, etc. Determined via NICS check and Form 4473.

FFL holders must renew their license every 3 years. The renewal application (Form 7) must be submitted prior to expiration. No fee increase for renewal as of 2024. Source updated in 2023.

While the FFL business itself does not need an LTC, individual proprietors, partners, or employees who handle firearms must possess a valid License to Carry (LTC) issued by the local police department. Renewal required every 6 years.

All Massachusetts LLCs must file an Annual Report with the Secretary of State by the anniversary date of the LLC's formation. The report includes business address, registered agent, and principal office information. Failure to file results in a $500 late fee and potential dissolution.

LLCs taxed as S-Corporations must file Form 1120-S by March 15. Single-member LLCs report income on Schedule C with individual return (Form 1040) due April 15. Extensions available via Form 7004 or Form 4868.

Businesses expecting to owe $1,000 or more in federal taxes must make quarterly estimated tax payments using Form 1040-ES. Due dates are April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15.

All firearms dealers must collect and remit Massachusetts sales tax (6.25%) on taxable sales. Filing frequency (monthly or quarterly) is determined by the DOR based on sales volume. Filings are submitted via MassTaxConnect.

Boston Building Code (780 CMR). Firearms dealers often need secure storage areas requiring permits.

Per Boston Zoning Code Article 10. All businesses with signage require review.

Boston Police Code. High-security requirement for firearms businesses.

Verifies compliance with building, fire, and zoning codes post-inspection.

MGL c. 156C §15 requires LLCs to designate local agent for service of process.

Only if offering food service. Not typical for FFL but included for completeness.

Springfield Code of Ordinances Chapter 322 requires additional local firearms business registration beyond state/FFL.

Sole proprietors with no employees are exempt. Coverage must be with a carrier authorized by the DIA.

Required for all FFL types except collectors (Type 06) and a few other limited categories.

Mandated by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 131. The bond is payable to the Commonwealth.

ATF guidance recommends general liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage claims arising from dealership operations.

Provides protection against claims that a firearm sold was defective or caused injury; strongly advised by ATF best‑practice guidelines.

FFL holders must maintain Acquisition and Disposition (A&D) records of all firearms transactions. Records must be kept for at least 20 years and made available for ATF inspection at any time. Electronic records acceptable if compliant with ATF P 5300.10 standards.

FFL dealers must submit ATF Form 3310.4 (Multiple Sale or Other Distribution Report) within 24 hours of sale. Reports are submitted electronically via e3310.4 system or fax. Required for tracking potential straw purchases.

The original FFL certificate must be prominently displayed at the business premises. Failure to display may be cited during ATF inspections.

If the business chooses to prohibit firearms on its premises, it must post a sign at each entrance stating 'The possession of firearms is prohibited on these premises' in letters at least 1 inch high. Sign must be in English and Spanish.

ATF conducts compliance inspections of all FFL holders. Initial inspection occurs within 3 years of licensing. Subsequent inspections may occur every 3 years or more frequently based on risk. Inspection includes records, security, and compliance with 18 U.S.C. § 922 and 27 CFR Part 478.

Employers must display posters on minimum wage, OSHA rights, EEO, and wage payment laws. Available for download from Mass.gov. Required for all employers with one or more employees.

ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record) must be completed for every firearm sale and retained for 20 years. Must be available for inspection by ATF at any time. Electronic storage permitted if compliant with ATF standards.

FFL dealers must maintain a bound, numbered acquisition and disposition record (commonly called the 'bound book') for all firearms. Records must be kept in chronological order and retained for 20 years. Electronic systems acceptable if compliant with ATF P 5300.10.

ATF requires secure storage of firearms and records. This includes a secure container (safe or vault) and/or alarm system. Security plan must be documented and available for inspection. Requirements vary based on inventory and location.

Massachusetts law requires commercial auto liability coverage for any vehicle used in the conduct of business.

May be useful for legal defense related to advice or services provided, but Massachusetts law does not require it for firearms dealers.

Only required for businesses that sell alcoholic beverages; not relevant to a firearms dealership.

Required under 18 U.S.C. § 923 for any person engaged in the business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing in firearms. A Type 01 FFL is standard for retail firearms dealers. Must complete ATF Form 7 (5300.7) and undergo background check. Business must be registered as a legal entity (e.g., LLC) prior to application.

SOT is not required for standard FFL dealers who do not handle NFA-regulated firearms. Paid in addition to FFL application fee. Required under 26 U.S.C. § 5801.

Required for all LLCs operating as firearms dealers. Even single-member LLCs must obtain an EIN if they have employees or are classified as a corporation for tax purposes. Applies regardless of employee count due to federal firearms regulatory context.

Under 18 U.S.C. § 923(g), all FFL holders must maintain a bound, permanently bound record book (or approved electronic system) logging all firearm acquisitions and dispositions. Must be available for ATF inspection at any time. Records must be retained for 20 years after business closure.

ATF Form 4473 must be completed for every non-exempt firearm transfer. Must be retained for minimum of 20 years after the date of sale. Applies to all FFL holders regardless of state. Required under 18 U.S.C. § 923(g).

All FFLs must initiate a NICS check via the FBI or a state point of contact before transferring a firearm to a private individual. Required under the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (18 U.S.C. § 922(t)). Massachusetts uses the state police as the point of contact.

Firearms may only be transferred across state lines to another FFL. Private sales to out-of-state residents must be routed through an FFL in the buyer’s state. Required under 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(3).

Applicant must certify under penalty of perjury that they will not engage in the business of dealing in firearms unless licensed and will not sell to prohibited persons. Part of ATF Form 5000.10 (Application for Federal Firearms License).

ATF requires all FFL applicants to have a secure storage plan. Firearms must be stored in a locked container (e.g., gun safe or vault) and premises must have adequate locks and alarms. Required under 27 CFR § 478.50. Inspection occurs during FFL application process.

All employers, including firearms dealers, must complete Form I-9 for each employee to verify identity and work authorization. Required under the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA). Applies regardless of business type but strictly enforced in regulated industries.

FFL holders may not sell handguns to persons under 21 or long guns to persons under 18. Applies federally regardless of state law. Enforced under the Gun Control Act of 1968.