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Massachusetts · MA

Business Banking for Lawyers in Massachusetts

Free business checking with 1.75% APY, built-in accounting, and unlimited sub-accounts for lawyers in Massachusetts.

Starting a Law Business in Massachusetts

State Tax Rate

5% (flat rate, plus 4% surtax on income over $1M)

LLC Filing Fee

$500 (LLC/PLLC)

Major Markets

Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge

Key Requirements in Massachusetts

Must pass the Massachusetts bar exam (or qualify via UBE score transfer)
IOLTA trust account required for client funds
Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements vary by state
Professional liability (malpractice) insurance recommended

Best Banks for Lawyers in Massachusetts

Compare Massachusetts's top business banking options for lawyers.

1

Holdings

$0/mo · 1.75% APY

Free business checking with built-in AI accounting, unlimited sub-accounts, and FDIC insurance up to $3M. Available nationwide including Massachusetts.

Key Features

  • Free business checking
  • Built-in AI bookkeeping
  • Unlimited sub-accounts
  • 1.75% APY on all balances

Pros

  • No fees, no minimums
  • Accounting included free
  • FDIC insured up to $3M

Cons

  • No physical branches
  • No cash deposit
2

Eastern Bank

Regional bank

Best for: lawyers in Greater Boston

Pros

Massachusetts' largest mutual bank, strong business services

Cons

Primarily eastern Massachusetts

3

Rockland Trust

Regional bank

Best for: lawyers needing commercial credit in MA

Pros

Massachusetts-focused, strong commercial lending

Cons

Monthly fees on some business accounts

4

Needham Bank

Community bank

Best for: lawyers in suburban Boston

Pros

MetroWest Boston, personalized business banking

Cons

Very limited branch network

Why Lawyers in Massachusetts Choose Holdings

Free Business Checking

No monthly fees, no minimums, no hidden costs. Every dollar stays in your business.

Built-In AI Bookkeeping

Automatic transaction categorization, real-time P&L and balance sheet. No QuickBooks needed.

1.75% APY on Every Dollar

Your operating funds earn interest while they sit. No tiered rates, no caps.

Unlimited Sub-Accounts

Organize funds by job, project, or purpose. Track payroll, taxes, and expenses separately.

Lawyers Banking in Massachusetts — FAQ

Do law firms in Massachusetts need a separate business bank account?

Yes — Massachusetts attorneys are required to maintain an IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers' Trust Account) for client funds, separate from their operating account. This is a core ethical requirement enforced by the Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners.

What type of business entity should a law firm use in Massachusetts?

Most Massachusetts law firms operate as a PLLC (Professional Limited Liability Company), PC (Professional Corporation), or LLP (Limited Liability Partnership). Filing fee is $500 for an LLC/PLLC. Check with the Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners for entity restrictions.

What banking features matter most for Massachusetts law firms?

Law firms in Massachusetts need IOLTA-compliant trust accounting, easy separation of client and operating funds, robust transaction tracking for billing, and ideally integration with practice management software. AI bookkeeping can automate trust reconciliation.

Can Massachusetts lawyers use online-only banks?

Yes, but your IOLTA account must be held at an institution approved by the Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners. Many online banks qualify, but verify IOLTA eligibility before opening. Your operating account can be at any bank.

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Ready to open your account?

Holdings offers free banking with 1.75% APY for lawyers in Massachusetts. Open your account in minutes.

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