{"meta":{"key":"s_ma--pass-01","task":"S_MA","title":"SMA Massachusetts provider market access and consumer fees","parent_title":"Massachusetts debt and debt relief law","edition":"pass-01","path":"/research/s_ma--pass-01/","kind":"split_pass","category":"state","role":"state","area_numbers":[66],"groups":["collections"],"date":"2026-10-24","tables":8,"claims":36,"sources":35,"review_status":"revise","review_complete":true,"sha256":"b481e9990998c43c2f1c36e15de815f50aef1b1d7bce437dc64e80b9cf1e40ec","headings":["A. Substantive findings","1. Definitions and classification: follow the activities and money flow","2. Prohibited, conditionally permitted, and excluded models","3. Fee bases, limits, indexing, and refunds","4. When fees may be requested or received","5. Actual permission, application, and lookup evidence","6–7. Worked examples and retained coverage","B. Source register","B1. Statutes, judicial authorities, and operational materials actually read","B2. Material inaccessible sources and discovery-only leads","C. Claim register","D. Worked examples and component coverage","Worked examples","Component coverage and exact next investigations","E. Researcher self-check"],"generation_provenance":{"actual_route":"regular_chat_adaptive_models","actual_model":"GPT-6","actual_mode":"Pro","provenance_limit":"Actual documented capture labels only; missing labels remain unknown. No preferred setting is inferred as actual execution."},"public_id":"S_MA/pass-01","facets":{"geography":["us","us-ma"],"debt_type":["unknown"],"stage":[],"subject":["definitions-classification","fees-outcomes","provider-licensing"]},"scope":"Provider market access and consumer fee framework only; all other Massachusetts categories remain required","pending_corrections":0},"markdown":"# S_MA PASS-01 — Massachusetts provider market access and consumer fees\n\n**Baseline requested:** October 22, 2026, Pacific.\n**Actual research access:** October 23, 2026, Pacific.\n**Component disposition:** **Partially resolved, with specific evidence holds.** This answer establishes the principal statutory restrictions, conditional attorney and nonprofit pathways, several fee and refund rules, and the available public verification routes. It does **not** establish an ordinary Massachusetts debt-settlement license available to a commercial provider, approve a particular provider, or complete the Massachusetts dossier or A066 acceptance.\n\n**The central finding:** Massachusetts regulates the underlying conduct through overlapping credit-counseling, debt-pooling, unauthorized-practice, and credit-services provisions. A commercial provider cannot establish permission merely by calling its service “settlement,” avoiding physical custody, employing an attorney, obtaining a collection license, or adopting a nonprofit label. The precise noncustodial and remote-provider boundaries remain unresolved on the primary evidence successfully retrieved. **[C001–C014]** [malegislature.gov+3](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section4A?utm_source=chatgpt.com)\n\nFor readability, **S001 means S_MA-P1-S001**, and **C001 means S_MA-P1-C001**. The registers below give the full identifiers.\n\n## A. Substantive findings\n\n### 1. Definitions and classification: follow the activities and money flow\n\nThe provisions actually read do not supply one interchangeable definition covering everything marketed as debt adjustment, settlement, negotiation, DMP administration, or credit counseling.\n\n| Conduct or model | Massachusetts classification established by the retrieved text | Consequence and boundary |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Budget advice and credit education | **c.180 §4A(a), (c), (d)** cover budgeting, credit education, and combinations. | The express restriction in §4A targets the distribution activity in clause **(b)**. Pure education still requires separate analysis if it includes credit-repair representations or legal advice. **C001, C005** |\n| Creditor-approved income distribution/DMP | **c.180 §4A(b)** describes an individual transferring an agreed income amount for distribution under a creditor-approved plan, potentially involving smaller payments or a longer term. | The statutory pathway is restricted to an attorney or the specified chapter 180 charitable corporation. **C001, C003–C004** |\n| Debtor-side advice or services connected with deposited funds for creditor distributions | **c.221 §46C** treats the specified debt-pooling activity as practicing law. It covers offering the service as well as furnishing it. | The prohibition is not conditioned on charging a fee. Deferring compensation does not cure prohibited conduct. **C002** |\n| Negotiating principal reduction | No successfully retrieved current provision establishes a general commercial “principal-reduction” exemption. | Principal reduction versus interest, payment, or term concessions does not by itself determine whether pooling or legal practice occurs. **C006** |\n| Provider never physically possesses the money, but requires a dedicated account | Section 46C speaks of the debtor depositing funds; it does not expressly require deposit directly with the provider. | **Held:** the independent account arrangement cannot be declared outside §46C from its custody label alone. **C006** |\n| Negotiation with no required savings account, no pooling, and direct debtor-to-creditor payments | The facts differ from the express distribution/pooling models. | **Held:** neither a categorical prohibition nor affirmative clearance was established for every such arrangement. General unauthorized-practice and credit-services rules remain relevant. **C006, C010** |\n| Paid credit improvement, obtaining credit, or related assistance | Potential **credit services organization**, or CSO, under **c.93 §68A**. | Actual promises and services control. Settlement is not automatically a CSO service solely because the seller uses that label. **C010–C011** |\n| Creditor-side collection or third-party servicing | Separate **c.93 §§24–24A** classifications. | A collection license or servicing registration does not itself authorize debtor-side debt pooling. **C012** |\n\nThese distinctions come from the operative statutory passages, not provider descriptions. [malegislature.gov+4](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section4A?utm_source=chatgpt.com)\n\n#### Consumer debt, business debt, and self-creditor activity\n\nThe statutes have different scopes:\n\n- **Section 4A** describes services to individuals.\n- **Section 68A** defines the relevant extension of credit as primarily personal, family, or household, including deferral of payment.\n- **Section 46C** contains no express personal/family/household limitation.\n\nConsequently, a “business debt” designation does not establish a universal exemption from the pooling or unauthorized-practice provisions. A corporation renegotiating its own receivable presents a different relationship from a provider advising a debtor about distributions to other creditors; it does not create a transferable exemption for the debtor’s service company. **C007, C013** [malegislature.gov+3](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section4A?utm_source=chatgpt.com)\n\n#### Resident and remote-provider nexus\n\n**Unresolved:** I did not retrieve an authoritative interpretation squarely establishing how §§4A and 46C apply to every out-of-state provider serving Massachusetts residents remotely.\n\nThe remaining analysis must distinguish residence, solicitation into Massachusetts, where services are performed, required deposits, account control, and the contractual relationship. An out-of-state address is not established as a safe harbor. **C008**\n\n### 2. Prohibited, conditionally permitted, and excluded models\n\n| Model | Market-access finding | Governing authority and conditions |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Ordinary nonlawyer commercial debt-pooling operation | **Prohibited when the activity satisfies §46C and no applicable exception exists.** | c.221 §§46, 46A, 46C. No ordinary debt-settlement license overriding that prohibition was established. **C002, C014** |\n| Chapter 180 charitable credit-counseling corporation | **Conditional statutory pathway.** | c.180 §4A; c.221 §46D expressly excludes the qualifying corporation and its agents from §§46–46C. Chapter 180 organization, credit-counseling purpose, applicable charitable compliance, and the continuing boundary against general legal practice matter. **C003, C027–C028** |\n| Nonprofit principal-reduction program | **Activity-specific hold.** | The verified nonprofit pathway cannot be expanded into unrestricted legal representation or every form of settlement negotiation. **C003, C006** |\n| Massachusetts attorney providing the service | **Conditional professional pathway.** | Actual Massachusetts authority to practice and compliance with applicable professional and other law are necessary. **C004, C020** |\n| Commercial company with an attorney relationship | **No automatic exception.** | Section 46’s entity restrictions and professional-entity conditions must be satisfied; hiring or referring to an attorney is insufficient by itself. **C004** |\n| Pure education/budget assistance without the restricted activity | **Not prohibited by §4A’s clause-(b) restriction merely because it is counseling.** | This is a limited textual conclusion, not blanket authorization under all applicable law. **C005** |\n| Paid CSO services | **Conditional conduct regime, not a debt-pooling license.** | c.93 §§68A–68D establish coverage, exclusions, timing, disclosures, and cancellation rules. **C010–C011, C016–C019** |\n| Debt collector or third-party loan servicer | **Separate licensing/registration regime.** | Division of Banks authority under c.93 §24A addresses the defined collection/servicing activity. It does not displace §§4A or 46C. **C012** |\n\nThe express nonprofit exception in **§46D** is important: reading §46C without it would overstate the prohibition. Conversely, reading §46D without **§4A’s continuing restriction on legal practice** would overstate the nonprofit permission. [malegislature.gov+3](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46D?utm_source=chatgpt.com)\n\n#### The exclusions do not transfer between statutes\n\nThe **§68A CSO exclusions** encompass authorized lenders, HUD-approved lenders, insured banks and their subsidiaries, authorized credit unions, §501(c)(3) nonprofits, in-scope real-estate brokers, Massachusetts-authorized attorneys acting within their practice, in-scope SEC/CFTC broker-dealers, and consumer reporting agencies. These are exclusions from that CSO definition. They do not automatically supply an exception to debt-pooling or unauthorized-practice restrictions. **C011** [malegislature.gov](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68A?utm_source=chatgpt.com)\n\nSimilarly, the collector definition has its own exclusions, including specified own-creditor employees, affiliates, fiduciary/escrow situations, qualifying nonprofit counseling distributions, and attorneys. Their conditions must be evaluated under that separate statute. **C012**\n\n#### Foreign nonprofits\n\nThis remains a distinct hold:\n\n- Chapter 180’s definition of a corporation is domestic.\n- Sections 4A and 46D use an organization-under-chapter-180 condition.\n- Chapter 156D addresses foreign qualification and generally gives an authorized foreign corporation the rights and duties of a domestic corporation of like character.\n\nI found no successfully read controlling authority reconciling those provisions for this specific exemption. **Foreign qualification is not established as automatically sufficient; Massachusetts reincorporation is also not established as invariably necessary. C009** [malegislature.gov+3](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section2?utm_source=chatgpt.com)\n\n### 3. Fee bases, limits, indexing, and refunds\n\n#### No verified statewide numerical debt-service fee schedule\n\nThe retrieved **c.180 §4A, c.221 §§46C–46D, and c.93 §§68A–68D** do not establish a numerical consumer fee schedule for these services.\n\n| Fee category requested | Verified result in this pass |\n| --- | --- |\n| Setup/enrollment fee | No specific current Massachusetts dollar cap or affirmative authorization established. |\n| Monthly DMP/counseling fee | No specific current dollar or percentage ceiling established. |\n| Settlement completion fee | No Massachusetts numerical ceiling established. Federal timing remains separate. |\n| Per-debt fee | No Massachusetts per-debt numerical cap established. |\n| Percentage of enrolled debt/principal | No Massachusetts percentage entitlement established. |\n| Percentage of savings | No Massachusetts percentage entitlement established; the nonprofit tax overlay below is material. |\n| Aggregate program fee | No statewide numerical aggregate cap established in the retrieved provisions. |\n| CPI/indexed adjustment | No applicable adjustment mechanism and current official adjusted amount were verified. **No CPI calculation was invented.** |\n\n**This is not a finding that fees are unlimited.** Activity prohibitions, timing rules, unfair/deceptive-practice law, professional duties, tax-exemption conditions, and potentially relevant fee regulations remain applicable or require resolution. **C015, C020–C021, C032–C033** [malegislature.gov+3](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section4A?utm_source=chatgpt.com)\n\n#### Verified fee restrictions and related amounts\n\n**CSO services.** Section 68B restricts charging or receiving compensation before complete agreed performance, with a specified bond-and-trust exception. Its **$10,000 minimum surety bond is not a consumer fee ceiling**. A fee solely for referral to retail credit on substantially general-public terms is prohibited. Sections 68C–68D require cost information and establish the cancellation protection discussed below. **C016–C019**\n\n**Attorneys.** In *Matter of Zak*, the SJC rejected the theory that Rule 1.5 independently authorizes advance fees despite other applicable prohibitions. The current complete Rules 1.5 and 1.16 were inaccessible. Official informal bar guidance supports prompt return of unearned amounts, but expressly lacks substantive legal effect; it cannot substitute for the operative rules. **C020** [bbopublic.massbbo.org+1](https://bbopublic.massbbo.org/web/f/12073.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)\n\n**Tax-exempt credit-counseling organizations.** The retrieved **26 U.S.C. §501(q)** requires a reasonable fee policy and inability-to-pay waivers. Subject to its state-law allowance, it restricts percentage-of-debt, DMP-payment, and savings fees. It also addresses incidental credit-repair charges and, for §501(c)(3) organizations, soliciting consumer contributions during counseling/services. These are federal exemption conditions, not Massachusetts licensing permission. The 2024 Code text and current IRS explanation were read; the later amendment chain remains a narrow currentness hold. **C021** [INTERNAL REVENUE CODE+1](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title26/html/USCODE-2024-title26-subtitleA-chap1-subchapF-partI-sec501.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com)\n\n#### Historical numbers and proposals must not become current caps\n\n*Home Budget Service* describes the defendant’s **6% of indebtedness plus 10–15 cents per creditor per week**. Those were historical charges in a business adjudged unlawful—not judicially approved fee limits. **C030**\n\nLikewise, **H.956 of the 193rd General Court** proposed a new chapter 255G licensing scheme. Its history records referral to a study order; that study’s final history records no further action. The bill is not used here as enacted licensing or fee authority. **C014** [law.justia.com+3](https://law.justia.com/cases/massachusetts/supreme-court/volumes/335/335mass228.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)\n\n### 4. When fees may be requested or received\n\n#### Massachusetts CSO timing\n\nFor a covered, nonexcluded CSO, **§68B(1)** bars charging or receiving compensation before full, complete, satisfactory performance unless the organization has **both** the required authorized surety bond and the specified Massachusetts-located, federally insured institution trust account.\n\nThat state exception:\n\n- Does not legalize otherwise prohibited pooling;\n- Does not override an independently applicable federal advance-fee restriction;\n- Does not establish a general installment or “partly performed” collection entitlement. **C016, C026**\n\nUnder **§68D**, timely cancellation is without penalty or obligation through midnight of the third business day following signing; payments must be returned within **10 days after receipt** of the cancellation notice. The refund period is stated as days, not business days. **C019** [malegislature.gov+1](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68B?utm_source=chatgpt.com)\n\n#### Federal TSR: common context, separately applicable\n\nFor covered debt-relief telemarketing, fees cannot be requested or received until the customer has executed the qualifying debt-change agreement, made the required first creditor payment, and the fee satisfies the applicable allocation rule. A dedicated-account deposit is not itself earned provider compensation. **C023–C025** [ecfr.gov](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.4?utm_source=chatgpt.com)\n\nCoverage includes qualifying inbound responses to debt-relief advertising; there is no general attorney exemption. Actual face-to-face transactions and bona fide nonprofit jurisdictional questions require their own analysis. A provider’s Massachusetts exception does not decide federal coverage. **C022** [ecfr.gov+1](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.6?utm_source=chatgpt.com)\n\nFor credit-repair promises, **§310.4(a)(2)** has a distinct timing rule involving expiration of the promised performance period and a qualifying consumer report issued more than six months after achieving the promised results. **CROA, 15 U.S.C. §1679b(b),** separately prohibits covered credit-repair organizations from charging or receiving payment before agreed services are fully performed. Neither rule should be replaced by the debt-settlement first-payment test. **C026** [ecfr.gov+2](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.4?utm_source=chatgpt.com)\n\n### 5. Actual permission, application, and lookup evidence\n\n| Pathway | Actual public material inspected | What it establishes—and what remains |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Chapter 180 formation | Secretary’s nonprofit filing instructions and actual four-page Articles of Organization form | An operational formation route exists. Article II requests the purpose; Article VI addresses the organization’s effective date. Formation alone is not an activity-specific approval. **C027** |\n| Public charity compliance | c.12 §§8E–8F | Registration before covered charitable work/fundraising, organizational submissions, and annual reporting are established. The live registration/search portals did not yield usable records. **C028** |\n| Corporate verification | Secretary’s corporate search interface loaded with search fields | A real public lookup route was reached. No named entity’s record or eligibility was verified. **C029** |\n| Attorney verification | BBO attorney lookup interface loaded | A real professional lookup route was reached. No named lawyer’s current status or a service company’s authorization was verified. **C029** |\n| Commercial settlement license | No current applicable application or enacted ordinary licensing pathway established | Collection/servicing procedures cannot substitute for permission under the pooling provisions. **C012, C014** |\n\nThe presently linked corporate form states a **$35 filing fee**; §8E specifies a **$100 initial charity registration fee**. These are governmental filing amounts, not borrower service-fee limits or permission to pass them through. **C036** [sec.state.ma.us+4](https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/filing-by-subject/corporations/corporations-domestic-non-profit.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com)\n\n### 6–7. Worked examples and retained coverage\n\nSection D provides the requested plain-text calculations, classification holds, and component coverage table. All other Massachusetts dossier categories remain open.\n\n## B. Source register\n\n**Access convention:** Every row was checked or attempted on **2026-10-23 Pacific**.\n**Read** means the specified passage or interface was actually retrieved. **Blocked/discovery** means it supplies no substantive operative text. Multiple sections of one chapter or regulatory document retain one source ID.\n\n### B1. Statutes, judicial authorities, and operational materials actually read\n\n| Source ID | Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s) | Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| **S_MA-P1-S001** | **MGL chapter 180**, Massachusetts General Court. [https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section2](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section2?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ; [https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section3](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section3?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ; [https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section4](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section4?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ; [https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section4A](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section4A?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Read:** §2(c), §3, §4(k), complete §4A. Official currently posted Massachusetts codification. Original enactment and complete later session-law chain not independently reconstructed. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S002** | **MGL chapter 221**, Massachusetts General Court. [https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ; [https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46A](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46A?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ; [https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46C](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46C?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ; [https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46D](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46D?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Read:** complete listed sections. Massachusetts corporate/individual law-practice restrictions, pooling rule, nonprofit exception. Current posted codification; no universal remote-service interpretation supplied. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S003** | **MGL chapter 12**, Massachusetts General Court. [https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter12/Section8E](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter12/Section8E?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ; [https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter12/Section8F](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter12/Section8F?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Read:** §8E(a), including enumerated exclusions; §8F reporting provisions. Current posted Massachusetts law. Government filing charges are distinct from consumer charges. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S004** | **MGL chapter 93**, Massachusetts General Court. [https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section24](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section24?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ; [https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section24A](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section24A?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ; [https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68A](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68A?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ; [https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68B](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68B?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ; [https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68C](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68C?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ; [https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68D](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68D?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Read:** relevant definitions/exclusions and licensing paragraph in §§24–24A; complete §§68A–68D. Current posted Massachusetts codification. Collector regulation and full enforcement consequences are not completed here. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S005** | **MGL c.93A §2**, Massachusetts General Court. [https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93A/Section2](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93A/Section2?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Read:** §2(a)–(c), unfair/deceptive practices and regulatory authority. Current posted Massachusetts law. Not a numerical fee schedule. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S006** | **MGL chapter 156D**, Massachusetts General Court. [https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section1.40](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section1.40?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ; [https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section15.01](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section15.01?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ; [https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section15.05](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section15.05?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Read:** foreign/domestic definitions; §15.01(a), (c), particularly outside acceptance/interstate commerce; §15.05(b). Current posted law. Does not itself resolve the specific chapter 180 exemption question. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S007** | ***Home Budget Service, Inc. v. Boston Bar Association*, 335 Mass. 228 (1957)**, Massachusetts SJC; court opinion reproduced by Justia. [https://law.justia.com/cases/massachusetts/supreme-court/volumes/335/335mass228.html](https://law.justia.com/cases/massachusetts/supreme-court/volumes/335/335mass228.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Read:** pp.230–234, business facts, historical charges, legal analysis, and injunction. Primary judicial text on a secondary host. As-applied holding; no complete subsequent-treatment check. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S008** | ***Matter of David Zak*, 476 Mass. 1034 (2017), SJC-12073**, SJC opinion on official BBO host. [https://bbopublic.massbbo.org/web/f/12073.pdf](https://bbopublic.massbbo.org/web/f/12073.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Read:** PDF p.4, “Advance fees,” corresponding to 476 Mass.1037; surrounding disposition. Decided April 10, 2017. Mortgage-services facts; used only for the rule that professional fee rules do not override other fee prohibitions. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S009** | **Office of Bar Counsel guidance: “Working With A Client Who Has Reported You”**, BBO host. [https://bbopublic.massbbo.org/web/f/Working%20With%20A%20Client%20Who%20Has%20Reported%20You.pdf](https://bbopublic.massbbo.org/web/f/Working%20With%20A%20Client%20Who%20Has%20Reported%20You.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Read:** PDF p.3 on unearned-fee/expense refunds; p.4 disclaimer. Massachusetts informal guidance, expressly without substantive legal effect. Current operative rule text not supplied by this article. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S010** | **Domestic Non-Profit Corporations filing instructions**, Secretary of the Commonwealth. [https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/filing-by-subject/corporations/corporations-domestic-non-profit.htm](https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/filing-by-subject/corporations/corporations-domestic-non-profit.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Read:** formation and annual-report instructions, linked forms. Current public operational page, not an enactment or service approval. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S011** | **Articles of Organization—General Laws Chapter 180**, Secretary. [https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/download/180art.pdf](https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/download/180art.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Read:** four-page form, especially p.1 fee/Article II and p.3 Article VI. Form revision printed **11/6/13**, currently linked from S010. Older form date is not a legal effective date. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S012** | **Corporate Search**, Secretary. [https://corp.sec.state.ma.us/corpweb/CorpSearch/CorpSearch.aspx](https://corp.sec.state.ma.us/corpweb/CorpSearch/CorpSearch.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Read:** functioning search interface and entity/name/identifier fields. No named-provider result retrieved. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S013** | **Attorney Lookup**, Massachusetts BBO. [https://massbbo.my.site.com/AttorneyRegistrationIntermediary](https://massbbo.my.site.com/AttorneyRegistrationIntermediary?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Read:** attorney search interface. No named-attorney status retrieved. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S014** | **16 CFR part 310**, FTC, eCFR/OFR. [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.2](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.2?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ; [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.4](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.4?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ; [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.6](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.6?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Read:** §310.2(o), telemarketing definition; §310.4(a)(2), (a)(5)(i)–(ii); relevant §310.6 exemptions. Displayed current through **10/21/2026**; authoritative but unofficial eCFR. Federal context only. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S015** | **Debt Relief Services & the Telemarketing Sales Rule: A Guide for Business**, FTC. [https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/debt-relief-services-telemarketing-sales-rule-guide-business](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/debt-relief-services-telemarketing-sales-rule-guide-business?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Read:** coverage, attorney/nonprofit discussion, collecting fees, dedicated accounts. Staff guidance, expressly nonbinding; exact regulation controls. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S016** | **26 U.S.C. §501**, official 2024 U.S. Code, GPO/GovInfo. [https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title26/html/USCODE-2024-title26-subtitleA-chap1-subchapF-partI-sec501.htm](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title26/html/USCODE-2024-title26-subtitleA-chap1-subchapF-partI-sec501.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Read:** §501(q)(1)(A)–(C), (2)(A), and related definitions/notes. Federal tax-exemption conditions. Post-2024 amendment chain not completely verified. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S017** | **Credit counseling legislation—New criteria for exemption**, IRS. [https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/credit-counseling-legislation-new-criteria-for-exemption](https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/credit-counseling-legislation-new-criteria-for-exemption?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Read:** counseling standards, reasonable fees, inability-to-pay waiver, prohibited percentage basis. Current agency explanation; S016 supplies statutory qualifications. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S018** | **15 U.S.C. §1679b**, official 2024 U.S. Code, GPO/GovInfo. [https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title15/html/USCODE-2024-title15-chap41-subchapII-A-sec1679b.htm](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title15/html/USCODE-2024-title15-chap41-subchapII-A-sec1679b.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Read:** subsection (b), advance-payment restriction. Federal CROA context. Complete current definitions/exemptions and post-2024 amendment chain not closed. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S019** | **Credit Repair Organizations Act**, FTC statutory overview. [https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/credit-repair-organizations-act](https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/credit-repair-organizations-act?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Read:** statutory description and advance-payment prohibition. Agency overview corroborates S018; does not replace operative text. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S020** | **H.956, 193rd General Court**, bill text and history, Massachusetts Legislature. [https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H956](https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H956?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ; [https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H956/House/Bill/Text](https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H956/House/Bill/Text?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Read:** proposed §1 replacement of c.180 §4A; proposed chapter 255G §§1–4; history entry June 3, 2024, study H.4705. **Historical proposal, not enacted authority in this report.** |\n| **S_MA-P1-S021** | **H.4705, 193rd General Court**, Massachusetts Legislature. [https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H4705](https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H4705?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Read:** study-order history; December 31, 2024 entry, no further action. Historical legislative disposition; not a licensing statute. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S034** | **940 CMR Attorney General regulations catalog**, Secretary. [https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/bookstore/agencies/940-attorney-general.htm](https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/bookstore/agencies/940-attorney-general.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Read:** listing for 940 CMR1.00–38.00, including unfair/deceptive fees. Catalog only; no operative clauses or effective date. No purchase made. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S035** | **Telemarketing Sales Rule—Final Rule Amendments**, FTC, **75 FR48458**, August 10, 2010. [https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2010-08-10/pdf/2010-19412.pdf](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2010-08-10/pdf/2010-19412.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Read:** p.48458 effective-date notice; pp.48519–48520 operative §310.4(a)(5); p.48491 dedicated-account discussion. Historical adoption: general amendments September 27, 2010; fee provision October 27, 2010. Current text cross-checked against S014. Entire preamble not reviewed. |\n\n### B2. Material inaccessible sources and discovery-only leads\n\n| Source ID | Identified document / issuer; direct literal URL(s) | Actual access result; consequence and next evidence |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| **S_MA-P1-S022** | **Selected Opinion 01-181**, Massachusetts Division of Banks. [https://www.mass.gov/opinion/selected-opinion-01-181](https://www.mass.gov/opinion/selected-opinion-01-181?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ; [https://www.mass.gov/doc/selected-opinion-01-181/download](https://www.mass.gov/doc/selected-opinion-01-181/download) | **403; operative text not read.** Search indexing is discovery only. Its precise scope, qualifications, and continuing status are held. Need full official opinion and any modification/withdrawal record. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S023** | **Online Charity Filing Portal instructions**, Massachusetts AG. [https://www.mass.gov/info-details/online-charity-filing-portal](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/online-charity-filing-portal) | **403.** Current procedural instructions not verified beyond statutory requirements. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S024** | **Charity Registration portal**, Massachusetts AG. [https://masscharities.my.site.com/CharityRegistration/s/](https://masscharities.my.site.com/CharityRegistration/s/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Loading/CSS error; no usable application content.** No filing attempted. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S025** | **Public Charity Filing Search**, Massachusetts AG. [https://masscharities.my.site.com/FilingSearch/s/](https://masscharities.my.site.com/FilingSearch/s/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Loading/CSS error; no usable records.** No named charity’s compliance verified. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S026** | **940 CMR38.00, Unfair and Deceptive Fees**, Massachusetts AG. [https://www.mass.gov/regulations/940-CMR-3800-unfair-and-deceptive-fees](https://www.mass.gov/regulations/940-CMR-3800-unfair-and-deceptive-fees?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ; [https://www.mass.gov/doc/940-cmr-38-unfair-and-deceptive-fees/download](https://www.mass.gov/doc/940-cmr-38-unfair-and-deceptive-fees/download?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ; [https://www.mass.gov/doc/junk-fee-regulations-940-cmr-3800-0/download](https://www.mass.gov/doc/junk-fee-regulations-940-cmr-3800-0/download) | **403 on operative routes.** S034 confirms catalog inclusion only. Full final text, adoption, amendments, effective/enforcement chronology, exceptions, and debt-service application remain held. Proposed text was not substituted. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S027** | **Guidance with Respect to Unfair and Deceptive Fees**, Massachusetts AG. [https://www.mass.gov/doc/guidance-with-respect-to-unfair-and-deceptive-fees-2026123/download](https://www.mass.gov/doc/guidance-with-respect-to-unfair-and-deceptive-fees-2026123/download?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **403.** Filename/indexing is not proof of operative date or contents. Need actual guidance reconciled with S026. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S028** | **209 CMR18.00 final-amendments document**, Massachusetts Division of Banks. [https://www.mass.gov/doc/209-cmr-1800-conduct-of-the-business-of-debt-collectors-student-loan-servicers-and-third-party-loan-servicers-final-amendments-effective-92625/download](https://www.mass.gov/doc/209-cmr-1800-conduct-of-the-business-of-debt-collectors-student-loan-servicers-and-third-party-loan-servicers-final-amendments-effective-92625/download) | **403.** Claimed date embedded in filename was not treated as verified legal effect. Full regulation/adoption record remains unread. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S029** | **950 CMR106, Non-Profit Corporations**, Secretary. [https://www.mass.gov/doc/950-cmr-106-non-profit-corporations/download](https://www.mass.gov/doc/950-cmr-106-non-profit-corporations/download?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **403.** Full current formation regulation not read; S001 and operational documents supply only the findings expressly stated. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S030** | **SJC Rules of Professional Conduct / rules compilation**, Massachusetts SJC. [https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/rules-of-professional-conduct-rule-15-fees](https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/rules-of-professional-conduct-rule-15-fees?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ; [https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/rules-of-professional-conduct-rule-116-declining-or-terminating-representation](https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/rules-of-professional-conduct-rule-116-declining-or-terminating-representation) ; [https://www.mass.gov/doc/massachusetts-supreme-judicial-court-rules-and-orders/download](https://www.mass.gov/doc/massachusetts-supreme-judicial-court-rules-and-orders/download?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ; [https://www.massbbo.org/Rules](https://www.massbbo.org/Rules?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **Mass.gov403; BBO Loading/CSS error.** Complete current Rules1.5/1.16 and operative amendment orders held. S008’s decision and S009’s informal guidance do not close that gap. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S031** | **DMB Financial amended complaint**, Massachusetts AG-hosted document. [https://www.mass.gov/doc/dmb-financial-amended-complaint/download](https://www.mass.gov/doc/dmb-financial-amended-complaint/download) | **403.** Allegations, exact counts, dates, and disposition relationship not verified from actual text. A complaint would not itself establish an adjudicated rule. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S032** | **Purported DMB Financial final judgment / consent-order bundle**. Official route: [https://www.mass.gov/doc/dmb-financial-final-judgement-0/download](https://www.mass.gov/doc/dmb-financial-final-judgement-0/download?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ; discovered mirror: [https://infobytes.orrick.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Buckley%20InfoBytes-%20DMB%20and%20Global%20Client-%20Consent%20Order%20-MA%20AG%20-%202021.08.30.pdf](https://infobytes.orrick.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Buckley%20InfoBytes-%20DMB%20and%20Global%20Client-%20Consent%20Order%20-MA%20AG%20-%202021.08.30.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | Official route **403**. Mirror returned **59 pages, zero extracted text lines**; screenshot attempts supplied no inspectable image. **No judgment terms were read.** Need readable signed/entered order, separation from pleadings, and subsequent modification history. |\n| **S_MA-P1-S033** | **AG DMB-resolution press-release lead**. [https://www.mass.gov/news/ag-healey-secures-1-million-in-first-of-its-kind-resolution-with-debt-settlement-company](https://www.mass.gov/news/ag-healey-secures-1-million-in-first-of-its-kind-resolution-with-debt-settlement-company?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | **403.** Title/URL is discovery only. Not used to prove settlement amounts, legal holdings, fee limits, or provider authorization. |\n\n**Additional current-code failure routes:** OLRC preliminary-code pages for §§501 and 1679b returned maintenance/error responses, and attempted 2025 GovInfo versions did not yield usable text. The successful 2024 editions are therefore identified by their actual version, not silently relabeled 2026.\n\n## C. Claim register\n\n**Confidence key:** **High** = directly supported within the identified text’s scope. **Bounded** = a legal synthesis or limited operational finding. **Held** = missing evidence prevents the proposed conclusion. High confidence does not mean an exhaustive subsequent-history or whole-state review.\n\n| Claim ID | Precise assertion | Sources and exact pinpoints | Conditions, currentness, confidence |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| **S_MA-P1-C001** | Section4A distinguishes budget advice, creditor-approved income distributions, education, and combinations; its express provider restriction targets clause(b). | S001, §4A(a)–(d), second paragraph. | **High**, current posted text; classification follows actual conduct. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C002** | Specified debtor-side pooling services are law practice; a nonmember of the Massachusetts bar may not furnish or offer them absent an applicable exception. | S002, §46C; §§46–46A; S007 pp.232–234. | **High** for the express pooling model. No fee-taking element is required. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C003** | The chapter180 credit-counseling corporation and its agents have an express §46D exception; §4A still restricts general legal practice and requires applicable reporting. | S001 §4A, paragraphs2–3; S002 §46D. | **High**, conditional statutory pathway; nonprofit branding alone insufficient. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C004** | The attorney pathway requires actual practice authority and compliant entity structure; an attorney connection does not exempt an ordinary company. | S002 §§46, final paragraph; 46A; 46C; S004 §68A(g). | **High** for text; complete current SJC professional rules held. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C005** | The clause(b) restriction does not by its terms prohibit every standalone educational or budgeting service. | S001 §4A(a), (c), second paragraph; S002 §§46–46A. | **Bounded**; other legal-practice or CSO activity can change classification. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C006** | Principal reduction, concessions, and “noncustodial” labels do not establish an exemption; third-party-account and genuinely deposit-free models require separate analysis. | S001 §4A(b); S002 §46C; S007 pp.230–234. | **Held** for categorical clearance of modern noncustodial models. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C007** | The statutes’ purpose scopes differ; §46C supplies no express consumer-purpose limit, while §68A’s extension-of-credit definition does. | S002 §46C; S004 §68A definitions; S001 §4A. | **High** textual comparison; no blanket commercial-debt safe harbor established. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C008** | Precise remote-provider/resident nexus was not established by a successfully read authoritative interpretation. | S001 §4A; S002 §46C; S022 inaccessible. | **Held**; provider location alone does not prove exemption. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C009** | Foreign qualification’s effect on the specific chapter180 organization condition remains unresolved. | S001 §2(c), §4A; S002 §46D; S006 §§1.40, 15.01, 15.05(b). | **Held**; neither automatic eligibility nor mandatory reincorporation established. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C010** | Paid credit improvement, obtaining credit, and related advice can trigger CSO coverage; an individual service’s promises must be examined. | S004 §68A, CSO/buyer/extension definitions. | **High** definition; **bounded** application to settlement. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C011** | Section68A’s enumerated exclusions apply to that definition and do not automatically remove pooling restrictions. | S004 §68A(a)–(i); S002 §§46C–46D. | **High** exclusions; **bounded** cross-statute synthesis. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C012** | Collector licensing and third-party-servicer registration are separate from debtor-side pooling permission. | S004 §§24–24A; S002 §46C. | **High** statutory distinction; full209CMR18 and current application process held. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C013** | Restructuring one’s own receivable differs from advising the debtor under a creditor-distribution plan. | S002 §§46, 46C; S004 §24. | **Bounded**; purchased-debt and creditor-side collection rules remain for later analysis. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C014** | No ordinary commercial debt-settlement licensing route was established; H.956’s proposed chapter255G is not used as enacted authority. | S001–S002; S020 §1/proposed§§1–4 and history; S021 final history. | **High** proposal status; absence of a route is a bounded research finding, not an exhaustive negative certificate. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C015** | No setup, monthly, settlement, per-debt, principal, savings, aggregate, or indexed cap was established in the core provisions read. | S001 §4A; S002 §§46C–46D; S004 §§68A–68D; S005 §2. | **Bounded**; does not mean unlimited fees. S026–S030 gaps remain. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C016** | Covered CSOs cannot charge/receive before full satisfactory agreed performance unless both the authorized ≥$10,000 bond and specified trust account exist. | S004 §68B(1). | **High**; no override of other prohibitions and no numerical consumer cap. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C017** | A covered CSO cannot charge solely for referral to retail credit offered on substantially general-public terms. | S004 §68B(2). | **High**; applies to the described referral, not every introduction. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C018** | Required CSO disclosures precede contract or payment, whichever first; payment terms include totals payable to the provider or another person. | S004 §68C opening paragraph and service/cost disclosures; §68D(c)–(d). | **High**; third-party charges cannot simply disappear from the required total. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C019** | Section68D provides the three-business-day cancellation window and return of payments within10 days after notice receipt. | S004 §68D(a)–(b). | **High**; no penalty/obligation during that statutory window; not an unlimited later-cancellation rule. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C020** | Rule1.5 does not independently authorize fees prohibited elsewhere; unearned-fee refund guidance is supportive but informal. | S008 PDFp.4; S009 pp.3–4. | **High** for *Zak* holding; current full-rule/refund framework **held**. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C021** | Section501(q) imposes reasonable-fee/waiver conditions and qualified percentage-fee restrictions; §501(c)(3) contribution solicitation is also constrained. | S016 §501(q)(1)(A)(iv), (B), (C), (2)(A)(i); S017 criteria list. | **High** in2024 text; post-2024 amendment chain partial. Federal exemption conditions only. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C022** | TSR debt relief includes unsecured balance and concession services; attorney and nonprofit questions do not turn solely on labels. | S014 §310.2(o), telemarketing definition, §310.6(b)(3),(5),(6); S015 coverage sections. | **High** within federal coverage; face-to-face exception has transaction conditions. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C023** | Covered debt-relief fees require a customer-executed valid debt-change agreement and at least one payment under it before request/receipt. | S014 §310.4(a)(5)(i)(A)–(B); S035 p.48519. | **High**, federal timing only; not Massachusetts permission. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C024** | Individually resolved debts use proportional total-fee allocation on enrollment balances, or the same savings percentage across debts; savings use enrollment amount minus actual satisfaction payments. | S014 §310.4(a)(5)(i)(C)(1)–(2); S035 p.48519. | **High** formula; no federal percentage ceiling is created. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C025** | The dedicated-account exception requires insurance, consumer ownership/interest, administrator independence, no referral compensation, and penalty-free withdrawal with timely return less properly earned fees. | S014 §310.4(a)(5)(ii)(A)–(E); S035 pp.48491,48519–48520. | **High**; return deadline7 business days. Not state pooling authorization. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C026** | Applicable CROA and TSR credit-repair timing remain independent of the Massachusetts bond/trust exception and debt-relief first-payment test. | S018 §1679b(b); S019; S014 §310.4(a)(2)(i)–(ii). | **High** read restrictions; complete CROA applicability/current amendment chain remains partial. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C027** | Actual chapter180 formation instructions and an Articles form are publicly available; they do not constitute provider-specific service approval. | S001 §§3,4(k); S010 formation section; S011 ArticlesII,VI. | **High** operational evidence; formation regulation S029 unread. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C028** | Covered domestic/foreign public charities must register before Massachusetts charitable activity and comply with applicable annual reporting. | S003 §8E(a), §8F; S001 §4A. | **High** statutory requirement; enumerated exclusions remain; portal procedure partial. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C029** | Corporate and attorney lookup interfaces were reached, but no named provider or lawyer was verified. | S012–S013, actual interfaces; S024–S025 failures. | **High** research observation; no status inference. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C030** | The historical6% and weekly creditor charges in *Home Budget Service* are factual charges, not permissible caps. | S007 p.230, read with pp.232–234. | **High** historical distinction. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C031** | No DMB judgment fee, refund, access, or noncustodial rule is established in this report. | S031–S033 retrieval failures. | **Held**; unread documents cannot support operative propositions. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C032** | 940CMR38’s specific requirements, exceptions, and legal chronology remain unverified despite official catalog inclusion. | S026–S027 failures; S034 catalog. | **Held**; no cap, authorization, or effective date inferred. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C033** | Complete operative209CMR18,950CMR106, and current professional-fee rules were not read. | S028–S030. | **Held**; exact next retrievals retained below. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C034** | Access dates and webpage dates do not establish enactment/effective dates; federal and state currentness limitations remain explicit. | Version records in S001–S006, S014, S016, S018, S020–S021, S026–S030,S035. | **Bounded** source-status finding; no full unincorporated-amendment or citator certification. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C035** | The verified cancellation/account-return rules do not establish a universal Massachusetts later-cancellation refund formula for every model. | S004 §68D; S014 §310.4(a)(5)(ii)(E); S009; S032 unread. | **High** limitation; contract and broader refund/remedy analysis remain open. |\n| **S_MA-P1-C036** | The$35 shown on the linked formation form and$100 statutory charity registration amount are governmental charges, not consumer fee caps. | S011 p.1; S003 §8E(a). | **High** distinction; no consumer pass-through permission inferred. |\n\n## D. Worked examples and component coverage\n\n### Worked examples\n\n**Common conventions:** All figures below are invented inputs, not provider prices or legal fee caps. Dollar results use cents; the arithmetic is exact, so no rounding adjustment occurs. No statutory rounding rule was established. The federal examples compute only the identified federal condition and **do not establish Massachusetts market access**.\n\n#### Example 1 — A small fee does not cure prohibited pooling\n\nPlain text\n```\nInputs: $1,500 enrolled debt; $150 monthly deposit;\n        proposed $15 monthly service fee.\nFacts: An ordinary nonlawyer company advises the debtor and\n       distributes pooled deposits to creditors; no qualifying exception.\n\nClassification base: Actual pooling/distribution activity.\nArithmetic: $15 / $150 = 0.10 = 10% of the monthly deposit.\nLegal operator: Apply c.221 §46C and relevant exceptions before fee math.\nResult: Prohibited covered activity on these assumptions.\n        No lawful fee amount is established.\nUnits/rounding: USD and percent; exact.\nBoundary: This is not a statutory \"$0 fee cap.\" The business activity\n          fails the permission test.\n```\n\n**Support:** C002, C015; S002 §46C.\n\n#### Example 2 — Half-performance is not the CSO full-performance trigger\n\nPlain text\n```\nInputs: $300 agreed service price; services 50% complete.\nAssumptions: c.93 §68A applies; no exclusion;\n             the §68B bond-and-trust exception is not satisfied.\n\nArithmetic base: $300 contract price.\nOperator/intermediate: $300 × 0.50 = $150.\nLegal operator: §68B(1)'s full-performance condition.\nResult: The $150 calculation does not establish permission to charge\n        or receive $150 now.\nUnits/rounding: USD; exact.\nBoundary: Completion and any separately applicable federal rule must\n          be assessed before collection; a percentage-complete invoice\n          does not itself satisfy this state provision.\n```\n\n**Support:** C016, C026; S004 §68B(1).\n\n#### Example 3 — Timely CSO cancellation\n\nPlain text\n```\nInputs: $100 already paid; timely written cancellation;\n        notice received during the statutory cancellation process.\nAssumptions: Covered CSO agreement; §68D cancellation right applies.\n\nRefund base: Payment made = $100.\nOperator/intermediate: $100 − $0 cancellation penalty = $100.\nResult: Return $100 within 10 days following receipt of the notice.\nUnits/rounding: USD; exact.\nBoundary: This does not validate the original collection of the payment,\n          and does not establish the refund formula after the statutory\n          cancellation window.\n```\n\n**Support:** C019, C035; S004 §68D(b).\n\n#### Example 4 — Nonprofit inability-to-pay waiver\n\nPlain text\n```\nInputs: Published counseling fee $30; consumer unable to pay.\nAssumptions: The organization is subject to §501(q);\n             inability to pay is established under its compliant policy.\n\nFee base: $30 otherwise scheduled charge.\nOperator/intermediate: $30 − $30 required waiver = $0.\nResult: Consumer fee under this waiver condition = $0.\nUnits/rounding: USD; exact.\nBoundary: $30 is illustrative, not an approved Massachusetts price.\n          Federal tax compliance does not establish state market access.\n```\n\n**Support:** C021; S016 §501(q)(1)(C), S017. [Internal Revenue Service](https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/credit-counseling-legislation-new-criteria-for-exemption?utm_source=chatgpt.com)\n\n#### Example 5 — Partial settlement and a previously collected fee: federal allocation only\n\nPlain text\n```\nInputs:\n  Enrollment balances: Debt A $2,000; Debt B $8,000.\n  Total enrolled balance: $10,000.\n  Assumed total program fee: $2,000.\n  Debt A agreement: $1,000 settlement; customer has paid first $100.\n  Previously lawfully collected fee attributable to A: $150.\n\nBase: Enrollment balances, not later accrued balances.\nOperator/intermediate:\n  A's proportion = $2,000 / $10,000 = 0.20.\n  A's allocated fee = $2,000 × 0.20 = $400.\n  Remaining A allocation = $400 − $150 = $250.\n\nResult: $250 remains within A's assumed federal allocation.\n        No fee is unlocked for unresolved Debt B by settling A.\nUnits/rounding: USD and dimensionless ratio; exact.\nFailure case: Without the executed agreement or required first payment,\n              the federal trigger is unmet.\nMassachusetts disposition: HOLD; this calculation supplies no state\n                          permission or approved 20% fee.\n```\n\n**Support:** C023–C024; S035 p.48519, cross-checked against S014. [govinfo.gov](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2010-08-10/pdf/2010-19412.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)\n\n#### Example 6 — Lower debt and a savings-based fee: federal arithmetic only\n\nPlain text\n```\nInputs:\n  Enrollment debt: $1,500.\n  Later creditor balance: $1,800.\n  Amount actually paid to satisfy the debt: $900.\n  Assumed uniform savings-fee rate: 25%.\n  Previously lawfully collected fee on this debt: $60.\n\nBase: $1,500 enrollment amount.\nOperator/intermediate:\n  Savings = $1,500 − $900 = $600.\n  Assumed fee = $600 × 0.25 = $150.\n  Remaining assumed fee = $150 − $60 = $90.\n\nResult: $90 under these assumed figures.\nUnits/rounding: USD; exact.\nFailure case: Using $1,800 would improperly change this specified base.\n              The same percentage must apply across individual debts.\nMassachusetts disposition: HOLD; 25% is not a verified state ceiling\n                          or entitlement.\n```\n\n**Support:** C024; S035 p.48519 and S014 §310.4(a)(5)(i)(C)(2).\n\n#### Example 7 — Dedicated-account withdrawal without double-deducting an earlier fee\n\nPlain text\n```\nInputs:\n  Current account balance, including interest: $1,200.\n  Properly earned but not yet deducted provider fee: $200.\n  Earlier $150 fee: already deducted before the current balance.\nAssumptions: The federal dedicated-account conditions apply and are met.\n\nBase: Current $1,200 account balance.\nOperator/intermediate: $1,200 − $200 = $1,000.\nResult: Return $1,000 within 7 business days of the request.\n        Do not subtract the earlier $150 again.\nUnits/rounding: USD; exact.\nFailure case: If the $200 was not earned under the rule, the stated\n              deduction is unavailable and the return is $1,200.\nBoundary: Massachusetts legality of the underlying program remains\n          separately unresolved.\n```\n\n**Support:** C025; S035 pp.48491, 48520; S014 §310.4(a)(5)(ii)(E). [govinfo.gov](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2010-08-10/pdf/2010-19412.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)\n\n### Component coverage and exact next investigations\n\n| Component / requested question | Status | Claim IDs | Exact missing evidence or next action |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| Statutory vocabulary and activity-based classification—Q1 | **Answered, bounded** | C001–C002, C005, C010 | Apply the verified tests to a concrete service/money-flow description; no marketing-label shortcut. |\n| Custodial commercial pooling—Q1–Q2 | **Answered for the express model** | C002, C014 | For another model, establish actual deposits, advice, distributions, and any exception before carrying over the result. |\n| Domestic charitable counseling pathway—Q2 | **Answered conditionally** | C003, C027–C028 | Verify actual chapter180 organization/purpose, charitable compliance, and limits of services for any named entity. |\n| Attorney and attorney-connected companies—Q2 | **Partial** | C004, C020, C033 | Obtain current Rules1.5/1.16 and applicable entity/practice rules and amendment orders; verify named attorney and entity separately. |\n| Principal-reduction versus concession program—Q1–Q2 | **Partial** | C006 | Retrieve authoritative interpretation defining when the particular negotiation remains permissible counseling or becomes legal representation. |\n| Third-party dedicated-account “noncustodial” model—Q1–Q2 | **Unresolved** | C006, C031 | Obtain readable DMB pleadings/order and controlling decisions interpreting §46C where a separate administrator holds funds. |\n| No-deposit, direct-payment negotiation—Q1–Q2 | **Unresolved** | C006 | Obtain a controlling ruling or formal interpretation addressing this precise model under §§46/46A/46C and §4A. |\n| Consumer/business-purpose boundaries—Q1 | **Partial** | C007, C010, C013 | Research commercial-debt applications of §46C and any relevant institutional or activity-specific authority. |\n| Remote Massachusetts-resident nexus—Q1–Q2 | **Unresolved** | C008 | Obtain a primary ruling/interpretation addressing solicitation, residence, service location, and deposit arrangements; retrieve full DOB01-181 if relevant. |\n| Foreign nonprofit qualification—Q2 | **Unresolved** | C009 | Find authoritative reconciliation of c.180 §§2/4A, c.221 §46D, and c.156D §15.05. |\n| Institutional and CSO exclusions—Q2 | **Answered textually; application conditional** | C011–C013 | Test the exact entity/activity against the particular statute; do not transfer exclusions across regimes. |\n| Numerical fees and CPI-adjusted caps—Q3 | **Partial; no applicable current schedule verified** | C015, C030, C032 | Obtain full current940CMR38, applicable orders, and any actual fee-cap/adjustment notice. Preserve exact amounts as held until verified. |\n| Massachusetts CSO performance and referral-fee restrictions—Q3–Q4 | **Answered within statutory scope** | C016–C018 | Complete entity classification and check overlapping federal restrictions for a concrete program. |\n| Cancellation, refunds, and credits—Q3–Q4 | **Answered for specified rules; otherwise partial** | C019, C025, C035 | Obtain current professional rules, readable DMB order, and applicable agreement/remedy rules for later cancellation and other refunds. |\n| Nonprofit fee conditions—Q3 | **Partial currentness closure** | C021 | Verify §501(q)’s post-2024 amendment chain and the actual entity’s federal exemption conditions. |\n| Federal TSR timing/allocation—Q4 | **Answered as common context** | C022–C025 | Confirm transaction-specific coverage; check any changes after the eCFR’s10/21/2026 displayed currency date. |\n| Related credit-repair timing—Q4 | **Partial** | C026 | Complete current CROA definitions/exemptions and amendment chain; apply §310.4(a)(2) if representations trigger it. |\n| Formation/application/lookup routes—Q5 | **Partial** | C027–C029, C033 | Retrieve usable AG charity instructions/portals and950CMR106; complete exact entity checks if a provider is later identified. |\n| Named-provider authorization—Q5 | **Not established** | C029 | Need legal entity identity, relevant records, professional status where applicable, and activity-specific analysis. No marketing claim substitutes. |\n| DMB enforcement implications | **Unresolved** | C031 | Obtain a readable signed/entered judgment; distinguish complaints from orders; verify dates, parties, operative terms, and later modifications. |\n| Fee regulation and adoption chronology | **Unresolved** | C032–C034 | Obtain final940CMR38, Massachusetts Register filing/adoption record, amendments, and actual2026 guidance. Distinguish proposal, effective date, and enforcement date. |\n| Examples—Q6 | **Answered with explicit bounds** | C002, C016, C019, C021, C023–C025 | No example supplies a missing Massachusetts license or validates an illustrative fee rate. |\n| Component coverage preservation—Q7 | **Answered** | All above | Carry each unresolved row into the next Massachusetts investigation; no implicit closure. |\n| Agreement/funds/bond/remedies; full collection, litigation, limitations, exemptions, secured debt, sector, local, tribal, contract, and general case-law coverage | **Open for later passes** | Only incidental findings above | Conduct dedicated passes. The limited bond, account, cancellation, and case discussions here do not satisfy those categories. |\n\n## E. Researcher self-check\n\n**Actually read:** the specified Massachusetts statutory sections; the relevant judicial passages in *Home Budget Service* and *Zak*; the Secretary’s formation instructions and actual form; corporate and attorney lookup interfaces; the identified federal provisions; the IRS and FTC guidance; the identified legislative histories; and the relevant 2010 federal adoption text. The source register differentiates primary judicial text reproduced on Justia from official government-hosted material.\n\n**Not read as operative authority:** DOB Opinion01-181; complete940CMR38 and its guidance/adoption record; complete209CMR18 and950CMR106; complete current professional-fee rules; usable charity portal records; and the DMB complaint/judgment. The DMB mirror’s page count did not make its contents readable. Search snippets, catalog titles, filenames, provider statements, and proposed bills were not promoted into legal permission or current fee limits.\n\n**Currentness limits:** official posted Massachusetts codification was checked, but a complete session-law amendment chain and full judicial subsequent-history review were not completed. The eCFR displayed currency through October21,2026. The successful U.S. Code tax and CROA texts were the2024 editions, with later statutory currentness expressly held. No source’s webpage-update date was treated as its legal effective date, and inaccessible material was not classified as stayed, vacated, expired, or withdrawn without evidence.\n\n**Method and independence:** this work used the existing chat’s public web tools and parallel internal research tasks. No Deep Research or separate ChatGPT conversations were used. I could not independently verify a separate UI model badge or mode designation. This is a researcher self-check, **not an independent review**.\n\n**No authorization or completion implication:** no application, contact, purchase, account change, provider approval, local-file deliverable, publication, Massachusetts acceptance, or A066 acceptance is claimed. This provider-access/fees component remains subject to the explicit holds above; all other state categories remain required.\n\nEND S_MA PASS-01.\n\n","tables":[{"headers":["Conduct or model","Massachusetts classification established by the retrieved text","Consequence and boundary"],"index":0,"links":[],"row_links":[[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[]],"rows":[["Conduct or model","Massachusetts classification established by the retrieved text","Consequence and boundary"],["Budget advice and credit education","c.180 §4A(a), (c), (d) cover budgeting, credit education, and combinations.","The express restriction in §4A targets the distribution activity in clause (b). Pure education still requires separate analysis if it includes credit-repair representations or legal advice. C001, C005"],["Creditor-approved income distribution/DMP","c.180 §4A(b) describes an individual transferring an agreed income amount for distribution under a creditor-approved plan, potentially involving smaller payments or a longer term.","The statutory pathway is restricted to an attorney or the specified chapter 180 charitable corporation. C001, C003–C004"],["Debtor-side advice or services connected with deposited funds for creditor distributions","c.221 §46C treats the specified debt-pooling activity as practicing law. It covers offering the service as well as furnishing it.","The prohibition is not conditioned on charging a fee. Deferring compensation does not cure prohibited conduct. C002"],["Negotiating principal reduction","No successfully retrieved current provision establishes a general commercial “principal-reduction” exemption.","Principal reduction versus interest, payment, or term concessions does not by itself determine whether pooling or legal practice occurs. C006"],["Provider never physically possesses the money, but requires a dedicated account","Section 46C speaks of the debtor depositing funds; it does not expressly require deposit directly with the provider.","Held: the independent account arrangement cannot be declared outside §46C from its custody label alone. C006"],["Negotiation with no required savings account, no pooling, and direct debtor-to-creditor payments","The facts differ from the express distribution/pooling models.","Held: neither a categorical prohibition nor affirmative clearance was established for every such arrangement. General unauthorized-practice and credit-services rules remain relevant. C006, C010"],["Paid credit improvement, obtaining credit, or related assistance","Potential credit services organization, or CSO, under c.93 §68A.","Actual promises and services control. Settlement is not automatically a CSO service solely because the seller uses that label. C010–C011"],["Creditor-side collection or third-party servicing","Separate c.93 §§24–24A classifications.","A collection license or servicing registration does not itself authorize debtor-side debt pooling. C012"]]},{"headers":["Model","Market-access finding","Governing authority and conditions"],"index":1,"links":[],"row_links":[[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[]],"rows":[["Model","Market-access finding","Governing authority and conditions"],["Ordinary nonlawyer commercial debt-pooling operation","Prohibited when the activity satisfies §46C and no applicable exception exists.","c.221 §§46, 46A, 46C. No ordinary debt-settlement license overriding that prohibition was established. C002, C014"],["Chapter 180 charitable credit-counseling corporation","Conditional statutory pathway.","c.180 §4A; c.221 §46D expressly excludes the qualifying corporation and its agents from §§46–46C. Chapter 180 organization, credit-counseling purpose, applicable charitable compliance, and the continuing boundary against general legal practice matter. C003, C027–C028"],["Nonprofit principal-reduction program","Activity-specific hold.","The verified nonprofit pathway cannot be expanded into unrestricted legal representation or every form of settlement negotiation. C003, C006"],["Massachusetts attorney providing the service","Conditional professional pathway.","Actual Massachusetts authority to practice and compliance with applicable professional and other law are necessary. C004, C020"],["Commercial company with an attorney relationship","No automatic exception.","Section 46’s entity restrictions and professional-entity conditions must be satisfied; hiring or referring to an attorney is insufficient by itself. C004"],["Pure education/budget assistance without the restricted activity","Not prohibited by §4A’s clause-(b) restriction merely because it is counseling.","This is a limited textual conclusion, not blanket authorization under all applicable law. C005"],["Paid CSO services","Conditional conduct regime, not a debt-pooling license.","c.93 §§68A–68D establish coverage, exclusions, timing, disclosures, and cancellation rules. C010–C011, C016–C019"],["Debt collector or third-party loan servicer","Separate licensing/registration regime.","Division of Banks authority under c.93 §24A addresses the defined collection/servicing activity. It does not displace §§4A or 46C. C012"]]},{"headers":["Fee category requested","Verified result in this pass"],"index":2,"links":[],"row_links":[[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[]],"rows":[["Fee category requested","Verified result in this pass"],["Setup/enrollment fee","No specific current Massachusetts dollar cap or affirmative authorization established."],["Monthly DMP/counseling fee","No specific current dollar or percentage ceiling established."],["Settlement completion fee","No Massachusetts numerical ceiling established. Federal timing remains separate."],["Per-debt fee","No Massachusetts per-debt numerical cap established."],["Percentage of enrolled debt/principal","No Massachusetts percentage entitlement established."],["Percentage of savings","No Massachusetts percentage entitlement established; the nonprofit tax overlay below is material."],["Aggregate program fee","No statewide numerical aggregate cap established in the retrieved provisions."],["CPI/indexed adjustment","No applicable adjustment mechanism and current official adjusted amount were verified. No CPI calculation was invented."]]},{"headers":["Pathway","Actual public material inspected","What it establishes—and what remains"],"index":3,"links":[],"row_links":[[],[],[],[],[],[]],"rows":[["Pathway","Actual public material inspected","What it establishes—and what remains"],["Chapter 180 formation","Secretary’s nonprofit filing instructions and actual four-page Articles of Organization form","An operational formation route exists. Article II requests the purpose; Article VI addresses the organization’s effective date. Formation alone is not an activity-specific approval. C027"],["Public charity compliance","c.12 §§8E–8F","Registration before covered charitable work/fundraising, organizational submissions, and annual reporting are established. The live registration/search portals did not yield usable records. C028"],["Corporate verification","Secretary’s corporate search interface loaded with search fields","A real public lookup route was reached. No named entity’s record or eligibility was verified. C029"],["Attorney verification","BBO attorney lookup interface loaded","A real professional lookup route was reached. No named lawyer’s current status or a service company’s authorization was verified. C029"],["Commercial settlement license","No current applicable application or enacted ordinary licensing pathway established","Collection/servicing procedures cannot substitute for permission under the pooling provisions. C012, C014"]]},{"headers":["Source ID","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations"],"index":4,"links":[{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section2?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section2"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section3?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section3"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section4?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section4"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section4A?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section4A"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46A?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46A"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46C?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46C"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46D?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46D"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter12/Section8E?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter12/Section8E"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter12/Section8F?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter12/Section8F"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section24?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section24"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section24A?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section24A"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68A?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68A"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68B?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68B"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68C?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68C"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68D?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68D"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93A/Section2?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93A/Section2"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section1.40?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section1.40"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section15.01?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section15.01"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section15.05?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section15.05"},{"href":"https://law.justia.com/cases/massachusetts/supreme-court/volumes/335/335mass228.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://law.justia.com/cases/massachusetts/supreme-court/volumes/335/335mass228.html"},{"href":"https://bbopublic.massbbo.org/web/f/12073.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://bbopublic.massbbo.org/web/f/12073.pdf"},{"href":"https://bbopublic.massbbo.org/web/f/Working%20With%20A%20Client%20Who%20Has%20Reported%20You.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://bbopublic.massbbo.org/web/f/Working%20With%20A%20Client%20Who%20Has%20Reported%20You.pdf"},{"href":"https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/filing-by-subject/corporations/corporations-domestic-non-profit.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/filing-by-subject/corporations/corporations-domestic-non-profit.htm"},{"href":"https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/download/180art.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/download/180art.pdf"},{"href":"https://corp.sec.state.ma.us/corpweb/CorpSearch/CorpSearch.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://corp.sec.state.ma.us/corpweb/CorpSearch/CorpSearch.aspx"},{"href":"https://massbbo.my.site.com/AttorneyRegistrationIntermediary?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://massbbo.my.site.com/AttorneyRegistrationIntermediary"},{"href":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.2?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.2"},{"href":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.4?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.4"},{"href":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.6?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.6"},{"href":"https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/debt-relief-services-telemarketing-sales-rule-guide-business?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/debt-relief-services-telemarketing-sales-rule-guide-business"},{"href":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title26/html/USCODE-2024-title26-subtitleA-chap1-subchapF-partI-sec501.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title26/html/USCODE-2024-title26-subtitleA-chap1-subchapF-partI-sec501.htm"},{"href":"https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/credit-counseling-legislation-new-criteria-for-exemption?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/credit-counseling-legislation-new-criteria-for-exemption"},{"href":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title15/html/USCODE-2024-title15-chap41-subchapII-A-sec1679b.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title15/html/USCODE-2024-title15-chap41-subchapII-A-sec1679b.htm"},{"href":"https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/credit-repair-organizations-act?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/credit-repair-organizations-act"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H956?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H956"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H956/House/Bill/Text?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H956/House/Bill/Text"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H4705?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H4705"},{"href":"https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/bookstore/agencies/940-attorney-general.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/bookstore/agencies/940-attorney-general.htm"},{"href":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2010-08-10/pdf/2010-19412.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2010-08-10/pdf/2010-19412.pdf"}],"row_links":[[],[{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section2?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section2"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section3?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section3"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section4?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section4"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section4A?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section4A"}],[{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46A?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46A"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46C?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46C"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46D?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46D"}],[{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter12/Section8E?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter12/Section8E"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter12/Section8F?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter12/Section8F"}],[{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section24?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section24"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section24A?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section24A"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68A?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68A"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68B?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68B"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68C?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68C"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68D?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68D"}],[{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93A/Section2?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93A/Section2"}],[{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section1.40?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section1.40"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section15.01?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section15.01"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section15.05?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section15.05"}],[{"href":"https://law.justia.com/cases/massachusetts/supreme-court/volumes/335/335mass228.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://law.justia.com/cases/massachusetts/supreme-court/volumes/335/335mass228.html"}],[{"href":"https://bbopublic.massbbo.org/web/f/12073.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://bbopublic.massbbo.org/web/f/12073.pdf"}],[{"href":"https://bbopublic.massbbo.org/web/f/Working%20With%20A%20Client%20Who%20Has%20Reported%20You.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://bbopublic.massbbo.org/web/f/Working%20With%20A%20Client%20Who%20Has%20Reported%20You.pdf"}],[{"href":"https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/filing-by-subject/corporations/corporations-domestic-non-profit.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/filing-by-subject/corporations/corporations-domestic-non-profit.htm"}],[{"href":"https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/download/180art.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/download/180art.pdf"}],[{"href":"https://corp.sec.state.ma.us/corpweb/CorpSearch/CorpSearch.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://corp.sec.state.ma.us/corpweb/CorpSearch/CorpSearch.aspx"}],[{"href":"https://massbbo.my.site.com/AttorneyRegistrationIntermediary?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://massbbo.my.site.com/AttorneyRegistrationIntermediary"}],[{"href":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.2?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.2"},{"href":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.4?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.4"},{"href":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.6?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.6"}],[{"href":"https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/debt-relief-services-telemarketing-sales-rule-guide-business?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/debt-relief-services-telemarketing-sales-rule-guide-business"}],[{"href":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title26/html/USCODE-2024-title26-subtitleA-chap1-subchapF-partI-sec501.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title26/html/USCODE-2024-title26-subtitleA-chap1-subchapF-partI-sec501.htm"}],[{"href":"https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/credit-counseling-legislation-new-criteria-for-exemption?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/credit-counseling-legislation-new-criteria-for-exemption"}],[{"href":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title15/html/USCODE-2024-title15-chap41-subchapII-A-sec1679b.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title15/html/USCODE-2024-title15-chap41-subchapII-A-sec1679b.htm"}],[{"href":"https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/credit-repair-organizations-act?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/credit-repair-organizations-act"}],[{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H956?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H956"},{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H956/House/Bill/Text?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H956/House/Bill/Text"}],[{"href":"https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H4705?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H4705"}],[{"href":"https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/bookstore/agencies/940-attorney-general.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/bookstore/agencies/940-attorney-general.htm"}],[{"href":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2010-08-10/pdf/2010-19412.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2010-08-10/pdf/2010-19412.pdf"}]],"rows":[["Source ID","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations"],["S_MA-P1-S001","MGL chapter 180, Massachusetts General Court. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section2 ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section3 ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section4 ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section4A","Read: §2(c), §3, §4(k), complete §4A. Official currently posted Massachusetts codification. Original enactment and complete later session-law chain not independently reconstructed."],["S_MA-P1-S002","MGL chapter 221, Massachusetts General Court. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46 ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46A ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46C ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46D","Read: complete listed sections. Massachusetts corporate/individual law-practice restrictions, pooling rule, nonprofit exception. Current posted codification; no universal remote-service interpretation supplied."],["S_MA-P1-S003","MGL chapter 12, Massachusetts General Court. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter12/Section8E ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter12/Section8F","Read: §8E(a), including enumerated exclusions; §8F reporting provisions. Current posted Massachusetts law. Government filing charges are distinct from consumer charges."],["S_MA-P1-S004","MGL chapter 93, Massachusetts General Court. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section24 ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section24A ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68A ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68B ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68C ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68D","Read: relevant definitions/exclusions and licensing paragraph in §§24–24A; complete §§68A–68D. Current posted Massachusetts codification. Collector regulation and full enforcement consequences are not completed here."],["S_MA-P1-S005","MGL c.93A §2, Massachusetts General Court. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93A/Section2","Read: §2(a)–(c), unfair/deceptive practices and regulatory authority. Current posted Massachusetts law. Not a numerical fee schedule."],["S_MA-P1-S006","MGL chapter 156D, Massachusetts General Court. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section1.40 ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section15.01 ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section15.05","Read: foreign/domestic definitions; §15.01(a), (c), particularly outside acceptance/interstate commerce; §15.05(b). Current posted law. Does not itself resolve the specific chapter 180 exemption question."],["S_MA-P1-S007","Home Budget Service, Inc. v. Boston Bar Association, 335 Mass. 228 (1957), Massachusetts SJC; court opinion reproduced by Justia. https://law.justia.com/cases/massachusetts/supreme-court/volumes/335/335mass228.html","Read: pp.230–234, business facts, historical charges, legal analysis, and injunction. Primary judicial text on a secondary host. As-applied holding; no complete subsequent-treatment check."],["S_MA-P1-S008","Matter of David Zak, 476 Mass. 1034 (2017), SJC-12073, SJC opinion on official BBO host. https://bbopublic.massbbo.org/web/f/12073.pdf","Read: PDF p.4, “Advance fees,” corresponding to 476 Mass.1037; surrounding disposition. Decided April 10, 2017. Mortgage-services facts; used only for the rule that professional fee rules do not override other fee prohibitions."],["S_MA-P1-S009","Office of Bar Counsel guidance: “Working With A Client Who Has Reported You”, BBO host. https://bbopublic.massbbo.org/web/f/Working%20With%20A%20Client%20Who%20Has%20Reported%20You.pdf","Read: PDF p.3 on unearned-fee/expense refunds; p.4 disclaimer. Massachusetts informal guidance, expressly without substantive legal effect. Current operative rule text not supplied by this article."],["S_MA-P1-S010","Domestic Non-Profit Corporations filing instructions, Secretary of the Commonwealth. https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/filing-by-subject/corporations/corporations-domestic-non-profit.htm","Read: formation and annual-report instructions, linked forms. Current public operational page, not an enactment or service approval."],["S_MA-P1-S011","Articles of Organization—General Laws Chapter 180, Secretary. https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/download/180art.pdf","Read: four-page form, especially p.1 fee/Article II and p.3 Article VI. Form revision printed 11/6/13, currently linked from S010. Older form date is not a legal effective date."],["S_MA-P1-S012","Corporate Search, Secretary. https://corp.sec.state.ma.us/corpweb/CorpSearch/CorpSearch.aspx","Read: functioning search interface and entity/name/identifier fields. No named-provider result retrieved."],["S_MA-P1-S013","Attorney Lookup, Massachusetts BBO. https://massbbo.my.site.com/AttorneyRegistrationIntermediary","Read: attorney search interface. No named-attorney status retrieved."],["S_MA-P1-S014","16 CFR part 310, FTC, eCFR/OFR. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.2 ; https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.4 ; https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.6","Read: §310.2(o), telemarketing definition; §310.4(a)(2), (a)(5)(i)–(ii); relevant §310.6 exemptions. Displayed current through 10/21/2026; authoritative but unofficial eCFR. Federal context only."],["S_MA-P1-S015","Debt Relief Services & the Telemarketing Sales Rule: A Guide for Business, FTC. https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/debt-relief-services-telemarketing-sales-rule-guide-business","Read: coverage, attorney/nonprofit discussion, collecting fees, dedicated accounts. Staff guidance, expressly nonbinding; exact regulation controls."],["S_MA-P1-S016","26 U.S.C. §501, official 2024 U.S. Code, GPO/GovInfo. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title26/html/USCODE-2024-title26-subtitleA-chap1-subchapF-partI-sec501.htm","Read: §501(q)(1)(A)–(C), (2)(A), and related definitions/notes. Federal tax-exemption conditions. Post-2024 amendment chain not completely verified."],["S_MA-P1-S017","Credit counseling legislation—New criteria for exemption, IRS. https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/credit-counseling-legislation-new-criteria-for-exemption","Read: counseling standards, reasonable fees, inability-to-pay waiver, prohibited percentage basis. Current agency explanation; S016 supplies statutory qualifications."],["S_MA-P1-S018","15 U.S.C. §1679b, official 2024 U.S. Code, GPO/GovInfo. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title15/html/USCODE-2024-title15-chap41-subchapII-A-sec1679b.htm","Read: subsection (b), advance-payment restriction. Federal CROA context. Complete current definitions/exemptions and post-2024 amendment chain not closed."],["S_MA-P1-S019","Credit Repair Organizations Act, FTC statutory overview. https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/credit-repair-organizations-act","Read: statutory description and advance-payment prohibition. Agency overview corroborates S018; does not replace operative text."],["S_MA-P1-S020","H.956, 193rd General Court, bill text and history, Massachusetts Legislature. https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H956 ; https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H956/House/Bill/Text","Read: proposed §1 replacement of c.180 §4A; proposed chapter 255G §§1–4; history entry June 3, 2024, study H.4705. Historical proposal, not enacted authority in this report."],["S_MA-P1-S021","H.4705, 193rd General Court, Massachusetts Legislature. https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H4705","Read: study-order history; December 31, 2024 entry, no further action. Historical legislative disposition; not a licensing statute."],["S_MA-P1-S034","940 CMR Attorney General regulations catalog, Secretary. https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/bookstore/agencies/940-attorney-general.htm","Read: listing for 940 CMR1.00–38.00, including unfair/deceptive fees. Catalog only; no operative clauses or effective date. No purchase made."],["S_MA-P1-S035","Telemarketing Sales Rule—Final Rule Amendments, FTC, 75 FR48458, August 10, 2010. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2010-08-10/pdf/2010-19412.pdf","Read: p.48458 effective-date notice; pp.48519–48520 operative §310.4(a)(5); p.48491 dedicated-account discussion. Historical adoption: general amendments September 27, 2010; fee provision October 27, 2010. Current text cross-checked against S014. Entire preamble not reviewed."]]},{"headers":["Source ID","Identified document / issuer; direct literal URL(s)","Actual access result; consequence and next evidence"],"index":5,"links":[{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/opinion/selected-opinion-01-181?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.mass.gov/opinion/selected-opinion-01-181"},{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/selected-opinion-01-181/download","text":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/selected-opinion-01-181/download"},{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/info-details/online-charity-filing-portal","text":"https://www.mass.gov/info-details/online-charity-filing-portal"},{"href":"https://masscharities.my.site.com/CharityRegistration/s/?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://masscharities.my.site.com/CharityRegistration/s/"},{"href":"https://masscharities.my.site.com/FilingSearch/s/?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://masscharities.my.site.com/FilingSearch/s/"},{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/regulations/940-CMR-3800-unfair-and-deceptive-fees?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.mass.gov/regulations/940-CMR-3800-unfair-and-deceptive-fees"},{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/940-cmr-38-unfair-and-deceptive-fees/download?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/940-cmr-38-unfair-and-deceptive-fees/download"},{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/junk-fee-regulations-940-cmr-3800-0/download","text":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/junk-fee-regulations-940-cmr-3800-0/download"},{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/guidance-with-respect-to-unfair-and-deceptive-fees-2026123/download?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/guidance-with-respect-to-unfair-and-deceptive-fees-2026123/download"},{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/209-cmr-1800-conduct-of-the-business-of-debt-collectors-student-loan-servicers-and-third-party-loan-servicers-final-amendments-effective-92625/download","text":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/209-cmr-1800-conduct-of-the-business-of-debt-collectors-student-loan-servicers-and-third-party-loan-servicers-final-amendments-effective-92625/download"},{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/950-cmr-106-non-profit-corporations/download?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/950-cmr-106-non-profit-corporations/download"},{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/rules-of-professional-conduct-rule-15-fees?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/rules-of-professional-conduct-rule-15-fees"},{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/rules-of-professional-conduct-rule-116-declining-or-terminating-representation","text":"https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/rules-of-professional-conduct-rule-116-declining-or-terminating-representation"},{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/massachusetts-supreme-judicial-court-rules-and-orders/download?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/massachusetts-supreme-judicial-court-rules-and-orders/download"},{"href":"https://www.massbbo.org/Rules?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.massbbo.org/Rules"},{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/dmb-financial-amended-complaint/download","text":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/dmb-financial-amended-complaint/download"},{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/dmb-financial-final-judgement-0/download?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/dmb-financial-final-judgement-0/download"},{"href":"https://infobytes.orrick.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Buckley%20InfoBytes-%20DMB%20and%20Global%20Client-%20Consent%20Order%20-MA%20AG%20-%202021.08.30.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://infobytes.orrick.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Buckley%20InfoBytes-%20DMB%20and%20Global%20Client-%20Consent%20Order%20-MA%20AG%20-%202021.08.30.pdf"},{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/news/ag-healey-secures-1-million-in-first-of-its-kind-resolution-with-debt-settlement-company?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.mass.gov/news/ag-healey-secures-1-million-in-first-of-its-kind-resolution-with-debt-settlement-company"}],"row_links":[[],[{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/opinion/selected-opinion-01-181?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.mass.gov/opinion/selected-opinion-01-181"},{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/selected-opinion-01-181/download","text":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/selected-opinion-01-181/download"}],[{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/info-details/online-charity-filing-portal","text":"https://www.mass.gov/info-details/online-charity-filing-portal"}],[{"href":"https://masscharities.my.site.com/CharityRegistration/s/?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://masscharities.my.site.com/CharityRegistration/s/"}],[{"href":"https://masscharities.my.site.com/FilingSearch/s/?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://masscharities.my.site.com/FilingSearch/s/"}],[{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/regulations/940-CMR-3800-unfair-and-deceptive-fees?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.mass.gov/regulations/940-CMR-3800-unfair-and-deceptive-fees"},{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/940-cmr-38-unfair-and-deceptive-fees/download?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/940-cmr-38-unfair-and-deceptive-fees/download"},{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/junk-fee-regulations-940-cmr-3800-0/download","text":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/junk-fee-regulations-940-cmr-3800-0/download"}],[{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/guidance-with-respect-to-unfair-and-deceptive-fees-2026123/download?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/guidance-with-respect-to-unfair-and-deceptive-fees-2026123/download"}],[{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/209-cmr-1800-conduct-of-the-business-of-debt-collectors-student-loan-servicers-and-third-party-loan-servicers-final-amendments-effective-92625/download","text":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/209-cmr-1800-conduct-of-the-business-of-debt-collectors-student-loan-servicers-and-third-party-loan-servicers-final-amendments-effective-92625/download"}],[{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/950-cmr-106-non-profit-corporations/download?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/950-cmr-106-non-profit-corporations/download"}],[{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/rules-of-professional-conduct-rule-15-fees?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/rules-of-professional-conduct-rule-15-fees"},{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/rules-of-professional-conduct-rule-116-declining-or-terminating-representation","text":"https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/rules-of-professional-conduct-rule-116-declining-or-terminating-representation"},{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/massachusetts-supreme-judicial-court-rules-and-orders/download?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/massachusetts-supreme-judicial-court-rules-and-orders/download"},{"href":"https://www.massbbo.org/Rules?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.massbbo.org/Rules"}],[{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/dmb-financial-amended-complaint/download","text":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/dmb-financial-amended-complaint/download"}],[{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/dmb-financial-final-judgement-0/download?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.mass.gov/doc/dmb-financial-final-judgement-0/download"},{"href":"https://infobytes.orrick.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Buckley%20InfoBytes-%20DMB%20and%20Global%20Client-%20Consent%20Order%20-MA%20AG%20-%202021.08.30.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://infobytes.orrick.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Buckley%20InfoBytes-%20DMB%20and%20Global%20Client-%20Consent%20Order%20-MA%20AG%20-%202021.08.30.pdf"}],[{"href":"https://www.mass.gov/news/ag-healey-secures-1-million-in-first-of-its-kind-resolution-with-debt-settlement-company?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.mass.gov/news/ag-healey-secures-1-million-in-first-of-its-kind-resolution-with-debt-settlement-company"}]],"rows":[["Source ID","Identified document / issuer; direct literal URL(s)","Actual access result; consequence and next evidence"],["S_MA-P1-S022","Selected Opinion 01-181, Massachusetts Division of Banks. https://www.mass.gov/opinion/selected-opinion-01-181 ; https://www.mass.gov/doc/selected-opinion-01-181/download","403; operative text not read. Search indexing is discovery only. Its precise scope, qualifications, and continuing status are held. Need full official opinion and any modification/withdrawal record."],["S_MA-P1-S023","Online Charity Filing Portal instructions, Massachusetts AG. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/online-charity-filing-portal","403. Current procedural instructions not verified beyond statutory requirements."],["S_MA-P1-S024","Charity Registration portal, Massachusetts AG. https://masscharities.my.site.com/CharityRegistration/s/","Loading/CSS error; no usable application content. No filing attempted."],["S_MA-P1-S025","Public Charity Filing Search, Massachusetts AG. https://masscharities.my.site.com/FilingSearch/s/","Loading/CSS error; no usable records. No named charity’s compliance verified."],["S_MA-P1-S026","940 CMR38.00, Unfair and Deceptive Fees, Massachusetts AG. https://www.mass.gov/regulations/940-CMR-3800-unfair-and-deceptive-fees ; https://www.mass.gov/doc/940-cmr-38-unfair-and-deceptive-fees/download ; https://www.mass.gov/doc/junk-fee-regulations-940-cmr-3800-0/download","403 on operative routes. S034 confirms catalog inclusion only. Full final text, adoption, amendments, effective/enforcement chronology, exceptions, and debt-service application remain held. Proposed text was not substituted."],["S_MA-P1-S027","Guidance with Respect to Unfair and Deceptive Fees, Massachusetts AG. https://www.mass.gov/doc/guidance-with-respect-to-unfair-and-deceptive-fees-2026123/download","403. Filename/indexing is not proof of operative date or contents. Need actual guidance reconciled with S026."],["S_MA-P1-S028","209 CMR18.00 final-amendments document, Massachusetts Division of Banks. https://www.mass.gov/doc/209-cmr-1800-conduct-of-the-business-of-debt-collectors-student-loan-servicers-and-third-party-loan-servicers-final-amendments-effective-92625/download","403. Claimed date embedded in filename was not treated as verified legal effect. Full regulation/adoption record remains unread."],["S_MA-P1-S029","950 CMR106, Non-Profit Corporations, Secretary. https://www.mass.gov/doc/950-cmr-106-non-profit-corporations/download","403. Full current formation regulation not read; S001 and operational documents supply only the findings expressly stated."],["S_MA-P1-S030","SJC Rules of Professional Conduct / rules compilation, Massachusetts SJC. https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/rules-of-professional-conduct-rule-15-fees ; https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/rules-of-professional-conduct-rule-116-declining-or-terminating-representation ; https://www.mass.gov/doc/massachusetts-supreme-judicial-court-rules-and-orders/download ; https://www.massbbo.org/Rules","Mass.gov403; BBO Loading/CSS error. Complete current Rules1.5/1.16 and operative amendment orders held. S008’s decision and S009’s informal guidance do not close that gap."],["S_MA-P1-S031","DMB Financial amended complaint, Massachusetts AG-hosted document. https://www.mass.gov/doc/dmb-financial-amended-complaint/download","403. Allegations, exact counts, dates, and disposition relationship not verified from actual text. A complaint would not itself establish an adjudicated rule."],["S_MA-P1-S032","Purported DMB Financial final judgment / consent-order bundle. Official route: https://www.mass.gov/doc/dmb-financial-final-judgement-0/download ; discovered mirror: https://infobytes.orrick.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Buckley%20InfoBytes-%20DMB%20and%20Global%20Client-%20Consent%20Order%20-MA%20AG%20-%202021.08.30.pdf","Official route 403. Mirror returned 59 pages, zero extracted text lines; screenshot attempts supplied no inspectable image. No judgment terms were read. Need readable signed/entered order, separation from pleadings, and subsequent modification history."],["S_MA-P1-S033","AG DMB-resolution press-release lead. https://www.mass.gov/news/ag-healey-secures-1-million-in-first-of-its-kind-resolution-with-debt-settlement-company","403. Title/URL is discovery only. Not used to prove settlement amounts, legal holdings, fee limits, or provider authorization."]]},{"headers":["Claim ID","Precise assertion","Sources and exact pinpoints","Conditions, currentness, confidence"],"index":6,"links":[],"row_links":[[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[]],"rows":[["Claim ID","Precise assertion","Sources and exact pinpoints","Conditions, currentness, confidence"],["S_MA-P1-C001","Section4A distinguishes budget advice, creditor-approved income distributions, education, and combinations; its express provider restriction targets clause(b).","S001, §4A(a)–(d), second paragraph.","High, current posted text; classification follows actual conduct."],["S_MA-P1-C002","Specified debtor-side pooling services are law practice; a nonmember of the Massachusetts bar may not furnish or offer them absent an applicable exception.","S002, §46C; §§46–46A; S007 pp.232–234.","High for the express pooling model. No fee-taking element is required."],["S_MA-P1-C003","The chapter180 credit-counseling corporation and its agents have an express §46D exception; §4A still restricts general legal practice and requires applicable reporting.","S001 §4A, paragraphs2–3; S002 §46D.","High, conditional statutory pathway; nonprofit branding alone insufficient."],["S_MA-P1-C004","The attorney pathway requires actual practice authority and compliant entity structure; an attorney connection does not exempt an ordinary company.","S002 §§46, final paragraph; 46A; 46C; S004 §68A(g).","High for text; complete current SJC professional rules held."],["S_MA-P1-C005","The clause(b) restriction does not by its terms prohibit every standalone educational or budgeting service.","S001 §4A(a), (c), second paragraph; S002 §§46–46A.","Bounded; other legal-practice or CSO activity can change classification."],["S_MA-P1-C006","Principal reduction, concessions, and “noncustodial” labels do not establish an exemption; third-party-account and genuinely deposit-free models require separate analysis.","S001 §4A(b); S002 §46C; S007 pp.230–234.","Held for categorical clearance of modern noncustodial models."],["S_MA-P1-C007","The statutes’ purpose scopes differ; §46C supplies no express consumer-purpose limit, while §68A’s extension-of-credit definition does.","S002 §46C; S004 §68A definitions; S001 §4A.","High textual comparison; no blanket commercial-debt safe harbor established."],["S_MA-P1-C008","Precise remote-provider/resident nexus was not established by a successfully read authoritative interpretation.","S001 §4A; S002 §46C; S022 inaccessible.","Held; provider location alone does not prove exemption."],["S_MA-P1-C009","Foreign qualification’s effect on the specific chapter180 organization condition remains unresolved.","S001 §2(c), §4A; S002 §46D; S006 §§1.40, 15.01, 15.05(b).","Held; neither automatic eligibility nor mandatory reincorporation established."],["S_MA-P1-C010","Paid credit improvement, obtaining credit, and related advice can trigger CSO coverage; an individual service’s promises must be examined.","S004 §68A, CSO/buyer/extension definitions.","High definition; bounded application to settlement."],["S_MA-P1-C011","Section68A’s enumerated exclusions apply to that definition and do not automatically remove pooling restrictions.","S004 §68A(a)–(i); S002 §§46C–46D.","High exclusions; bounded cross-statute synthesis."],["S_MA-P1-C012","Collector licensing and third-party-servicer registration are separate from debtor-side pooling permission.","S004 §§24–24A; S002 §46C.","High statutory distinction; full209CMR18 and current application process held."],["S_MA-P1-C013","Restructuring one’s own receivable differs from advising the debtor under a creditor-distribution plan.","S002 §§46, 46C; S004 §24.","Bounded; purchased-debt and creditor-side collection rules remain for later analysis."],["S_MA-P1-C014","No ordinary commercial debt-settlement licensing route was established; H.956’s proposed chapter255G is not used as enacted authority.","S001–S002; S020 §1/proposed§§1–4 and history; S021 final history.","High proposal status; absence of a route is a bounded research finding, not an exhaustive negative certificate."],["S_MA-P1-C015","No setup, monthly, settlement, per-debt, principal, savings, aggregate, or indexed cap was established in the core provisions read.","S001 §4A; S002 §§46C–46D; S004 §§68A–68D; S005 §2.","Bounded; does not mean unlimited fees. S026–S030 gaps remain."],["S_MA-P1-C016","Covered CSOs cannot charge/receive before full satisfactory agreed performance unless both the authorized ≥$10,000 bond and specified trust account exist.","S004 §68B(1).","High; no override of other prohibitions and no numerical consumer cap."],["S_MA-P1-C017","A covered CSO cannot charge solely for referral to retail credit offered on substantially general-public terms.","S004 §68B(2).","High; applies to the described referral, not every introduction."],["S_MA-P1-C018","Required CSO disclosures precede contract or payment, whichever first; payment terms include totals payable to the provider or another person.","S004 §68C opening paragraph and service/cost disclosures; §68D(c)–(d).","High; third-party charges cannot simply disappear from the required total."],["S_MA-P1-C019","Section68D provides the three-business-day cancellation window and return of payments within10 days after notice receipt.","S004 §68D(a)–(b).","High; no penalty/obligation during that statutory window; not an unlimited later-cancellation rule."],["S_MA-P1-C020","Rule1.5 does not independently authorize fees prohibited elsewhere; unearned-fee refund guidance is supportive but informal.","S008 PDFp.4; S009 pp.3–4.","High for Zak holding; current full-rule/refund framework held."],["S_MA-P1-C021","Section501(q) imposes reasonable-fee/waiver conditions and qualified percentage-fee restrictions; §501(c)(3) contribution solicitation is also constrained.","S016 §501(q)(1)(A)(iv), (B), (C), (2)(A)(i); S017 criteria list.","High in2024 text; post-2024 amendment chain partial. Federal exemption conditions only."],["S_MA-P1-C022","TSR debt relief includes unsecured balance and concession services; attorney and nonprofit questions do not turn solely on labels.","S014 §310.2(o), telemarketing definition, §310.6(b)(3),(5),(6); S015 coverage sections.","High within federal coverage; face-to-face exception has transaction conditions."],["S_MA-P1-C023","Covered debt-relief fees require a customer-executed valid debt-change agreement and at least one payment under it before request/receipt.","S014 §310.4(a)(5)(i)(A)–(B); S035 p.48519.","High, federal timing only; not Massachusetts permission."],["S_MA-P1-C024","Individually resolved debts use proportional total-fee allocation on enrollment balances, or the same savings percentage across debts; savings use enrollment amount minus actual satisfaction payments.","S014 §310.4(a)(5)(i)(C)(1)–(2); S035 p.48519.","High formula; no federal percentage ceiling is created."],["S_MA-P1-C025","The dedicated-account exception requires insurance, consumer ownership/interest, administrator independence, no referral compensation, and penalty-free withdrawal with timely return less properly earned fees.","S014 §310.4(a)(5)(ii)(A)–(E); S035 pp.48491,48519–48520.","High; return deadline7 business days. Not state pooling authorization."],["S_MA-P1-C026","Applicable CROA and TSR credit-repair timing remain independent of the Massachusetts bond/trust exception and debt-relief first-payment test.","S018 §1679b(b); S019; S014 §310.4(a)(2)(i)–(ii).","High read restrictions; complete CROA applicability/current amendment chain remains partial."],["S_MA-P1-C027","Actual chapter180 formation instructions and an Articles form are publicly available; they do not constitute provider-specific service approval.","S001 §§3,4(k); S010 formation section; S011 ArticlesII,VI.","High operational evidence; formation regulation S029 unread."],["S_MA-P1-C028","Covered domestic/foreign public charities must register before Massachusetts charitable activity and comply with applicable annual reporting.","S003 §8E(a), §8F; S001 §4A.","High statutory requirement; enumerated exclusions remain; portal procedure partial."],["S_MA-P1-C029","Corporate and attorney lookup interfaces were reached, but no named provider or lawyer was verified.","S012–S013, actual interfaces; S024–S025 failures.","High research observation; no status inference."],["S_MA-P1-C030","The historical6% and weekly creditor charges in Home Budget Service are factual charges, not permissible caps.","S007 p.230, read with pp.232–234.","High historical distinction."],["S_MA-P1-C031","No DMB judgment fee, refund, access, or noncustodial rule is established in this report.","S031–S033 retrieval failures.","Held; unread documents cannot support operative propositions."],["S_MA-P1-C032","940CMR38’s specific requirements, exceptions, and legal chronology remain unverified despite official catalog inclusion.","S026–S027 failures; S034 catalog.","Held; no cap, authorization, or effective date inferred."],["S_MA-P1-C033","Complete operative209CMR18,950CMR106, and current professional-fee rules were not read.","S028–S030.","Held; exact next retrievals retained below."],["S_MA-P1-C034","Access dates and webpage dates do not establish enactment/effective dates; federal and state currentness limitations remain explicit.","Version records in S001–S006, S014, S016, S018, S020–S021, S026–S030,S035.","Bounded source-status finding; no full unincorporated-amendment or citator certification."],["S_MA-P1-C035","The verified cancellation/account-return rules do not establish a universal Massachusetts later-cancellation refund formula for every model.","S004 §68D; S014 §310.4(a)(5)(ii)(E); S009; S032 unread.","High limitation; contract and broader refund/remedy analysis remain open."],["S_MA-P1-C036","The$35 shown on the linked formation form and$100 statutory charity registration amount are governmental charges, not consumer fee caps.","S011 p.1; S003 §8E(a).","High distinction; no consumer pass-through permission inferred."]]},{"headers":["Component / requested question","Status","Claim IDs","Exact missing evidence or next action"],"index":7,"links":[],"row_links":[[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[]],"rows":[["Component / requested question","Status","Claim IDs","Exact missing evidence or next action"],["Statutory vocabulary and activity-based classification—Q1","Answered, bounded","C001–C002, C005, C010","Apply the verified tests to a concrete service/money-flow description; no marketing-label shortcut."],["Custodial commercial pooling—Q1–Q2","Answered for the express model","C002, C014","For another model, establish actual deposits, advice, distributions, and any exception before carrying over the result."],["Domestic charitable counseling pathway—Q2","Answered conditionally","C003, C027–C028","Verify actual chapter180 organization/purpose, charitable compliance, and limits of services for any named entity."],["Attorney and attorney-connected companies—Q2","Partial","C004, C020, C033","Obtain current Rules1.5/1.16 and applicable entity/practice rules and amendment orders; verify named attorney and entity separately."],["Principal-reduction versus concession program—Q1–Q2","Partial","C006","Retrieve authoritative interpretation defining when the particular negotiation remains permissible counseling or becomes legal representation."],["Third-party dedicated-account “noncustodial” model—Q1–Q2","Unresolved","C006, C031","Obtain readable DMB pleadings/order and controlling decisions interpreting §46C where a separate administrator holds funds."],["No-deposit, direct-payment negotiation—Q1–Q2","Unresolved","C006","Obtain a controlling ruling or formal interpretation addressing this precise model under §§46/46A/46C and §4A."],["Consumer/business-purpose boundaries—Q1","Partial","C007, C010, C013","Research commercial-debt applications of §46C and any relevant institutional or activity-specific authority."],["Remote Massachusetts-resident nexus—Q1–Q2","Unresolved","C008","Obtain a primary ruling/interpretation addressing solicitation, residence, service location, and deposit arrangements; retrieve full DOB01-181 if relevant."],["Foreign nonprofit qualification—Q2","Unresolved","C009","Find authoritative reconciliation of c.180 §§2/4A, c.221 §46D, and c.156D §15.05."],["Institutional and CSO exclusions—Q2","Answered textually; application conditional","C011–C013","Test the exact entity/activity against the particular statute; do not transfer exclusions across regimes."],["Numerical fees and CPI-adjusted caps—Q3","Partial; no applicable current schedule verified","C015, C030, C032","Obtain full current940CMR38, applicable orders, and any actual fee-cap/adjustment notice. Preserve exact amounts as held until verified."],["Massachusetts CSO performance and referral-fee restrictions—Q3–Q4","Answered within statutory scope","C016–C018","Complete entity classification and check overlapping federal restrictions for a concrete program."],["Cancellation, refunds, and credits—Q3–Q4","Answered for specified rules; otherwise partial","C019, C025, C035","Obtain current professional rules, readable DMB order, and applicable agreement/remedy rules for later cancellation and other refunds."],["Nonprofit fee conditions—Q3","Partial currentness closure","C021","Verify §501(q)’s post-2024 amendment chain and the actual entity’s federal exemption conditions."],["Federal TSR timing/allocation—Q4","Answered as common context","C022–C025","Confirm transaction-specific coverage; check any changes after the eCFR’s10/21/2026 displayed currency date."],["Related credit-repair timing—Q4","Partial","C026","Complete current CROA definitions/exemptions and amendment chain; apply §310.4(a)(2) if representations trigger it."],["Formation/application/lookup routes—Q5","Partial","C027–C029, C033","Retrieve usable AG charity instructions/portals and950CMR106; complete exact entity checks if a provider is later identified."],["Named-provider authorization—Q5","Not established","C029","Need legal entity identity, relevant records, professional status where applicable, and activity-specific analysis. No marketing claim substitutes."],["DMB enforcement implications","Unresolved","C031","Obtain a readable signed/entered judgment; distinguish complaints from orders; verify dates, parties, operative terms, and later modifications."],["Fee regulation and adoption chronology","Unresolved","C032–C034","Obtain final940CMR38, Massachusetts Register filing/adoption record, amendments, and actual2026 guidance. Distinguish proposal, effective date, and enforcement date."],["Examples—Q6","Answered with explicit bounds","C002, C016, C019, C021, C023–C025","No example supplies a missing Massachusetts license or validates an illustrative fee rate."],["Component coverage preservation—Q7","Answered","All above","Carry each unresolved row into the next Massachusetts investigation; no implicit closure."],["Agreement/funds/bond/remedies; full collection, litigation, limitations, exemptions, secured debt, sector, local, tribal, contract, and general case-law coverage","Open for later passes","Only incidental findings above","Conduct dedicated passes. The limited bond, account, cancellation, and case discussions here do not satisfy those categories."]]}],"claims":[{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C001","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C001","Precise assertion":"Section4A distinguishes budget advice, creditor-approved income distributions, education, and combinations; its express provider restriction targets clause(b).","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S001, §4A(a)–(d), second paragraph.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High, current posted text; classification follows actual conduct."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C002","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C002","Precise assertion":"Specified debtor-side pooling services are law practice; a nonmember of the Massachusetts bar may not furnish or offer them absent an applicable exception.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S002, §46C; §§46–46A; S007 pp.232–234.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High for the express pooling model. No fee-taking element is required."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C003","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C003","Precise assertion":"The chapter180 credit-counseling corporation and its agents have an express §46D exception; §4A still restricts general legal practice and requires applicable reporting.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S001 §4A, paragraphs2–3; S002 §46D.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High, conditional statutory pathway; nonprofit branding alone insufficient."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C004","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C004","Precise assertion":"The attorney pathway requires actual practice authority and compliant entity structure; an attorney connection does not exempt an ordinary company.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S002 §§46, final paragraph; 46A; 46C; S004 §68A(g).","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High for text; complete current SJC professional rules held."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C005","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C005","Precise assertion":"The clause(b) restriction does not by its terms prohibit every standalone educational or budgeting service.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S001 §4A(a), (c), second paragraph; S002 §§46–46A.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"Bounded; other legal-practice or CSO activity can change classification."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C006","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C006","Precise assertion":"Principal reduction, concessions, and “noncustodial” labels do not establish an exemption; third-party-account and genuinely deposit-free models require separate analysis.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S001 §4A(b); S002 §46C; S007 pp.230–234.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"Held for categorical clearance of modern noncustodial models."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C007","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C007","Precise assertion":"The statutes’ purpose scopes differ; §46C supplies no express consumer-purpose limit, while §68A’s extension-of-credit definition does.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S002 §46C; S004 §68A definitions; S001 §4A.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High textual comparison; no blanket commercial-debt safe harbor established."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C008","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C008","Precise assertion":"Precise remote-provider/resident nexus was not established by a successfully read authoritative interpretation.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S001 §4A; S002 §46C; S022 inaccessible.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"Held; provider location alone does not prove exemption."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C009","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C009","Precise assertion":"Foreign qualification’s effect on the specific chapter180 organization condition remains unresolved.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S001 §2(c), §4A; S002 §46D; S006 §§1.40, 15.01, 15.05(b).","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"Held; neither automatic eligibility nor mandatory reincorporation established."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C010","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C010","Precise assertion":"Paid credit improvement, obtaining credit, and related advice can trigger CSO coverage; an individual service’s promises must be examined.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S004 §68A, CSO/buyer/extension definitions.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High definition; bounded application to settlement."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C011","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C011","Precise assertion":"Section68A’s enumerated exclusions apply to that definition and do not automatically remove pooling restrictions.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S004 §68A(a)–(i); S002 §§46C–46D.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High exclusions; bounded cross-statute synthesis."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C012","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C012","Precise assertion":"Collector licensing and third-party-servicer registration are separate from debtor-side pooling permission.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S004 §§24–24A; S002 §46C.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High statutory distinction; full209CMR18 and current application process held."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C013","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C013","Precise assertion":"Restructuring one’s own receivable differs from advising the debtor under a creditor-distribution plan.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S002 §§46, 46C; S004 §24.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"Bounded; purchased-debt and creditor-side collection rules remain for later analysis."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C014","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C014","Precise assertion":"No ordinary commercial debt-settlement licensing route was established; H.956’s proposed chapter255G is not used as enacted authority.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S001–S002; S020 §1/proposed§§1–4 and history; S021 final history.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High proposal status; absence of a route is a bounded research finding, not an exhaustive negative certificate."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C015","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C015","Precise assertion":"No setup, monthly, settlement, per-debt, principal, savings, aggregate, or indexed cap was established in the core provisions read.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S001 §4A; S002 §§46C–46D; S004 §§68A–68D; S005 §2.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"Bounded; does not mean unlimited fees. S026–S030 gaps remain."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C016","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C016","Precise assertion":"Covered CSOs cannot charge/receive before full satisfactory agreed performance unless both the authorized ≥$10,000 bond and specified trust account exist.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S004 §68B(1).","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High; no override of other prohibitions and no numerical consumer cap."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C017","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C017","Precise assertion":"A covered CSO cannot charge solely for referral to retail credit offered on substantially general-public terms.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S004 §68B(2).","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High; applies to the described referral, not every introduction."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C018","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C018","Precise assertion":"Required CSO disclosures precede contract or payment, whichever first; payment terms include totals payable to the provider or another person.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S004 §68C opening paragraph and service/cost disclosures; §68D(c)–(d).","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High; third-party charges cannot simply disappear from the required total."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C019","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C019","Precise assertion":"Section68D provides the three-business-day cancellation window and return of payments within10 days after notice receipt.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S004 §68D(a)–(b).","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High; no penalty/obligation during that statutory window; not an unlimited later-cancellation rule."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C020","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C020","Precise assertion":"Rule1.5 does not independently authorize fees prohibited elsewhere; unearned-fee refund guidance is supportive but informal.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S008 PDFp.4; S009 pp.3–4.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High for Zak holding; current full-rule/refund framework held."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C021","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C021","Precise assertion":"Section501(q) imposes reasonable-fee/waiver conditions and qualified percentage-fee restrictions; §501(c)(3) contribution solicitation is also constrained.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S016 §501(q)(1)(A)(iv), (B), (C), (2)(A)(i); S017 criteria list.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High in2024 text; post-2024 amendment chain partial. Federal exemption conditions only."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C022","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C022","Precise assertion":"TSR debt relief includes unsecured balance and concession services; attorney and nonprofit questions do not turn solely on labels.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S014 §310.2(o), telemarketing definition, §310.6(b)(3),(5),(6); S015 coverage sections.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High within federal coverage; face-to-face exception has transaction conditions."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C023","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C023","Precise assertion":"Covered debt-relief fees require a customer-executed valid debt-change agreement and at least one payment under it before request/receipt.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S014 §310.4(a)(5)(i)(A)–(B); S035 p.48519.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High, federal timing only; not Massachusetts permission."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C024","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C024","Precise assertion":"Individually resolved debts use proportional total-fee allocation on enrollment balances, or the same savings percentage across debts; savings use enrollment amount minus actual satisfaction payments.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S014 §310.4(a)(5)(i)(C)(1)–(2); S035 p.48519.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High formula; no federal percentage ceiling is created."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C025","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C025","Precise assertion":"The dedicated-account exception requires insurance, consumer ownership/interest, administrator independence, no referral compensation, and penalty-free withdrawal with timely return less properly earned fees.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S014 §310.4(a)(5)(ii)(A)–(E); S035 pp.48491,48519–48520.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High; return deadline7 business days. Not state pooling authorization."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C026","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C026","Precise assertion":"Applicable CROA and TSR credit-repair timing remain independent of the Massachusetts bond/trust exception and debt-relief first-payment test.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S018 §1679b(b); S019; S014 §310.4(a)(2)(i)–(ii).","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High read restrictions; complete CROA applicability/current amendment chain remains partial."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C027","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C027","Precise assertion":"Actual chapter180 formation instructions and an Articles form are publicly available; they do not constitute provider-specific service approval.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S001 §§3,4(k); S010 formation section; S011 ArticlesII,VI.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High operational evidence; formation regulation S029 unread."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C028","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C028","Precise assertion":"Covered domestic/foreign public charities must register before Massachusetts charitable activity and comply with applicable annual reporting.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S003 §8E(a), §8F; S001 §4A.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High statutory requirement; enumerated exclusions remain; portal procedure partial."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C029","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C029","Precise assertion":"Corporate and attorney lookup interfaces were reached, but no named provider or lawyer was verified.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S012–S013, actual interfaces; S024–S025 failures.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High research observation; no status inference."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C030","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C030","Precise assertion":"The historical6% and weekly creditor charges in Home Budget Service are factual charges, not permissible caps.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S007 p.230, read with pp.232–234.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High historical distinction."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C031","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C031","Precise assertion":"No DMB judgment fee, refund, access, or noncustodial rule is established in this report.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S031–S033 retrieval failures.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"Held; unread documents cannot support operative propositions."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C032","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C032","Precise assertion":"940CMR38’s specific requirements, exceptions, and legal chronology remain unverified despite official catalog inclusion.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S026–S027 failures; S034 catalog.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"Held; no cap, authorization, or effective date inferred."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C033","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C033","Precise assertion":"Complete operative209CMR18,950CMR106, and current professional-fee rules were not read.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S028–S030.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"Held; exact next retrievals retained below."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C034","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C034","Precise assertion":"Access dates and webpage dates do not establish enactment/effective dates; federal and state currentness limitations remain explicit.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"Version records in S001–S006, S014, S016, S018, S020–S021, S026–S030,S035.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"Bounded source-status finding; no full unincorporated-amendment or citator certification."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C035","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C035","Precise assertion":"The verified cancellation/account-return rules do not establish a universal Massachusetts later-cancellation refund formula for every model.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S004 §68D; S014 §310.4(a)(5)(ii)(E); S009; S032 unread.","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High limitation; contract and broader refund/remedy analysis remain open."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MA-P1-C036","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MA-P1-C036","Precise assertion":"The$35 shown on the linked formation form and$100 statutory charity registration amount are governmental charges, not consumer fee caps.","Sources and exact pinpoints":"S011 p.1; S003 §8E(a).","Conditions, currentness, confidence":"High distinction; no consumer pass-through permission inferred."},"coordinator_verification_status":"read_conditions_selected_source_checks_only_not_full_currentness_certification","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"}],"sources":[{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S001","urls":["https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section2","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section3","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section4","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section4A","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section2?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section3?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section4?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section4A?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S001","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"MGL chapter 180, Massachusetts General Court. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section2 ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section3 ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section4 ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter180/Section4A","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations":"Read: §2(c), §3, §4(k), complete §4A. Official currently posted Massachusetts codification. Original enactment and complete later session-law chain not independently reconstructed."},"coordinator_verification_status":"selected_passages_or_attributed_reuse_only_see_check","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S002","urls":["https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46A","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46C","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46D","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46A?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46C?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46D?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S002","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"MGL chapter 221, Massachusetts General Court. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46 ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46A ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46C ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46D","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations":"Read: complete listed sections. Massachusetts corporate/individual law-practice restrictions, pooling rule, nonprofit exception. Current posted codification; no universal remote-service interpretation supplied."},"coordinator_verification_status":"selected_passages_or_attributed_reuse_only_see_check","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S003","urls":["https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter12/Section8E","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter12/Section8F","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter12/Section8E?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter12/Section8F?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S003","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"MGL chapter 12, Massachusetts General Court. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter12/Section8E ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter12/Section8F","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations":"Read: §8E(a), including enumerated exclusions; §8F reporting provisions. Current posted Massachusetts law. Government filing charges are distinct from consumer charges."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S004","urls":["https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section24","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section24A","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68A","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68B","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68C","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68D","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section24?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section24A?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68A?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68B?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68C?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68D?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S004","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"MGL chapter 93, Massachusetts General Court. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section24 ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section24A ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68A ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68B ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68C ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93/Section68D","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations":"Read: relevant definitions/exclusions and licensing paragraph in §§24–24A; complete §§68A–68D. Current posted Massachusetts codification. Collector regulation and full enforcement consequences are not completed here."},"coordinator_verification_status":"selected_passages_or_attributed_reuse_only_see_check","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S005","urls":["https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93A/Section2","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93A/Section2?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S005","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"MGL c.93A §2, Massachusetts General Court. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93A/Section2","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations":"Read: §2(a)–(c), unfair/deceptive practices and regulatory authority. Current posted Massachusetts law. Not a numerical fee schedule."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S006","urls":["https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section1.40","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section15.01","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section15.05","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section1.40?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section15.01?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section15.05?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S006","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"MGL chapter 156D, Massachusetts General Court. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section1.40 ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section15.01 ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter156D/Section15.05","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations":"Read: foreign/domestic definitions; §15.01(a), (c), particularly outside acceptance/interstate commerce; §15.05(b). Current posted law. Does not itself resolve the specific chapter 180 exemption question."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S007","urls":["https://law.justia.com/cases/massachusetts/supreme-court/volumes/335/335mass228.html","https://law.justia.com/cases/massachusetts/supreme-court/volumes/335/335mass228.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S007","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"Home Budget Service, Inc. v. Boston Bar Association, 335 Mass. 228 (1957), Massachusetts SJC; court opinion reproduced by Justia. https://law.justia.com/cases/massachusetts/supreme-court/volumes/335/335mass228.html","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations":"Read: pp.230–234, business facts, historical charges, legal analysis, and injunction. Primary judicial text on a secondary host. As-applied holding; no complete subsequent-treatment check."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S008","urls":["https://bbopublic.massbbo.org/web/f/12073.pdf","https://bbopublic.massbbo.org/web/f/12073.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S008","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"Matter of David Zak, 476 Mass. 1034 (2017), SJC-12073, SJC opinion on official BBO host. https://bbopublic.massbbo.org/web/f/12073.pdf","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations":"Read: PDF p.4, “Advance fees,” corresponding to 476 Mass.1037; surrounding disposition. Decided April 10, 2017. Mortgage-services facts; used only for the rule that professional fee rules do not override other fee prohibitions."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S009","urls":["https://bbopublic.massbbo.org/web/f/Working%20With%20A%20Client%20Who%20Has%20Reported%20You.pdf","https://bbopublic.massbbo.org/web/f/Working%20With%20A%20Client%20Who%20Has%20Reported%20You.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S009","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"Office of Bar Counsel guidance: “Working With A Client Who Has Reported You”, BBO host. https://bbopublic.massbbo.org/web/f/Working%20With%20A%20Client%20Who%20Has%20Reported%20You.pdf","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations":"Read: PDF p.3 on unearned-fee/expense refunds; p.4 disclaimer. Massachusetts informal guidance, expressly without substantive legal effect. Current operative rule text not supplied by this article."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S010","urls":["https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/filing-by-subject/corporations/corporations-domestic-non-profit.htm","https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/filing-by-subject/corporations/corporations-domestic-non-profit.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S010","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"Domestic Non-Profit Corporations filing instructions, Secretary of the Commonwealth. https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/filing-by-subject/corporations/corporations-domestic-non-profit.htm","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations":"Read: formation and annual-report instructions, linked forms. Current public operational page, not an enactment or service approval."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S011","urls":["https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/download/180art.pdf","https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/download/180art.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S011","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"Articles of Organization—General Laws Chapter 180, Secretary. https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/download/180art.pdf","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations":"Read: four-page form, especially p.1 fee/Article II and p.3 Article VI. Form revision printed 11/6/13, currently linked from S010. Older form date is not a legal effective date."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S012","urls":["https://corp.sec.state.ma.us/corpweb/CorpSearch/CorpSearch.aspx","https://corp.sec.state.ma.us/corpweb/CorpSearch/CorpSearch.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S012","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"Corporate Search, Secretary. https://corp.sec.state.ma.us/corpweb/CorpSearch/CorpSearch.aspx","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations":"Read: functioning search interface and entity/name/identifier fields. No named-provider result retrieved."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S013","urls":["https://massbbo.my.site.com/AttorneyRegistrationIntermediary","https://massbbo.my.site.com/AttorneyRegistrationIntermediary?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S013","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"Attorney Lookup, Massachusetts BBO. https://massbbo.my.site.com/AttorneyRegistrationIntermediary","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations":"Read: attorney search interface. No named-attorney status retrieved."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S014","urls":["https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.2","https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.4","https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.6","https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.2?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.4?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.6?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S014","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"16 CFR part 310, FTC, eCFR/OFR. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.2 ; https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.4 ; https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.6","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations":"Read: §310.2(o), telemarketing definition; §310.4(a)(2), (a)(5)(i)–(ii); relevant §310.6 exemptions. Displayed current through 10/21/2026; authoritative but unofficial eCFR. Federal context only."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S015","urls":["https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/debt-relief-services-telemarketing-sales-rule-guide-business","https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/debt-relief-services-telemarketing-sales-rule-guide-business?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S015","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"Debt Relief Services & the Telemarketing Sales Rule: A Guide for Business, FTC. https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/debt-relief-services-telemarketing-sales-rule-guide-business","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations":"Read: coverage, attorney/nonprofit discussion, collecting fees, dedicated accounts. Staff guidance, expressly nonbinding; exact regulation controls."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S016","urls":["https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title26/html/USCODE-2024-title26-subtitleA-chap1-subchapF-partI-sec501.htm","https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title26/html/USCODE-2024-title26-subtitleA-chap1-subchapF-partI-sec501.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S016","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"26 U.S.C. §501, official 2024 U.S. Code, GPO/GovInfo. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title26/html/USCODE-2024-title26-subtitleA-chap1-subchapF-partI-sec501.htm","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations":"Read: §501(q)(1)(A)–(C), (2)(A), and related definitions/notes. Federal tax-exemption conditions. Post-2024 amendment chain not completely verified."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S017","urls":["https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/credit-counseling-legislation-new-criteria-for-exemption","https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/credit-counseling-legislation-new-criteria-for-exemption?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S017","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"Credit counseling legislation—New criteria for exemption, IRS. https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/credit-counseling-legislation-new-criteria-for-exemption","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations":"Read: counseling standards, reasonable fees, inability-to-pay waiver, prohibited percentage basis. Current agency explanation; S016 supplies statutory qualifications."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S018","urls":["https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title15/html/USCODE-2024-title15-chap41-subchapII-A-sec1679b.htm","https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title15/html/USCODE-2024-title15-chap41-subchapII-A-sec1679b.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S018","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"15 U.S.C. §1679b, official 2024 U.S. Code, GPO/GovInfo. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title15/html/USCODE-2024-title15-chap41-subchapII-A-sec1679b.htm","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations":"Read: subsection (b), advance-payment restriction. Federal CROA context. Complete current definitions/exemptions and post-2024 amendment chain not closed."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S019","urls":["https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/credit-repair-organizations-act","https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/credit-repair-organizations-act?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S019","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"Credit Repair Organizations Act, FTC statutory overview. https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/credit-repair-organizations-act","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations":"Read: statutory description and advance-payment prohibition. Agency overview corroborates S018; does not replace operative text."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S020","urls":["https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H956","https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H956/House/Bill/Text","https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H956?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H956/House/Bill/Text?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S020","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"H.956, 193rd General Court, bill text and history, Massachusetts Legislature. https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H956 ; https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H956/House/Bill/Text","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations":"Read: proposed §1 replacement of c.180 §4A; proposed chapter 255G §§1–4; history entry June 3, 2024, study H.4705. Historical proposal, not enacted authority in this report."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S021","urls":["https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H4705","https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H4705?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S021","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"H.4705, 193rd General Court, Massachusetts Legislature. https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H4705","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations":"Read: study-order history; December 31, 2024 entry, no further action. Historical legislative disposition; not a licensing statute."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S034","urls":["https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/bookstore/agencies/940-attorney-general.htm","https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/bookstore/agencies/940-attorney-general.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S034","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"940 CMR Attorney General regulations catalog, Secretary. https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/bookstore/agencies/940-attorney-general.htm","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations":"Read: listing for 940 CMR1.00–38.00, including unfair/deceptive fees. Catalog only; no operative clauses or effective date. No purchase made."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S035","urls":["https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2010-08-10/pdf/2010-19412.pdf","https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2010-08-10/pdf/2010-19412.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S035","Title / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"Telemarketing Sales Rule—Final Rule Amendments, FTC, 75 FR48458, August 10, 2010. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2010-08-10/pdf/2010-19412.pdf","Exact pinpoint; version, status, jurisdiction, and limitations":"Read: p.48458 effective-date notice; pp.48519–48520 operative §310.4(a)(5); p.48491 dedicated-account discussion. Historical adoption: general amendments September 27, 2010; fee provision October 27, 2010. Current text cross-checked against S014. Entire preamble not reviewed."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S022","urls":["https://www.mass.gov/opinion/selected-opinion-01-181","https://www.mass.gov/doc/selected-opinion-01-181/download","https://www.mass.gov/opinion/selected-opinion-01-181?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S022","Identified document / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"Selected Opinion 01-181, Massachusetts Division of Banks. https://www.mass.gov/opinion/selected-opinion-01-181 ; https://www.mass.gov/doc/selected-opinion-01-181/download","Actual access result; consequence and next evidence":"403; operative text not read. Search indexing is discovery only. Its precise scope, qualifications, and continuing status are held. Need full official opinion and any modification/withdrawal record."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S023","urls":["https://www.mass.gov/info-details/online-charity-filing-portal"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S023","Identified document / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"Online Charity Filing Portal instructions, Massachusetts AG. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/online-charity-filing-portal","Actual access result; consequence and next evidence":"403. Current procedural instructions not verified beyond statutory requirements."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S024","urls":["https://masscharities.my.site.com/CharityRegistration/s/","https://masscharities.my.site.com/CharityRegistration/s/?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S024","Identified document / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"Charity Registration portal, Massachusetts AG. https://masscharities.my.site.com/CharityRegistration/s/","Actual access result; consequence and next evidence":"Loading/CSS error; no usable application content. No filing attempted."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S025","urls":["https://masscharities.my.site.com/FilingSearch/s/","https://masscharities.my.site.com/FilingSearch/s/?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S025","Identified document / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"Public Charity Filing Search, Massachusetts AG. https://masscharities.my.site.com/FilingSearch/s/","Actual access result; consequence and next evidence":"Loading/CSS error; no usable records. No named charity’s compliance verified."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S026","urls":["https://www.mass.gov/regulations/940-CMR-3800-unfair-and-deceptive-fees","https://www.mass.gov/doc/940-cmr-38-unfair-and-deceptive-fees/download","https://www.mass.gov/doc/junk-fee-regulations-940-cmr-3800-0/download","https://www.mass.gov/regulations/940-CMR-3800-unfair-and-deceptive-fees?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://www.mass.gov/doc/940-cmr-38-unfair-and-deceptive-fees/download?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S026","Identified document / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"940 CMR38.00, Unfair and Deceptive Fees, Massachusetts AG. https://www.mass.gov/regulations/940-CMR-3800-unfair-and-deceptive-fees ; https://www.mass.gov/doc/940-cmr-38-unfair-and-deceptive-fees/download ; https://www.mass.gov/doc/junk-fee-regulations-940-cmr-3800-0/download","Actual access result; consequence and next evidence":"403 on operative routes. S034 confirms catalog inclusion only. Full final text, adoption, amendments, effective/enforcement chronology, exceptions, and debt-service application remain held. Proposed text was not substituted."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S027","urls":["https://www.mass.gov/doc/guidance-with-respect-to-unfair-and-deceptive-fees-2026123/download","https://www.mass.gov/doc/guidance-with-respect-to-unfair-and-deceptive-fees-2026123/download?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S027","Identified document / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"Guidance with Respect to Unfair and Deceptive Fees, Massachusetts AG. https://www.mass.gov/doc/guidance-with-respect-to-unfair-and-deceptive-fees-2026123/download","Actual access result; consequence and next evidence":"403. Filename/indexing is not proof of operative date or contents. Need actual guidance reconciled with S026."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S028","urls":["https://www.mass.gov/doc/209-cmr-1800-conduct-of-the-business-of-debt-collectors-student-loan-servicers-and-third-party-loan-servicers-final-amendments-effective-92625/download"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S028","Identified document / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"209 CMR18.00 final-amendments document, Massachusetts Division of Banks. https://www.mass.gov/doc/209-cmr-1800-conduct-of-the-business-of-debt-collectors-student-loan-servicers-and-third-party-loan-servicers-final-amendments-effective-92625/download","Actual access result; consequence and next evidence":"403. Claimed date embedded in filename was not treated as verified legal effect. Full regulation/adoption record remains unread."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S029","urls":["https://www.mass.gov/doc/950-cmr-106-non-profit-corporations/download","https://www.mass.gov/doc/950-cmr-106-non-profit-corporations/download?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S029","Identified document / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"950 CMR106, Non-Profit Corporations, Secretary. https://www.mass.gov/doc/950-cmr-106-non-profit-corporations/download","Actual access result; consequence and next evidence":"403. Full current formation regulation not read; S001 and operational documents supply only the findings expressly stated."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S030","urls":["https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/rules-of-professional-conduct-rule-15-fees","https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/rules-of-professional-conduct-rule-116-declining-or-terminating-representation","https://www.mass.gov/doc/massachusetts-supreme-judicial-court-rules-and-orders/download","https://www.massbbo.org/Rules","https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/rules-of-professional-conduct-rule-15-fees?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://www.mass.gov/doc/massachusetts-supreme-judicial-court-rules-and-orders/download?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://www.massbbo.org/Rules?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S030","Identified document / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"SJC Rules of Professional Conduct / rules compilation, Massachusetts SJC. https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/rules-of-professional-conduct-rule-15-fees ; https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/rules-of-professional-conduct-rule-116-declining-or-terminating-representation ; https://www.mass.gov/doc/massachusetts-supreme-judicial-court-rules-and-orders/download ; https://www.massbbo.org/Rules","Actual access result; consequence and next evidence":"Mass.gov403; BBO Loading/CSS error. Complete current Rules1.5/1.16 and operative amendment orders held. S008’s decision and S009’s informal guidance do not close that gap."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S031","urls":["https://www.mass.gov/doc/dmb-financial-amended-complaint/download"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S031","Identified document / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"DMB Financial amended complaint, Massachusetts AG-hosted document. https://www.mass.gov/doc/dmb-financial-amended-complaint/download","Actual access result; consequence and next evidence":"403. Allegations, exact counts, dates, and disposition relationship not verified from actual text. A complaint would not itself establish an adjudicated rule."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S032","urls":["https://www.mass.gov/doc/dmb-financial-final-judgement-0/download","https://infobytes.orrick.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Buckley%20InfoBytes-%20DMB%20and%20Global%20Client-%20Consent%20Order%20-MA%20AG%20-%202021.08.30.pdf","https://www.mass.gov/doc/dmb-financial-final-judgement-0/download?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://infobytes.orrick.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Buckley%20InfoBytes-%20DMB%20and%20Global%20Client-%20Consent%20Order%20-MA%20AG%20-%202021.08.30.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S032","Identified document / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"Purported DMB Financial final judgment / consent-order bundle. Official route: https://www.mass.gov/doc/dmb-financial-final-judgement-0/download ; discovered mirror: https://infobytes.orrick.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Buckley%20InfoBytes-%20DMB%20and%20Global%20Client-%20Consent%20Order%20-MA%20AG%20-%202021.08.30.pdf","Actual access result; consequence and next evidence":"Official route 403. Mirror returned 59 pages, zero extracted text lines; screenshot attempts supplied no inspectable image. No judgment terms were read. Need readable signed/entered order, separation from pleadings, and subsequent modification history."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"},{"source_id":"S_MA-P1-S033","urls":["https://www.mass.gov/news/ag-healey-secures-1-million-in-first-of-its-kind-resolution-with-debt-settlement-company","https://www.mass.gov/news/ag-healey-secures-1-million-in-first-of-its-kind-resolution-with-debt-settlement-company?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MA-P1-S033","Identified document / issuer; direct literal URL(s)":"AG DMB-resolution press-release lead. https://www.mass.gov/news/ag-healey-secures-1-million-in-first-of-its-kind-resolution-with-debt-settlement-company","Actual access result; consequence and next evidence":"403. Title/URL is discovery only. Not used to prove settlement amounts, legal holdings, fee limits, or provider authorization."},"coordinator_verification_status":"not_yet_checked"}],"coverage":[{"topic":"Statutory vocabulary and activity-based classification—Q1","researcher_record":{"Component / requested question":"Statutory vocabulary and activity-based classification—Q1","Status":"Answered, bounded","Claim IDs":"C001–C002, C005, C010","Exact missing evidence or next action":"Apply the verified tests to a concrete service/money-flow description; no marketing-label shortcut."},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_scope_row_material_gaps_remain_no_state_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Custodial commercial pooling—Q1–Q2","researcher_record":{"Component / requested question":"Custodial commercial pooling—Q1–Q2","Status":"Answered for the express model","Claim IDs":"C002, C014","Exact missing evidence or next action":"For another model, establish actual deposits, advice, distributions, and any exception before carrying over the result."},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_scope_row_material_gaps_remain_no_state_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Domestic charitable counseling pathway—Q2","researcher_record":{"Component / requested question":"Domestic charitable counseling pathway—Q2","Status":"Answered conditionally","Claim IDs":"C003, C027–C028","Exact missing evidence or next action":"Verify actual chapter180 organization/purpose, charitable compliance, and limits of services for any named entity."},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_scope_row_material_gaps_remain_no_state_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Attorney and attorney-connected companies—Q2","researcher_record":{"Component / requested question":"Attorney and attorney-connected companies—Q2","Status":"Partial","Claim IDs":"C004, C020, C033","Exact missing evidence or next action":"Obtain current Rules1.5/1.16 and applicable entity/practice rules and amendment orders; verify named attorney and entity separately."},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_scope_row_material_gaps_remain_no_state_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Principal-reduction versus concession program—Q1–Q2","researcher_record":{"Component / requested question":"Principal-reduction versus concession program—Q1–Q2","Status":"Partial","Claim IDs":"C006","Exact missing evidence or next action":"Retrieve authoritative interpretation defining when the particular negotiation remains permissible counseling or becomes legal representation."},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_scope_row_material_gaps_remain_no_state_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Third-party dedicated-account “noncustodial” model—Q1–Q2","researcher_record":{"Component / requested question":"Third-party dedicated-account “noncustodial” model—Q1–Q2","Status":"Unresolved","Claim IDs":"C006, C031","Exact missing evidence or next action":"Obtain readable DMB pleadings/order and controlling decisions interpreting §46C where a separate administrator holds funds."},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_scope_row_material_gaps_remain_no_state_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"No-deposit, direct-payment negotiation—Q1–Q2","researcher_record":{"Component / requested question":"No-deposit, direct-payment negotiation—Q1–Q2","Status":"Unresolved","Claim IDs":"C006","Exact missing evidence or next action":"Obtain a controlling ruling or formal interpretation addressing this precise model under §§46/46A/46C and §4A."},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_scope_row_material_gaps_remain_no_state_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Consumer/business-purpose boundaries—Q1","researcher_record":{"Component / requested question":"Consumer/business-purpose boundaries—Q1","Status":"Partial","Claim IDs":"C007, C010, C013","Exact missing evidence or next action":"Research commercial-debt applications of §46C and any relevant institutional or activity-specific authority."},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_scope_row_material_gaps_remain_no_state_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Remote Massachusetts-resident nexus—Q1–Q2","researcher_record":{"Component / requested question":"Remote Massachusetts-resident nexus—Q1–Q2","Status":"Unresolved","Claim IDs":"C008","Exact missing evidence or next action":"Obtain a primary ruling/interpretation addressing solicitation, residence, service location, and deposit arrangements; retrieve full DOB01-181 if relevant."},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_scope_row_material_gaps_remain_no_state_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Foreign nonprofit qualification—Q2","researcher_record":{"Component / requested question":"Foreign nonprofit qualification—Q2","Status":"Unresolved","Claim IDs":"C009","Exact missing evidence or next action":"Find authoritative reconciliation of c.180 §§2/4A, c.221 §46D, and c.156D §15.05."},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_scope_row_material_gaps_remain_no_state_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Institutional and CSO exclusions—Q2","researcher_record":{"Component / requested question":"Institutional and CSO exclusions—Q2","Status":"Answered textually; application conditional","Claim IDs":"C011–C013","Exact missing evidence or next action":"Test the exact entity/activity against the particular statute; do not transfer exclusions across regimes."},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_scope_row_material_gaps_remain_no_state_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Numerical fees and CPI-adjusted caps—Q3","researcher_record":{"Component / requested question":"Numerical fees and CPI-adjusted caps—Q3","Status":"Partial; no applicable current schedule verified","Claim IDs":"C015, C030, C032","Exact missing evidence or next action":"Obtain full current940CMR38, applicable orders, and any actual fee-cap/adjustment notice. Preserve exact amounts as held until verified."},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_scope_row_material_gaps_remain_no_state_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Massachusetts CSO performance and referral-fee restrictions—Q3–Q4","researcher_record":{"Component / requested question":"Massachusetts CSO performance and referral-fee restrictions—Q3–Q4","Status":"Answered within statutory scope","Claim IDs":"C016–C018","Exact missing evidence or next action":"Complete entity classification and check overlapping federal restrictions for a concrete program."},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_scope_row_material_gaps_remain_no_state_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Cancellation, refunds, and credits—Q3–Q4","researcher_record":{"Component / requested question":"Cancellation, refunds, and credits—Q3–Q4","Status":"Answered for specified rules; otherwise partial","Claim IDs":"C019, C025, C035","Exact missing evidence or next action":"Obtain current professional rules, readable DMB order, and applicable agreement/remedy rules for later cancellation and other refunds."},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_scope_row_material_gaps_remain_no_state_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Nonprofit fee conditions—Q3","researcher_record":{"Component / requested question":"Nonprofit fee conditions—Q3","Status":"Partial currentness closure","Claim IDs":"C021","Exact missing evidence or next action":"Verify §501(q)’s post-2024 amendment chain and the actual entity’s federal exemption conditions."},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_scope_row_material_gaps_remain_no_state_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Federal TSR timing/allocation—Q4","researcher_record":{"Component / requested question":"Federal TSR timing/allocation—Q4","Status":"Answered as common context","Claim IDs":"C022–C025","Exact missing evidence or next action":"Confirm transaction-specific coverage; check any changes after the eCFR’s10/21/2026 displayed currency date."},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_scope_row_material_gaps_remain_no_state_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Related credit-repair timing—Q4","researcher_record":{"Component / requested question":"Related credit-repair timing—Q4","Status":"Partial","Claim IDs":"C026","Exact missing evidence or next action":"Complete current CROA definitions/exemptions and amendment chain; apply §310.4(a)(2) if representations trigger it."},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_scope_row_material_gaps_remain_no_state_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Formation/application/lookup routes—Q5","researcher_record":{"Component / requested question":"Formation/application/lookup routes—Q5","Status":"Partial","Claim IDs":"C027–C029, C033","Exact missing evidence or next action":"Retrieve usable AG charity instructions/portals and950CMR106; complete exact entity checks if a provider is later identified."},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_scope_row_material_gaps_remain_no_state_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Named-provider authorization—Q5","researcher_record":{"Component / requested question":"Named-provider authorization—Q5","Status":"Not established","Claim IDs":"C029","Exact missing evidence or next action":"Need legal entity identity, relevant records, professional status where applicable, and activity-specific analysis. No marketing claim substitutes."},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_scope_row_material_gaps_remain_no_state_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"DMB enforcement implications","researcher_record":{"Component / requested question":"DMB enforcement implications","Status":"Unresolved","Claim IDs":"C031","Exact missing evidence or next action":"Obtain a readable signed/entered judgment; distinguish complaints from orders; verify dates, parties, operative terms, and later modifications."},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_scope_row_material_gaps_remain_no_state_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Fee regulation and adoption chronology","researcher_record":{"Component / requested question":"Fee regulation and adoption chronology","Status":"Unresolved","Claim IDs":"C032–C034","Exact missing evidence or next action":"Obtain final940CMR38, Massachusetts Register filing/adoption record, amendments, and actual2026 guidance. Distinguish proposal, effective date, and enforcement date."},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_scope_row_material_gaps_remain_no_state_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Examples—Q6","researcher_record":{"Component / requested question":"Examples—Q6","Status":"Answered with explicit bounds","Claim IDs":"C002, C016, C019, C021, C023–C025","Exact missing evidence or next action":"No example supplies a missing Massachusetts license or validates an illustrative fee rate."},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_scope_row_material_gaps_remain_no_state_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Component coverage preservation—Q7","researcher_record":{"Component / requested question":"Component coverage preservation—Q7","Status":"Answered","Claim IDs":"All above","Exact missing evidence or next action":"Carry each unresolved row into the next Massachusetts investigation; no implicit closure."},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_scope_row_material_gaps_remain_no_state_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Agreement/funds/bond/remedies; full collection, litigation, limitations, exemptions, secured debt, sector, local, tribal, contract, and general case-law coverage","researcher_record":{"Component / requested question":"Agreement/funds/bond/remedies; full collection, litigation, limitations, exemptions, secured debt, sector, local, tribal, contract, and general case-law coverage","Status":"Open for later passes","Claim IDs":"Only incidental findings above","Exact missing evidence or next action":"Conduct dedicated passes. The limited bond, account, cancellation, and case discussions here do not satisfy those categories."},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_scope_row_material_gaps_remain_no_state_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"}],"annotations":{},"corrections":[],"resolved_corrections":[],"review_history":[]}