How to Start an LLC in Maryland
Form your Maryland LLC online with transparent pricing, registered agent service and real human support. Incofile prepares and files your Articles of Organization for you.
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Maryland LLC filing fee & timeline
To form an LLC in Maryland you file your Articles of Organization with the state and pay the state filing fee of $100. Incofile adds a flat, one-time service fee on top — no monthly charges — and your total is always shown before you pay.
Most Maryland LLC filings are prepared and submitted within one business day. State approval time depends on Maryland's current processing queue, typically ranging from a few business days to a few weeks, with expedited options available in many states.
Why form an LLC in Maryland
In Maryland, LLCs are filed with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). Articles of Organization cost $100, standard processing takes several weeks, and for $50 more you can expedite. Every year your LLC files a $300 annual report, due April 15.
Maryland LLC at a glance
| State filing fee | $100 |
|---|---|
| Document filed | Articles of Organization, filed through Maryland Business Express |
| Standard approval time | About 4 to 6 weeks |
| Expedited service | +$50; about 7 business days online |
| Annual report | $300 a year (Form 1), due April 15 |
| Personal property return | Filed on the same Form 1 when the LLC owns business property in Maryland |
| State income tax | Graduated rates up to 6.5%, plus county income tax |
| Registered agent | Required; called a "resident agent" — a Maryland resident or Maryland entity |
State figures checked against the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT), September 2026. State fees are set by Maryland and can change; the exact total is shown before you pay.
How to form an LLC in Maryland — 4 steps
Choose your package
Pick the Incofile package that fits your goals. Your Maryland state filing fee is shown before you pay.
Tell us about your LLC
Complete our short form with your company name, address and ownership details — about ten minutes.
We check & file with Maryland
We confirm your name is available and file your Articles of Organization with the Maryland state office.
Get your documents
Your approved Maryland LLC documents land in your dashboard, with reminders for your annual report and other deadlines.
What you need to form an LLC in Maryland
- A business name that is available and meets Maryland's naming rules (it must include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company”).
- A registered agent with a physical address in Maryland — Incofile can be your agent.
- Articles of Organization filed with the Maryland state office — we prepare and submit these for you.
- An operating agreement and EIN to open a business bank account (included in our Gold and Platinum packages).
- Ongoing compliance — Maryland's reports, taxes and registered agent rules (see below). We track the deadlines and remind you.
Operating agreement
An operating agreement sets out who owns the LLC, how profits are split, how decisions are made and what happens if a member leaves. Maryland does not ask you to file it with the state, but banks usually want to see it, and without one the state's default rules apply. Incofile includes a customised operating agreement in the Gold and Platinum packages.
EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Your EIN is the federal tax ID for your LLC. You need it to open a business bank account, hire staff and file taxes. The IRS issues it free — online in minutes if you have a Social Security number, or by fax or mail (one to eight weeks) if you don't. Our Gold and Platinum packages include it, and it is also available as a separate service.
This is general information, not legal advice. If you're unsure which structure is right, compare LLC vs S-Corp vs C-Corp.
Maryland LLC naming rules
The name must contain "limited liability company", "L.L.C.", "LLC", "L.C." or "LC" and must be distinguishable from every entity on the Maryland register. Check availability with our free business name search.
Keeping your Maryland LLC compliant
Annual report
Every Maryland LLC files an annual report (Form 1) with SDAT by April 15. The fee is $300. Filing late adds a penalty, and LLCs that stop filing can lose their good standing and be forfeited.
Personal property return
The Business Personal Property Return is part of the same Form 1. If your LLC owns business property located in Maryland, you report it there; the property may be taxed by the county.
Resident agent
Maryland requires a resident agent: an adult Maryland resident or a Maryland corporation or LLC, with a physical Maryland address. Professional agents such as Incofile qualify.
Taxes
Owners pay Maryland income tax on their share of profit at graduated rates up to 6.5%, plus a county income tax. Sellers of taxable goods register for sales and use tax with the Comptroller of Maryland.
Incofile clients get every Maryland deadline tracked in their dashboard with email reminders — see registered agent service.
Official Maryland resources
Maryland LLC — frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Maryland?
Incofile charges a flat, one-time formation fee (Silver, Gold or Platinum) plus the Maryland state filing fee of $100. There are no monthly charges, and the total is shown before you pay.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Maryland?
We prepare and submit your Maryland Articles of Organization within one business day. State approval times vary from a few business days to a few weeks; expedited filing is available in many states.
Do I need a registered agent in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state to receive legal and state mail. Incofile can serve as your Maryland registered agent so you stay compliant and keep your address private.
Can I start an LLC in Maryland if I live in another state or country?
Yes. You do not need to live in Maryland to form an LLC there. Incofile can act as your registered agent and provide a business address, so you can form and run your Maryland LLC from anywhere.
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Maryland?
The SDAT fee for Articles of Organization is $100, or $150 with expedited service. After that, the annual report costs $300 each year.
When is the Maryland annual report due?
April 15 every year. The fee for an LLC is $300, and the report also covers the Business Personal Property Return.
How long does Maryland take to approve an LLC?
Standard processing takes about 4 to 6 weeks. Expedited service costs $50 more and takes about 7 business days online.
What is a resident agent in Maryland?
It is Maryland's name for a registered agent: an adult Maryland resident or a Maryland business entity that accepts legal papers for your LLC.
Ready to launch your Maryland LLC?
Most orders are prepared and submitted within one business day.
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