Last Updated: March 7, 2024, 2:05 pm by TRUiC Team


How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Maryland?

The cost to start an LLC (limited liability company) online in Maryland is $100. This fee is paid to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation when filing the LLC’s Articles of Organization.

We recommend Northwest ($29 + State Fees) to help form your LLC.

An entrepreneur counting money with the state fee in the foreground

How Much Does an LLC Cost in Maryland?

Maryland LLC Online Filing Fee: $100

The main cost to start an LLC in Maryland is the $100 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.

For a look at LLC costs in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.

Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Maryland

If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Maryland, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Maryland.

The cost for registering a Maryland foreign LLC is $100. You can register a foreign LLC in Maryland by filing a Foreign Limited Liability Company Registration form online, by mail, or in person.

Optional LLC Formation Costs

There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:

LLC Name Reservation

Reserve your name for up to 30 days prior to LLC formation by filing a Corporate Name Reservation Application and paying the $25 filing fee.

LLC Name Re-Reservation

File a Corporate Name Reservation Application for Re-Reservation and pay the $25 filing fee to reserve your name for an additional 30 days.

Trade Name

File a Trade Name Application online and pay the $25 filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name. This can also be done by mail or in person.

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Maryland LLC Annual Fees

When considering starting a limited liability company (LLC) in Maryland, it is important to understand the ongoing costs associated with maintaining an LLC. By taking these costs into account, you can estimate the total expenses of running an LLC in Maryland.

Here are the primary ongoing costs for a Maryland LLC:

  • Resident Agent Fee: Registered agents, known in the state of Maryland as resident agents, are required for all LLCs. If you choose to hire a registered agent service, be sure to budget roughly $100–$200 in yearly fees.
  • Annual Report Fee: LLCs in Maryland are required to file an annual report with the Department of Assessments and Taxation every year. The fee for filing the annual report is $300.

It is important to consider these ongoing costs when planning your LLC's budget in Maryland. By understanding and factoring in these expenses, you can make informed decisions and ensure the financial stability of your LLC.

How to Register a Maryland LLC Yourself

Forming an LLC in Maryland is easy. Simply follow the steps outlined on this page.

Recommended: Using an LLC formation service like Northwest ($29 + State Fees) saves time and ensures compliance. Besides the low cost, we like their streamlined approach and excellent customer service.

Maryland LLC Cost FAQ

When setting up an LLC in Maryland, the primary cost is the filing fee for the Articles of Organization. As per the most recent data, this fee is $100 if filed online and $170 if filed by mail. It's important to note that these are the basic fees, and there could be additional costs related to your specific business, such as obtaining necessary business licenses or permits.

In Maryland, you can submit the Articles of Organization for your LLC online or by mail. These documents, together with the filing fee, should be submitted to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.

Yes, it is mandatory for your LLC in Maryland to have a resident agent, known in most states as a registered agent. This person or entity agrees to receive legal papers on behalf of your LLC. Your resident agent must consent to this role by physically signing the form in the presence of a notary public.

If you wish to change your resident agent in Maryland after your LLC is formed, your new resident agent must officially agree to their role. This is done by signing the change form.

A trade name, also known as a DBA (doing business as) name, is used in Maryland if your LLC operates under a name different from its legal name. If you intend to conduct your business under the legal name of your LLC, you will not need a trade name.

In Maryland, LLCs are required to file an annual report each year. Whether you file a standalone annual report or an annual report plus a personal property tax return, the cost for filing this return is $300.

As per the provided data, apart from the cost associated with filing the annual report, Maryland does not have specific state compliance fees for LLCs. However, fees and requirements can change, so it's always a good idea to check with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.

Before you file your Articles of Organization in Maryland, you should confirm that your desired LLC name is not already in use. You can do this by searching the Maryland Business Express business database.

A Certificate of Status in Maryland, similar to a Good Standing Certificate in other states, is a document issued by the Department of Assessments and Taxation. It verifies that your LLC is legally registered and in compliance with all state requirements. This certificate can be used for various purposes, like opening business bank accounts, applying for business loans, or when conducting business transactions.

Article Sources

Maryland Business Express:
https://egov.maryland.gov/businessexpress

IRS - Employer ID Numbers:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers

SBA - Apply for licenses and permits:
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits

Chamber of Commerce - Maryland Chamber of Commerce List:
https://www.officialusa.com/stateguides/chambers/Maryland.html