The 4 Best LLC Services in Maryland 2023
Find the Best Service for Your LLC in Maryland
Setting up a limited liability company (LLC)? Hiring a business formation service can ensure that the necessary paperwork is filed correctly. We’ve identified some of the best LLC services in Maryland. Continue reading to learn more about each and determine which one best fits your small business’s needs.
Recommended Maryland LLC Formation Service: Northwest
Best Maryland LLC Formation Services
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Best LLC Services |
|---|---|
Northwest 4.7/5 |
HIGHEST CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
|
TailorBrands 4.5/5 |
BEST PREMIUM, ALL-IN-ONE PACKAGE
|
ZenBusiness 4.2/5 |
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Incfile 4.0/5 |
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We reviewed and ranked the four best company formation services by actually forming separate Maryland LLCs with each service provider.
In this business formation services review, we’ll look at some of the best Maryland LLC services in 2023 and share what makes them the top choice.
Best LLC Services in Maryland:
Best Maryland LLC Service: Northwest
We recommend Northwest Registered Agent as the overall best online business formation service because of its affordability and knowledgeable customer support.
($29 + State Fees)
1. Northwest
Northwest's incorporation service starts at just $29 plus state fees; it includes LLC filing, premium registered agent services, customer privacy protection, online document dashboard, free mail forwarding, and more.
Northwest is known for its top-notch customer service; they provide their clients with Corporate Guides, who are highly trained US-based support agents. Every customer gets a Corporate Guide assigned to their specific account, so you can talk to the same person if you have any questions or concerns.
Pros
- Positive customer reviews
- User-friendly online ordering process
- No hidden fees or “free trials” that cost money later on
- Professional US-based customer service representatives
Cons
- You’ll need to pay extra fees for important company formation features such as an EIN. Another option is to get an EIN for free on your own.
Read our full Northwest Registered Agent review to learn more.
Northwest
Northwest provides personalized, knowledgeable customer service at an affordable price.
($29 plus state fees)
2. Tailor Brands
If you are looking to establish a brand as well as form a company in Maryland, Tailor Brands is an excellent choice. Its top-tier Elite package – $199/year plus state fees – includes some powerful tools that are fairly unique among business formation packages. With this package, you can go beyond just forming an LLC and start expanding brand and online awareness of your company.
Included in the Elite package are an AI-powered logo maker, business card maker, and social media post tool. They are easy to use and effective. If you are in the market for a premium package and want to build a brand, we highly recommend this package.
Pros
- Includes AI-driven branding tools
- All-in-one service
- Feature-rich premium package
Cons
- Not ideal for those on a tight budget
Read our full Tailor Brands review to learn more.
Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands provides the best premium, one-stop shop package for entrepreneurs to start a new venture and build their online presence.
($199 + state fees)
3. ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is one of the better-known business formation services. It offers a wide variety of add-ons and features that can fit the needs of many different businesses. Whether you want a budget option or are willing to pay a premium, ZenBusiness has something for you.
The basic package from ZenBusiness is $0* plus state fees. There is also a Pro plan ($199/year plus state fees) and a Premium plan ($349/year plus state fees). All of these are good packages, but they don’t include some of the features that make plans from other business formation companies stand out.
Pros
- Well-known business formation service
- Worry-free compliance free first year (Auto-renewal price: $199/yr)
- Basic package is $0* plus state fees
Cons
- Doesn’t include registered agent service, branding tools, or other useful features available from other companies
Read our full ZenBusiness review to learn more.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness provides essential services to help get your business up and running.
($0* + State Fees)
4. Incfile
Incfile offers a $0 plus state fees business formation service in Maryland. It also includes a year of registered agent service, something that not every company offers. The low price point and registered agent service make Incfile a regular favorite for budget-conscious businesses.
There are some things missing from Incfile’s packages that might send you looking somewhere else. You can’t form a professional limited liability company (PLLC) and you can’t add on certain features, such as legal services.
Pros
- Can form a company for $0 plus state fees
- Registered agent service is included for a year
- Fast and simple checkout process
Cons
- Slow customer service response times
Read our full Incfile review to learn more.
Incfile
Incfile is one of the best LLC services if you are working with a limited budget, and want a lot of added features.
($0 + State Fees)
How to Form an LLC in Maryland
You can start an LLC in Maryland on your own in five easy steps:
1. Name Your Company
You won’t be able to form your enterprise until you actually name it. Be sure to follow the LLC naming rules that are outlined in the Maryland naming requirements.
Then, sure the name you want isn't already taken by doing a Business Entity Search with Maryland Business Express.
We also recommend using our LLC Name Generator tool to help secure a domain name for your company.
2. Choose a Resident Agent in Maryland
You are required to designate a resident agent, known in most states as a registered agent, for your Maryland LLC, which is an individual or business entity in charge of receiving legal documents, government correspondence, and more on behalf of your company.
Learn more by reading our guide on Maryland resident agents.
3. File the Articles of Organization
To register your venture, you will need to file the Articles of Organization with the Department of Assessments and Taxation. You can apply online, in-person, or by mail.
Learn more with our Maryland Articles of Organization guide.
4. Create an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is a legal document that outlines the ownership structure and operating procedures of your enterprise.
Although an operating agreement is not required, it’s recommended. According to Maryland Code Section 4A–402, every LLC may adopt an operating agreement to govern the company’s operating procedures.
You can read more about Maryland LLC operating agreements in our full guide.
5. Get an EIN
You can think of an Employer Identification Number as a Social Security number for your company. Get one for free through the IRS website.
FAQs
How much does it cost to start a Maryland LLC?
The cost to start a Maryland LLC is $100.
How do I file the Maryland annual report?
File your annual report with the Department of Assessments & Taxation. Depending on your business personal property status, you may be prompted to file a Business Personal Property Tax Return alongside your annual report. You must also provide your Department ID number, which you can find through a business entity search.
What are some local resources to help me start a company in Maryland?
To help you start your new venture, we have identified the best resources across the state: