Best LLC Formation Services in Maryland

Maryland files LLCs through the Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT), not a Secretary of State. Some formation services have slower integrations with SDAT, so choosing one with direct e-filing experience matters.

Unlike neighboring Delaware, Maryland does impose a state income tax on LLC profits that pass through to members. But Maryland does allow anonymous LLCs, meaning member names do not appear on the public Articles of Organization.

Maryland does not require a publication notice, which saves you hundreds compared to forming in New York. There is also no franchise tax, unlike Delaware's $300 annual flat fee for LLCs.

You will need a county-level business license from the Clerk of the Circuit Court where your business operates. This catches many founders off guard because Maryland has no single statewide business license.

Your registered agent must be a Maryland resident over 18 or a Maryland-registered business entity with a physical street address in the state. P.O. Boxes are not accepted.

1. Get your EIN from the IRS (free, same day). You need this before opening a business bank account or hiring employees. Apply directly at IRS.gov.
2. Appoint or confirm your Maryland registered agent. Your agent must have a physical street address in Maryland. If you used a formation service that includes registered agent service, verify the appointment is on file with SDAT.
3. Obtain a county business license. Contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where you operate. Fees and requirements vary by county and business type. Many counties also require a trade name registration if you operate under a name different from your LLC's legal name.
4. File your Annual Report by April 15 each year ($300). Maryland combines the Annual Report with the Personal Property Tax Return into a single filing. Late filings incur penalties calculated as a percentage of the county assessment, plus 2% interest for every 30-day period past due.
5. Register for Maryland sales tax if selling taxable goods. Maryland's sales tax rate is 6%. Register with the Comptroller of Maryland before making your first taxable sale.
6. File a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with FinCEN. LLCs formed in 2024 or later must file within 90 days of formation. This is a federal requirement, not a state one, but missing the deadline carries steep fines.

• $50 Online Filing Surcharge - Maryland treats all online filings as expedited and charges an extra $50 on top of the $100 base fee, bringing your real cost to $150.
• $300 Annual Report - Due every April 15, this is one of the highest annual report fees in the country and it combines with the Personal Property Tax Return.
• County Business License Fees - Most Maryland counties require a separate business license from the Clerk of the Circuit Court, with fees varying by county and business type.
• $100 Reinstatement Fee - If your LLC is forfeited for missing annual reports, you will pay $100 plus all delinquent annual report fees to get back in good standing.