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How to form an LLC in Maryland

File an Articles of Organization with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT), Charter Division. State filing fee $100.

Start my Maryland LLC → Search names on the state site ↗

Due to form

$100

State filing fee

How to file

Online or by mail

Standard 6-8 weeks; expedited 7-14 business days; same-day available.

Keeping it active

Annual Report and Personal Property Return (Form 1)

April 15 each year (two-month extension to June 15 available). · $300

The steps in Maryland

  1. 1

    Choose a name

    It must be distinguishable from other businesses on file and end with “Limited Liability Company”, “LLC”, “L.L.C.”, “LC”, “L.C.”. Must be distinguishable from active businesses on file with SDAT. You can reserve a name first for $25 (optional).

  2. 2

    Appoint a resident agent

    Individual (full legal name) or business on file with SDAT, with a Maryland physical address (no PO box). The agent must agree to serve — LLCPros prepares a consent for them to sign.

  3. 3

    File the Articles of Organization

    File with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT), Charter Division. You can file online or by mail. Fee: $100.

  4. 4

    Sign an operating agreement

    Not filed with the state, and not required by Maryland law, but banks and partners often ask for one. LLCPros prepares one from your answers.

  5. 5

    Get an EIN and keep up with reports

    Get a free Employer Identification Number from the IRS, open a business bank account, then file the Annual Report and Personal Property Return (Form 1) (april 15 each year (two-month extension to June 15 available).).

Fees

Filing fee — Articles of Organization$100
Optional: Expedited (7-14 business days) expedite+$50
Optional: Same-day (online) expedite+$325
Optional: Same-day (paper) expedite+$425
Optional: name reservation$25
Later: Annual Report and Personal Property Return (Form 1)$300

Same-day shown on 05/2026 form as $425 total online / $525 total paper (i.e., +$325/+$425). 3% convenience fee on Maryland Business Express payments. Name reservation expedite +$20.

State taxes to know about

No franchise tax; $300 annual report fee. Business personal property tax may apply to property in Maryland. Income taxed per federal classification (Comptroller).

Questions about Maryland LLCs

›How much does it cost to form an LLC in Maryland?

The Maryland filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $100. Optional expedited processing costs more.

›What document forms an LLC in Maryland?

You file an Articles of Organization with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT), Charter Division.

›Does Maryland require a registered agent?

Yes. Individual (full legal name) or business on file with SDAT, with a Maryland physical address (no PO box).

›Does a Maryland LLC file an annual report?

Yes: the Annual Report and Personal Property Return (Form 1), april 15 each year (two-month extension to June 15 available)., fee $300.

Double-check with the state

We could not confirm these on an official Maryland page when we last checked (November 12, 2026). Your filing plan lists them too.

  • When the annual (or biennial) report is due, and its fee
  • Expedited filing options and their fees
  • The link to the state’s business name search
Self-help, not legal or tax advice. LLCPros is not a law firm, does not give legal or tax advice, and is not affiliated with any state or federal agency. We prepare documents from your answers and your state’s published rules; you file them and pay the state’s fees directly. Rules and fees change — check the official state links before filing, and talk to a lawyer or accountant about your situation.