How to Start a Business in Maryland (Step by Step Guide)

Starting Business in Maryland Thinking to start your own business in Maryland? If so, then you have come to the right place!

On this page, you can find step by step instructions on how to incorporate your business in Maryland. From selecting the business entity type to forms to be filled, we have covered it all.

Let’s get Started

The first step in setting up your business is to select the business structure.

Broadly there are 4 types of business entities that can be registered:

Limited Liability Company (Most Popular)
Corporation
Sole Proprietorship
Partnership

Each business structure differs on the basis of taxation, asset liability and estate planning. We have written a detailed tutorial on how to choose a business entity type for your business here.

Below we have given a broad outline of the steps involved in registering an LLC or Corporation in Maryland.

Clicking on each step, opens up a detailed guide on how to complete it.

How to Start an LLC in Maryland

Agency Responsible	Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation Business Services
Form(s) to be filled	Articles of Organization
Mode	Mail, in-person, fax, Online
Name Reservation	Optional, Fee $25 (Mail/Online) [Option to Expedite]
Filing Fee	$100 + Expedite fee: $50 (optional)
Time	2 weeks (Expedite option available for extra fees)
Law	TITLE 4A – LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ACT

Summary:

Choose a Business Name
Reserve Business Name (Optional)
Select a Registered Agent
Fill Articles of Organization (Form ARTORGAN)
Prepare an Operating Agreement
Get an EIN Number (IRS Form SS-4)
Obtain relevant licenses and permits
(Ongoing) File annual report and taxes

How to Start a Corporation in Maryland

Agency Responsible	Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation Business Services
Form(s) to be filled	Articles of Incorporation
Mode	Mail, in-person, fax, Online
Name Reservation	Optional, Fee $25 (Mail/Online) [Option to Expedite]
Filing Fee	$100 + Expedite fee: $50 (optional)
Time	2 weeks (Expedite option available for extra fees)
Law	MD Corp & Assn Code § 2-104 (2015)

Summary:

Search for a Business Name
File for Business Name Reservation (Optional)
Select Registered Agent
Fill Articles of Incorporation form
Create Bylaws
Get an EIN Number
Obtain relevant licenses and permits
(Ongoing) File annual report and taxes

References:
https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2010/corporations-and-associations/title-4a/
https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2013/article-gca/

Last fact-checked on 25/07/2018

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