Maryland LLC Filing Fees and Requirements
Forming an LLC in Maryland costs $100 in state fees, with a $300 annual report due every April 15. Bizee breaks down every fee, form, and deadline you need to know.
Bizee Editorial Staff
Editorial Team
Maryland LLC key facts
Filing fee: $100 (base); $150 with standard expedited; $425 for same-day online
Processing time: 6–8 weeks standard; 7–10 business days expedited; same-day if filed online by 2:30 PM
State agency: Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)
Annual report due: April 15 each year; $300 filing fee
State tax rate: Pass-through by default; Maryland personal income tax rates apply to members
Maryland LLC filing fees and requirements
Forming an LLC in Maryland requires filing Articles of Organization with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) and paying a $100 base state fee. After formation, Maryland LLCs must file an annual report every year by April 15 and pay a $300 filing fee to stay in good standing.
Articles of Organization filing fee
The base state fee to file Articles of Organization with SDAT is $100. This fee is the same whether your LLC is member-managed or manager-managed — it's tied to the document type, not the structure you choose.
You can file online through the Maryland Business Express portal, by mail, or in person with SDAT. If you file by mail, send a check or money order payable to SDAT — cash isn't accepted. Mail filings go to SDAT Charter Legal at 700 E. Pratt St., Suite 2700, Baltimore, MD 21202-6377.
Expedited filing fees and processing times
Standard processing for a Maryland LLC filing takes 6–8 weeks. If that timeline doesn't work for you, SDAT offers 2 faster options — and the cost difference is significant.
- Expedited review (7–10 business days): $50 added to the $100 base fee, for a total of $150
- Same-day online filing (submitted by 2:30 PM): $325 expedited fee added to the $100 base fee, for a total of $425. Online filings through Maryland Business Express are treated as rush filings by default.
Most entrepreneurs filing online don't realize the portal automatically applies the same-day rush fee. If you're not in a hurry, filing by mail with the standard expedited option saves you $275.
Name reservation and DBA fees
Reserving a business name in Maryland is optional — you can file Articles of Organization directly without reserving a name first. But if you want to lock in a name before you're ready to file, you can submit the Corporate Name Reservation Application to SDAT for $25. Expedited name reservation costs an additional $20.
Maryland requires that your proposed LLC name be distinguishable from existing entities on record with SDAT. Use the name search tool on Maryland Business Express to check availability before you file.
Annual report and personal property return
Maryland LLCs must file an Annual Report (Form 1 — Annual Report and Business Personal Property Tax Return) with SDAT every year by April 15. The filing fee is $300, and it applies regardless of whether your LLC owns personal property or generated income in Maryland.
If you need more time for the personal property portion, you can request an electronic extension through Maryland Business Express by April 15. SDAT typically grants an extension to mid-June. The $300 annual report fee is still due by April 15 even if you get the extension — the extension covers the personal property return, not the fee.
Missing the April 15 deadline puts your LLC out of good standing with SDAT. If you let it lapse long enough, the state can forfeit your LLC's right to do business in Maryland.
Foreign LLC registration in Maryland
If your LLC was formed in another state but you want to do business in Maryland, you need to register as a foreign LLC with SDAT. This is a separate filing from forming a domestic Maryland LLC, and it comes with its own state fee. Foreign LLCs registered in Maryland are also subject to the same $300 annual report requirement and April 15 deadline.
Employer Identification Number
Every LLC should get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. You'll use it to open a business bank account, file federal taxes, and hire employees. The IRS issues EINs at no cost — you can apply at irs.gov/ein.
Business licenses and permits
Maryland doesn't issue a single general business license — the licenses and permits your LLC needs depend on your industry, your location, and the type of work you do. Some are issued at the state level, others at the county or city level.
A few common requirements to check: a Maryland trader's license if you sell goods, professional licenses for regulated industries like healthcare or contracting, and local zoning or home occupation permits if you're running the business from home. A tax professional or attorney familiar with Maryland can help you figure out exactly what applies to your situation.
FAQ
The base state fee is $100 to file Articles of Organization with SDAT. If you want faster processing, add $50 for expedited review (7–10 business days) or $325 for same-day service when filing online through Maryland Business Express by 2:30 PM. These fees go directly to the state.
The Maryland LLC annual report (Form 1) is due every April 15. The filing fee is $300 per year, regardless of whether your LLC owns property or earned income in Maryland. You can request an extension for the personal property portion through Maryland Business Express, but the $300 fee is still due by April 15.
To register a foreign LLC in Maryland, file a Foreign Limited Liability Company Registration with SDAT. You can file online through Maryland Business Express or by mail. Once registered, your foreign LLC must also file the annual report by April 15 each year and pay the $300 annual report fee to stay in good standing.
The primary form is the Articles of Organization, filed with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). You can file it online through the Maryland Business Express portal, by mail, or in person. The base filing fee is $100.
It depends on your county. Maryland doesn't have a single statewide DBA (trade name) registration process — most trade name filings are handled at the county level. Check with your county clerk's office for the specific form and fee. Some counties also require a newspaper publication notice after filing.
Yes. You can reserve a business name in Maryland by filing the Corporate Name Reservation Application with SDAT for $25. Expedited processing costs an additional $20. Name reservation is optional — you can file Articles of Organization directly without reserving a name first. Use the name search tool on Maryland Business Express to check availability before you file.
State fees are paid directly to SDAT — the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation. When you form your LLC through Bizee, we collect the state fee at cost and pay it to SDAT on your behalf. You're never charged more than the actual state fee.
