Start a Business in Maryland

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This guide on starting your business in Maryland provides step-by-step instructions on the paperwork to file formation documents, obtain tax IDs, and set up company records.

Step-By-Step Startup

Below is an overview of the paperwork, cost, and time to form each of the most popular business structures. Simply click on the link for your desired structure to view detailed step-by-step instructions.

If you have not decided whether you want to form an LLC, corporation, or other business structure, click here.
If wish to form your business in a different state than Maryland, click here.

Structure	Paperwork	Cost	Time
Maryland Limited Liability Company Click for step-by-step instructions	Form ARTORGAN: Articles of Organization Operating Agreement IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN Form CRA: Maryland Combined Registration Application	Formation: $100 + optional $5 returned mail fee + optional $50 expedited service fee. The expedite fee is required to file online, by fax, or in-person.	Formation: ~10+ weeks. ~7 business days with expedite fee online or by fax. Same-day if filed in-person with expedite fee by 4:15pm.
Maryland Corporation Click for step-by-step instructions	Form STOCK: Articles of Incorporation for a Stock Corporation Bylaws IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN Form 2553: S-Corp Election, if desired Form CRA: Maryland Combined Registration Application	Incorporation: $120 filing fee + optional $5 returned mail fee + optional $50 expedited service fee. The expedite fee is required to file online, by fax, or in-person. If the aggregate par value of the stock exceeds $100,000 or if no par value stock is used and the corporation has authority to issue more than 5,000 shares, then call 1-410-767-1340 for your filing fee.	Incorporation: ~8+ weeks. ~7 business days with expedite fee online or by fax. Same-day if filed in-person with expedite fee by 4:15pm.
Maryland Nonprofit Click for step-by-step instructions	Maryland Articles of Incorporation Bylaws IRS Form SS-4: Apply for EIN IRS Form 1023: Application for 501(c)(3) Exemption IRS Determination Letter Form CRA: Maryland Combined Registration Application Maryland Income Tax Exemption Application Maryland Property Tax Exemption Application URS Charitable Registration, if applicable Form COR-92: Charity Registration, or Maryland Exempt Organization Fund-Raising Notice	Incorporation: $100 filing fee + $20 organization & capitalization fee + $50 development center fee if applying for 501(c)(3),(4), or (6) + optional $5 return mail fee + optional $50 expedite fee. The expedite fee is required to file online, by fax, or in-person. 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee Maryland Charitable Registration: $0 - $300	Incorporation: ~10+ weeks. ~7 business days with expedite fee online or by fax. Same-day if filed in-person with expedite fee by 4:15pm. 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Maryland

Your Maryland annual report is also called an Annual Personal Property Return. Maryland LLCs and corporations must pay a $300 Annual Report/ Personal Property fee each year to Maryland SDAT postmarked by April 15th. Original signatures are required.
We recommend paying the expedite fee. Normal processing time is 8+ weeks.
What most states call a registered agent, Maryland calls a resident agent. This person or business signs for receipt of lawsuits and other official government notices. The resident agent must sign formation documents.
Upon processing, you will only receive notice of filing if you pay the $5 return mail fee. Otherwise, look in the secretary's online records ~10 business days after processing to see your entity record where you can view and print an image of your document.
Each Maryland corporation shall have the following officers: (1) A president; (2) A secretary; and (3) A treasurer. If permitted by the bylaws, a person may hold more than one office in a corporation but may not serve concurrently as both president and vice president of the same corporation.

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Start a Business in Maryland

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Step-By-Step Startup

Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Maryland