Incorporate in Maryland (MD)
Learn the basic facts about Maryland corporations and Maryland limited liability companies (LLCs). Compare the differences between Maryland corporations and Maryland LLCs and learn about Maryland rules and regulations that relate to forming a corporation or LLC.
Forming a Maryland Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC)
There are a number of business entity types to consider when you are deciding the structure of your Maryland business. The most advantageous entities to form in Maryland are typically corporations or LLCs. Although other entity options are possible, these are the entities that offer the highest level of liability protection in Maryland. As you review the characteristics of incorporating or forming an LLC in Maryland, be sure to keep in mind both the present and future needs of your business. Often, when you start a business it begins as a small organization.
Get Started
If you decide that a Maryland corporation or LLC is the best option for your business, BizFilings will form your company in Maryland, faster than anyone else, without costly legal fees. Our cost-saving offerings include:
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$115 + State Fees |
$250 + State Fees |
$350 + State Fees |
- Preparation and Filing of Formation Documents
- Preliminary Name Check with State
- Free Registered Agent Service for 6 months
- BizComply Online Compliance Tool
- 24/7 Access to Online Corporate Status Center
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- Everything included with the Basic Package
- Expedited Processing Service
- Corporate Kit & Seal
- Corporate Forms CD
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- Everything included with the Standard Package
- Tax ID (EIN) Number Obtainment
- Compliance DVD
- Certified Copy of State Filed Documents
- Overnight Shipping
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State Fees Apply
Each state charges filing fees that apply separately from BizFilings' package pricing. These fees will be reflected when you generate a Fast Quote using any of the links above. You can also view our list of fees by state.
Incorporating in Maryland
Maryland Corporate Name Endings
Maryland Corporation Requirements
Maryland Corporate Taxes and Fees
Maryland Business License Requirements
Maryland Corporate Name Endings
The name must indicate the corporate status and contain the word "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Limited," or an abbreviation thereof. The name may also contain or end with the word "Company," which can never be preceded by the word "and" or the symbol "&." Names shall not imply any purpose that is not authorized by the charter. They shall not be the same as, or deceptively similar to, the name of other domestic corporations or limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, limited liability companies, qualified foreign corporations, foreign limited partnerships, foreign limited liability partnerships, foreign limited liability companies, or names registered or reserved by any person or corporation.
Maryland Corporation Requirements
Director Information
Minimum Number: Not less than three, unless there are only one or two shareholders of record; then the number of directors may be less than three but not less than the number of shareholders.
Residence Requirements: No provision.
Age Requirements: None.
Directors are required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.
Officer Information
Officers are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.
Stock Information
An increase in shares may cause an increase in initial filing fees.
Corporation Records
The stock transfer ledger and the original or a certified copy of the articles of incorporation must be kept at the principal office of the corporation.
Taxes and Fees
Annual Statements
The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.
Taxes
For more information on taxes, visit http://www.dat.state.md.us/.
S Corporation
S Corporation status is recognized by the State of Maryland. A separate state election from the federal election is not required.
License Requirements
Maryland requires that you obtain a license and pay a fee if operating certain types of businesses in the state. The following is a partial list:
Barbers and barber schools
Certified public accountants
Construction
Counselors
Detectives
Electricians
Employment
Finance companies
Frozen dessert manufacturers
Hawkers and peddlers
Home improvement contractors and salespersons
Insurance
Lawyers
Pharmacies and pharmacists
Plumbers
Securities brokers-dealers
Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.
Form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Maryland
Maryland LLC Name Endings
Maryland LLC Requirements
Maryland LLC Taxes and Fees
Maryland Business License Requirements
LLC Name Endings
The name of an LLC must end with "Limited Liability Company," "Limited Company," "LC," "LLC," or "L.L.C."
Maryland LLC Requirements
Member/Manager Information
Minimum Number: one or more
Residence Requirements: no provision
Age Requirements: no provision
Members/Managers are not required to be listed in the articles of organization
Maryland Taxes and Fees
Annual Statements
The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.
Taxes
For more information on taxes, visit http://www.dat.state.md.us/.
License Requirements
Maryland requires most businesses to obtain a license and pay a fee if operating in the state. Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.
Registered Agents in Maryland
Maryland corporations and LLCs are required to have a registered agent located in Maryland. The Maryland registered agent is responsible for receiving important legal and tax documents including service of process (litigation) documents, franchise tax forms, and annual report forms.
A Maryland registered agent is an individual or company located at a street address in Maryland. Post office boxes are not acceptable addresses for a registered agent in Maryland.
If a company, such as BizFilings, is acting as your registered agent they must be registered as a corporation in Maryland. There are a number of advantages to using a registered agent service provider in Maryland, but the advantages differ between large and small companies.
Large companies in Maryland benefit by having service of process and state documents send to their registered agent's office in Maryland. The registered agent follows delivery instructions to ensure that important documents reach the correct individual. Smaller companies in Maryland benefit by providing a consistent Maryland address.
Another advantage to using another company as your Maryland registered agent is that the information of your Maryland registered agent is public record.
Learn how to select BizFilings as your registered agent in Maryland.
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