How to Form an LLC in Maryland

State fee: $100Processing: 5-7 business daysTrueFormed bundle: $89 + state fee
Full disclosure: You can form an LLC in Maryland yourself for just the $100 state fee. The Department of Assessments and Taxationdoesn't care who submits the form. Our $89 bundle is for people who'd rather not spend the hour — and it adds EIN, Operating Agreement, and the first year of Registered Agent service.

Maryland LLC Cost Summary

Articles of Organization (state fee)$100
Annual Report$300
Registered Agent (1st year, included in bundle)Included
EIN (IRS — included in bundle)Included
TrueFormed formation service fee$89
Total Year 1 with TrueFormed$489

Year 2+: Registered Agent renewal is $99/yr. Compare: ZenBusiness Year 1 runs about $498 (Pro formation $199 + RA $199 + state fee) for the same services. We publish our full cost breakdown.

Step 1: Choose a name for your Maryland LLC

Your LLC name must be unique in Marylandand include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company." Search the Department of Assessments and Taxation database at Department of Assessments and Taxation website to check availability.

Step 2: Choose a registered agent

Maryland requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state. A registered agent receives legal and tax documents on behalf of your business. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Maryland address, or use a service like TrueFormed. Our $89 formation bundle includes the first year; renewal is $99/year.

Step 3: File Articles of Organization

File your Articles of Organization with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. You can file online at egov.maryland.gov. The filing fee is $100 and processing typically takes 5-7 business days.

Or let TrueFormed handle it — our $89 bundle includes this filing plus EIN, Operating Agreement, and your first year of Registered Agent service. You pay the $100 state fee on top.

Step 4: Get an EIN from the IRS

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your business's tax ID. It's free from the IRS and takes about 5 minutes online. You'll need it to open a business bank account, file taxes, and hire employees.

See our complete EIN guide →

Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement

Maryland doesn't legally require an operating agreement, but every LLC should have one. It defines ownership percentages, management structure, and what happens if a member leaves. Banks often require it to open a business account.

Step 6: Stay compliant — Maryland annual requirements

Maryland requires a n annual report filed with the Department of Assessments and Taxation. Deadline: By April 15 each year. The fee is $300.

Miss the deadline and your LLC can be administratively dissolved. If you keep our $99/yr Registered Agent service active we track this deadline automatically; filing the report is a $99 + state-fee add-on when it comes due.

See our annual reports guide →

Maryland tax notes

8.25% income tax rate on pass-through entities.

Ready to form your Maryland LLC?

Our $89 bundle covers formation, EIN, Operating Agreement, and your first year of Registered Agent service. State fee ($100) is paid to Maryland at cost.