How Much Does an LLC Cost in Maryland?

Here’s exactly how much it costs to form an LLC in Maryland. You’ll pay $100 to the state for your Articles of Organization, plus optional expedited processing fees if you need faster service. Maryland’s fees are straightforward, but there are several additional costs to consider for your first year of operation.

This breakdown covers every fee you might encounter, from filing to annual reports, so you can budget accurately for your new Maryland LLC.

Maryland LLC Fee Breakdown

The state of Maryland charges specific fees for LLC formation and ongoing compliance. Here’s the complete fee structure based on current Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) rates:

Formation Filing Fee

Maryland charges a flat $100 filing fee for your Articles of Organization. This fee applies whether you file online or by mail, though online filers using a credit card pay an additional 3% convenience fee.

Expedited Processing Options

If you need your LLC formed faster than the standard processing time, Maryland offers several expedited options:

• Expedited Service: $50 additional fee (7-10 business days)
• Same-Day Online Service: $325 additional fee (file by 2:30 PM)
• Same-Day Paper Service: $425 additional fee (deliver by 10 AM, pickup by 3:45 PM)

Standard processing currently takes 3-4 weeks, though this can vary based on filing volume. Paper filings typically process in 4-6 weeks, while online filings take 6-8 weeks during busy periods.

Name Reservation

Reserving your LLC name costs $25 and holds the name for 30 days. This is optional but recommended if you need time to prepare your formation documents or want to secure a specific name before filing.

Annual Report Fee

Maryland requires all LLCs to file an annual Personal Property Return with SDAT. The fee is $300 per year, due by April 15th. Failing to file this return can result in forfeiture of your business rights in Maryland.

Source: Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, verified March 2026

Additional State Fees

Other Maryland LLC fees you might encounter include:

• Foreign LLC Registration: $100 (for out-of-state LLCs doing business in Maryland)
• Amendment to Articles: $100
• DBA/Trade Name Registration: $25
• Dissolution: $0 (free to dissolve your LLC)

Total First-Year Costs

Your actual first-year costs depend on whether you file yourself or use a formation service. Here’s how the numbers break down:

DIY Filing Costs

• State filing fee: $100
• Credit card convenience fee (if paying online): $3
• Registered agent service: $125-200/year
• Annual report: $300
• Total first-year cost: $528-603

Formation Service Costs

Most formation services charge their service fee plus the state filing fee. Leading providers like Northwest Registered Agent charge $39 plus the $100 state fee, and include registered agent service for the first year.

• Service fee + state fee: $139
• Registered agent (included first year): $0
• Annual report: $300
• Total first-year cost: $439

Hidden Costs to Avoid

Be aware of these common unnecessary expenses when forming your Maryland LLC:

EIN Application Fees

Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is completely free when you apply directly with the IRS. Never pay a third-party service for EIN applications, which can cost $50-300 for something the IRS provides at no charge.

Operating Agreement Templates

While you’ll need an operating agreement for your Maryland LLC, you don’t need to pay hundreds of dollars for a basic template. Many formation services include operating agreement templates, or you can find quality templates online.

Unnecessary Expedited Processing

Maryland’s same-day processing costs $325-425 extra. Unless you have an immediate business need, the standard 3-4 week processing time is usually sufficient for most new LLCs.

Why Use a Formation Service

While you can file your Maryland LLC yourself, formation services offer several advantages that often justify their modest fees:

Professional Preparation

Formation services ensure your Articles of Organization are completed correctly, reducing the risk of rejections or delays. Maryland requires specific language and formatting that can trip up first-time filers.

Registered Agent Included

Maryland requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a Maryland street address. Formation services typically include registered agent service for the first year, saving you $125-200 annually.

Time Savings

Instead of researching Maryland’s requirements, completing forms, and mailing documents, you can have your LLC formed in minutes online. Most formation services file within 1-2 business days of receiving your information.

Maryland LLC Formation Service Comparison

Here are the top formation services for Maryland LLCs, with their current pricing and turnaround times:

Premium Options

Northwest Registered Agent charges $39 plus the state fee and includes same-day filing with registered agent service. They’re known for exceptional customer service and transparent pricing.

Budget Options

Several services offer free formation with their basic packages:

• ZenBusiness: $0 service fee, 2-3 weeks standard processing
• LegalZoom: $0 service fee, 7-10 business days
• Bizee: $0 service fee, next business day filing
• Inc Authority: $0 service fee, 3-5 business days

Free services typically charge for registered agent service separately, adding $125-200 to your annual costs.

Ongoing Maryland LLC Costs

After formation, your Maryland LLC has several ongoing compliance requirements:

Annual Personal Property Return

Maryland’s $300 annual report is due by April 15th each year. This filing is mandatory to maintain your LLC in good standing. Missing the deadline can result in penalties and potential forfeiture of business rights.

Registered Agent Service

If you use a professional registered agent service, expect to pay $125-200 annually after any promotional first year. This ensures you have a reliable Maryland address for legal documents and state correspondence.

Maryland State Taxes

Maryland LLCs pay state income tax on profits, with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75% depending on income level. You may also owe local income taxes depending on your jurisdiction. Learn more about Maryland LLC tax requirements.

Essential Business Services

Beyond state filings, your Maryland LLC will need several business services to operate effectively:

Business Banking

Your LLC needs a separate business bank account to maintain liability protection and simplify tax preparation. Look for accounts with no monthly fees, unlimited transactions, and easy online banking.

Accounting Software

Proper bookkeeping is essential for your Maryland LLC’s tax compliance and financial health. Choose accounting software that handles invoicing, expense tracking, and tax preparation seamlessly.

Business Insurance

While LLC formation provides personal liability protection, business insurance protects your company’s assets and operations. General liability insurance is essential for most Maryland LLCs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I need to change my LLC name later?

Maryland charges $100 to file an Amendment to Articles of Organization to change your LLC name. You’ll also need to update your business licenses, bank accounts, and other records, so choose carefully during formation.

Can I expedite my Maryland LLC filing?

Yes, Maryland offers expedited processing for $50 (7-10 days) or same-day service for $325-425. Same-day online filing must be submitted by 2:30 PM, while same-day paper filing requires delivery by 10 AM.

Do I need an attorney to form a Maryland LLC?

No, Maryland LLC formation is straightforward and doesn’t require legal assistance. Formation services can handle the paperwork professionally for a modest fee, or you can file directly with SDAT yourself.

What happens if I miss the annual report deadline?

Maryland’s annual Personal Property Return is due by April 15th. Missing this deadline can result in penalties and potential forfeiture of your business rights. The state may require reinstatement fees to restore your LLC to good standing.

Can I serve as my own registered agent?

Yes, if you have a Maryland street address and are available during business hours to receive legal documents. Most business owners prefer using a professional registered agent service for privacy and reliability.

Next Steps

Now that you understand Maryland LLC costs, you can move forward with formation. The total cost is reasonable compared to many states, and using a formation service often provides better value than filing yourself when you factor in included services.

Before filing, make sure you’ve completed a Maryland LLC name search to confirm your desired name is available. Once you’re ready to proceed, formation services can typically have your LLC filed within 1-2 business days.

Source: Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, verified March 2026

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Filing fees and requirements change : always confirm current fees with your state’s Secretary of State office.