How to Start an LLC in Maryland (2026)

Q: How much does it cost to start an LLC in Maryland?

The Articles of Organization cost $100 filed with SDAT, or $150 if you want expedited processing. Your EIN is free from the IRS. The recurring cost is the big one: every Maryland LLC owes a $300 Annual Report and Personal Property Return by April 15 each year.

Q: How long does it take to form an LLC in Maryland?

SDAT lists standard processing at 6 to 8 weeks for a $100 filing, 7 to 14 business days for the $150 expedited option, and same-day service for $425 online or $525 on paper. For most people the $50 expedited upgrade is worth it, because a bank will not open the business account until the LLC exists.

Q: When is the Maryland annual report due, and how much is it?

It is due April 15 every year and costs $300 for an LLC. It is filed with SDAT as a combined Annual Report and Personal Property Return, and you can request an extension to June 15. Failing to file can lead to forfeiture, meaning you lose the right to do business in Maryland.

Q: Does a Maryland LLC need a Maryland address?

Yes, in two places. The principal office address on the Articles of Organization must be in Maryland, and the resident agent must have a physical Maryland address, not a PO box. If you live out of state or want your home address off the public record, a resident agent service supplies a compliant address.

Last updated: August 28, 2026

To start a Maryland LLC, file the Articles of Organization with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) for $100, name a resident agent with a Maryland address, and get a free EIN. Standard processing runs 6 to 8 weeks, so most people pay $150 for expedited (7 to 14 business days) through Maryland Business Express. Every Maryland LLC then files a $300 annual report by April 15.

Quick note: we're operators, not attorneys or accountants. This is general educational info, not legal or tax advice. Maryland's $300 annual report is one of the highest recurring LLC charges in the country, so budget for it from day one.

Maryland is straightforward to file in but slow and expensive to maintain. The two numbers that decide your experience are the processing time you pay for and the annual report you will owe every April. Here is the whole process in plain English, written for people starting something real like a courier route.

Pay the extra $50. Seriously. SDAT's own form lists standard processing at 6 to 8 weeks for the $100 fee, and 7 to 14 business days for the $150 expedited fee. If you need a bank account or a signed contract this quarter, the $50 difference is the best money you will spend. Same-day service exists at $425 online.

How to start a Maryland LLC in 6 steps

Name it, appoint a Maryland resident agent, file the Articles with SDAT ($100, or $150 expedited), write an operating agreement, get a free EIN, then file the $300 annual report by April 15.

Name your Maryland LLC

The name has to be distinguishable from other active businesses on file with SDAT and include one of these: "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," "L.L.C.," "LC," or "L.C." Check it in the Maryland business entity search first so the filing is not rejected.

Appoint a Maryland resident agent

Maryland calls it a resident agent, and the address must be a physical Maryland address, not a PO box. The agent has to sign the Articles to consent. You can be your own, or use a service to keep your home address off the public record. Northwest includes agent service free the first year with their $39 filing.

File the Articles of Organization

File with SDAT online through Maryland Business Express. The fee is $100 standard (6 to 8 weeks) or $150 expedited (7 to 14 business days). Note that the principal office address must be in Maryland.

Write an operating agreement

Maryland does not require one, but write it anyway. It records ownership and who has authority to sign, it supports your liability protection, and banks usually ask to see it. A simple template is enough for a single-owner courier business.

Get a free EIN from the IRS

Your EIN is free at irs.gov and takes about ten minutes. You need it for the bank account, contracts, and hiring. Never pay a third-party site for one.

File the $300 annual report by April 15

Every Maryland LLC files an Annual Report and Personal Property Return with SDAT by April 15, and the LLC fee is $300. You can request an extension to June 15. Skip it and SDAT can forfeit your LLC, which means losing the right to do business in Maryland.

Maryland LLC cost breakdown

$100 to file, or $150 if you want it this month, then $300 every single year.

Item	Cost	Required?
Articles of Organization (standard, 6 to 8 weeks)	$100	Yes
Expedited filing (7 to 14 business days)	$150	Optional
Same-day filing (online)	$425	Optional
EIN	Free from the IRS	Yes (free)
Resident agent service	$0 (yourself) to $300/yr	No
Annual Report / Personal Property Return	$300 by April 15	Yes

Maryland figures as of August 2026, taken from SDAT's Articles of Organization form (Rev. 05/2026) and the SDAT annual report guidance. Confirm at dat.maryland.gov before filing.

Rather have it filed for you? Northwest will form your Maryland LLC for $39 + the $100 state fee and act as your registered agent the first year, keeping your home address off the public record. See the $39 formation service → Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Setting up to run courier routes in Maryland?

The LLC is step one. Our course covers the rest: insurance and certifications, the business bank account, and how to find routes and win contracts with Maryland clinics, labs, and hospitals.

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Maryland LLC FAQs

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Maryland?

The Articles cost $100, or $150 expedited. Your EIN is free. Then $300 every year for the annual report, due April 15.

How long does it take to form an LLC in Maryland?

Standard is 6 to 8 weeks. Expedited ($150) is 7 to 14 business days. Same-day is $425 online. The $50 expedited upgrade is usually worth it.

When is the Maryland annual report due, and how much is it?

April 15 each year, $300 for an LLC, filed with SDAT. You can extend to June 15. Miss it and SDAT can forfeit your LLC.

Does a Maryland LLC need a Maryland address?

Yes. The principal office address must be in Maryland and the resident agent needs a physical Maryland address (no PO boxes). An agent service solves both.

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