How to Form an LLC in Maryland (2026 Guide)
Everything you need to form a Maryland LLC: state filing fee ($100), processing time (5-7 business days), annual compliance, taxes, and the exact 7-step process. Reviewed by IRS Enrolled Agents.
To form an LLC in Maryland, file the Articles of Organization with the Maryland Secretary of State (fee: $100), appoint a registered agent with a Maryland street address, obtain an EIN from the IRS, and adopt an operating agreement. Standard processing takes 5-7 business days. The annual annual report + personal property return is $300, due April 15. With Gullia Filing, total first-year cost is $549 (all-inclusive: state fee, registered agent, EIN, operating agreement).
Maryland LLC Cost Breakdown
Total transparent pricing for forming and maintaining a Maryland LLC. No surprise upsells, no hidden fees.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland SoS filing fee | $100 | One-time, paid to the state |
| Expedited processing (optional) | +$50 | Reduces wait to 7 business days |
| Registered agent (year 1) | Included | Included free in every Gullia package |
| EIN (Federal Tax ID) | Included | Filed with the IRS, no extra charge |
| Operating agreement | Included | Attorney-reviewed, state-compliant |
| Gullia Filing Starter service fee | $149 | Flat fee, no upsells |
| Total first-year cost | $549 | All-inclusive, no surprises |
| Recurring: Annual Report + Personal Property Return | $300/yr | Due April 15 |
The 7-Step Maryland LLC Formation Process
Every Maryland LLC follows the same core process. Here is exactly what happens, in order, and what Gullia Filing handles on your behalf.
Choose a Maryland LLC name
Pick a name that includes "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and is distinguishable from existing Maryland entities. Our free name check tool verifies availability against the Maryland Secretary of State database in seconds.
Appoint a Maryland registered agent
Maryland requires a registered agent with a physical street address in the state to receive legal and tax notices. Gullia Filing provides this service in every package, protecting your privacy and ensuring you never miss a critical filing.
File the Articles of Organization
Submit formation paperwork to the Maryland Secretary of State with a $100 filing fee. Expedited processing is available for $50 additional. We handle the filing electronically and forward your certified copy within 5-7 business days.
Obtain your EIN (Federal Tax ID)
Apply to the IRS for an Employer Identification Number, required to open a US business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes. Included free in every Gullia Filing package.
Draft an operating agreement
An operating agreement establishes member rights, profit distributions, management structure, and dispute resolution. Even single-member LLCs benefit from having one on file for bank account opening and to reinforce the corporate veil. We provide a state-compliant, attorney-reviewed template in every package.
Register for Maryland taxes and licenses
Register with the Maryland Department of Revenue for state tax IDs, sales tax permits if applicable, and any industry-specific licenses. Our compliance calendar tracks every deadline automatically.
Open a US business bank account
With your EIN, Articles of Organization, and operating agreement, you can open a US business bank account. We provide bank-ready document packages and can introduce you to fintech partners that accept remote onboarding.
Maryland LLC Tax Obligations
State tax summary
Graduated personal income tax up to 5.75% + local county tax (up to 3.2%) = combined 8.95% on high-earning MD-resident LLC members.
Franchise tax: No franchise tax on LLCs. 8.25% corporate income tax if C-Corp elected.
Federal tax defaults
A single-member Maryland LLC is treated as a disregarded entity federally (income flows to Schedule C or E of the owner's Form 1040). A multi-member LLC defaults to partnership taxation (Form 1065). You may elect S-Corp status (Form 2553) or C-Corp status (Form 8832) if it reduces overall tax.
See tax and accounting servicesWhy form your LLC in Maryland
- Home to NSA/Fort Meade cybersecurity ecosystem — top state for cybersecurity LLCs.
- NIH corridor gives Maryland biotech access rivaling Boston and Bay Area.
- Access to federal contracting agencies and prime contractors near DC.
Things to watch for in Maryland
- $300 annual report fee is one of the highest in the US.
- Maryland's combined state + county income tax reaches 8.95% for high earners — very costly for pass-through LLC members.
Top industries for Maryland LLCs
Gullia Filing vs Alternatives (Maryland)
The state filing fee is the same everywhere. What differs is the service fee, what is included, and how transparent the pricing is.
| Provider | Base service fee | Registered agent Y1 | EIN included | Operating agreement | Total first year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gullia Filing (Starter) | $149 | Included | Yes (free) | Yes (attorney-reviewed) | $249 |
| DIY (file yourself) | $0 | $50-150 or self | Self (free) | No (buy separately) | $100+ |
| Bizee (Silver) | $0 + upsells | Free Y1, $119/yr after | Upsell ($70) | Upsell ($99) | $269+ |
| LegalZoom (Basic) | $249 | Upsell ($299/yr) | Upsell ($79) | Upsell ($99) | $826+ |
| Northwest RA | $39 | $125/yr | Upsell ($200) | Yes (template) | $464+ |
| ZenBusiness (Starter) | $0 + $199/yr | Free Y1, $199/yr after | Upsell ($99) | Upsell ($99) | $299+ |
Comparison based on publicly available pricing as of 2026. State filing fee ($100) is paid to Maryland and identical across providers. Verify current pricing directly with each provider before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions about forming an LLC in Maryland, answered by our Enrolled Agents.
Compare Maryland to nearby states
Ready to form your Maryland LLC?
Flat $149 service fee. State fee $100 paid directly to Maryland. EIN, registered agent, and operating agreement included. No upsells, no surprises.