The state of Maryland charges $100 to form an LLC, and that’s the only fee you must pay up front. Here’s how to start an LLC in Maryland yourself, step by step, with every dollar and deadline spelled out.
According to the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT), the filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $100. You pay it whether you file on your own or hire a company. A formation service is optional. “Free” on this site means no middleman fee, not no state fee.
An EIN (Employer Identification Number, your business’s federal tax ID) costs nothing from the IRS. After formation, Maryland also expects a yearly Annual Report/Personal Property Return, and that one costs more than formation itself.
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Key Takeaways
- The Maryland state fee to file Articles of Organization is $100 (SDAT).
- Maryland LLCs file an Annual Report/Personal Property Return every year by April 15. The fee for most business entities is $300, even if the business owns no personal property (SDAT).
- An EIN is free from the IRS at irs.gov. You never have to pay for one.
- A formation service is optional. It adds its own fee on top of the $100.
Fees and rules were verified on official Maryland government sites on October 11, 2026. They can change, so confirm with SDAT before you file.
Maryland LLC Costs at a Glance
| Item | Cost | When |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (SDAT) | $100 | Once, at formation |
| Annual Report / Personal Property Return (SDAT) | $300 for most business entities | Every year, due April 15 |
| EIN (IRS) | $0 | Once, after formation |
Sources: SDAT’s Articles of Organization form and its Annual Report/Personal Property Return instructions; the IRS for the EIN.
How to Start an LLC in Maryland: 7 Steps
1. Choose and check your business name
Your LLC needs a name that isn’t already taken by another Maryland business. Use the business name search on the SDAT website to look for matching or very similar names. Do this first.
Say you’re forming a one-person LLC to run a dog-walking business and you want “Chesapeake Paws LLC.” Search “Chesapeake Paws” and a few variations. If it’s taken or too close to an existing name, adjust before you file. Check SDAT’s website for its current naming rules, including required wording such as “LLC.”
2. Appoint a registered agent
A registered agent is the person or company designated to receive legal papers and official state mail for your LLC. You have three options:
- Yourself, if you have a Maryland street address and will be reachable during business hours.
- Someone you trust, such as a friend or family member who agrees to do it.
- A registered agent service, which charges a fee. It can make sense if you want to keep your home address off the public record or you travel often.
Check SDAT’s website for the current agent requirements, such as residency or address rules, before you choose.
3. File the Articles of Organization with SDAT
Articles of Organization is the document that legally creates your LLC. SDAT is the Maryland office that accepts it. The state filing fee is $100, according to SDAT’s form.
Have these ready:
- Your LLC’s name
- Your registered agent’s name and Maryland address
- Your LLC’s principal address
- Information about who is forming the LLC
Use SDAT’s own filing options. Check SDAT’s website for current processing times and whether online or paper filing is faster, since those details change.
4. Create an operating agreement
An operating agreement is an internal document that sets out how your LLC runs: who the members (owners) are, who owns what percentage, and how decisions and profits are handled. If a manager (someone appointed to run the LLC) handles day-to-day decisions instead of the members, the agreement says so.
Write one even if you’re the only owner. It documents that your LLC is a separate business from you, and banks sometimes ask for it. Keep it with your business records. Confirm on SDAT’s website whether anything beyond the Articles must be submitted to the state.
5. Get a free EIN from the IRS
Once the LLC exists, apply for an EIN. According to the IRS, you can get one directly from the agency online in minutes, for free, and you never have to pay a fee for it. Apply only at IRS.gov. Sites that charge for EINs are third-party services, and you don’t need them.
You’ll typically need your LLC’s legal name and address and the Social Security number or ITIN of the responsible party. Still deciding how your LLC will be taxed? Read our breakdown of LLC vs. S corp differences.
6. Open a business bank account
With your Articles approved and your EIN in hand, open a bank account in the LLC’s name. Keeping business money separate from personal money supports the separation between you and your LLC. It also makes bookkeeping and tax time easier.
Most banks will ask for your Articles of Organization, EIN confirmation, and possibly your operating agreement. Online banking works if you’d rather skip the branch. Novo is one online business checking option worth comparing. Weigh its current fees and features against your local bank or credit union before you decide.
7. File your Annual Report / Personal Property Return on time
Maryland LLCs file an Annual Report/Personal Property Return by April 15 each year, according to SDAT’s instructions. The filing fee for most business entities is $300, and it must be paid even if the business owns no personal property.
That last part surprises people. “No property, no filing” feels logical, but it isn’t how this works.
Put April 15 on your calendar now and budget $300 every year.
How to Start an LLC in Maryland Yourself vs. With a Formation Service
The state fee is the same either way. The difference is who does the paperwork and what you pay for that help.
First-year cost: DIY vs. service
| DIY | With a service | |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee (SDAT) | $100 | $100 |
| Service fee | $0 | Varies by provider |
| EIN | $0 (IRS) | Often included or offered as an add-on; you can always get it free from the IRS |
| Registered agent | $0 if you or someone you trust serves | Varies by provider |
Your first-year formation cost is $100 if you file yourself, or $100 plus the service fee if you hire help. Pricing and packages change, so check the provider’s site for the current price. Bizee is one option, and you can read how it works in our Bizee walkthrough. To compare several, see our guide to the best LLC formation services.
Also check SDAT’s site to confirm when your first Annual Report/Personal Property Return is due. That $300 fee is a separate, ongoing cost.
What a service can add (and what you can skip)
A service typically offers:
- Preparing and submitting the paperwork, which saves time if you dislike forms
- Registered agent service, often bundled, which helps with privacy or if you can’t act as your own agent
- Reminders for ongoing filings
- Templates, such as an operating agreement
You can skip paying extra for an EIN, since it’s free. Skip rush add-ons you don’t need and bundles packed with extras you won’t use.
If you’re comfortable with a form and a few web pages, filing directly with SDAT works well.
How to Keep Your Maryland LLC in Good Standing
Forming the LLC is only half the job. To stay in good standing:
- File the Annual Report/Personal Property Return by April 15 every year and pay the $300 fee (for most business entities, per SDAT).
- Keep your registered agent information current. If your agent or address changes, check SDAT’s website for how to update it.
- Keep your operating agreement and records organized.
- Don’t mix personal and business money.
Check SDAT’s website for current late-filing consequences and penalties. Missing the deadline can put your LLC’s standing at risk.
Curious how Maryland compares with other states? See our LLC filing fees by state guide.
FAQ
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Maryland?
The state filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $100, according to SDAT. You can file yourself and get an EIN free from the IRS, so $100 is the minimum to form. A formation service adds its own fee on top.
Do I need a formation service to form a Maryland LLC?
No. You can file the Articles of Organization yourself with SDAT. A service can save time and offer extras like registered agent service, but it isn’t required.
Is there an annual fee for a Maryland LLC?
Yes. SDAT requires an Annual Report/Personal Property Return by April 15 each year. The filing fee for most business entities is $300, and it must be paid even if the business owns no personal property.
Is an EIN free?
Yes. According to the IRS, you can apply directly at IRS.gov in minutes and never have to pay a fee for an EIN.
Where do I file my Maryland LLC paperwork?
With the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). Check SDAT’s website for the current filing method and processing times.
Your Next Step
Ready to move? Open SDAT’s business name search tonight and check your first-choice name. Then walk through our 7-step incorporation overview to see how Maryland fits the bigger picture.
Last updated: October 11, 2026
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Business formation rules, fees, and deadlines vary by state and change often. Always consult a qualified attorney, CPA, or tax professional before making decisions about your business.
