How to Form an LLC in Maryland (2026 Guide)

Step 1Choose a name that’s available

Your LLC’s name has to end with one of these: “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “LC” or “L.C.” It also has to be distinguishable from the other active businesses on file with SDAT, so search before you get attached to a name. You can use the free Maryland Business Express entity search.

If you aren’t ready to file yet, you can reserve a name for 30 days for a $25 fee using SDAT’s Corporate Name Reservation Application. For most people, it is just as easy to file the articles straight away.

Step 2Name a resident agent

Every Maryland LLC needs a resident agent who accepts legal papers for the company. According to SDAT, the agent must be either a Maryland resident who is at least 18, or a Maryland corporation or Maryland LLC. The agent’s address must be a street address in Maryland. SDAT does not accept P.O. boxes. The agent also signs the Articles of Organization to show they consent to serve, so line this up before you file.

You can be your own resident agent if you live in Maryland. Keep in mind that the address becomes part of the public record, and someone has to be there to receive papers.

Step 3File the Articles of Organization

The Articles of Organization form is short. It asks for:

• the LLC’s full legal name;
• a brief business purpose (optional);
• the principal office address, which must be in Maryland;
• the resident agent’s name and Maryland street address;
• the signature of at least one authorized person, plus the resident agent’s consent signature.

SDAT encourages online filing through Maryland Business Express. You can also mail a paper form to SDAT’s Charter Division at 700 E. Pratt Street, Suite 2700, Baltimore, MD 21202, or leave it in SDAT’s drop box at 123 Market Place in Baltimore. Make checks payable to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.

Speed costs extra. Under SDAT’s fee list, standard online filings are reviewed within 6-8 weeks. For an extra $50, expedited filings are reviewed within 7-10 business days. Same-day review costs an extra $325 online (submit by 2:30 PM), or an extra $425 for paper left in the drop box by 10 AM. SDAT’s own documents give slightly different time ranges, so treat these as estimates.

Step 4File Form 1 every April

Maryland’s annual filing is the Annual Report and Business Personal Property Return, known as Form 1. Any entity that existed on January 1 must file by April 15 that year. For an LLC, the filing fee is $300. Your first report is due the April after your first January 1 as an LLC. You can request a 60-day extension online through SDAT, and for 2026 an approved extension moved the deadline to June 15. Businesses enrolled in MarylandSaves, the state’s retirement savings program, can qualify to have the annual report fee waived.

If you file late, the penalty is based on the county assessment, starting at 1/10 of one percent, plus interest of 2% of that initial penalty for every 30 days the report is late. Entities that don’t file at all get estimated assessments, and they eventually lose their charter. Forfeiture is automatic. SDAT sends a Final Forfeiture Notice in early October and forfeits entities in December. Unpaid penalties go to the state’s Central Collection Unit with 17% added. To reinstate, you file all missing reports, pay outstanding penalties, get tax clearance from each local jurisdiction where property was reported, and file Articles of Reinstatement ($100).