LLC Cost in Maryland – How much to pay for an LLC


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Perhaps you are hoping to form an LLC in Maryland. People assume that starting an LLC is difficult and costly. However, it’s generally not difficult, and the cost would vary across states. We have all the info you need to know about the cost of forming an LLC, particularly the LLC cost in Maryland.

Maryland LLC Cost of Filing

Here are the costs involved in forming an LLC in Maryland.

Cost of Filing Formation Certificates

The Maryland Certificate of Formation is responsible for the majority of the cost, which could also vary depending on whether you’re forming a domestic LLC or a foreign LLC. Still, you can file both at the Maryland Secretary of State.

Maryland Domestic LLC

  • Online filing fee costs $100.00
  • Expedited filing costs $50.00
  • Annual report fee costs $300.00
  • Personal Property Return for Domestic LLC costs $300.00
  • LLC Name reservation Application costs $25
  • By mail: Fill in the application form, and submit it to the following address: State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Charter Division, 301 W., Preston Street, 8th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201-2395, costs $100

Maryland Foreign LLC

  • Online Filing fee costs $100.00
  • Expedited filing costs $50.00
  • Annual Report filing costs $100.00
  • Personal Property Return costs $300.00
  • LLC Name reservation Application costs $25
  • By mail: Fill in the application form, and submit it to the following address: State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Charter Division, 301 W., Preston Street, 8th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201-2395, costs $100

Visit the official Maryland egov website to learn more about the costs of setting up an LLC in Maryland.

Note that filing online is ideal, not only because you need to go to the Secretary of State office, but also it would be faster. You won’t have to wait in a queue in doing so.

Maryland LLC Formation Service or Registered Agent Fee

You need a registered agent to form an LLC in Maryland, hence, added costs for service fees. Here are three of the best LLC services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries.

LLC Service

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  • Extras are bit more expensive

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Business Permits and Licenses

The business licenses depend on your business’s activity and location and are renewed yearly. As such, the cost will vary. Check the Maryland Department of Revenue for regulatory boards or agencies requiring licensing.

Maryland LLC Taxes to be Paid

Apart from the filing of the Annual Report, the DC LLCs are also subject to state tax filing obligations. Though the taxes vary from place to place.

Personal Property Tax Return

Any property that is being utilized by your business LLC in the State of Maryland is subject to Personal Property Tax Return, such as equipment, inventories, supplies, etc.

Maryland Sales and Use Tax

Maryland imposes sales tax at the standard rate of 6.00%. Generally, there are no other additional local or county rates imposed on this rate. In case of late filing, a penalty may be imposed up to 25%.

State Business Tax

Like most of the States, Maryland imposes a corporate income tax on LLC businesses at the rate of 8.25% of net income earned in a given financial year.

State Employer Taxes

If you hire local employees in the State of Maryland, you must pay state employer tax. At present, the State tax rate is between 2% to 5.57% depending on the income earned from the LLC.

Self-Employment Tax

This tax is levied on the profits gained from the business of your LLC operating in Maryland. Currently, the tax rate is 15.3%.

Cost Comparison among States

Every state has different costs of filing for an LLC to their respective State Authorities. If you wish to gain a better understanding of the costs of opening an LLC in a different state in comparison to Maryland, read the table below:

StateFiling FeeAnnual Fee/Biennial FeeSales Tax
Maryland LLC$150$300 (Annual)6%
Pennsylvania LLC$125$70 (Decennial)6%
Delaware LLC$90$300 (Annual)0%
Virginia LLC$100$50 (Annual)5.3%
West Virginia LLC$100$25 (Annual)6.0%

The largest sectors in 2020 in Maryland were finance, insurance, real estate, and professional and business services. Its GDP ranks 15th among the US states and offers a wide window of opportunities for new businesses to establish themselves in the State.

Other Costs

F.A.Qs

Can I start an LLC for free?

It is possible to form an LLC without professional help, but forms still have associated costs, regardless of where your LLC is formed.

Is an LLC expensive?

It is difficult to say whether forming an LLC is expensive. Nevertheless, the cost could be anywhere from $40 to $500. If you refuse to hire professionals, you’ll still have expenses like form fees to cover.

Does an LLC need a bank account?

The need to separate personal money from business funds, thus necessitating the creation of a business bank account for your LLC.

How Much Does It Cost to Maintain an LLC in Maryland

To maintain an LLC in Maryland you will need to pay an annual fee of $300 along with sales tax at 6%, state business tax at 8.25% to 7.15%, state employer tax at 2% to 5.57% and federal taxes.

Maintaining an LLC in Maryland requires business owners to comply with state regulations and fulfill certain annual requirements. One of the key expenses associated with running an LLC in the state is the annual filing fee. This fee is payable to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation and is necessary to keep the LLC in good standing with the state. The amount of the annual filing fee varies depending on the nature and size of the business, but it is an essential cost that business owners must budget for each year.

In addition to the annual filing fee, LLC owners in Maryland may also incur expenses related to business licenses and permits. Depending on the nature of the business, certain industries may require specific permits and licenses to operate legally. These costs can vary widely depending on the industry and location of the business, but they are important considerations for business owners to keep in mind when calculating the total expenses of maintaining an LLC in Maryland.

Another cost to consider when maintaining an LLC in Maryland is the cost of professional services. Many business owners choose to work with accountants, attorneys, and other professionals to ensure compliance with state regulations and to take advantage of tax benefits. While hiring professionals can be an added expense, the expertise and guidance they provide can prove invaluable in navigating the complexities of running a business and maximizing profitability.

Beyond these primary costs, business owners in Maryland should also factor in additional expenses such as insurance premiums, office rent, utilities, and employee salaries. These ongoing costs can add up quickly and must be carefully managed to maintain the financial health of the LLC.

Ultimately, the cost of maintaining an LLC in Maryland can vary significantly depending on the size and nature of the business. It is important for business owners to carefully consider all expenses associated with running their LLC and to budget accordingly. By understanding and planning for these costs in advance, entrepreneurs can avoid financial pitfalls and set their businesses up for success in the long run.

In conclusion, while the cost of maintaining an LLC in Maryland may seem daunting, with careful planning and budgeting, business owners can navigate the financial complexities of running a business successfully. By accounting for all expenses, including annual filing fees, permits, professional services, and ongoing operational costs, entrepreneurs can ensure the sustainability and continued growth of their LLC. Ultimately, the investment in maintaining an LLC is crucial in protecting the business and maximizing its potential for success.

In Conclusion

The cost of Maryland is much lower compared to other forms of business. Apart from the state filing fees and annual taxes, you might bear the cost of the registered agent. Compare the price of professional LLC services and choose the most affordable one.

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