Maryland Foreign LLC – Qualification and Registration


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.

All Posts by Steve Goldstein →
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Last updated: 
LLCBuddy™ offers informative content for educational purposes only, not as a substitute for professional legal or tax advice. We may earn commissions if you use the services we recommend on this site.
At LLCBuddy, we don't just offer information; we provide a curated experience backed by extensive research and expertise. Led by Steve Goldstein, a seasoned expert in the LLC formation sector, our platform is built on years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the nuances involved in establishing and running an LLC. We've navigated the intricacies of the industry, sifted through the complexities, and packaged our knowledge into a comprehensive, user-friendly guide. Our commitment is to empower you with reliable, up-to-date, and actionable insights, ensuring you make informed decisions. With LLCBuddy, you're not just getting a tutorial; you're gaining a trustworthy partner for your entrepreneurial journey.
maryland_state_seal

If you already have an LLC in another state and want an LLC in Maryland, then starting an LLC would be somewhat different. You must register as a foreign LLC. We have here a guide on how you can qualify and register for a foreign LLC in Maryland.

Forming an Maryland Foreign LLC

A foreign LLC does not need to be a company from another country but a business formed under the laws of another state. To start a foreign LLC in Maryland, you need to register it with the Maryland Secretary of State.

Step 1: Choose Maryland Foreign LLC Name

Obtain a name reservation certificate and submit it with your foreign qualification requirements at the Maryland Secretary of State. Your LLC’s legal name outside of Maryland will be listed on the application, along with the name it will use in Maryland. Take note of the requirements for naming your LLC.

Check name availability at Maryland’s business entity names and reserve your LLC name.

Step 2: Select Maryland Foreign LLC Registered Agent

You’ll need a registered agent to form a foreign LLC in Maryland and take note that a Maryland registered agent must have a local address. Here are three of the best LLC services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries:

LLC Service

Our Rating & Pricing

Top Features

Learn More

#1 TOP PICK

$0 + State Fees

  • 100% accuracy guarantee

  • Worry-free service

  • Great customer support

  • Established reputation

  • Extras are bit more expensive

  • Good customer support

Step 3: File Registration of Maryland Foreign LLC

Fill out and submit a Foreign LLC Application for Registration form via email to [email protected] or by mail to Maryland State Department of Assessments and taxation, 301 West Preston Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201-2395.

Include the following:

  • LLC’s full legal name.
  • A fictitious name or a DBA (only if your LLC’s legal name is not available); Attach a statement of adoption of the fictitious name signed by all LLC members.
  • LLC’s principal office and mailing addresses.
  • LLC formation state and date.
  • Registered agent’s name and address in Maryland.
  • Date when your LLC will start operations in Maryland.
  • Credit card information on the last page of the form for the $150 application fee.

The LLC cost in Maryland, even for foreign LLCs will differ between online filing and by mail.

Step 4: Determine How Your Maryland Foreign LLC is taxed

Foreign LLCs are also subjected to the Maryland Business Privilege Tax, and they must file LLC annual reports each year.

Note that forming a foreign LLC would be good for your business as you can legally operate in a different state thus reaching a larger market and opening more opportunities for higher profit.

Steps to Filing Maryland Foreign LLC Online

Time needed: 5 minutes

When you are registering for the foreign LLC in this particular State, you will have to submit your Application for Registration of foreign LLC with the Secretary of State which costs $100. The filing must also contain a written proof of existence from your home State. It is equivalent to a Certificate of Status. After approval, you will receive a Verification Certificate from the State Office. We have explained the aspects you need to cover when you apply for Maryland Foreign LLC.

In the State of Maryland, the process of filing an application for Articles of Organization for a foreign LLC can be done online and via mail.

  1. Visit the official website

    Open the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation Forms and Application page.

  2. Click the foreign LLC file option

    Scroll down to the section containing details about “Foreign (Non-Maryland) Businesses”. Select the following option from the given list “Foreign Limited Liability Company Registration”. Click the option of “Click here to file online”.

  3. Create your account

    If you already registered your account on the website, click on the “log in” option and proceed to fill in your login credentials and access your account. If you do not have an account, click on the “Create Account” option on the page.

  4. Fill in your details

    Enter your information to sign up for a new account such as your First and Last name, Contact details, Email, Address, ZIP Code, and password. After creating your account credentials, you will be required to answer additional questions. Next, click on the tab “Create Account”.

  5. Select the business type

    After creating your account, log in to your account with the username and password. Next, select the option of ‘Start a New Filing’ option on your Account Home page. Select the registration type as “Foreign (Non-Maryland) Business Types: Foreign Limited Liability Company” from the dropdown list.

  6. Complete the registration process

    After the registration page for your Maryland Foreign LLC opens up, continue with the registration process by filling in the application for Articles of Organization.

    You can also choose to file an application for registration of your limited liability company OFFLINE via mail by completing the Application form PDF and submitting it to the following address: Maryland State Department of Assessments and taxation, 301 West Preston Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201-2395. The filing fee for offline registration is also $100 and the application should be accompanied by written proof of existence from the Home State.

It is convenient plus easy to file for the foreign LLC if you are doing it online. The steps are very easy and that’s why it’s possible to go along with the steps and form the foreign LLC in Maryland.

After Forming Maryland Foreign LLC

Here are added things you need to accomplish after forming your Maryland Foreign LLC

  1. Obtain Business Licenses. Find the business licenses you’ll need using the Business License Search.
  2. File LLC annual reports and Business Privilege Tax.
  3. Pay State Taxes like sales tax; you’ll need an EIN for your LLC.

F.A.Qs

What is a foreign LLC in Maryland?

If your LLC is formed under the laws of another state, it is referred to as a foreign LLC in Maryland.

Do I need a foreign LLC?

Businesses incorporated outside of the state where they operate must have “foreign qualifications” issued in the other states.

What is the main difference between domestic and foreign LLC?

A domestic LLC is a company registered in Maryland as an LLC. The entity type that has a physical presence in another state is a foreign LLC.

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Foreign LLC in Maryland

To register as a foreign LLC in Maryland, you can file through mail or online by paying $100 to the Maryland Secretary of State.

However, if you are considering forming a foreign LLC in Maryland, there are some important factors to keep in mind. One of the most pressing questions that you may have is, “How much does it cost to register a foreign LLC in Maryland?”

The cost of registering a foreign LLC in Maryland can vary depending on several factors. First and foremost, you will need to file an Application for Registration of Foreign Limited Liability Company with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. The filing fee for this application is typically around $100-150, but it can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your LLC.

In addition to the filing fee, there may be other costs associated with registering a foreign LLC in Maryland. For example, you may need to appoint a registered agent in the state, which can cost anywhere from $50-150 per year. You may also need to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from the state in which your LLC is originally formed, which can cost between $25-100.

It’s also important to remember that these costs are just the initial fees associated with registering a foreign LLC in Maryland. Once your LLC is registered, you will also need to pay an annual filing fee to maintain your registration. In Maryland, this fee is typically around $300-400 per year, but it can vary based on your LLC’s revenue or other factors.

While the costs of registering a foreign LLC in Maryland may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that forming an LLC also provides many benefits. One of the primary benefits of forming an LLC is the limited liability protection it offers to its owners. This means that the personal assets of the LLC owners are protected from the debts and liabilities of the business.

Additionally, forming an LLC can also provide tax benefits. LLCs are “pass-through” entities, which means that the profits and losses of the business pass through to the individual owners’ personal tax returns. This can help reduce overall tax liability for the business owners.

Overall, while there may be some costs associated with registering a foreign LLC in Maryland, the long-term benefits of forming an LLC can far outweigh these initial expenses. Before making any decisions, it’s important to consult with a legal or financial professional to fully understand the costs and benefits of forming a foreign LLC in Maryland.

In Conclusion

Starting a foreign LLC in Maryland does not require a lot of documentation or tasks. However, it is always good to seek help from a professional when it comes to running your business. Get a professional registered agent and form your foreign LLC anywhere without a hassle.

1 thought on “Maryland Foreign LLC – Qualification and Registration”

Leave a Comment