Maryland LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes
Initial state filing fee: $100. Ongoing annual report fee: $300 (annual). No state franchise tax.
Check if your LLC name is taken on official Maryland database
Every LLC name must be legally distinguishable on state records. Perform a free corporate name lookup on the official Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) registry before submitting your $100 Articles of Organization.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Maryland?
An LLC in Maryland costs $100 to form (one-time state filing fee) and $300 per year in annual report fees. The estimated total 5-year cost is $1,495, including state fees, annual reports, and registered agent service.
| Fee Component | Statutory Cost | Frequency | Due Date / Requirement | Recipient Entity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Filing Fee) | $100 | One-time | Upon LLC formation | Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) |
| Periodic Annual / Biennial Report | $300 | annual | Due April 15 annually (Personal Property Return) | Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) |
| State Franchise Tax / Entity Fee | $0 | None | No franchise tax | N/A |
| Registered Agent Service | $0 (Self) or $39–$125 | Annual | Continuous requirement | Appointed agent / Commercial service |
| Operating Agreement & Federal EIN | $0 (Free) | One-time | Internal record / IRS issuance | Internal Company Record / IRS |
| Total Minimum Initial Formation | $100 (State statutory fees to open LLC) | |||
Maryland LLC 5-Year Cost Model
MDChoose a state and assumptions. Your five-year estimate updates instantly.
Future years assume today's reviewed rates remain unchanged. Historical estimates are not enabled because older rules have not been fully verified.
This estimate covers liabilities incurred in five taxable years (2026–2030), even when payment is due later.
Future years use an unchanged-current-law assumption. Income tax, legal advice, penalties, and unselected optional services are excluded.
Initial formation fee ($100) + registered agent
Annual report ($300/yr)
Estimated liability for the selected inputs and disclosed scope in Maryland.
Five taxable years by cost category(Click any year to inspect)
Select a year to inspect its included liabilities and applicable tax due date.
Tax year 2026 included items
Total: $1395-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category
Save on your Maryland filing fees & protect your personal privacy
Pro Tip: Filing directly through the state exposes your personal home address on public government records forever. You can keep your private details off the public registry and save time by using a top-rated Registered Agent service starting at $39 + state fees.
Open a zero-fee business checking account for your Maryland LLC
Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.
Maryland LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)
Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT).
Maryland Franchise Tax & Business Privilege Tax Rules
Annual Report / Personal Property Return carries a steep $300 annual filing fee.
Advantages of a Maryland LLC
- Vibrant Mid-Atlantic/DC corridor corridor economy
Drawbacks & Hidden Costs
- $300 annual report fee every single year (one of highest in US)
Founder Pro-Tip for Maryland
Maryland charges $300/yr even if you have zero business activity. Dissolve promptly if closing down.
Step-by-Step Maryland LLC Formation Checklist (2026)
Choose an Available Entity Name
Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable on the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) registry.
Appoint a Maryland Registered Agent
Must have a physical street address in Maryland (no P.O. boxes) to receive official service of process during regular business hours.
File Articles of Organization ($100 State Fee)
Submit electronically to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). Approval is typically granted within Immediate to 5 business days.
Execute an Operating Agreement & Obtain Federal EIN
Establish member capital contributions, voting rights, and obtain a free 9-digit EIN from IRS.gov for business checking accounts.
Maintain Ongoing Legal Good Standing (April 15 annually (Personal Property Return))
Submit the annual report with the $300 fee to prevent automatic forfeiture or late fee assessments.
Maryland LLC Cost FAQ
Common questions about forming and maintaining an LLC in Maryland.
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Maryland?
The state filing fee to form an LLC in Maryland is $100, paid to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) when you file your Articles of Organization. With a registered agent service ($39–$125/yr), expect to pay approximately $139 in your first year.
What is the Maryland LLC filing fee for 2026?
The Maryland LLC filing fee is $100. This is a one-time fee paid to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) to register your Articles of Organization. Expedited processing is available for an additional $50. Normal processing time is Immediate to 5 business days.
What are the annual fees for an LLC in Maryland?
Maryland charges a annual report fee of $300, due April 15 annually (Personal Property Return). There is no state franchise tax for standard LLCs in Maryland, making ongoing costs relatively low.
How much does it cost to maintain a Maryland LLC per year?
The annual cost to maintain a Maryland LLC includes the annual report fee ($300), and a registered agent ($39–$125/yr). Over 5 years, the estimated total cost is $1,495.
Does Maryland have a franchise tax for LLCs?
No. Maryland does not impose a franchise tax or entity-level tax on standard domestic LLCs. This makes Maryland one of the more affordable states for LLC maintenance.
Can I form an LLC in Maryland if I live in another state?
Yes, you can form a domestic LLC in Maryland regardless of where you live. However, if your principal business operations are in a different state, you will also need to register as a Foreign LLC in that state. In Maryland, foreign LLC registration costs $100 plus $300/year in ongoing fees — often resulting in paying double.
Compare Maryland with Rival & Neighboring States
Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions: