How much does it cost to start an LLC in Maryland in 2026?

Forming an LLC in Maryland requires a one-time initial filing fee of $100 paid to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). When accounting for standard registered agent compliance ($39-$125/yr), expect initial Year 1 costs to be approximately $139.

What are the annual recurring fees for a Maryland LLC?

Maryland charges an annual report fee of $300 filed on a annual basis (due April 15 annually (Personal Property Return)). There is no state franchise tax on standard LLCs in Maryland.

What is the true 5-year cost of maintaining a Maryland LLC?

Over 5 years, the true cost of a Maryland LLC is approximately $1,495. This includes initial formation ($100), recurring annual reports ($300), statutory franchise taxes, and compliance support.

Can I form an out-of-state LLC (e.g. Wyoming or Delaware) if I live in Maryland?

While you can legally form an entity in Delaware or Wyoming, if your principal place of business, employees, or operations are located in Maryland, you must register as a Foreign LLC in Maryland. In Maryland, the foreign qualification filing fee is $100 plus ongoing maintenance of $300/year, often resulting in double fees.

Verified 2026 Statutory Guide

Maryland LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes

Initial state filing fee: $100. Ongoing annual report fee: $300 (annual). No state franchise tax.

Compare Maryland vs Others

Direct Answer • 2026 Official Fee Schedule

Starting an LLC in Maryland costs $100 for the one-time Articles of Organization filing fee, plus $300/yr in recurring annual report fees. Over 5 years, maintaining a Maryland LLC costs an estimated $1,495.

Initial State Filing$100One-time payment

Annual Report$300Due April 15 annually (Personal Property Return)

Franchise Tax$0none

Registered Agent$39–$125Annual service

Statutory Department: Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)

Verify on State Website (.gov)

Maryland LLC 5-Year Cost Model

Adjust parameters below to model state filing fees, recurring franchise taxes, and compliance overhead.

Popular:

1. State of LLC FormationInitial: $100

Approval speed: Immediate to 5 business days•Public Privacy: Standard

2. Where do you conduct business?

If you reside or hire employees in a different state from your LLC, that state requires Foreign Qualification registration.

3. Estimated Annual Gross Revenue$150,000

Maryland Tax Rule: Annual Report / Personal Property Return carries a steep $300 annual filing fee.

4. Registered Agent ServiceMandatory by law

5. Expedited State Processing

Expedited State Processing (+$50)

Accelerates state filing from Immediate to 5 business days to 24-48 hours.

Deciding where to incorporate?

Compare Maryland vs Wyoming & Delaware →

Year 1 Setup Cost

$139

Initial formation fee ($100) + registered agent

Annual Maintenance

$339 /yr avg

Annual report ($300/yr)

5-Year True CostAll Hidden Fees Included

$1,495(~$25/mo)

Total 5-year statutory commitment to maintain legal compliance in Maryland.

5-Year Cost Trajectory & Fee Composition(Click any year to inspect)

Notice how initial filing fees are often dwarfed by recurring franchise taxes and maintenance.

Inspecting: Year 1 ($139)

$139

Year 1Formation

$339

Year 2Renewal

$339

Year 3Renewal

$339

Year 4Renewal

$339

Year 5Renewal

State Formation & Expedited

Franchise & Entity Taxes

Annual / Biennial Reports

Special Mandates (Publication, etc.)

Registered Agent Compliance

Home State Foreign Qualification

Year 1 Itemized Line Items

Total: $139

State Filing$100

Franchise Tax$0

Annual Report$0

Special / Pub$0

Registered Agent$39

Foreign Qual.$0

5-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category

Total State Filings

$100

7% of 5-yr budget

Total Franchise Taxes

0% of 5-yr budget

Annual / Biennial Reports

$1,200

80% of 5-yr budget

Registered Agent Service

$195

13% of 5-yr budget

Publication / Mandates

0% of 5-yr budget

Founder Cost-Reduction Tip

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.

Free Home Address RedactionInstant Maryland Compliance AlertsAnnual Report Reminders

Get Started for $39 + State FeesRated 4.8/5 by 10,000+ founders • No hidden renewal spikes

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Open a zero-fee business checking account for your Maryland LLC

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Maryland LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)

Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT).

Official State Portal (.gov)

Annual Report Due DateApril 15 annually (Personal Property Return)Frequency: ANNUAL

Normal TurnaroundImmediate to 5 business daysExpedited: +$50

Public Record PrivacyStandardRegistered agent protects personal address

State Personal Income Tax2% to 5.75% + local county taxesLLC pass-through profits flow to owners

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.