Form your company in Maryland

Why form an LLC in Maryland?

Choose Maryland only if you live or physically run your business here. For a non-US or remote founder with no Maryland footprint, the $300 annual charge makes Wyoming or New Mexico a better default.

A quick reminder from us: forming in a state where you do not actually operate usually means you still have to register (foreign-qualify) in your home state, often with little or no tax benefit. If you are unsure, tell us how you plan to operate and we will recommend the right fit — free.

Costs and fees

The Maryland Secretary of State charges roughly $100 to file Articles of Organization, with an ongoing state cost of about $300/yr report + personal property return. No separate franchise tax, but the flat $300 annual report/personal property return functions like one; state income tax applies and counties add a local income tax. State fees are paid directly to the state and are separate from our service fee.

• Filing fee: $100 (approximate)
• Ongoing state cost: $300/yr report + personal property return
• Typical processing time: About 1 wk online (expedite ~$50)

Taxes and privacy

Personal state income tax in Maryland: Yes. Owner privacy on the public record is generally rated medium.

Your federal tax obligations (and your EIN) are the same regardless of the state you choose — a single-member LLC is taxed as a pass-through by default, and we can obtain your EIN even if you do not have an SSN.

Pros of forming in Maryland

• Low one-time filing fee of $100 via Maryland Business Express
• Fully online formation through the state's SDAT portal
• Members are not named in the public Articles of Organization
• The $300 annual fee can be waived by enrolling in the MarylandSaves auto-IRA program
• Access to the dense DC/Baltimore market if you operate locally

Things to weigh

• Every LLC owes a $300 Annual Report + Personal Property Return by April 15 — one of the highest recurring state charges in the US
• Maryland has a state personal income tax plus county 'piggyback' income taxes
• No anonymity benefit versus dedicated privacy states like New Mexico or Wyoming
• Little reason for a remote/non-US founder to pick Maryland over a lower-cost state

Banking for your Maryland LLC

A US business bank account is not tied to your formation state, so a Maryland LLC can bank anywhere. Fintechs such as Mercury, Wise and Relay routinely open accounts for Maryland LLCs owned by non-residents, and you'll still complete standard beneficial-owner KYC.

Whichever state you choose, we prepare the documents banks ask for and can obtain your EIN even without an SSN. Bank and provider approval is always their decision — we are not affiliated with any bank.

Is Maryland right for you?

Best for: Founders actually operating in Maryland. If you operate physically in Maryland, forming here keeps things simple. If you are a remote or non-US founder without a specific reason to choose Maryland, a low-cost, privacy-friendly state like Wyoming or New Mexico is often the better default.

Not sure? Start your application and we will confirm the best state for your situation before anything is filed.