Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Maryland?
Forming an LLC in Maryland means filing the Articles of Organization with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation. The calculator below separates official government fees from estimates, and fixed costs from variable ones.
An S corporation is a federal tax election, not a state entity type — both LLCs and corporations may qualify for it.
First-year government fees — Maryland LLC
$100
First-year government fees for a Maryland LLC: $100
Official state fees
Ongoing fixed fees
≈ $300/yr annualized for comparison — actual payment schedule shown above.
Five-year outlook
Varies by business — excluded from totals
- Business personal property tax. Assessed by local jurisdictions on business personal property reported on the annual return; depends entirely on what property the business owns or leases in Maryland.
Educational estimate based on official fee schedules verified July 12, 2026 — not legal or tax advice. Fees, rules, and processing times change; confirm with the state or a qualified professional before relying on them.
The numbers behind this page
Every figure comes from the typed data record for Maryland, verified July 12, 2026 against the sources listed at the bottom of this page.
| Fee | Amount | Schedule | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization filing fee Online filings through Maryland Business Express may add an expedited-service surcharge and processing fee. | $100 | One-time | Official state fee |
| Fee | Amount | Schedule | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual report fee Businesses that own, lease, or use personal property in Maryland also file a Business Personal Property Return, which can add locally assessed tax. | $300 | AnnualDue April 15 each year, beginning the year after formation | Official state fee |
| Business personal property tax Assessed by local jurisdictions on business personal property reported on the annual return; depends entirely on what property the business owns or leases in Maryland. | Varies | Conditional | Official state fee |
† Partially verified — corroborated but not confirmed on a machine-readable official page.
Filing process & processing times
File online through Maryland Business Express or by mail.
| Option | Typical turnaround | Added fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard processing | 5–15 business days | None | Online filings are processed much faster than mail; SDAT posts current times |
Processing times are estimates based on currently available official guidance and change with filing volume — they are not guaranteed.
Registered agent costs
Every Maryland LLCmust continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical in-state address. Acting as your own agent costs $0 where you meet the state's eligibility rules; commercial services typically run $100–$300 per year. The calculator uses $200 — the midpoint of that range — when you choose a hired service.
Midpoint of the typical advertised price range for national commercial registered-agent services as of July 2026 (e.g. Northwest Registered Agent $125/yr, ZenBusiness $199/yr, LegalZoom $249/yr). Budget providers advertise below this range and premium corporate-service firms above it. Serving as your own agent costs $0 where you meet state eligibility rules.
Worth knowing about Maryland
- Maryland's $300 annual report fee is the dominant recurring cost — among the highest flat report fees in the country, and it applies equally to LLCs and corporations.
Maryland LLC cost FAQs
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Maryland?
The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation charges $100 to file the Articles of Organization. That figure excludes optional services and any variable taxes, which depend on your circumstances.
What are the ongoing costs of an LLC in Maryland?
Maryland LLCs generally must pay the annual report fee of $300 per year (due April 15 each year, beginning the year after formation). In addition, business personal property tax may apply depending on your revenue, assets, or activity — these are variable, so they aren't included in fixed totals.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Maryland?
Standard processing generally takes about 5–15 business days. Maryland does not currently offer a paid expedited tier for this filing. Processing times change with filing volume, so confirm current turnaround with the state before relying on a date.
Do I need a registered agent for an LLC in Maryland?
Yes. Every Maryland LLC must continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical address in the state to receive legal and official mail. You can generally act as your own agent at no cost if you meet the state's eligibility rules, or hire a commercial service — typically $100–$300 per year. Whether serving as your own agent is practical depends on your circumstances, including privacy and availability during business hours.
How does the Maryland business personal property tax work for LLCs?
Assessed by local jurisdictions on business personal property reported on the annual return; depends entirely on what property the business owns or leases in Maryland. Because the amount depends on factors like revenue or assets, it is shown separately and never folded into the fixed totals above. Consult a qualified tax professional about how it may apply to you.
What this page doesn't cover
- Federal, state, and local taxes beyond the fixed fees shown — income-dependent taxes are listed as variable obligations and never included in exact totals.
- Business licenses, local permits, industry-specific registrations, and DBA filings.
- Attorney, accountant, or filing-service fees beyond the labeled registered-agent estimate.
- Whether an LLC — or Maryland — is the right choice for your situation. FormedIn provides general educational information, not legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice, and nothing here recommends an entity type or formation state for any specific person.
Fees, rules, deadlines, and processing times change. Confirm current requirements with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation and consult a qualified attorney, CPA, or tax professional about your specific circumstances.
Sources
Maryland data last verified July 12, 2026.
- Fee Schedule for Documents Relating to Corporate Charters— Maryland State Department of Assessments and TaxationOfficialaccessed July 12, 2026
- Business Entity Annual Report (Form 1)— Maryland State Department of Assessments and TaxationOfficialaccessed July 12, 2026
- How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost? 2026 Guide— RegisteredAgentCost.comaccessed July 12, 2026
- How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost?— ZenBusinessaccessed July 12, 2026
Keep going
- Maryland corporation costs →
- Compare Maryland with other states →
- What a Registered Agent Actually Does (and Being Your Own) →
- Annual Compliance Checklist by Entity Type →
- How to Choose Your Formation State (Delaware Isn't a Default) →
- Operating Agreements Explained →
- Official source: Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation →