MD

Maryland LLC Compliance

Complete 2026 Guide

Maryland LLCs are formed through the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). The state charges a $100 formation fee and requires an Annual Report (called the Annual Report/Personal Property Return) filed by April 15 each year. Maryland does not impose a franchise tax on LLCs, but members may owe Maryland income tax on their share of LLC income.

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$100
Formation Fee
$300
Annual Report
$100
Foreign LLC Fee
No
Franchise Tax

1Maryland LLC Formation

To form an LLC in Maryland, you'll need to file Articles of Organization with the Maryland Secretary of State.

Formation Details

  • Filing Fee: $100
  • Processing Time: Online: 7-10 business days; Expedited same-day available for additional fee
  • Official Website: https://dat.maryland.gov

2Annual Report Requirements

Maryland requires LLCs to file a annual report to maintain good standing with the state.

Annual Report Details

  • Filing Fee: $300
  • Due Date: April 15 each year
  • Frequency: Annually

3Registered Agent Requirements

Maryland requires all LLCs to maintain a registered agent.

Can You Be Your Own Registered Agent?

Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent in Maryland.

Requirements: Must be a Maryland resident with a physical Maryland street address (not a PO Box), or a business entity authorized to do business in Maryland. Must be available during regular business hours to accept service of process.

4Foreign LLC Registration

If your LLC was formed in another state but you want to do business in Maryland, you'll need to register as a foreign LLC.

Foreign LLC Registration

  • Registration Fee: $100
  • Requirements: Registration as a Foreign LLC with SDAT, certificate of good standing from home state, and a Maryland registered agent with a physical Maryland address.

5Maryland LLC Taxes

Maryland has a state income tax with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%. LLCs taxed as pass-through entities are not taxed at the entity level, but members pay Maryland income tax on their share of LLC income. Maryland also imposes county income taxes (ranging from 2.25% to 3.20%) on top of state income tax.

6Penalties for Non-Compliance

Late Filing Penalties

$100 penalty for late Annual Report filing plus potential interest on unpaid assessments.

Administrative Dissolution Risk

Failure to file the Annual Report can result in forfeiture of the LLC's good standing and eventual administrative dissolution. Reinstatement requires filing all overdue reports and paying penalties.

Key Considerations for Maryland LLCs

  • $100 formation fee — moderate and competitive
  • Annual Report (Personal Property Return) due April 15 — $300 filing fee
  • No franchise tax on LLCs
  • Members pay Maryland state income tax (up to 5.75%) plus county income tax (2.25%–3.20%)
  • Registered agent must have a physical Maryland address
  • Online filing through Maryland SDAT Business Express portal

Important Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. LLC requirements, fees, and deadlines change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your state's Secretary of State office before making business decisions.

Related Maryland LLC Articles

Official Resources

For the most up-to-date information, always check the official Maryland Secretary of State website:

https://dat.maryland.gov