Standard filing is $100. Expedited filing is $150. The state form lists same-day filing at $425 online or $525 on paper. Maryland Business Express adds a 3% technology fee to paid online filings.
Official sourceWhat does Maryland charge to form and maintain an LLC?
| Formation document and method | File Articles of Organization with SDAT through Maryland Business Express or by paper. The articles list a Maryland principal office and a consenting resident agent. |
|---|---|
| Formation charges | Standard filing is $100. Expedited filing is $150. The state form lists same-day filing at $425 online or $525 on paper. Maryland Business Express adds a 3% technology fee to paid online filings. |
| Recurring filing | The annual report generally costs $300. A business with an approved MarylandSaves filing-fee waiver can avoid that report fee, but must still file. Check the waiver rules for the particular filing year. |
| First and later due dates | The first annual report is due April 15 of the calendar year after formation, even without revenue or operations. Later reports are due April 15 each year. Check SDAT for any granted extension. |
| Registered agent and office | Use a Maryland resident individual aged at least 18, a Maryland corporation or a Maryland LLC. The resident agent must consent and have a physical Maryland address. The articles also require a Maryland principal office address. |
| Taxes and other costs | The $300 report is not a personal property tax payment. A business that owns, leases or uses Maryland personal property with total original cost of $20,000 or more generally completes the property portion of Form 1. Property tax, income tax, sales tax, payroll, permits and agent service costs are outside the filing subtotal. |
When does the first Maryland LLC report fall due?
The first annual report is due April 15 of the calendar year after formation, even without revenue or operations. Later reports are due April 15 each year. Check SDAT for any granted extension.
The annual report generally costs $300. A business with an approved MarylandSaves filing-fee waiver can avoid that report fee, but must still file. Check the waiver rules for the particular filing year.
Who can be the Maryland registered agent?
Use a Maryland resident individual aged at least 18, a Maryland corporation or a Maryland LLC. The resident agent must consent and have a physical Maryland address. The articles also require a Maryland principal office address.
What comes after the LLC filing?
Save the accepted articles, settle the operating agreement and obtain an EIN when needed. Register the state tax accounts that match the business, check county or city licensing, and calendar the annual report. Review Form 1 property questions even if you expect no property tax.
Use the EIN guide for founders without an SSN if it fits your situation. An EIN does not replace state tax registration.
Which costs are outside the state filing fees?
The $300 report is not a personal property tax payment. A business that owns, leases or uses Maryland personal property with total original cost of $20,000 or more generally completes the property portion of Form 1. Property tax, income tax, sales tax, payroll, permits and agent service costs are outside the filing subtotal.
Compare the known state charges in the calculator and the 50-state and DC fee table. If the business works elsewhere, review when another state can require registration before choosing a formation state.
Which official sources support these figures?
- SDAT articles and filing options - reviewed October 1, 2026
- Business Express report requirements - reviewed October 1, 2026
- Online technology fee - reviewed October 1, 2026
- 2026 annual report and property return - reviewed October 1, 2026
- Resident agent FAQ - reviewed October 1, 2026
- 2026 filing instructions - reviewed October 1, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $100 the online Maryland LLC total?
No. It is the standard filing fee. Faster processing costs more, and paid Maryland Business Express filings add a 3% technology fee.
Does a Maryland LLC with no revenue file a report?
Yes. The first annual report is due the year after formation even without revenue or operations.
Does MarylandSaves remove the annual report?
No. An approved waiver removes the filing fee for the covered filing year, not the report obligation. Follow the current approval deadline.
Is the $300 report a property tax?
No. Any business personal property tax is separate. Form 1 asks about Maryland property with total original cost of $20,000 or more.
Can a nonresident be the Maryland resident agent?
An individual agent must be a Maryland resident aged at least 18. An eligible Maryland corporation or LLC can also serve, with consent and a Maryland physical address.
Official sources reviewed October 1, 2026. This guide covers an ordinary domestic LLC, not a personal legal or tax ruling. Government charges can change.