Updated May 2026 Maryland

Maryland LLC Formation Cost (2026)

Complete breakdown of Maryland LLC costs — from the initial filing fee to annual report fees, publication requirements, and ongoing taxes.

LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed: May 2026

$100

Filing Fee

One-time

$300

Annual Report

Recurring

None

Publication Cost

$100+

Est. Year-1 Total

Excl. annual fee

LLC Formation Cost Calculator

Select your state to see filing fees, annual report costs, and formation gotchas.

State of Formation

Filing Type

· Filing: · Est. Year 1:

Form LLC →

Forming an LLC in Maryland: Full Cost Breakdown

To form an LLC in Maryland, you file Articles of Organization (sometimes called a Certificate of Formation or Certificate of Organization) with the Maryland Secretary of State. The state filing fee is $100.

Standard processing time is 7. Expedited processing is available: 1.

⚠️

Watch out

Maryland's $300 annual personal property return makes it one of the most expensive states to maintain an LLC.

✅

Pro tip

Proximity to DC — valuable for government contracting businesses.

📋

Don't forget your Operating Agreement

Even though Maryland may not legally require it, an Operating Agreement protects your limited liability status and is essential if you have co-founders or a business bank account.

Source: Maryland Secretary of State ↗

Form Your Maryland LLC Today

Firstbase handles your Articles of Organization, registered agent, and compliance calendar — all in one dashboard. Flat fee includes the $100 state filing cost.

★★★★★4.720,000+ LLCs formed

Start My LLC with Firstbase → from $0 + state fees

💡

Registered agent required in Maryland

Every LLC must designate a registered agent with a physical Maryland address to receive legal documents. Using a commercial service ($50–$150/yr) keeps your home address off the public record.

Frequently Asked Questions — Maryland LLC

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Maryland?

Forming an LLC in Maryland costs $100 for the state filing fee. The annual report fee is $300 per year. Estimated first-year cost is approximately $100.

What is the LLC filing fee in Maryland?

The Maryland LLC filing fee is $100. This one-time charge is paid to the Maryland Secretary of State to officially register your LLC.

Does Maryland require an annual report for LLCs?

Yes — Maryland LLCs must file an annual report with a fee of $300. Failure to file can result in administrative dissolution of your LLC.

Does Maryland require LLC publication?

No — Maryland does not require LLC publication. This eliminates a significant additional cost compared to states like New York that mandate it.

What is the Maryland LLC franchise tax?

Maryland does not impose a separate franchise tax on LLCs, keeping ongoing operating costs lower.

How do I form an LLC in Maryland?

To form an LLC in Maryland: (1) choose a unique name including "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company", (2) appoint a registered agent with a Maryland address, (3) file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and pay the $100 fee, (4) create an Operating Agreement, and (5) get a free EIN from the IRS. See our full Maryland LLC formation guide for step-by-step instructions.