LLC Cost in Maryland (2026)
State Filing Fee: $100 | Annual Report: $300/year
Forming an LLC in Maryland requires filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. The filing fee is $100. Maryland LLCs also have a Annual Report of $300 per year.
Use our LLC Cost Calculator to estimate your total first-year cost including registered agent and optional formation services.
# LLC Cost in Maryland (2026) — Filing Fees and Annual Costs Starting an LLC in Maryland involves several mandatory fees and ongoing costs that vary based on your business needs and timing. Our calculator helps you estimate both the initial filing costs and annual expenses to maintain your LLC in good standing with the state. ## How to Use This Calculator To get an accurate cost estimate, you’ll need to provide specific information about your LLC formation plans and ongoing business needs. **Initial Setup Information:** – Formation date (month and year you plan to file) – Whether you’ll file online or by mail – If you need expedited processing – Whether you’ll hire a registered agent service **Ongoing Cost Preferences:** – Your preferred filing method for annual reports – Whether you plan to maintain a Maryland registered office address – Any additional state tax elections you anticipate **Optional Services:** – Check boxes for services like certified copies of your Articles of Organization – EIN application assistance (though you can file directly with the IRS for free) The calculator automatically adjusts fees based on Maryland’s current fee schedule and accounts for any recent changes announced by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). **Important Note:** The calculator shows costs for the full calendar year. If you’re forming your LLC late in the year, your first annual report may be due sooner than expected, potentially requiring payment within months of formation. ## How We Calculate This Our calculations are based on official Maryland state fees and typical third-party service costs as of 2026. **Mandatory State Fees:** – Articles of Organization filing fee: $100 (online) or $100 (mail) – Expedited processing: Additional $50 – Annual Personal Property Return: $300 (due by April 15 each year) **Registered Agent Costs:** If you don’t have a Maryland address or prefer professional service, registered agent fees typically range from $100-$300 annually. We use $150 as the baseline in our calculations, representing the average cost of reputable services. **Processing Time Considerations:** Standard processing takes 7-10 business days online and 2-3 weeks by mail. Expedited service reduces this to 1-2 business days but adds $50 to your filing fee. **Annual Compliance Calculations:** Maryland requires LLCs to file a Personal Property Return annually, even if you have no personal property to report. This $300 fee is non-negotiable and due every April 15th regardless of when you formed your LLC. **Fee Accuracy:** We update our calculator quarterly to reflect any fee changes announced by SDAT. Maryland has maintained relatively stable LLC fees compared to other states, with only minor adjustments over the past several years. ## What the Results Mean Your calculator results show both one-time formation costs and recurring annual expenses, helping you budget for the true cost of maintaining a Maryland LLC. **Total Formation Cost:** This includes all mandatory state fees plus any optional services you selected. The minimum cost to form a Maryland LLC is $100 if you file online and serve as your own registered agent. **First-Year Total:** This figure includes formation costs plus prorated annual fees. If you form your LLC in January, you’ll pay the full annual fee. If you form later in the year, the same annual fees apply, making winter formation more cost-effective from a timing perspective. **Annual Ongoing Costs:** After your first year, expect to pay at least $300 annually for the Personal Property Return, plus any registered agent fees if you use a service. These costs remain fairly consistent year over year. **Cost Comparison Context:** Maryland’s LLC costs fall in the middle range nationally. While states like Wyoming charge as little as $100 total for formation and annual fees, Maryland’s $300 annual fee reflects the state’s robust business infrastructure and services. **Hidden Cost Awareness:** The calculator doesn’t include optional costs like business licenses (which vary by industry), business bank account fees, or professional services like legal or accounting help. These can add hundreds or thousands to your actual business startup costs. ## Tips and Common Mistakes **Timing Your Formation:** Form your LLC in January or February if possible. Since the annual Personal Property Return is due every April 15th regardless of formation date, early-year formation maximizes the time before your first annual payment. **Registered Agent Decisions:** You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Maryland street address (not a P.O. box) and will be available during business hours. However, many business owners prefer professional services to maintain privacy and ensure they never miss important legal documents. **Common Filing Mistakes:** – Using a P.O. box for your registered office (not allowed) – Forgetting to designate a registered agent – Choosing a name that’s too similar to existing Maryland entities – Not checking name availability before filing **Annual Compliance Oversights:** The biggest mistake Maryland LLC owners make is missing the April 15th Personal Property Return deadline. Late filing incurs penalties, and prolonged non-compliance can lead to administrative dissolution of your LLC. **Record Keeping:** Maintain good records of all state filings and payments. Maryland SDAT provides online account access, but keeping your own records ensures you never miss deadlines or lose important documentation. ## FAQ **Q: Can I reduce costs by filing myself instead of using a service?** A: Yes, absolutely. Maryland allows direct online filing through SDAT’s website for just $100. You only need a formation service if you want help with paperwork, registered agent service, or other conveniences. The state filing process is straightforward, and SDAT provides helpful guidance documents. However, if you’re unfamiliar with business formation requirements, a service might prevent costly mistakes that could delay your filing. **Q: What happens if I miss the annual Personal Property Return deadline?** A: Maryland imposes penalties for late filing, starting at $50 and increasing the longer you wait. If you fail to file for multiple years, the state may administratively dissolve your LLC, which means you lose limited liability protection and must go through reinstatement procedures. The good news is that even if you have no personal property to report, filing is simple and can be done online. Set a calendar reminder for early April to avoid any issues. **Q: Are there any ongoing costs the calculator doesn’t include?** A: Yes, several potential costs aren’t included because they’re either optional or vary significantly by business type. These include business licenses (which depend on your industry and can range from $50 to several hundred dollars), federal EIN application (free if filed directly with the IRS), business insurance, accounting services, and business bank account fees. Additionally, if you operate in multiple Maryland counties or cities, you might need local business licenses beyond state requirements.