Choosing a Business Name: 

  • The first step for forming an LLC in Maryland is choosing a business name. This should be something that captures the essence of your company while also being unique and memorable. It must end with one of these words or abbreviations: “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company.”
  • You also need to make sure your business name isn’t already taken. Check with the state’s Department of Assessments and Taxation to make sure your desired name doesn’t conflict with another registered entity in Maryland. 
  • Once you’ve settled on a name, reserve it with the state for up to 120 days for $25 by filing Form DLLR-MURR-106A “Name Reservation Request.” 

Appointing Registered Agents: 

  • The next step is appointing registered agents for service of process purposes. This means having someone who can accept legal papers from the state on behalf of your company if necessary. The agent must reside in Maryland or have a physical office there and provide written consent to act as such on behalf of your company. 
  • If you don’t have anyone suitable available, there are third-party companies that will act as registered agents on behalf of your company for a fee. 

Filing Articles of Organization: 

  • After choosing a name and appointing registered agents, it’s time to file Articles of Organization with the Department of Assessments and Taxation (DAT). This document establishes the existence of your LLC and states specific details about its purpose and structure — like its address and names/addresses/roles of members/managers — which are public records upon submission. 
  • You’ll also need to create an Operating Agreement detailing how decisions will be made within the organization, how finances will be handled, etc.. Still, it does not need to be filed with DAT (though you should keep it on file within your business).  

Filing Initial Report & Paying Fees:  

  • Once Articles of Organization are filed with DAT, you’ll need to file an Initial Report within 2 months containing information about members/managers along with payment for certain fees (which vary based on capital contributions).  
  • Additionally, if you don’t plan on actively doing business until after December 31st then you’ll need to pay annual registration fees ($300) before submitting Initial Reports; otherwise, they’re due by April 1st every year following formation (with payment due May 15th). 

Obtaining Licenses & Permits:  

  • Depending on what type of services or products you plan on offering through your LLC, additional licenses and permits may be required before conducting business activities in Maryland — like food service establishment licenses or contractor permits — so it’s important to research whether any special documents are needed before starting operations.  

Opening Bank Accounts & Obtaining Employer Identification Number (EIN):  

  • Before officially launching operations for your LLC it’s important to get set up with banking services like checking accounts or merchant accounts so that finances can be managed separately from personal funds — plus most vendors will require proof that taxes are paid regularly through proper documentation from established bank accounts before providing services or merchandise purchased by customers/clients paying via credit card processing services, etc..
  • Lastly, we recommend obtaining a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS website free-of-charge which allows businesses legally operating within United States tax code compliance regulations when filing taxes, etc…

Following these steps will ensure that all necessary documents are properly filed and fees paid prior to opening shop as LLC in Maryland currently regulated under revised 2016 statutes regarding corporate entities lodged within specified jurisdiction throughout various US states including MD where compliance violations can incur fines penalties leading even outright dissolution so take time do research ensure everything legal integrity sake new corporation!