How To Register Business In Maryland

Step 1: Choose a Business Structure

Recommended: We typically recommend forming an LLC for nigh entrepreneurs because this structure comes with personal nugget protection, has no double taxation, and is pretty piece of cake to maintain.

If you would like to use a service, read our guide on the best LLC formation services.

Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships

By default, sole proprietorships operate as the same name as the possessor while general partnerships must include the surnames of all the partners.

To apply a dissimilar proper name to conduct business, the business possessor(s) must file for a Maryland trade name — as well commonly referred to as a doing business as (DBA) proper noun.

Step two: Check Proper noun Availability

When registering a business proper noun, it's of import to make sure it'south unique and no 1 else in your country formed a company with it or has control of it online as a domain name.

Domain Proper name Search

Nosotros strongly recommend that you lot as well cheque to see if your business proper name is available equally a web domain (URL). Fifty-fifty if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the web address to prevent others from acquiring that domain name. If the web domain is bachelor then information technology's likely the proper noun volition as well be available in a business search.

Observe a Domain Now

Maryland Business Name Search

Adjacent, search the Maryland business organization entity search tool. This is an of import step in the process because your filing volition be denied if y'all try to file for a name already in employ.

Search requirements can vary depending on your business needs. For example, a unique and available name is required to:

File for formal business structures like LLCs and corporations.
File a DBA name for any business construction.

A country-level proper name search isn't required for informal business structures like sole proprietorships or full general partnerships in Maryland. But, if you make up one's mind to register a trade name or DBA name, yous'll demand to search the database to see if your desired name is unique and available.

Pace 3: Grade Your Business With the State of Maryland

In one case you accept selected your business concern structure and name, you will need to file your formation documents with the state, which will annals your business with the State of Maryland.

To annals your Maryland LLC, you lot'll need to file the Articles of Arrangement with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Revenue enhancement. You can apply online or past post. Read our Form an LLC in Maryland guide for details.

Or utilize a professional service like ZenBusiness or LegalZoom to class your LLC for you.

To register your Maryland corporation, yous'll demand to file the Manufactures of Incorporation with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Tax. Read our Form a Maryland Corporation guide to learn more.

Additional Considerations

Protect Your Business Name With a Trademark (Optional)

Once you ostend the availability of your business name and secure it, you lot can choose to apply for a trademark for your business. This typically costs around $225 to $400 plus any attorney fees as well as a renewal fee every 10 years.

While this cost can be high for a start-up or fledgling business, it will requite your visitor brand nationwide protection backed by federal law. That means if others endeavour to practice business with the same — or a similar — name equally yours, yous'll take legal precedent on your side. For most small businesses, this really isn't necessary unless they are thinking of going national.

How to Change the Name of a Maryland Business organization

Changing the name of a business in Maryland tin be done in ii means: by filing for a trade name or past submitting an amendment to the legal name of an existing concern.

The first method, filing for a trade name (also known every bit a DBA name), is the easiest way to operate your business using a different proper noun without needing to change its legal proper noun.

A DBA name is the just way for sole proprietorships and general partnerships to have a different business organization name. Information technology'southward likewise the easiest method for LLCs and corporations to follow because it allows them to avert filing an subpoena or complicating their business operations while enabling them to operate with brand names that don't include the necessary LLC or Inc. suffix required in a legal proper noun.

If you want to change the legal name of your LLC or corporation, notwithstanding, filing an amendment to the legal proper noun of an existing business is your best option. Here are links to forms for both options:

Articles of Subpoena for LLCs
Articles of Amendment for Corporations

Y'all may submit either — typed, not handwritten — in person or by mail along with the $100 filing fee to Maryland's Department of Assessments and Taxation.

Ofttimes Asked Questions

How much does it cost to start a business in Maryland?

Filing Articles of Organization with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Revenue enhancement to form an LLC costs $100. Expedited processing costs an boosted $50.

Is a business license required in Maryland?

If your business is physically located in Maryland, y'all must obtain a state general business license. You may potentially need additional permits or licenses, depending on your metropolis or county.

How do I go a business license in Maryland?

You tin can file for a business license in Maryland through the Clerk of the Court in your metropolis or county. You also may utilise for certain licenses online through the Maryland OneStop Portal.