Filing a Maryland LLC
Choosing to file as an LLC could be in an entrepreneur’s best interest. The process of doing so is straightforward and easy for new business owners to understand. The LLC structure also provides owners with protection from company liabilities. For those who have come up with an idea for a product or service but don’t have much business experience, this cannot be overlooked.
Steps To Filing a Maryland LLC
Choose A Name
To begin filing a Maryland LLC, the first thing you’ll need to do is choose a name. The state of Maryland requires businesses to include some reference to their LLC structure in their name. They should add something such as “Limited Liability Company” or “L.L.C.” Additionally, entrepreneurs will want to ensure that the name they select is not already in use by another entity in the state. The DoMyLLC Name Availability Check Page is an excellent way to ensure this doesn’t happen.
Choose A Registered Agent
In addition to selecting a name, Maryland entrepreneurs will also need to choose a registered agent to represent their company. The registered agent is an individual or company who accepts legal correspondence on behalf of your business. Hiring a quality registered agent, like DoMyLLC, could increase your chances of success.
File Articles Of Organization & Pay Filing Fees
Next, potential Maryland LLC owners will need to file the Articles of Organization. To submit this document, owners will also need to include a $100 filing fee. Information that owners will want to add on this form includes:
- Name of the company
- Purpose of the company
- Address of the company
- Name, address, and signature of the registered agent
- Return address of the filing party
- Signature of an authorized individual
File Initial Report
Maryland LLC owners do not need to file an Initial Report but should pay careful attention to the required Annual Reports in the future.
Create An Operating Agreement And Hold Meetings
Maryland entrepreneurs will also want to draft an operating agreement when forming their LLC. This agreement helps to define their corporate structure, allowing members of the company to hold meetings successfully.
Obtain Employer Identification Number
At some point, Maryland LLC owners will need to file taxes and open a corporate bank account. To do both, Maryland LLCs will need an Employer Identification Number.
File State Required Annual Reports
Each year, Maryland LLCs will need to file an Annual Return. They can do so through the Secretary of State’s office. The forms must be postmarked or submitted online by April $15. It costs $300 to file these forms. Additionally, companies must pay a $9 credit card fee when registering online. Failure to file on time could result in charges based on how much property you own in the state.
Ongoing Maintenance
Maryland owners will also want to make sure that they file their federal, state, and local taxes each year. They’ll also want to make sure that they secure and renew any licenses that are relevant to their business.
How DoMyLLC Can Assist With Streamlining The Process
A lack of business experience should not prevent you from chasing your dreams. DoMyLLC has years of experience handling administrative paperwork for Maryland LLCs. Some of the services we offer include:
- Name availability check
- Articles of Organization preparation
- Filing of the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State’s office
- Sample documents, including a sample Operating Agreement, meeting notices, and meeting minutes
- Dedicated account manager
- Unlimited customer support
Whether you need clarification about a document or would like us to handle your maintenance paperwork and annual reports, DoMyLLC is here for you.