LLC Formation Cost in Maryland (2026): Full Fee Breakdown

LLC Formation in Maryland typically costs $525, with real-world totals ranging from $100 to $2,150 once 3 mandatory fees are included.

Updated September 4, 2026 · Typical turnaround 1 day · Estimates in USD

Low

$100

File yourself directly with the state; act as your own registered agent.

Average · typical

$525

Most people pay close to this once mandatory add-ons are included.

High

$2,150

Attorney-prepared filing, fastest expedite, commercial agent, drafted operating agreement, first-year recurring fees.

Estimate your out-of-pocket total

Pick your option and toggle the add-ons that apply to you.

Option

Add-on fees

State filing fee (Articles of Organization) Mandatory Paid once to the Maryland Secretary of State (dat.maryland.gov). $100
Annual report (Personal Property Return) (first year) Mandatory Recurring state filing to keep the LLC in good standing. $300
Registered agent service (annual) Optional Legally required role, but you can serve as your own agent for free if you have an in-state street address. $125
Operating agreement (template or attorney) Optional Not filed with the state, but banks and courts expect one. $99
EIN from the IRS Mandatory Free at irs.gov; third parties charge $50–$100 for the same form. $0

Why the llc formation price varies so much

The headline "Maryland LLC filing fee" is only the first line of the real cost. Between the state fee, registered-agent service, expedite tiers, and the recurring fees that come due in year one, a Maryland LLC realistically costs between $100 and $2,150 to launch. The tables below itemize each fee, flag which ones are mandatory, and let you total up your own formation budget.

What drives the number in Maryland

Maryland's $300 annual report fee is one of the steepest fixed costs outside of California and Massachusetts. Official fee schedule: dat.maryland.gov.

LLC Formation price by option

Base price for each tier before the add-on fees listed below.

Option / tier	Price (USD)	vs. average
DIY filing (state fee only)	$100	-81%
Budget formation service	$150	-71%
Full-service formation (EIN + operating agreement)	$300	-43%
Attorney-prepared formation	$1,000	+90%
Expedited processing — Expedited	$50	-90%

Hidden fees and surcharges

Mandatory line items add about $400 on top of the base price. Optional items only apply if you use them.

Line item	Status	Typical cost	Why it exists
State filing fee (Articles of Organization)	Mandatory	$100	Paid once to the Maryland Secretary of State (dat.maryland.gov).
Annual report (Personal Property Return) (first year)	Mandatory	$300	Recurring state filing to keep the LLC in good standing.
EIN from the IRS	Mandatory	$0	Free at irs.gov; third parties charge $50–$100 for the same form.
Registered agent service (annual)	Optional	$125	Legally required role, but you can serve as your own agent for free if you have an in-state street address.
Operating agreement (template or attorney)	Optional	$99	Not filed with the state, but banks and courts expect one.
Mandatory add-ons total		$400

How to use this estimate

Budget the mandatory column first: it is the amount you cannot avoid in year one. Everything in the optional column is a choice — you can be your own registered agent and draft your own operating agreement.
Only pay for expedited processing if a bank account or contract deadline depends on it; standard online filings are usually processed within days.
Put the recurring deadline on your calendar the day you file. Late penalties and loss of good standing cost more than the recurring fee itself.

LLC Formation in Maryland: questions people ask

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

The Maryland state filing fee is $100. A realistic first-year total including a registered agent and the first recurring filing is about $525; using an attorney and the fastest expedite pushes it toward $2,150.

What are the annual fees for a Maryland LLC?

Each year a Maryland LLC pays $300 for the annual report (personal property return) — $300 in total before any registered agent fee. Maryland's $300 annual report fee is one of the steepest fixed costs outside of California and Massachusetts.

Can I expedite LLC formation in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland offers Expedited processing for $50 on top of the $100 filing fee. Standard online filings are usually processed in a few business days.

Do I need a registered agent for a Maryland LLC?

Yes, every Maryland LLC must list a registered agent with a physical in-state address. You can act as your own agent at no cost, or hire a commercial service for $49–$299 per year (about $125 is typical).

What happens if I miss the Maryland annual report (personal property return) deadline?

Maryland does not publish a fixed late fee, but missing the filing puts the LLC out of good standing and can trigger administrative dissolution; reinstatement requires back filings and extra fees.

Is Maryland an expensive state to form an LLC in?

Maryland's $100 filing fee compares with a national low of $35 (Montana) and highs of $500 (Massachusetts). Counting recurring costs, Maryland owes $300 per year to the state, versus $800+ in California and $0 in states like Missouri and New Mexico.