How To Fill Out The Maryland Articles of Organization
If you’re in need of forming a Maryland LLC, the first thing you’ll want to do is complete and file the Articles of Organization. The Maryland Articles of Organization is the official document filed with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation to establish a Limited Liability Company (LLC). After the filing is approved by the state, the business can officially begin operating and register for the necessary business licenses and permits.
Learn how to fill out the Articles of Organization by filing the steps below.
Steps To Fill Out The Maryland LLC Articles Of Organization
To file the Maryland Articles of Organization, you will need to submit the completed LLC Articles of Organization Form SDAT to the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation. The form can be downloaded and sent by mail or filed online through the Maryland Business Express website.
Zenbusiness and IncFile are running a special where you only pay state fees for your LLC formation!
Here, I’ll go over how to fill out the LLC Articles of Organization in Maryland through the online filing. To get started, visit the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation’s website and create an account.
Then, click on the blue Start a New Filing button and then the Register a New Business
Next, in order to create a new LLC, we will select Maryland Limited Liability Company.
Then we have the option of using the online forms or uploading your own documents. Unless you have experience forming an LLC in the state, I would recommend using the online forms.
Step 1: Pick a Name for the LLC
The first step in filling out the Maryland Operating Agreement is to pick a business name.
There are a couple of requirements when choosing a Maryland LLC name.
1. The name of your LLC must not be too similar to the name of another business entity already registered with the state of Maryland. You can verify name availability by doing a Maryland LLC name search with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation to be sure the LLC name is available.
2. The name of the LLC must include one of the following entity identifiers at the end of the business name:
– Limited Liability Company
– L.L.C.
– LLC
– L.C.
– L C
You also have the option of selecting a comma between the business name and entity identifier, ex. “My Company LLC” versus “My Company, LLC”
Enter the LLC name, including the identifier, to continue. If you choose a name that is taken, the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation will return your application.
Step 2: Enter the Principal Office Address
The principal physical office location may be, but is not required to be, the actual place of the business. You can choose the store’s address, but you can also choose an address where the business records are kept.
It’s important to note that a physical address in Maryland must be used and P.O. Boxes are not allowed.
Additionally, if there is an address where you would prefer correspondence from the state to be delivered, check the mailing address box and enter an address. You can choose the mailing address to be out of state and a P.O. Box as well.
Step 3: Enter Contact Information
Next, you are asked to provide an email address and phone number. Be sure to include contact details that are checked frequently as if there is a problem with the filing, you will be able to fix it quickly.
Step 4: Business License Confirmation
Having a business in the state may require certain licenses in order to operate, regardless of the business entity.
This is a nice option to be sure you get the business started correctly.
Step 5: Appoint a Resident Agent
One requirement to have an LLC in Maryland is to appoint a Maryland resident agent (called a registered agent in many states). The resident agent is a party that is physically located in the state of Maryland that will receive important notices and service of process (which means to accept papers that start a lawsuit) on behalf of the LLC.
You can either appoint an individual such as yourself as the registered agent or appoint someone else, such as a friend, or family member (Select “An Individual” from the dropdown) or an entity such as a professional registered agent service (Select “Maryland Corporation/Maryland LLC” from the dropdown .
The main requirements to be a Maryland resident agent are that they are an adult and be at a physical address during normal business hours.
Related: What is a Maryland resident agent?
Step 6: Enter Contact Information (Optional)
If you want to add an additional contact to receive information regarding the LLC, enter their information here.
Step 7: Review the Articles of Organization
Next, review the information provided to ensure it is correct. If everything looks good, click to “Proceed to Certification”
Step 8: Certification
Include the name of an authorized person to certify the following information is correct. An authorized person can be an LLC member or anyone an LLC member has authorized to help with the filing of the Articles of Organization.
On this screen, you have the option of obtaining a Certified Copy of the Articles of Organization, for an additional $21. A certified copy can be useful, especially when registering your business to sell to the government.
Step 9: Pay and Submit the Articles of Organization
Enter your payment information and submit the Articles of Organization to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.
Maryland LLC FAQs
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Maryland?
The cost to file the Articles of Organization and form an LLC in Maryland is $100 when filing online or slightly more when filing by mail.
How long does it take Maryland to form an LLC?
It usually takes the state 7 business days to process the Articles of Organization when filing online or 4-6 weeks when filing by mail.
Expedited processing is available for an additional filing fee.
When is a resident agent needed in Maryland?
All corporations and LLCs in Maryland are required to have and maintain a registered agent.
The registered agent is a party that is physically located in the state of Maryland that will receive important notices and service of process (which means to accept papers that start a lawsuit) on behalf of the LLC.
Related: Who can be a Maryland registered agent?
Does Maryland require an LLC to have an operating agreement?
Maryland Statute § 4A–402 states that an LLC Operating Agreement is optional. Despite the Operating Agreement not being required, it is recommended to have one as it can help to prevent disputes among members and protect the LLC’s legal status.
What business licenses are needed in Maryland?
The requirements for business licenses and registrations in Maryland vary depending on what the business does and where it’s located.
Here is a list of common business licenses in Maryland.
Should I use an LLC formation service or do it myself?
Two of my top formation companies have a special offer where you can get your LLC formed without paying any additional fees (state fees still apply). Check out Zenbusiness and IncFile to learn more.
Do Maryland LLCs need an EIN?
Only Maryland LLCs that either have more than one member, will hire employees, or elect to be taxed as a partnership or corporation are required to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
The EIN or Employer Identification Number (also called a Federal Employer Identification Number or FEIN) is a unique 9-digit tax identification number that is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
If the LLC isn’t required to get an EIN (though you can still get one), the LLC will use the social security number of the business owner.
Related: How to Apply for an EIN
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