July 17, 2025

Best LLC Services in Maryland

By Nicole King
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Forming an LLC in Maryland? Discover the best LLC formation services, including free options, fast filing, legal support, and branding tools.

Best LLC Services in Maryland:

Maryland may be small in size, but it's mighty when it comes to entrepreneurship.

In 2024 alone, 668,365 small businesses were calling the Free State home.[1] That's a whopping 99.6% of all businesses in Maryland.

If you're ready to join the ranks and launch your own venture, the first step is to set up your LLC the right way. Below, you'll find the best LLC services in Maryland to help you get started—quickly, smoothly, and stress-free.

How much are you willing to spend on an LLC filing service?

ZenBusiness

Best for: Worry-free compliance services

When choosing an LLC service, don't just look for a company that can file your Articles of Organization. That's the bare minimum. A great provider should also offer ongoing support, like ZenBusiness.

Their worry-free compliance services can be a real lifesaver when it's time to submit Maryland's annual report. They'll prepare and file it for you every year, so you never have to miss a deadline or worry about penalties that can reach up to $500.[2]

But here's the twist: in Maryland, the annual report isn't just a simple form. It also includes a personal property tax return, which is a step that can trip up a lot of new business owners.

ZenBusiness can help with that too. They offer small business tax services, which means you can work with a tax pro to get your tax filings sorted before they file your annual report.

You can also get year-round tax advice, which comes in handy given Maryland's state and local income taxes. If you're self-employed—as is the case with many business owners—you'll need to pay taxes based on your share of the LLC's income. That's something their tax pros can help you with, too.

Founded in 2017, ZenBusiness is a BBB-accredited LLC formation service with an A+ rating.[3] It offers year-round support for LLCs, with comprehensive services like annual report filing, business tax assistance, and bookkeeping.

60-Day Money-Back Guarantee
If you're unsatisfied with how ZenBusiness handled your business formation, take advantage of its money-back guarantee. You can request a full refund within 60 days, minus state and third-party processing fees.[4]

Packages and fees:[5]
ZenBusiness offers three packages for LLC formation: a free basic package, and 2 paid tiers with annual fees.

  • Starter: $0 + state fees
    With Starter, you get standard formation features like business name search, preparation and filing of formation documents, and an online account to access documents.

    The Starter plan also includes a free year of Worry-Free Compliance services and a free tax savings consultation.

  • Pro: $199/yr + state fees
    Pro is ideal if you want ZenBusiness to handle most of your LLC's requirements without paying for each service separately. You get everything in Starter plus an operating agreement, EIN, and rush filing.

  • Premium: $299/yr + state fees
    Premium includes everything in the first two plans, plus unlimited access to Zenbusiness's business template library, a business website, and business email.

Do you need something not included in the existing packages, like registered agent services? Check out ZenBusiness' add-on services.

Pros + Cons:

  • Free LLC formation
  • Comprehensive packages
  • 60-day moneyback guarantee
  • 1 yr free worry-free compliance
  • Aggressive upsells
  • Pricey annual fees
  • No free registered agent

LegalZoom

Best for: On-call attorneys and legal services

If you're starting an LLC in Maryland, LegalZoom might just be your secret weapon. Especially if you want on-call legal help but aren't ready to hire a full-time attorney.

With LegalZoom, you can pay for attorney consultations only when you need them. This is a smart choice for service-based businesses or solo entrepreneurs who want expert guidance without the commitment of retainer fees.

Now, if your business touches any of Maryland's powerhouse industries—like life sciences, cybersecurity, and aerospace—LegalZoom can help you protect your most valuable asset: your ideas. Their intellectual property services can help you file trademarks or patents and stay ahead of the innovation curve.

Thinking of growing your services across state lines into Washington, D.C.? Their contract templates make it easy to create legally binding agreements, whether you're bringing on clients, hiring contractors, or forming strategic partnerships. Lawyers can help review your contracts, too.

Whether you're launching the next big thing in renewable energy or opening a consulting firm in Baltimore, LegalZoom makes the legal side of your Maryland LLC a whole lot less intimidating and a lot more efficient.

Since 2001, LegalZoom has helped form over 4 million businesses[6] and is BBB-accredited[7]. Although pricier than other providers, LegalZoom's combination of business and legal services could be valuable.

Extended customer support hours
LegalZoom makes it easy to reach customer support by phone, email, or live chat. They're available from 5 AM to 7 PM PT on weekdays and from 7 AM to 4 PM PT on weekends.

Core services and fees:[8]
LegalZoom has three LLC formation packages to choose from:

  • Basic: $0 + state fees
    With LegalZoom's free plan, you get a business name availability check and of course, preparation and filing of formation documents. You only pay for the state filing fees.

  • Pro: $249 + state fees
    Pro comes with everything from Basic and a few helpful features, like an operating agreement and EIN. You might also appreciate the free year of e-signature services, bookkeeping tools, and editor access to customizable forms.

  • Premium: $299 + state fees
    With Premium, you get everything in the first two plans, plus a 30-day subscription for legal guidance services, copyright registration service, and LLC amendments with rush filing.

LegalZoom's Installment Plan
LegalZoom offers an installment plan for eligible services. Double-check if the plan covers the services you're getting.

Pros + Cons:

  • Affordable legal services
  • Extensive network of attorneys
  • Extended customer support hours
  • Expensive add-ons
  • Slow turnaround time

MyCompanyWorks

Best for: Same business day processing

In Maryland, if you submit your LLC application without paying for expedited processing, the state typically won't look at it until two months later.[9] For example, if you file in May, expect it to be reviewed sometime in July. That's why it's so important that your LLC service files your paperwork right away.

MyCompanyWorks processes your order on the same business day. That way, you're not stuck waiting even longer to receive your approved Articles of Organization.

You can easily track your order through their online dashboard, available 24/7. If you have questions, use the unlimited phone and email support included in your plan.

While waiting, you can get a head start on organizing your business with MyCompanyWorks' editable operating agreement, which is included even in their most basic plan. It can help prevent future conflict, like what happens if a co-owner wants to leave, how profits are split, or who makes big financial decisions.

MyCompanyWorks was founded in 2001 "to make starting a business as simple, fast, and inexpensive as possible."[10] It has an A+ rating from BBB[11] and is also part of Inc. 5000 awardees[12].

MyCompanyWorks returns most phone calls and emails in 20 minutes or less during business hours.[13] Even on busy days, it promises you won't have to wait long.

Pricing and packages:[14]
MyCompanyWorks offers three types of packages.

  • Basic: $79 + State Fees
    You get unlimited name availability searches, same business day processing, and a personalized LLC operating agreement.

    Once your LLC is formed, MyCompanyWorks will send you lifetime company alerts so you don't miss any state compliance requirements. Additionally, your startup might benefit from included services like tax and trademark consultation.

  • Entrepreneur: $199 + State Fees
    Your LLC will need a registered agent as well. Fortunately, the entrepreneur package saves you $117 since it already includes access to MyCompanyForms, registered agent services, and an EIN.

  • Complete: $279 + State Fees
    The only difference between the entrepreneur and complete packages is the MyCompanyWorks Premium service. Also called a "peace of mind compliance" service includes annual report filing services and business entity monitoring.

Misleading Satisfaction Guarantee
MyCompanyWorks promises to refund 100% of its fees "no questions asked" if you're unsatisfied with its services.[15] However, the Satisfaction Guarantee section in its terms and conditions states that refunds may be subject to a $25 to $75 processing fee.[16] It isn't a 100% refund if there's a processing fee.

Pros + Cons:

  • Same day processing
  • No aggressive upsells
  • Fast support response
  • No free business formation
  • No free registered agent
  • Misleading satisfaction guarantee

Tailor Brands

Best for: LLC formation with branding services

Starting a business in Maryland isn't easy, now more than ever. According to CNBC's America's Top States for Business 2024, Maryland ranked 31st among the best states in the country in which to do business.

Combine that with the fact that nearly 1 in 5 new businesses fail within the first year[17], and it's clear: you need every advantage you can get.

Tailor Brands gives you a leg up by going beyond the basics. Aside from preparing and filing your Articles of Organization with the state, they can also help you launch with a full brand identity. From logo design and branded materials to a business domain and website. You can do it all without hiring a whole design team.

If you're launching your business in a tough state like Maryland, showing up strong from the start can make all the difference.

Founded in 2014, Tailor Brands is an online business formation company specializing in LLC and branding services. It's ideal for entrepreneurs who want to start strong, with both legal paperwork and a professional brand, right out of the gate.

Pricing and packages:
Tailor Brands offers three types of LLC formation packages:

  • Lite: $0 + state fees
    With Tailor Brands' cheapest plan, you only need to pay the state filing fees, then you'll get formation services like name availability research and preparation and filing of the Articles of Organization.

  • Essential: $199/yr + state fees
    For an annual fee, the Essential plan also includes an operating agreement and annual compliance services. You're also entitled to expedited filing within two business days after payment.

  • Elite: $249/yr + state fees
    Only Tailor Brands' most expensive plan comes with business branding tools. It includes extras like a 1-year free website domain, DIY website or e-commerce store, complimentary logos, business card tools, and a social media post tool.

Tailor Brands also offers add-ons like registered agents, business license and permit reports, and other business branding services.

Pros + Cons:

  • Business branding services
  • Specializes in LLC formation
  • Quick and easy ordering process
  • Registered agent service not included in plans
  • Unclear pricing structure
  • Sign up required to view service details

Bizee

Best for: Free LLC formation w/ registered agent services

Maryland ranks as the third most expensive state to do business.[18] So if you're trying to keep startup costs low, every dollar counts.

That's where Bizee can help. Their basic LLC formation package is free—you just pay the state filing fee. That means they'll prepare and file the Articles of Organization with Maryland for you without charging extra for the service.

Plus, you get one free year of registered agent service. Since Maryland requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state, this perk can save you at least $100 in your first year of doing business.

Bizee, previously known as Incfile, helps business owners start an LLC, corporation, or nonprofit in any state. It's one of the first to offer free LLC formation with a free year of registered agent services.

State processing times are separate from LLC service processing times.
Bizee typically files LLC applications within a few days of receiving your order. However, the actual time it takes to form your LLC depends on state processing times—which could be anywhere from one business day to a few weeks.

Plans and Pricing:
Bizee has three formation packages, each designed to fit different business needs. Here's what to expect from each plan:

  • Basic: $0 + state fees[19]
    Bizee's free plan prepares and files your documents with the state, and also includes unlimited business name search and one year of free registered agent. You'll also get lifetime compliance alerts, electronic delivery of LLC formation documents, and business tax consultation.

  • Standard: $199 + state fees[20]
    The Standard plan offers helpful extras like an operating agreement, EIN, and banking resolutions. It also provides unlimited phone and email support.

  • Premium: $299 + state fees[21]
    Premium is ideal if you want comprehensive business formation services in one plan. You get all the features of the first two plans plus business document templates, a website with a domain name, a business email, and express delivery of physical documents.

Aside from business formation, you can pay for a la carte services like business license research, DBA filing, and annual report services.

Pros + Cons:

  • Free LLC formation
  • 1 day processing time
  • 1 yr free registered agent
  • Strict cancellation policy
  • Slow customer support response

Methodology

To identify the best LLC services in Maryland, we evaluated five key criteria: pricing and formation packages, turnaround time, registered agent, compliance assistance, and customer support.

We reviewed each service's pricing structures and formation packages, ensuring cost transparency and valuable features—such as operating agreements, EIN, and expedited turnaround time.

Next, the cost and availability of registered agent services and compliance assistance were assessed. These services help businesses stay in good standing with the state.

Finally, customer support was evaluated based on office hours and response times. These two factors allowed us to identify the most dependable and user-friendly LLC services in Maryland.

How to Choose the Best LLC Service

There are a lot of LLC services out there. Choosing the best one can be tough, especially if this is your first time using one.

Here are a few tips to help you decide:

  • Compare the included features
    LLC formation services don't include the same features in their packages. Compare each to see which package has the services you need at the price you're willing to pay.

  • Read customer reviews
    You want an LLC service that provides high-quality customer support, even after placing your order. Check customer reviews to see how well they handle concerns and inquiries.

  • Consider their specialty
    LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer are better choices if you need legal assistance. But Bizee and Northwest Registered Agent are better if you need more startup business-oriented services, like registered agent services or annual compliance assistance.

DIY vs. Hire LLC Services in Maryland

The decision to DIY or hire an LLC service depends on your comfort level, budget, and priorities. Here are points to consider:

  • Cost
    Filing business formation documents on your own is cheaper as you only pay state filing fees. Alternatively, subscribe to free LLC formation services like those offered by Tailor Brands and Bizee. Just be prepared for the upsells of other services.

  • Time and convenience
    You can DIY if you have time to research the requirements, prepare the documents, file them with the state, and track its status. Otherwise, hire an LLC service to do the job.

  • Expertise
    Use LLC services if you’re unsure about legal jargon or don’t want to risk making mistakes. Alternatively, take time to learn them before filing documents with the state.

  • Registered agent services
    You can be the LLC's registered agent as long as you qualify. But if you aren't ready to shoulder this responsibility, appoint someone else or an LLC service as the registered agent.

  • Compliance requirements
    Most states have annual LLC requirements, including annual fees and reports. If you want someone else to manage these, hire an LLC service.

  • Control
    You hire LLC services because they can do the heavy lifting. However, that also means you rely on them to do everything correctly. That said, DIY is ideal if you want complete control over the process.

Generally, DIY is easy if your LLC is simple, like a single-member LLC with no special tax needs.

What is the most important factor for you when choosing an LLC filing service?

Why Form an LLC in Maryland?

Establishing a limited liability company in Maryland offers several advantages. For instance, One Maryland Tax Credit offers tax credits to businesses that create new jobs in the state.

Additionally, the state's research and development tax credit encourages businesses to invest in R&D activities.

Overall, forming an LLC in Maryland presents a compelling opportunity, particularly for those focused on job creation and innovation. The state's approach to supporting businesses through tax credits can significantly benefit your startup.

How to Form an LLC in Maryland

Starting an LLC in Maryland is easy enough. You can even do it yourself in six steps:

  1. Choose a name
    Your LLC name must be unique and distinguishable from other businesses registered in Maryland. It must also have Limited Liability Company, LLC, or similar at the end.

  2. Appoint a registered agent
    A registered agent receives legal documents on behalf of your LLC. They must have a physical address in the state where the LLC does business.

  3. File the Articles of Organization
    Next, submit the Articles of Organization and the filing fee to the Department of Assessments and Taxation. This form usually includes details like the LLC name, registered agent, and business purpose.

  4. Create an operating agreement
    An LLC operating agreement contains information like the roles and responsibilities of each member, how new or departing members will be treated, and how business profits and losses will be divided.

  5. Get an EIN
    Any LLC with more than one member or with employees must have an EIN, regardless of how it's taxed. This is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify a business entity for tax-related purposes.

  6. Get business permits and licenses
    Depending on your business, you may need additional licenses or permits. For example, you need a sales tax permit if you sell consumable goods. Research state-specific requirements and local rules that apply to your LLC.

Once your LLC is up and running, comply with ongoing requirements like filing the annual report and renewing business permits and licenses.

Read How Much Does an LLC Cost in Maryland, for an in-depth guide on LLC formation costs and annual expenses.

Frequently Asked Question

  • Is Maryland a good state for LLC?

    Yes, Maryland can be a good state to form an LLC because of its strategic location. It's close to Washington, D.C., as well as key East Coast hubs like Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and even New York. This opens doors for networking, partnerships, and expanding your customer base.

  • How much does an LLC cost in MD?

    It costs at least $100 to file the Articles of Organization with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.[22] However, the total cost of forming an LLC in Maryland could be much higher. You might pay for things like registered agent services, permits and licenses, and other state fees.

  • How much tax does an LLC pay in Maryland?

    Maryland's state income tax rates range from 2% to 5.75%, depending on income.[23] You may also have to pay local income and other taxes depending on what your business does and where it's located.

  • Do you have to renew your LLC every year in Maryland?

    Yes, all LLCs in Maryland are required to pay $300/yr and file an annual report by April 15th.[22] If you don't file, you'll have to pay a penalty fee of up to $500.[2]

  • Does an LLC need a business license in Maryland?

    Most businesses in Maryland must have a trader's license. It's required for businesses that buy and sell tangible items—whether you're running a boutique, convenience store, or online shop with inventory stored in Maryland. The fee is based on the wholesale value of your retail inventory.

Bottom Line

ZenBusiness, LegalZoom, and Tailor Brands are the best LLC services in Maryland because they do more than just filing and preparing business documents.

From on-call legal help to worry-free annual compliance, their comprehensive services can help your business thrive in the competitive Maryland market.

Carefully compare their offers, pricing, and customer reviews to select the perfect partner for your business needs.

References

  1. ^ U.S. Small Business Administration. Maryland 2024 Small Business Profile, Retrieved 6/2/2025
  2. ^ Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. Instructions for Form 1 The Annual Report & Business Personal Property Return, Retrieved 6/2/2025
  3. ^ Better Business Bureau. ZenBusiness Inc, Retrieved 6/2/2025
  4. ^ ZenBusiness. ZenBusiness, Inc. Terms of Use, Retrieved 04/25/2025
  5. ^ ZenBusiness. Create Your LLC in Minutes, Retrieved 04/25/2025
  6. ^ LegalZoom. Hello, we're LegalZoom, Retrieved 6/2/2025
  7. ^ Better Business Bureau. LegalZoom, Retrieved 6/2/2025
  8. ^ LegalZoom. Start Your LLC with Confidence, Retrieved 04/29/2025
  9. ^ Maryland Business Express. Registrations & Filings, Retrieved 6/2/2025
  10. ^ MyCompanyWorks. About Us, Retrieved 6/2/2025
  11. ^ Better Business Bureau. MyCompanyWorks, Inc., Retrieved 6/2/2025
  12. ^ MyCompanyWorks. MyCompanyWorks (formerly MyNewCompany.com) Makes the INC5000, Retrieved 6/2/2025
  13. ^ MyCompanyWorks. Why Use Our Formation and Business Filing Services?, Retrieved 05/23/2025
  14. ^ MyCompanyWorks. How much does it cost to form a corporation or LLC?, Retrieved 05/04/2025
  15. ^ MyCompanyWorks. Start and Manage Your Company in One Place, Retrieved 01/16/2025
  16. ^ MyCompanyWorks. Terms and Conditions, Retrieved 01/16/2025
  17. ^ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 1-year survival rates for new business establishments by year and location, Retrieved 6/24/2025
  18. ^ Maryland Chamber of Commerce. Maryland Business Community Shows Historic Opposition to Proposed 2.5% Services Tax, Retrieved 6/2/2025
  19. ^ Bizee. Bizee Basic Package: What to Know About Our Most Popular Package, Retrieved 04/25/2025
  20. ^ Bizee. Business Formation Packages, Retrieved 07/14/2025
  21. ^ Bizee. Everything You Get with Bizee's Premium Package, Retrieved 04/25/2025
  22. ^ Maryland.gov. Fee Schedule, Retrieved 6/2/2025
  23. ^ Comptroller of Maryland. Tax Information for Individual Income Tax, Retrieved 6/2/2025

Nicole King is a research analyst at CreditDonkey, a business formation services comparison and reviews website. Write to Nicole King at nicole.king@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.

Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.

Tailor Brands

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Best LLC Services

Tips for Business Formation
If you need help starting an LLC, using a business formation service can be your best bet. Find the 9 best LLC services and top offers in this guide.
How much are you willing to spend on an LLC filing service?
71% As little as possible, just the state fees.
10% Up to $100, including state fees.
12% $100 - $200, for added reliability.
7% Price is no object for full-service support.
Source: CreditDonkey
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