How to start a business in Maryland

A sole proprietorship is the most basic and frequently selected structure for launching a business. It's an unincorporated business owned and operated by a single individual, with no separation between the business and its owner. As the owner, you receive all the profits but are also personally responsible for all the business's debts, losses, and liabilities.

A sole proprietorship, while not a distinct legal entity, involves fewer legal formalities compared to other business structures. Thus, sole proprietorships are not required to undergo formal registration.

As a sole proprietor, your business income and expenses are typically reported on your personal income tax return. Therefore, it's essential to ensure compliance with state, federal, and local licensing and taxation regulations.

To open a business account, you'll require an SDAT Identification Number, which can be acquired through Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation website.

General partnership, unlike a sole proprietorship, involves multiple individuals. It's a unified business entity where ownership is shared among two or more people. Each partner contributes to various aspects of the business, whether through financial means, property, labor, or expertise. In exchange, profits and losses are distributed among the partners.

General partnerships are not separate legal entities and do not necessitate formal registration. Nonetheless, you are still obligated to fulfill state and local licensing and taxation requirements. Additionally, you may need an SDAT Identification Number if you intend to open a business account.

Limited partnership grants partners limited liability and, in turn, restricts their involvement in management decisions. To formally register a limited partnership in Maryland, you must file a Certificate of Limited Partnership. The fee is $100.00. 

For a limited partnership, you must also appoint a resident agent, who will act as your company's representative to receive official paperwork and government correspondence. The resident agent can be a citizen of Maryland who resides in the state, which can be yourself or a hired commercial registered agent. It can also be another legal business entity in Maryland.

An LLC is a special kind of legal structure that combines the liability protection of a corporation with the tax advantages and flexibility of a partnership. People who own an LLC are called "members."

Before submitting your LLC application, choose a resident agent. This can be an individual or an entity that will act as your company's representative for receiving official documents and government communications. The resident agent can be a Maryland resident, which includes yourself, a hired professional registered agent, or even another legal business entity like a corporation or LLC located in Maryland.

To register your business as an LLC, you need to create and file the Articles of Organization. The essential components that must be included in the Articles of Organization for an LLC in Maryland are:

• The name of your LLC. You can verify name availability by searching Maryland Business Express' Business Name Search. Keep in mind that your LLC's name must include one of the following: Limited Liability Company; L.L.C.; LLC; L.C.; or L C
• Registered agent
• The purpose of the LLC (a brief one or two-sentence description)
• Required signatures
  
  The fee for submitting Articles of Organization is $100.

Setting up a corporation involves meeting several legal and administrative obligations. These include tasks like registering with the state, establishing corporate bylaws, and appointing a board of directors. Due to the intricacies of this process, many service-based businesses opt for simpler structures like sole proprietorships, partnerships, or limited liability companies (LLCs).

However, if you're leaning toward forming a corporation for your business, it's a good idea to check the Maryland Business Express website. They offer detailed information and the necessary documents to assist you.