Create Your Business Structure

Sole Proprietorships, General Partnerships
Sole proprietorships or general partnerships require no legal entry formalities except compliance with State and local licensing and taxation requirements.  One of these requirements is registering your business with SDAT so that your business personal property can be properly assessed, and the business can obtain a State or local license (if required).

Legal Entities – Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, Limited Partnerships, and Limited Liability Partnerships
Maryland’s business laws are flexible and serve well those businesses that have chosen to establish operations in Maryland.  To encourage the creation and expansion of businesses, Maryland offers several flexible options for organizing business activity. 

For information about registration requirements for legal entities, contact: 

 State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)
(410) 767-1340

Documents may be filed with SDAT by mail.  Filings can also be done on an expedited basis by facsimile transmission (service within 24 hours) or by personal delivery (immediate service).  The filing fees are relatively nominal; call SDAT to get up-to-date fee information, or visit the SDAT’s web site.

Additional Resources
SDAT Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership ID Number
SDAT Articles of Incorporation