If you are forming an LLC in Maryland, then this page’s content would be vital. As you learn how to start an LLC, you will realize that the bulk of your initial work and cost comprises filing Maryland articles of organization, which we will elaborate on this page.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What is an Article of Organization?
An Article of Organization, also known as an LLC certificate or Certificate of Formation in some states, is a document filed with the secretary of state to form an LLC.
Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. An Article of Organization usually includes the following:
- The name of the LLC,
- the effective date of the LLC,
- the company’s principal office,
- the business purpose,
- the duration of the business,
- a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
- the name and address of the registered agent, organizers, and
- at least one member of the company.
You can file an Article of Organization online, by mail, or in person.
Note that the certification of formation is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC formation. It even makes up the bulk of your LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.
How to File Maryland Articles of Organization
These are the simple steps to follow in filing an Article of Organization in Maryland.
Step 1: Find Forms Online
Go to the Maryland Secretary of State to download the article of organization form for your LLC or to log into the online service.
Step 2: Fill Out Form
When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to Maryland LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.
You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Article of Organization form when filing. You also need to nominate a registered agent. Here are 3 of the best LLC services on our list.
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Step 3: File Formation Certificates
File your formation certificate either online or by mail by filling out a form and sending it to CoState Department of Assessments and Taxation, Charter Division 301 W. Preston Street; 8th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201-2395.
Filing Maryland Articles of Organization Online
Time needed: 5 minutes.
The State office offers a standard application form on their website for the filing process. Once approved, you shall receive a certified copy of your Maryland LLC Articles of Organization. The State offers filing of Articles through online mode, or via mail. The formation guide in the following steps will help you file for the articles of the organization so read on and get the info.
- Visit the official website of the State of Maryland
The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation brings a one-stop solution to every business information. Visit the Official State’s Registration and Filings page to learn more about filing the required documents for your business.
- Create your Account
If you already registered your account on the website, press on the “login” option and proceed to fill in your login credentials and access your account. If you do not have an account, click on the “Create Account” option on the page.
- Fill in Your Details
On the sign-up page, enter information to create a new account such as your First and Last name, Contact details, Email, Address, ZIP Code, and password. After creating your account credentials, you will be required to answer additional questions. Next, click on the tab “Create Account”.
- Proceed with the Registration
After confirmation of your Account on the State website, log in with your username and password. Once logged in, select the “Start a New Filing” option on the Homepage of your Account. Next, select the type of your business “Maryland Limited Liability Company” from the given list in the drop-down menu.
- Complete the registration process
After the registration page for your Maryland LLC opens up, continue with the registration process by filling in the application for Articles of Organization. The processing period for online filing is within 7 business days.
Filing Maryland Articles of Organization by Mail
If you wish to file your Articles of Organization via mail, read the instructions below to learn more about drafting a suitable article of the organization as per the requirements of the State.
- Visit the Department Forms and Applications page on the State of Maryland website.
- Scroll down to find the option “Create or Start a Business in Maryland”.
- Click on the following link under the heading “Articles of Organization for Limited Liability Company form and instructions”.
- Download the Application form PDF on the navigated page.
- You can download the form and fill it in on your system and then print it. The State office does not accept forms in handwritten form.
- Make payment by cheque for $100.00 in the name of the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.
- For submitting by mail or in-person, file your documents to the following address: State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Charter Division 301 W. Preston Street; 8th Floor Baltimore, MD 21201-2395
Cost of filing Articles of Organization in Maryland
The Cost of Filing generally varies depending on the mode of application, such as mail, fax, or online mode. Nevertheless, in Iowa, the cost is the same irrespective of the mode of transaction.
- Cost of online filing costs $100 (expedited fee $50)
- Cost of filing via mail costs $50 (expedited fee $50)
Where Can You Find Your Maryland LLC Articles of Organization
For accessing Articles of Organization for Maryland LLC, you can download the PDF from the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation website. You can also file it online from the Maryland Business Express website.
When forming a Maryland Limited Liability Company, also known as an LLC, the Articles of Organization documents will need to be filed with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (MDAT). This document is essential because it establishes the LLC in the eyes of the law, creates the operating agreement, and outlines the details of the business structure.
Once the Articles of Organization are filed and approved, members of the LLC and its registered agents will receive a copy of the document. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you need to get your hands on a copy of your Maryland LLC Articles of Organization document, there are several options available.
One way to retrieve your LLC’s Articles of Organization is to visit the website of the Maryland Secretary of State. There are several ways to find the licensing board online, once found, you will be able to access the documentation that you are seeking. Legal assistance is also available here that can help you navigate this complex matter. Despite these operations and opportunities, however, aspiring entrepreneurs should be aware that to obtain a copy of the Articles of Organization from the MDAT website, a processing fee might be applicable.
Another option to retrieve the document would be by reaching out to your registered agent. Registered agents act on behalf of your LLC and ensure government documents and other important notices are attended promptly and effortlessly on the relevant book’s behalf. Therefore, they should have a copy of the Articles of Organization and can forward it over to you. It is important to keep in mind, though, sometimes this may not be entirely free either, particularly if your registered agent is backed by an attorney.
For those seeking an even simpler method, there are numerous online legal resources available that you can use to retrieve your LLC documents such as LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer. These services often provide online tracking in which you will be able to obtain each document’s physical copy at a designated website link. Each subscription-based platform provides ample resources for each document signing services furthermore providing features to craft actual physical documents and procure electronic signatures with the Peace of Mind Financial Outsourced Services Team.
Overall, when searching for your Maryland LLC Articles of Organization, there are a handful of options. Be sure to get in touch with the lawyers involved in your LLC registration process, as they would likely have surplus copies of your documentation in their ownership. Speaking furthermore to the advantages of firms including LegalZoom, they would provide documentation mailing services that acknowledge your demand of procuring the document in question. And always keep your record up to date as stowing such a document without adequate protections is always ill-advised.
F.A.Qs
An Article of Organization is a legal document that will officially make your LLC into existence. This document is needed specifically for Maryland in forming an LLC business structure.
The application form for the Article of Organization needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.
Filing by mail or in person is neither highly recommended nor required; waiting an extra week for your LLC to be approved isn’t that bad. The LLC approval you send in will be returned by mail. Online filing, meanwhile, is more convenient as you won’t have to stay in a queue.
In Conclusion
Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation is the most important document for your Maryland LLC. Before you submit/file the document make sure to provide proper and correct information about your company. If you have any questions, share that below in the comment section.
