Why Maryland?
The $300 annual report makes Maryland expensive to maintain. Worth it primarily if you serve federal agencies or have Maryland-based operations. Non-residents can form a Maryland LLC without any US address, SSN, or physical presence. Edeal handles the registered agent requirement and the entire filing process.
Most non-residents registering a US LLC choose Wyoming ($100 filing fee, $60/year) or Delaware (investor-friendly). Maryland makes the most sense when you have federal contracts, government clients, or operations in the DC/Maryland corridor.
State Fees
These are government fees paid to the State of Maryland — not Edeal's service fee. Edeal registers your LLC for $1 + state fees.
LLC Formation
- Filing fee: $100 — one-time, paid to the Maryland Secretary of State
- Annual fee: $300/yr — annual personal property report, paid to the State of Maryland to keep your LLC in good standing
- Registered Agent: required by law — Edeal provides a registered agent as part of its service
All fees are set by the State of Maryland and publicly available from the Maryland Secretary of State's office.
Who Maryland Is Right For
- Businesses with physical presence in Maryland — employees, office space, or warehouse
- Companies serving Maryland-based customers — local nexus justifies registration here
- Non-residents when you have federal contracts, government clients, or operations in the DC/Maryland corridor
Who Maryland Is Not the Best Fit For
- Freelancers and remote businesses without Maryland ties — Wyoming or Delaware are usually more cost-effective
- Non-residents seeking maximum privacy — Wyoming and New Mexico offer stronger member privacy protections
- Businesses optimizing purely for cost — Wyoming at $100 + $60/year is typically the baseline for non-residents
If you are unsure which state fits your situation, Edeal can help you compare before you register.
FAQ
Do I need to visit Maryland or have a US address to register an LLC?
No. Non-residents from any country can register a Maryland LLC without visiting the state, without a US address, and without an SSN. The only requirement is a registered agent with a Maryland address — Edeal provides this.
What is the annual fee for a Maryland LLC?
The annual government fee for a Maryland LLC is $300/yr (Annual Personal Property Report). This fee is paid to the State of Maryland to keep your LLC in good standing — it is a mandatory government fee, not an income tax rate.
Can I open a US bank account with a Maryland LLC?
Yes. A Maryland LLC formed through Edeal comes with the documentation typically required by US banks and fintechs (Mercury, Relay, Brex). Having an EIN is usually also required — Edeal can assist with that process.