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 Maryland
Checklist for New Businesses |
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 Introduction
For All BusinessesSelect Your Business Structure The first step in establishing a business in the State of Maryland is to determine which form of business structure is most appropriate for your operations. The four most common forms of business structure are the sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation and limited liability company. Each structure has certain advantages and disadvantages that should be considered. Choosing the appropriate organizational structure for your business is one of the most important decisions made and may require advice from an attorney, accountant and other professional advisor. Once you have chosen a structure for your business, the next step is to complete the necessary registration requirements. Create Your Business Structure
Sole proprietorships or general partnerships require no legal entry formalities except compliance with State and local licensing and taxation requirements. Legal Entities (Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, Limited Partnerships, and Limited Liability Partnerships) For information about registration requirements for legal entities, contact: State Department of Assessments and Taxation Corporate Charter Division 301 West Preston Street, 8th Floor Baltimore, MD 21201 Telephone: (410) 767-1340 http://www.dat.state.md.us Select and Register Your Business Name Naming the business is a critical step. You can select a business name yourself, or you can hire a professional to do the search on availability and file the necessary forms. For information
on trade name availability and forms contact: For information
on corporate name availability and forms, contact: Obtain Personal Property Tax Information Personal
Property and Local Taxation Requirements Register a trade name You may register a "trade name" with the Department of Assessments and Taxation. A trade name, is the name by which a business is known to the public to distinguish it from another business or person. For information on trade name availability and forms contact: State Department of Assessments and Taxation Trade Name Search and Registration 301 West Preston Street Baltimore, MD 21201 Telephone: (410) 767-1340 www.dat.state.md.us You may register
a "trademark" with the Secretary of State's
office. A trademark is a unique graphic symbol or logo associated
with a business, which distinguishes it from another business or
person. Obtain Federal, State, County, and Local Tax Information Taxation:
Maryland's One-Stop State Tax Registration The Combined Registration Application can be submitted on line from the Comptroller's web site. For additional information on obtaining and completing the Combined Registration Application, contact: Taxpayer
Registration Assistance Center Other local taxes in Maryland require no additional registration. If you have questions about county and local taxes, contact the County Finance or Treasurer's Office for the county where the business will be located. Federal Taxation Requirements-Internal Revenue Service New businesses should contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to register for: an employer identification number; income tax- business and employee withholding; social security; federal unemployment insurance; and other federal taxes. The IRS provides business kits for three types of businesses: sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporations. For additional information, contact: Internal Revenue Service 31 Hopkins Plaza Baltimore, MD 21201 Telephone: (410) 962-2590 Toll-free: (800) 829-1040 http://www.irs.gov/ Check County and Local Zoning Requirements Be sure you choose a location properly zoned for your business activity. Other factors to consider include regulations on business signs and parking at the location. If you are planning to operate a business from home, you will need to consider whether your community or county restrict home-based businesses. To obtain more
information on local zoning and building requirements, contact the
planning and zoning department in the county in which your business
will be located. Check State and Local License Requirements Business
Licenses Jurisdictions with municipal corporations may require a license for businesses operating within their corporate limits. If your business is located in a municipal corporation, check with your municipal offices to see if a local business license is required. You can get
more information on State and local business licenses from the Department
of Business and Economic Development's Business
Licensing and Information System Obtain and complete Application for Maryland Business License Applications
for the Maryland business license may be obtained from the Clerk
of the Circuit Court in the county in which your business
will be located.
For most occupations and professions, individuals must meet educational and work experience standards as well as pass a qualifying examination in order to obtain a license. Division of Employment and Training (410) 767-2400The Division of Employment and Training is responsible for the administration of the unemployment insurance laws. New businesses are required to pay unemployment insurance taxes and should contact the Division to establish an account. Division of Labor and Industry (410) 767-2236The Division of Labor and Industry protects and promotes the health, safety and employment rights of Maryland citizens. The Division administers laws governing these areas (the underlined laws require licensing):
Division of Financial Regulation (410) 230-6100 The Division
of Financial Regulation regulates and, in many instances, licenses,
the operation of banks, credit unions, consumer loan companies,
sales finance companies, mortgage companies, and collection agencies.
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