Most businesses will need a State of Maryland Business License, which can be obtained from the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county that the business will be located in.
While licenses and permits are primarily handled at the county level, the State License Bureau monitors businesses and provides information. New businesses are advised to go through the following checklist from the Department of Business and Economic Development's Business License Information System (BLIS):
1. Contact Maryland Department of Assessment & Taxation
- If reserving a business name for future use, call (410) 767-1340.
- If registering a business name, corporation, LLC, LLP, LP, business trust or foreign corporation, call (410) 767-1340 or e-mail.
- If registering a general partnership or sole proprietorship, call (410) 767-4991.
- To obtain a Trade Name Application for "doing business as" (DBA), call (410) 767-1340.
- Charitable organizations must also register with the Secretary of State's Office.
- Entities with questions concerning the sale of their own securities should contact the Maryland Office of the Attorney General (Securities Division) at (410) 576-6360 or e-mail.
2. Contact Internal Revenue Service
- Obtain a Federal Identification Number (EIN).
3. Contact Maryland Comptroller of the Treasury
- Set up business tax accounts through the Combined Registration Online Application or by calling 410-767-1313. Additional registrations are required for motor fuel, alcohol and tobacco tax accounts before engaging in business.
4. Contact Clerks of the Circuit Court
- Some business types may need a business license.
5. Contact County jurisdictions
- Each county has different licensing requirements.
6. Search BLIS for state business and occupational licenses.