If you're a business owner operating in the state of Maryland, you may be wondering how to file your articles of incorporation. Doing so is crucial to getting your business up and running legally, and it's important to follow the correct steps in order to ensure your success. Keep reading to learn more about how to file maryland articles of incorporation, including what documents you'll need, where to file, and more.
What Are Maryland Articles of Incorporation?
Before we dive into how to file maryland articles of incorporation, let's first define what these documents actually are. Essentially, articles of incorporation are legal documents that are filed with the state to create a corporation. This is necessary for businesses that want to operate as separate legal entities from their owners, as incorporation provides various benefits such as limited liability and tax advantages.
In Maryland, the articles of incorporation typically include key information such as the name of the corporation, the purpose of the corporation, the name and address of the registered agent for the corporation, and the names and addresses of the incorporators.
Required Documents and Information
To file Maryland articles of incorporation, you'll need to gather a few key documents and pieces of information. Here's what you'll need:
- **Name Reservation**: Before filing articles of incorporation, you'll need to reserve your desired business name with the Maryland Secretary of State. This is usually done online and costs $25. Keep in mind that your name must be unique and not too similar to any existing businesses in Maryland.
- **Articles of Incorporation Form**: Next, you'll need to download and complete the Maryland Articles of Incorporation Form. This can be found on the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation website.
- **Registration Fee**: Along with your completed articles of incorporation form, you'll need to submit a registration fee. The fee for domestic corporations is $100, while foreign corporations will need to pay $120. This fee can be submitted online using a credit/debit card, or by mail with a check or money order made out to the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation.
In addition to the above required documents, there are a few pieces of information you'll need to include in your articles of incorporation. This includes:
- The name of the corporation (which must include "Corporation", "Company", "Incorporate", "Limited", "Corp.", "Inc.", "LLC", or "L.L.C.")
- The purpose of the corporation (the general business purpose or a specific purpose, such as "to manufacture and sell bicycles")
- The name and address of the registered agent for the corporation (this person will receive legal notices and important business-related documents)
- The names and addresses of the incorporators (those who are responsible for signing and submitting the articles of incorporation)
Where to File Maryland Articles of Incorporation
Once you've gathered all the necessary documents and information, it's time to file your Maryland articles of incorporation. There are a few ways to do this:
- **Online**: You can file your articles of incorporation online through the Maryland eGov portal. This is the fastest and most convenient way to file, as processing times for online submissions are typically much quicker.
- **Mail**: You can also mail your completed articles of incorporation, along with the registration fee, to the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation. The address to mail to can be found on the forms and instructions page of their website.
- **In Person**: Finally, you have the option to file your articles of incorporation in person at the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation. This service is available at their Baltimore office during regular business hours.
Once your articles of incorporation have been processed and accepted, you'll receive a certificate of incorporation from the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation. Congratulations! You're now officially a legal corporation in the state of Maryland.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, filing Maryland articles of incorporation is an important step in creating a legitimized legal entity for your business to operate under. To summarize, here are the essential things to remember when filing articles of incorporation in Maryland:
- Gather all necessary documents and information, including a name reservation and completed articles of incorporation form
- Submit the registration fee along with your completed articles of incorporation
- File online, by mail, or in person
- Upon acceptance, receive your certificate of incorporation.
Taking the above steps will ensure that your business is operating legally and with all the benefits of being incorporated in the state of Maryland. Best of luck on your incorporation journey!
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