Do I need to register my business in Maryland?
Yes. Most businesses must register with the Comptroller of Maryland for tax purposes before opening or applying for any licenses. In addition, corporations, limited liability companies, and limited liability partnerships must file articles of incorporation or organization with the Department of Assessment and Taxation in order to legally operate in Maryland.
 CLICK THE LINKS TO YOUR CITY BELOW TO APPLY FOR A BUSINESS LICENSE
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Do I need a license to operate my business in Maryland?
Some businesses may need to obtain a business license from their local Clerk of Court, but not all businesses need a license from the state to operate in Maryland. Whether your business needs a license depends on the type of goods and services you plan to offer. In addition to general state licenses, certain occupations require special permits issued by Maryland in order to practice. However, even if a business does not need a state business license, they may still need to obtain a license from the county or their local municipal government.
What types of occupations require special permits?
Maryland has twenty-two occupational licensing boards that evaluate and license both individual professionals and businesses. The types of occupations that are regulated in this way range from plumbers to sports agents. A full list of the state licensing boards and details about their licensing process can be found at www.dllr.state.md.us/license/occprof/. Many counties in Maryland also require local occupational permits through the Clerks of Court. You should check with your local county government to see whether your business needs additional special permits.
What information do I need to provide in order to get a license?
This will depend on the license you are applying for, but there are some general things that all applications ask for. These include:
Business name
Owner’s name
Business address and contact information
Type of business
Federal Employer Identification number (EIN), available from the IRS, or owner’s social security number
You may also need to provide your workers’ compensation number, the number of people the business employs, and the amount of the business’ inventory or estimated gross revenue.
Apply for a business license now by visiting your city's website using the links above.
