Maryland Articles of Incorporation: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to starting a business in Maryland, one of the first steps is to file articles of incorporation with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. This document is crucial in establishing your company's legal identity and provides important information about your business to the state. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to Maryland articles of incorporation, including the required information, filing fees, and the process of submitting your documents.

The Maryland articles of incorporation are a formal document that outlines the basic information about your business, including the company name, registered agent, and purpose of the business. The document must be signed by the incorporators and filed with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. The following information is typically required:

• Company name: This must be unique and not deceptively similar to another business in Maryland.
• Registered agent: This is the individual or entity that will receive legal documents and notices on behalf of the company.
• Purpose of the business: This is a brief statement of the company's purpose or business.
• Authorized shares: This is the number of shares of stock that the company is authorized to issue.
• Par value: This is the value of each share of stock.
• Registered office: This is the physical address of the company's registered office.
• Principal office: This is the physical address of the company's principal office.

The filing fee for articles of incorporation in Maryland is $100. The fee is payable to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation and can be paid by check or money order. The filing process typically takes 2-3 weeks to complete.

Once your articles of incorporation are filed, you will receive a certificate of incorporation from the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. This certificate serves as proof of your company's existence and can be used to open a bank account, apply for licenses and permits, and conduct other business activities.

In conclusion, filing articles of incorporation in Maryland is a crucial step in starting a business in the state. By understanding the required information and the filing process, you can ensure that your business is properly established and compliant with state laws.