The first step in establishing a business is to determine a particular form of business structure. The focus here is to provide some information on registering a sole proprietorship and partnership in the state of Maryland. There are no actual registration requirements in order to start a sole proprietorship or a partnership in this state. You must, however, comply with any Maryland licensing and taxation requirements. This would be different if you were trying to start a corporation or limited partnership, etc. There are many websites to provide a lot of information on business and how to get started. There are some websites in particular that are useful:
One particular website was most helpful in listing and providing links to register a business was
This site provides links for small business assistance and related links. This site nicely lists the places you need to contact.
- To register for sole proprietorship and partnership call 410-767-4991.
- To register a business name, for information on trade name availability, form a legal entity such as a corp., LLC call 410-767-1340 at Maryland Department of Assessment and Taxation or click this link or address: 301 West Preston Street Baltimore, MD 21201. For more information on trademark registration go to www.sos.state.md.us which is the Office of the Secretary of State, State House Annapolis, MD 21401
- To obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS click here to get linked to IRS (www.irs.gov/) or 410-962-2590. Also, registration through the IRS is needed for income tax-business and employee withholding; social security; federal unemployment insurance; and other federal taxes.
- Use Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxations website to obtain a copy of a certificate of good standing or to find out information about an existing business.
- Go to www.comp.state.md.us, which is the site for Maryland Comptroller of the Treasury for business tax forms and business registration on-line, or call 410-767-1313 or 1300. There are no local tax registrations in Maryland.
- Obtain Personal Property Tax information through the State Department of Assessments and Taxations 410-767-4991 for sole proprietorships and partnerships.
- Check county and local zoning requirements in the planned location of the business.
- Check state and local business license requirements www.blis.state.md.us/
- Complete an application for Maryland Business License www.dllr.state.md.us 410-230-6000.
- Patents www.uspto.gov/ 412-512-1800
- Copyrights www.loc.gov 202-707-3000
- Business insurance – Contact your insurance agent.
- Unemployment insurance tax www.maryland.gov/
- Sales tax number www.maryland.gov/
- Worker’s compensation if 3 or more employees www.maryland.gov/
Noncompliance of all of these regulations could become a problem legally, lead to expensive penalties, and jeopardize the business.
