Maryland registered agents are a good option if you want your business to always stay on top of compliance filing and have a good standing with the secretary of state.
We consulted with a few of our legal advisors and registered agent experts to assist you in hiring the ideal one for your startup in Maryland.
We have also personally tested the top 4 registered agents in Maryland.
Below is a roundup of the four best registered agent services ranked based on their price packages, quality of service, customer support, and other features.
Northwest
ZenBusiness
IncfileTop 4 Registered Agent Services in Maryland (May 2023)
1 - Northwest Registered Agent Service (Editor's Choice)
Following Maryland law, Northwest Registered Agent offers your Maryland business entity all the benefits a registered agent in the state of Maryland must perform to comply with LLC legal requirements.
As your contact point, they will give your business a physical address in Maryland, accept mail and legal documents on your behalf during regular office hours, take care of the process, and forward all of your mail.
We have had one of the best registered agent service experiences with Northwest Registered Agent, mainly due to their swiftness and knowledge.
Their online platform impressed us with its user-friendly interface and clear instructions, making the process of forming an LLC in Maryland a breeze.
They were always quick to answer all of our questions.
They have also implemented strong privacy measures to protect sensitive business information from unauthorized access.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($125): The first year of registered agent service is free if you form your LLC with Northwest. It will cost $5,200 to register in all 52 jurisdictions.
- Basic LLC Formation Plan ($39 + $197 State Fee): You can start your Maryland LLC with Northwest for $39 and also receive articles of incorporation. This bundle also includes an operational agreement, a one-year free registered agent service, and standard and accelerated processing rates.
- Full Service LLC Formation Plan ($225 + $197 State Fee): This bundle includes registered agent service for a full year, same-day filing, and an operating agreement. There is also an option for a client account with free forms and services.
- Safeguarding private information
- Customer service is excellent
- 20+ years of expertise
- No hidden fees
- A free one-year Maryland resident agent services in their formation package
- Pricey
2 - ZenBusiness
2000+ Reviews
Ranking second in our list is ZenBusiness, a registered agent service that offers knowledgeable customer service, competitive pricing, and regular business hours.
Throughout our experience with their service, their professional customer support effectively handled all our compliance filing needs, ensuring we remained in good standing with the Maryland Secretary of State.
Their transparent pricing model was also a plus, especially for standalone services. We appreciated not having to commit to an annual membership to access specific services, and they even extended a discount to us.
The website's user-centric interface made the filing process streamlined and efficient, allowing us to complete it in less than 20 minutes.
Overall, we highly recommend ZenBusiness to anyone looking to form an LLC in Maryland.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($199): Their registered agent service costs $199 each year to renew.
- Starter LLC Formation Package ($0 + $197 State Fee): This membership covers the standard corporation filing service, as well as a name availability search. This product typically has a Maryland LLC filing time of 2 to 3 weeks.
- Pro LLC Formation Package ($199 + $197 State Fee): Starting Package contains additional LLC formation services, such as a faster filling time of 4 to 6 days.
- Premium LLC Formation Package ($299 + $197 State Fee):Â This package covers the platform's services as well as state filing fees. You will also receive a customized company website and a quick filling speed of 1-2 days.
- Affordable and transparent pricing
- Great chat support
- Many positive client reviews online
- 60 days money-back assurance
- Fewer advanced features
3 - Incfile
1000+ Reviews
IncFile is a good choice for startups as it can offer you the minimum basic services required of a registered agent to keep your LLCs out of legal trouble.
In our experience, they gave our LLC a Maryland address and received mail and service of process on our behalf.
IncFile stands out for its customer service, with a team that is not only responsive but also dedicated to addressing client concerns quickly.
You can easily seek assistance through your registered agent dashboard if you have any inquiries.
Although IncFile doesn't have any compliance alerts, they're punctual when it comes to filing legal paperwork.
Additionally, they provide good free LLC formation services in Maryland for new companies that would like free registered agent services during the establishing process.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($119): Perfect for startups as it offers you a free registered agent service in the first year if you appoint IncFile to form the business for you. After that, a $119 yearly subscription.
- Free Silver LLC Formation Package ($0 + $197 State Fee): You will receive a year of free registered agent service, preparation and filing of Articles of Organization, and unlimited name searches.
- IncFile Gold LLC Formation Package ($199 + $197 State Fee): The silver package is already included. In addition, the user gets an EIN business tax number, IRS Form 2553, an operational agreement, banking resolution, an internet access dashboard, and tax counseling.
- Platinum LLC Formation Package ($299 + $197 State Fee): It provides free business websites, domain registrations, business contract templates, and the option to file for free the next day. Furthermore, the plan contains everything that the Gold Package provides.
- Very user-friendly online dashboard
- Includes a free registered agent in all creation plans
- Swift turnaround processing
- No hidden charges
- Basic package does not include all the features necessary for full compliance
4 - LegalZoom
LegalZoom is a well-known registered agent service that provides legal advice to both individuals and businesses operating in Maryland.
We found their Basic package program to be particularly attractive since they won't charge you until your filing documents are submitted to the state, and you'll only be charged for the first year.
However, if you require legal advice on business-related matters, this service will cost $249 per month.
A compliance calendar, unrestricted cloud storage, and corporate data protection are just a few advantages we got from LegalZoom's professional registered agent service.
Although their services cost more than the competition, we felt at ease using their service because of their very knowledgeable staff and swift response.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($299): The first year costs for forming an LLC is $249, and the renewal costs $299. Here you'll get unlimited cloud storage, one million dollars of impersonation theft, a Compliance Calender, and alerts to important emails.
- LLC Basic Formation Package ($0 + $197 State Fee): This package comes with articles of organization, a WIX customizable website, a comprehensive digital LLC welcome packet, and a name search service.
- LLC Pro Formation Package ($249 + $197 State Fee): It comes with the Basic package features plus EIN, operating agreement, tax-saving consultations, and a detailed guide on business licensing.
- LLC Premium Formation Package ($299 + $197 State Fee): It included all Pro package features plus an engaging guide from a professional business attorney in Maryland state. You'll also receive unlimited attorney consultations each session lasting 30 minutes and changes to your LLC document within the first 3 months of subscription.
- Unparalleled brand power
- Large customer base
- Limitless cloud storage for documents
- Premium priced
- LLC creation bundle lacks statutory services
What Are the Benefits of Working with Registered Agent Services?
The benefits of working with professional registered agent services include the following [1]:
1. Ensures Compliance
Your registered agent services will assist you in making certain that nothing is forgotten and that your business consistently complies with all relevant Maryland state regulations.
2. Focus More on Your Business
You can devote all your time, effort, and attention to growing your business when a registered agent is in charge. You are confident that nothing will be missed and that the registered agent will inform you if any documents are sent.
3. Maintains Privacy
When creating an LLC through Maryland registered agent services, you don't have to worry about publicizing your home address. Confidential documents are delivered to registered agents because they share their office addresses with the state secretary.
As a result, a registered agent in Maryland is perfect for extra security [2].
4. Availability
Running a business and handling compliance work simultaneously can be overwhelming for a business owner.
As a result, a registered agent service is convenient for busy business owners because it is available during normal office hours.
Keep in mind that you can always change your registered agent in Maryland if you want.
How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost in Maryland?
A registered agent in Maryland costs anywhere between $89 and $299.
The level of service you require will determine how much a registered agent will cost for an LLC in Maryland. The prices are higher for Maryland registered agent services that include greater involvement with their registered agent employees.
What Are the Requirements for a Maryland Registered Agent?
The requirements for a registered agent in Maryland include the following:
- A person of legal age with a Maryland street address (P.O. boxes are not accepted).
- An entity that is legally permitted to conduct business in Maryland.
These registered agent requirements are clearly defined in the Maryland Code for Corporations and Associations and hold true for anyone who wants to act as a statutory agent for a corporation (INC), limited partnership (LP), or limited liability company (LLC).
As a Maryland registered agent service, you may designate yourself, a close relative, or even an employee of your company. Or, you might assign this task to a reputable registered agent service.
FAQs
Is It Necessary to Designate an Agent for My LLC in the State of Maryland?
Yes, it is necessary to designate an agent for your LLC in the state of Maryland. According to Maryland law, all LLCs, companies, and charitable organizations must choose and maintain a registered agent and a registered office.
What Is a Maryland Registered Office?
A Maryland registered office is the actual street address where the registered agent is situated. The registered agent must be on site to sign documents during regular business hours. Additionally, many state agencies send registered agent reminders for annual reports and tax notices.
Can I Change My Registered Agent Whenever I Need To?
Yes, you can change your registered agent whenever you need to. The cost to change is $25 to file.
Do I Need to Pay a Filing Fee to Form My LLC in Maryland?
Yes, you will need to pay a filing fee to form your LLC in Maryland. The cost is $100 for the state filing fee.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent for My LLC in the State of Maryland?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent for your LLC in the State of Maryland. As long as you are qualified to become a registered agent.
How Can I Resign as My Registered Agent?
To resign as your registered agent, you must submit a Statement of Resignation of Resident Agent to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.
What Will Happen if My Maryland Registered Agent Fails to Carry Out Their Obligations?
If your Maryland registered agent fails to carry out their obligations, like misplacing crucial legal documents, it could harm your business. A lost legal document could lead to legal action being conducted without your knowledge against your company.
What Is the Role of a Maryland Registered Agent?
The role of a Maryland registered agent is to act as receiver of critical legal notices, such as service of process, on behalf of your company. Furthermore, a registered agent in Maryland is also a point of contact and serves as a representative for your company.
How Do I Look for a Registered Agent in Maryland?
To look for a registered agent in Maryland, you must type in the name of the company you're looking for. You will find the name of the registered agent and office address.
Which Maryland Registered Agent Should You Hire?
Your company's success depends critically on your Maryland registered agent choice.
Our top choice is Northwest Registered Agent. During regular office hours, they received all mail and legal papers on our behalf, handled the compliance procedure, and routed all of our correspondence.
Once you hire Northwest Registered Agent, they will ensure your private information and assets are protected, all legal requirements are met, and you are in good standing with the Business Services Division and Maryland Secretary of State.
Northwest Registered Agent has been in the industry for over 20 years, and all the positive feedback from their past clients attests to their reputation and professionalism.
Our #1 Recommendation
Northwest Registered Agent Service
- Safeguarding private information
- Customer service is excellent
- 20+ years of expertise
- No hidden fees
- A free one-year Maryland resident agent services in their formation package
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of May
- Pricey
