Depending on the nature of your business, you may
be required to contact or register with some of the following
agencies.
Local Licenses may be required for corporations or individuals
doing business in Maryland. Local licenses may be obtained from
the Clerk of the Circuit Court for the jurisdiction in which the
business is to be located.
Domestic and foreign corporations and limited liability companies
must register with the Department of Assessments and Taxation,
Charter Division, at 301 West Preston Street, Baltimore, Maryland
21201-2395, (410) 767-1340. Each entity must file an annual
personal property return.
Individuals, sole proprietorships and partnerships which possess
personal property (furniture, fixtures, tools, machinery,
equipment, etc.) or need a business license must register and
file an annual personal property return with the Department of
Assessments and Taxation, Personal Property Unit,
301 West Preston Street, Room 801, Baltimore, Maryland
21201-2395, (410) 767-1170.
Every corporation and association (domestic or foreign) having
income allocable to Maryland must file a state income tax return.
All corporations whose total Maryland income tax for the current
taxable year can reasonably be expected to exceed $1,000 must
file a declaration of estimated tax. (410) 260-7980 or 1-800-MD
TAXES.
To form a corporation, contact the State Department of
Assessments & Taxation, 301 West Preston Street, Baltimore,
Maryland 21201-2315. (410) 767-1330.
Worker's compensation insurance coverage for employees is
required of every employer in Maryland. This coverage may be
obtained from a private carrier, the Injured Worker's Insurance
Fund or by becoming self-insured. Contact the IWIF, 8722 Loch
Raven Boulevard, Towson, Maryland 21204-6285. (410) 494-2000 or
1-800-492-0197.
Unclaimed property. The Maryland abandoned property law requires
businesses to review their records each year to determine whether
they are in possession of any unclaimed funds and securities due
and owing Maryland residents that have remained unclaimed for
more than five years, and to file an annual report. Contact the
Comptroller of the Treasury, Unclaimed Property Section, 301 W.
Preston Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201-2385. (410) 767-1700 or
1-800-782-7383.
Charitable organizations may be required to register with the
secretary of state if they solicit the public for contributions.
Contact the Secretary of State's Office, Annapolis, Maryland
21401. (410) 974-5534.
Weights and measures. If you buy or sell commodities on the basis
of weight or measure, or use a weighing or measuring device
commercially, your firm is subject to the Maryland Weights and
Measures Law. To obtain information, call the Department of
Agriculture, Weights and Measures Section at (410) 841-5790.
Food businesses are required to be licensed with the Department
of Health and Mental Hygiene. Contact your local county health
department or call DHMH at (410) 767-8400.
The Taxpayer Registration Assistance Center (TRAC) - in Room 206, 301 West Preston Street, Baltimore, Maryland - offers on-the spot help in understanding basic Maryland business tax requirements. No appointment is necessary.
Call Central Registration at 410-260-7980 in the Central Maryland Area
Toll free from elsewhere in Maryland: 1-800-638-2937
For the hearing impaired: Maryland Relay Service 711