Starting a business is a good idea. However, executing it is always the next problem you will encounter. Don’t be dismayed as I will show you a step-by-step guide on how to start a business in Maryland.
I know you will be wondering why Maryland? Why are a lot of businesses doing well in Maryland?
The thing is that Maryland is one of the best states for business. It is a business-friendly state. It has a progressive income tax rate of about 2% – 5.75%, and the state economic growth rate continues to increase day by day.
So, with all these things, starting up a business in Maryland should not be a second thought.
Join us so as to show you the step-by-step guide on how to start a business in Maryland and the places in Maryland you can establish your business.
The table of contents provided below will give you an overview.
About Maryland
According to Wikipedia, Maryland is a Mid-Atlantic state that’s defined by its abundant waterways and coastlines on the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Its largest city, Baltimore, has a long history as a major seaport.
The state possesses a variety of topography within its borders which is referred to as America in Miniature.
Being a business-friendly state, San Francisco-based Thumbtack says that the overall landscape merits an “A” grade within the company’s 2019 small business friendliness Survey. Making it the ninth highest-ranked state in the U.S.
Maryland’s leading industries by employment are health care and social assistance, state and local government, retail trade, and professional and technical services.
You can read this: How to Start a Business in Massachusetts in 2022: The Ultimate Guide, Step-by-Step
Why Do Business In Maryland?
Like i said earlier, Maryland top the list as one of the best business friendly state.
Also, it is the most perfect environment for growth and development for businesses and entrepreneurs.
Over the years, the major largest sector was finance, insurance, and real estate, which made up 22.2% of Maryland’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
While the second largest was government at 20.3% Maryland’s economy continues to outperform the country as a whole and the state economic growth rate coutinue to increase day by day.
Maryland has a progressive income taxrate of about 2% – 5.75%, and the sales tax rate is around 6%.
The minimum wage in the state is more than $11.75, which is significantly higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25.
According to US News & World Report, Maryland 8th for healthcare, for the economy it ranks 8th in the country (WBAL-TV 11 News Report).
When we talk about the top businesses/industries doing well in Maryland these includes Agriculture & Fishing, Manufacturing, BioHealth & Life Sciences, Tourism.
Also, IT & Cybersecurity, Advanced Manufacturing, Military & Federal, Aerospace & Defense, Financial Services, and Energy & Sustainability.
Furthermore, the state ranks 2nd in innovation and 4th in growth entrepreneurship among the states.
There are more than 604,000 small businesses in Maryland, which employ over 1.2 million employees.
All these facts about Maryland corroborate the reasons why people move to the state for work opportunities or to start a new business or franchise, and it’s hard to argue why they wouldn’t.
Business Opportunities In Maryland
Businesses are the foundation of a strong, healthy and vibrant economy.
Manufacturing remains a highly diversified sector in Maryland contributing over 20 percent of the total GDP.
Maryland has a very stable economic environment for growing companies. Business-friendly laws and tax policies have hugely helped new businesses to prosper in Maryland.
Here are top business opportunities in Maryland.
List Of Startups That Rose From Maryland?
Here are some of the startup companies that rose from Maryland
Requirements To Start A Business In Maryland
Starting a business is a good one but it’s challenging. To have a successful business, it is important to know the basic requirements to start a business in Maryland.
Here are the requirements
#1. Know The Business Structure:
Having a business in the State of Maryland is to determine which form of business structure is most appropriate for your operations.
These are the four most common establishing a business in the State of Maryland which are sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and limited liability company.
Choosing an organizational structure for your business is one of the most important decisions made and may require advice from an attorney, accountant, or other professional advisors.
#2. Register Your Business Entity
You can register your company as a legal business entity, such as an LLC or a Corporation
Registering an LLC is a great option. In comparison to other business entities, LLCs are easier to set up and manage and they have favorable tax treatment. You can set up an LLC in Maryland for as little as $100.
For more information about registration requirements for legal entities, contact:
State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)
Corporate Charter Division
301 West Preston Street, 8th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
Telephone: 410-767-1340
Email: [email protected]
#3. Name And Register Your Business Name
Naming the business is a critical step. You can select a business name yourself, or you can hire a professional to do the search on availability and file the necessary forms.
After that, you can register a “trade name” with the Department of Assessments and Taxation.
“A trade name” is a name which a business is known to the public to distinguish it from another business or person.
For information on trade name availability and forms contact:
SDAT Trade Name Search and Registration
Telephone: 410-767-1801.
#4. Register For Taxes
In some cases, most businesses need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Tax ID Number.
An EIN is used to identify a business in its federal tax filings. Without an EIN, you can’t hire employees or open a business bank account.
Before you get an EIN, be aware of the tases that apply to you business.
If you are selling a physical product, you’ll generally need to register for Maryland Sales Tax.
If you have employees, you will have to register for Unemployment Insurance Tax, and Employee Withholding Tax on behalf of your employees.
#5. Obtain Permits and Licenses
To start-up a business legally, you will need to comply with federal, state, and local government regulations. In many cases, this involves obtaining one or more business permits and/or licenses.
#6. Get Insured
To have a business insurance helps you manage risks and focus on growing your business.These are the most common types of business insurance you should consider.
- General Liability Insurance
- Workers Compensation Insurance
- Professional Liability Insurance
In addition, we recommend all businesses in Maryland such as home based businesses, purchase a general liability policy.
Businesses selling professional advice or services, such as consulting and accounting firms, should also consider a professional liability policy.
Also, businesses with one or more employees, including LLC members and corporate officers, are required by law to have worker’s compensation insurance.
You can also check this: How to Start a Business in Minnesota in 2022: The Ultimate Guide, Step-by-Step
Steps On How To Start A Business In Maryland
Here are the steps to legally start a business in Maryland
#1. Choose A Business
The first step to take while starting a business is to decide what kind of business to start.
Look for an idea that interest you, suit your personal goals, and your natural abilities.
This will help you stay motivated when the going gets tough and will greatly improve your odds of success.
#2. Plan Your Business
A well-detailed business plan is important. This will help you to work on all the possible threats to your new business.
You should have the answers to some questions like your business name, What will set your product or service apart from the competition?
Also, how you will get their attention and convert them into buyers, where will you get the funding?
#3. Financing A New Business In Maryland
With a very healthy business climate in the state, Maryland has a bunch of venture capital firms and angel investors.
You can request funding or can choose to finance your business. There are a lot of business loans available at low-interest payback rates.
#4. Naming Your Business
When naming your business, try to go for something meaningful and easy to remember. Register your name and buy a website domain with the same.
#5. Business Registration
You have to register your business. You can either go for an LLC, sole proprietorship, or a corporation. Registering as an LLC will offer you added tax and legal benefits.
#6. Obtain Business Permits & Licenses
To operate a business legally in Maryland, you have to register your business with the Comptroller of Maryland.
If you hire an employee, you have to register with the Comptroller of Maryland for employer withholding.
#7. File For Federal EIN & Tax Filing In Maryland
You will have to file for a Federal EIN to be entitled for separate taxes.
Also, you will need a sales and use tax license from the Comptroller of Maryland to legally sell goods in the state.
#8. Set up Business Accounting Method
First, you need to open a business bank account with your EIN. The Federal EIN is compulsory to process payments.
Also, choose reliable business accounting software to handle all your transactions in one go.
#9. Business Insurance
If you have businesses that sell professional services, you will need a professional liability policy.
Also, you have to get worker’s compensation insurance if you hire employees. Business insurance is regulated at the state level in Maryland.
#10. Business Promotion
The strongest and most memorable businesses are built on a solid brand. Putting the word out by telling people about your business is very important.
You need to take your business to the potential audience. If you can afford it, hire an agent who can help you promote your business
Where Can You Start A Business In Maryland?
Choosing the right location will determine how your business runs. Here are some places you can start your business in Maryland. (getzonedup.com)
Conclusion
Starting a business is an exciting and tough thing to do. After going through this article and familiarizing yourself with the steps I believe you can be able to start a business successfully.
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