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Free Maryland LLC Operating Agreement Template

A Maryland LLC operating agreement outlines how your company will function — from ownership percentages and member responsibilities to profit distribution and voting rights. Use our step-by-step builder to create your agreement and download it instantly.

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1,109 Ratings
  • Duration 2 min
  • Download as PDF and Word
  • E-sign included

Written by Josh Sainsbury | Attorney-Reviewed by Harvey Barbee, J.D.

How It works?

1

Choose Your Form

Select your LLC type and state to get the right form for you.

2

Answer Simple Questions

Complete our guided questionnaire in minutes.

3

Download Your Document

Get your completed agreement in Word or PDF and store securely.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is a Maryland LLC Operating Agreement?
  2. Laws, Costs, and Fees in Massachusetts
  3. How to Create a Maryland LLC Operating Agreement

What Is a Maryland LLC Operating Agreement?

A Maryland LLC operating agreement is a document that defines your company’s internal structure and decision-making processes. It includes details on member roles, ownership stakes, management structure, and how profits or losses are shared.

Even if you’re the only member, having this agreement provides legal protection by separating your personal and business liabilities and showing that your LLC operates independently.

Laws, Costs, and Fees in Massachusetts

LLC laws in Maryland are governed by the Maryland Limited Liability Company Act – Title 4A:

  • MD Code § 4A-402: Rules regarding LLC operating agreements, scope, and enforceability.

LLC Formation Costs in Maryland:

  • Articles of organization filing fee: $100 (add $50 for expedited filing).
  • Name reservation fee: $25.
  • Annual report filing fee: $300.

You can confirm current rates and file online through the Maryland Business Express Portal.

How to Create a Maryland LLC Operating Agreement

Follow these steps to form your LLC and prepare your operating agreement in Maryland:

  1. Name your company: Choose a unique name that follows Maryland naming guidelines. Check availability using the Maryland Business Name Database. If you’d like to operate under a different name, file a Trade Name Application with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.
  2. Appoint a registered agent: In Maryland, registered agents (also known as resident agents) receive legal documents and state correspondence on behalf of your business. Any LLC member can serve as the registered agent, or you can hire a professional service with a physical Maryland address.
  3. Submit your Articles of Organization: File your articles of organization with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. You can apply online via the Maryland Business Express or by mail to: 301 West Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.
  4. Create your operating agreement: Although optional, drafting an operating agreement helps define management structure, voting rights, and member obligations. All members should sign and retain a copy — this document is for internal use and does not need to be filed with the state.
  5. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN): Apply for an EIN on the IRS website. You’ll need it for business banking, hiring employees, and filing taxes.
  6. File your annual report and tax return: Every Maryland LLC must submit an Annual Report and Personal Property Return by mid-April each year. File online using the Maryland Business Express portal. Late filings may incur penalties between $50 and $500.