The legal business form of the LLC, or Limited Liability Company, offers the advantages of several other traditional business forms. An LLC has the same benefit of limited liability that a corporation does, but without being taxed as its own entity. Instead, it's taxed more similarly to a sole proprietorship or partnership. Like a corporation, a LLC can have unlimited shareholders, called members. But a main difference is if one of these shareholders dies or files for bankruptcy, the LLC is dissolved and will stop operations unless the remaining members form a new LLC. For hundreds of years, limited liability has been a main goal of some business forms, but since the Maryland legislature enacted laws authorizing its formation, the modern LLC has become more and more popular.

Can My Business Be Formed as an LLC?

Businesses in Maryland may organize using whatever form they choose. The office of the Secretary of State is the organization that accepts filings by those who want to open LLC's. Fees are frequently charged for opening LLC's, however, and Maryland law determines the costs for creating LLC's. You should consider these laws when deciding whether to organize your business as an LLC. Finding the right business structure for your company might take some effort, but it will ultimately make your business more profitable.

Can I Change the Form of My Business to an LLC?

Businesses in Berlin might sometimes change form. A company is eligible for conversion to an LLC if its situation falls under circumstances that are detailed by Maryland law.

How Can an Attorney Help?

A lawyer versed in Maryland business law will be able to advise you of the advantages and costs for forming and maintaining a LLC.