Maryland Registered Agent Search & Requirments in 2023

Are you looking for an experienced, reliable Maryland registered agent for your business? Finding the right registered agent for your company in Maryland is an important part of setting up your business, as they are responsible for receiving and processing legal documents on behalf of your business. This article will help you understand the requirements for a registered agent in Maryland, as well as how to search for and find the best one for your business.

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Written by:
Nick
Updated on:
August 7, 2023
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What is a Maryland Registered Agent?

A Maryland Registered Agent is an individual or business entity appointed by a company registered in Maryland to receive official documents and communications on behalf of the business. This could include service of process documents, tax forms, or other legal documents. The Maryland Registered Agent must have a physical address in the state of Maryland, and must be available during normal business hours to accept service of process.

The Maryland Registered Agent must also act as an intermediary between the business and the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). This means that the Registered Agent will be responsible for ensuring the business remains in compliance with Maryland regulations and statutes. This includes filing annual reports and other documents with SDAT.

The Maryland Registered Agent must also forward all relevant documents to the appropriate parties in a timely manner. This includes forwarding legal documents to the company and forwarding tax documents to the appropriate taxing authority. Generally, a Maryland Registered Agent must provide at least six months of Registered Agent service before resigning from the role.

Using a Maryland Registered Agent can be beneficial for a business in many ways. It can provide the business with an intermediary for official communications, help the business remain in compliance with state regulations, and provide the business with a physical address in Maryland. Learn more here.

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Why is it Important to Have a Maryland Registered Agent?

Having a Maryland Registered Agent is important for any business entity that is registered and operating in the state of Maryland. A Registered Agent acts as a point of contact for any legal documents that are served to the business, and is responsible for ensuring that the documents are forwarded to the appropriate person within the business. This is an important function, as it allows the business to stay in compliance with state laws and not miss important deadlines.

A Maryland Registered Agent must have a physical address in the state, and must be available during normal business hours to receive legal documents. Failure to have a Registered Agent can result in a business being deemed “inactive” by the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation and the business may be subject to fines or other penalties. Having a Registered Agent in place helps to ensure that the business is always in compliance with state laws.

Having a Registered Agent also allows a business to keep its personal information private. Since the Registered Agent is responsible for receiving legal documents and forwarding them to the business, the business does not need to publicly list its contact information. This can help to protect the business from potential spam and unwanted solicitations.

In short, having a Maryland Registered Agent is important for any business that is registered in the state. It helps to ensure that the business is in compliance with state laws, and protects the business’s personal information from being publicly available.

For more information on Maryland Registered Agents, please visit the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation website.

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Who can be a Registered Agent in Maryland?

In the state of Maryland, there are several types of entities that can serve as a Registered Agent. These include:

  • A resident of Maryland who is 18 years of age or older
  • A domestic or foreign corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, or limited liability partnership authorized to do business in Maryland
  • Any other resident or non-resident who is a member or manager of a limited liability company, or a partner in a limited partnership or limited liability partnership authorized to do business in Maryland

The Registered Agent must have a physical address (not a P.O. Box) within the state of Maryland. The Registered Agent must be available during regular business hours and must agree to accept service of process on behalf of the company. The Registered Agent must also maintain a record of the company's formation documents and any other documents received from the state. The Registered Agent must also provide the company with an annual report, which is due by June 1st of each year. For more information on Registered Agents in Maryland, please visit the Maryland Department of Assessments & Taxation website.

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Do you Need a Registered Agent for Your Maryland Business?

Yes, if you form a business in Maryland, you will need to identify a registered agent. A registered agent is someone who is authorized to accept legal documents on behalf of the business. This could include documents such as service of process, tax documents, or other official notifications.

In Maryland, the registered agent must be a Maryland resident or a business entity that is authorized to transact business in the state. The registered agent must have a physical street address in the state of Maryland. P.O. boxes are not allowed.

It’s also important to note that the registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept service of process. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you can consider using a registered agent service. A registered agent service can provide a Maryland resident or business entity to act as your registered agent.

For more information about registered agents in Maryland, you can visit the Maryland Secretary of State website.

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How to Designate a Maryland Registered Agent?

Designating a Maryland registered agent is an important step for businesses that are required to register with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). It is the responsibility of the registered agent to receive legal documents and other official correspondence from SDAT and other government agencies on behalf of the business.

The first step in designating a Maryland registered agent is to select an individual or business entity to serve as the registered agent. The registered agent must be physically located in Maryland and must have a street address. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept service of process and other official correspondence.

Once the registered agent has been selected, the business must file a Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent with the SDAT. This form must be completed and signed by an authorized representative of the business. The form can be filed online, by mail, or in person at the SDAT office.

Once the form is submitted, the business must maintain records of the registered agent's name, address, and contact information. This information must be updated whenever there is a change in the registered agent's information.

For more information on designating a Maryland registered agent, please visit the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation website.

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How Does a Registered Agent in Maryland Resign?

A registered agent in Maryland can resign by submitting a resignation form to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. They must include the company name, company ID number, and the registered agent name.

The form must be signed and dated by both the registered agent and the company’s authorized representative. The authorized representative must provide proof that they are authorized to sign on behalf of the company. The form is then sent to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.

Once the resignation form is received, the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation will process the resignation and update their records. Any legal documents sent to the registered agent after the resignation is processed will not be accepted and will be returned to the sender.

For more information on how to resign as a registered agent in Maryland, please visit the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation website.

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Is There a Penalty for Not Designating a Registered Agent in Maryland?

The failure to designate a registered agent in Maryland carries serious repercussions for businesses. A registered agent is a person or entity that agrees to accept legal documents on behalf of a business. In Maryland, all businesses must designate a registered agent with the state in order to operate legally. If a business fails to do so, the company can face a variety of consequences and the state can even dissolve the business.

By not designating a registered agent, businesses may be unable to properly receive legal notices, including notices of lawsuits, court appearances, and other important documents. This can lead to a business missing important court filings, which can result in a default judgment against the business. In addition, failing to designate a registered agent may result in a business having their filing status revoked or suspended in the state, preventing the business from conducting any transactions in the state.

Ultimately, the failure to designate a registered agent in Maryland can lead to the state dissolving the business. The state can dissolve a business for failing to maintain a registered agent, or for failing to respond to other legal notices. Businesses that have been dissolved by the state also face additional penalties, such as the inability to conduct business in the state and the inability to regain their filing status.

It is important for businesses to designate a registered agent in Maryland in order to remain compliant with the state. More information on the importance of registering a business in Maryland can be found on the Maryland Department of Assessments & Taxation website.

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What is the Maryland Secretary of State Contact Information:

The Maryland Secretary of State is the official keeper of the state's records and filing authority for businesses and corporations. The office is responsible for a number of duties, including registering businesses, regulating elections, and overseeing the State Archives. The official contact information for the Maryland Secretary of State is as follows:

Phone: 410-974-5521
Fax: 410-333-3767
Email: sos.elections@maryland.gov
Address: 16 Francis Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401

The Maryland Secretary of State is also responsible for overseeing the State Archives, which is the official repository for important state records. The State Archives website provides access to a wealth of information, including archival records, historical documents, photographs, maps, and more. To learn more, please visit the Maryland State Archives website.

For more information about the Maryland Secretary of State, and to access other state government resources, please visit the official Maryland government website.

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How Much Does a Registered Agent in Maryland Cost?

The cost of a Registered Agent in Maryland depends on the services provided. Generally, Registered Agents offer their services for a flat fee, ranging from $50-$200 per year.

A Registered Agent is a third-party individual or business entity appointed to receive legal notices, service of process and official government correspondence on behalf of a company or organization. The Registered Agent is required to be available during normal business hours to accept and forward documents to the company's designated representative. In Maryland, the Registered Agent must have a physical address in the state and must be available during normal business hours.

When selecting a Registered Agent, it is important to consider the services they provide. Some services provided by Registered Agents include document filing and notification, document storage, and forwarding of documents. Depending on the services offered, the cost of a Registered Agent in Maryland can vary.

For more information on the cost of a Registered Agent in Maryland, please visit the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation website.

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This post is for information only. You are responsible for reviewing and using this information appropriately. This content doesn’t contain and isn’t meant to provide legal, tax, or business advice. Requirements are updated frequently and you should make sure to do your own research and reach out to professional legal, tax and business advisers, as needed. We’re reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

What are the Steps Needed to Find a Registered Agent in Maryland?

Finding a registered agent in Maryland is a necessary step for any business entity that wishes to conduct business within the state. A registered agent is a third-party individual or company that is responsible for receiving legal documents such as service of process, tax forms, and other communications on behalf of the entity.

The first step to finding a registered agent in Maryland is to determine if the business entity is eligible to operate in the state. Maryland requires certain businesses to register with the state in order to legally conduct business activities. If the business entity is eligible to operate in Maryland, the next step is to select a registered agent.

The business entity should research registered agents in Maryland and compare their services, fees, and availability. The registered agent should be available to receive legal documents during normal business hours and should have a physical address in the state. Once a registered agent is selected, the business entity must complete the appropriate state forms to appoint the registered agent.

The final step is for the business entity to file the appropriate forms with the state of Maryland. The forms must be filed with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. The filing fee is typically between $200 and $300, depending on the type of business entity.

It is important for the business entity to ensure that the registered agent is properly appointed in order to remain in good standing with the state of Maryland. For more information, please visit the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation website.

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Nick

Founder and CEO

I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.