Starting a New Business in Maryland

To make it easier to start a new business in Maryland, the Comptroller's Office offers convenient online services to help you set up tax accounts, obtain the right business licenses, and learn about available tax credits.

The Taxpayer Service Division can offer you help to determine the tax registrations you need, complete the appropriate forms and understand basic Maryland tax requirements. You can contact Taxpayer Service at 410-260-7980 or Toll free 1-800-638-2937 from elsewhere in Maryland Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For the hearing impaired: Maryland Relay Service 711

Each of the Comptroller's taxpayer service offices offers personal assistance for new business owners. At any of our locations you can apply for licenses, set up tax accounts, and ask questions relevant to your business.

The online Combined Registration Application(CRA) makes it easy to apply for many of the business tax accounts that you need, including an employer withholding account, a sales and use tax license and many more. You can also download the application and fax or mail it to us.

Our online Business Tax Tips brochures and Business Tax Frequently Asked Questions explain how to prepare a sales and use tax return, what business records you should keep and a host of other important topics for new business owners. In addition, everything you need to know about your tax liabilities, filing information, payments, returns and compliance can be found using the menus on the left.

Search for a licensed CPA to help you with your taxes here.

The State License Bureau is responsible for monitoring and enforcing the use of business licenses in Maryland and can help determine if you are required to register for a local business license.

Maryland's Business License Information System (BLIS) Web site has spared thousands of companies the aggravation of looking for business license information and services in dozens of different places. The BLIS site reflects the joint effort of several Maryland state agencies working to consolidate information for new business owners.

Are you a Tax Professional looking to prepare returns in Maryland? Visit the Tax Preparation in Maryland section of our Tax Professional's web site for more information.

State business licenses can be obtained from the Clerks of the Circuit Court in the Jurisdiction where the business is located. First-time license applicants must register with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation before contacting the local Clerk of the Court. The State License Bureau is responsible for monitoring and enforcing the use of business licenses in Maryland.

Additional Information

Maryland Business Express

If you need additional assistance or have questions about your return you may contact Taxpayer Service at 410-260-7980 from Central Maryland or at 1-800-MD TAXES from elsewhere. Assistance is available Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. As an alternative, you can send an email to taxhelp@marylandtaxes.gov and receive an answer in 2-3 business days.

State License Bureau
Keisha Sorrell Chief License Inspector 410-260-7382 lsorrell@maryandtaxes.gov
Ken Collier Deputy Chief License Inspector 410-260-7054 kcollier@marylandtaxes.gov
Sandy Davis License Inspector 410-260-6246 sdavis@marylandtaxes.gov
Email: SLB@marylandtaxes.gov