How To Search Maryland Business Entities
- How To Search Maryland Business Entities
- How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Maryland?
- Why Conduct a Maryland Entity Search?
- Who Holds Data for Maryland Business Entity Search?
- What Entities Can You Register in Maryland?
- How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in Maryland?
- How Do I Set Up a Business Entity in Maryland?
- How Much Does It Cost To Start a Business In Maryland?
- Additional Information Available on the Maryland Secretary of the Commonwealth's Website
- FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Maryland
More than 99% of Maryland business entities are considered “small businesses,” with new ones registering with the state regularly. From small businesses to large organizations, most business entities must register with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) through the Maryland Business Express Portal. The Maryland SDAT is also typically a great source for finding the most accurate and current information about businesses in the state.
Whether you want to confirm a business’s legitimacy, research a potential business partner, or conduct your due diligence, uncovering the details of Maryland business entities is straightforward.
Choose Your Search Criteria
The portal allows you to search by the following:
Business NameSearch using the full or partial name of the business.
Department IDA unique identification number assigned to a business entity by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.
Review Search Results
Enter your search criteria and click the “search” button to view a list of matching entities. In addition to the entity name, the search results will display the entity’s Department ID and status (active, inactive, etc.). Clicking on a specific name generally provides more detailed information about the business entity.
Further Assistance
Contact the Maryland SDAT if you need assistance navigating the Maryland business entity search process.
How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Maryland?
Although a quick Internet search may lead you to a business’s website, search engines don’t always deliver accurate information about the owners. Government records, like the ones available through the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation office and other public databases, are usually the best way to uncover details about who owns a business entity in Maryland.
Start with the Maryland Business Express Portal. This portal offers detailed information about Maryland's registered business entities, including owners' names and filing records. Follow the outlined steps to access the information you’re looking for.
For additional information, you may use these other resources to identify local business owners:
Additional Resources for Business Ownership Info
Chambers of CommerceLocal chambers of commerce typically publish member directories, often including ownership details.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)The BBB of Greater Maryland sometimes publishes business profiles, which may include company ownership information. The BBB also gives you access to customer reviews and complaints.
Other Public RecordsBusiness licenses, real estate transactions, and court documents involving the business entity may reveal ownership information.
Why Conduct a Maryland Entity Search?
Investors sometimes use entity searches to better understand a business’s ownership structure, which may ultimately impact their investment decisions.
Individuals and businesses occasionally depend upon Maryland entity searches to verify that a company is transparent and trustworthy before engaging in a professional relationship.
Verifying company ownership details and filing information using an entity search may help detect potential scams or fraudulent business practices.
Maryland entity searches may help a business confirm a supplier’s legitimacy ahead of entering into a contractual agreement.
Who Holds Data for Maryland Business Entity Search?
What Entities Can You Register in Maryland?
Several types of business entities may be registered in Maryland.
You may register five types of corporate entities in Maryland:
A cooperative is owned by and operated for the benefit of its service users, with profits and earnings distributed among members.
LLCs protect business owners' liability while allowing profits and losses to be reported on personal tax returns.
LPs have general partners who manage the business and non-managing limited partners with liability protection. LLPs offer liability protection to all partners, regardless of management role.
Sole proprietorships are businesses owned by one individual. A company that operates under a name other than the owner's legal name may be required to register as a DBA (Doing Business As).
How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in Maryland?
For legal and practical reasons, you’ll want to ensure that a name has not already been taken when choosing the name of your business entity.
For example, you’ll want to adhere to any laws regarding the name you select, particularly regarding copyright and trademark.
While no single comprehensive list of business name registrations in Maryland exists, there are multiple databases you might search when determining if your desired business name is already taken, including:
How Do I Set up a Business Entity in Maryland?
You’ll need to follow these general steps:
- Ensure that your business name is unique and not already in use.
- File the appropriate forms with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.
- Report your company’s beneficial ownership information (BOI).
- Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
Click here for more detailed instructions.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Maryland?
The cost of starting a business in Maryland might vary depending on the type of business, the licenses and permits required, and other factors. Generally, most fees are associated with registering your business entity and filing annual reports.
For most businesses, the initial registration fee is $100 when filing by mail or in person. Expedited online filing is $155. Companies can pay an additional $325 for same-day registration review or $50 for an expedited 7–10 business day review.
All corporations are required to file an annual report between January 1 and April 15. If this date falls on a weekend, the due date is the following Monday. The filing fee is $300.
Additional Information Available on the Maryland SDAT Website
FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Maryland
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding business entity searches in Maryland.
- Why would I need to search for a business entity in Maryland?
You may need to verify a company's legal status, check if it’s in good standing, or confirm ownership for legal, financial, or partnership purposes.
- What types of entities can I search for in Maryland?
You can search for C corporations, S corporations, benefit corporations, close corporations, nonprofit corporations, cooperatives, LLCs, LPs, LLPs, sole proprietorships, and foreign entities.
- Where can I perform a business entity search in Maryland?
You can search for a business entity in Maryland using the Maryland Business Express Portal or by directly contacting the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (STAD).
- What information do I need to conduct an entity search in Maryland?
To conduct an entity search in Maryland, you’ll need either the full or partial name of the business entity or business name or Department ID, a unique identification assigned to a business entity by the Maryland STAD.
- How do I find the official name of a Maryland business?
You may find the official name of a Maryland business using the Maryland Business Express Portal. You may search by business name or Department ID.
- Can I search for foreign entities in Maryland?
Yes. You may search for foreign entities (companies formed in another state) authorized to conduct business in Maryland.
- What information can I find in the Maryland entity search?
You may typically find details such as the entity’s status (active, dissolved, not in good standing, etc.), its owner’s name, filing history, annual reports, and more.
- How do I verify if a Maryland business is in good standing?
The Maryland Business Express Portal may tell you if the business is in good standing.
- Can I search for an entity in Maryland by its owner’s name?
The Maryland Business Express Portal search tool generally does not allow searches by an owner’s name.
- How often is the Maryland business entity database updated?
The Maryland business entity database is updated Monday through Friday. Any changes to business information made during normal business hours are immediately reflected in the system.
- Can I obtain copies of business filings in Maryland?
You can order and receive documents instantly through the Maryland Business Express Portal. Fees may apply.
- How do I find out who the registered agent of a Maryland business is?
The registered agent's name and address are typically included in the business’s public filings, which may be accessed through the Maryland Business Express Portal search tool.
- How can I search for Maryland businesses by their tax ID number?
The Maryland Business Express Portal search tool does not allow you to search for businesses using their tax ID numbers.
- What should I do if I can’t find a business entity in the Maryland search?
Verify the spelling of the business name or search by the entity’s file number. You may also need to check foreign entity filings to see if the business is registered in a different state or name.
- How To Search Maryland Business Entities
- How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Maryland?
- Why Conduct a Maryland Entity Search?
- Who Holds Data for Maryland Business Entity Search?
- What Entities Can You Register in Maryland?
- How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in Maryland?
- How Do I Set Up a Business Entity in Maryland?
- How Much Does It Cost To Start a Business In Maryland?
- Additional Information Available on the Maryland Secretary of the Commonwealth's Website
- FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Maryland