Delaware vs Maryland LLC Cost (2026): $390 vs $400
Side-by-side LLC formation cost comparison for Delaware and Maryland: filing fees, annual report costs, processing time, and tax implications.
Forming an LLC in Delaware costs $390 in year one — $10 cheaper than Maryland ($400).
Delaware
Lower CostMaryland
Full LLC Cost Comparison: Delaware vs Maryland
| Factor | Delaware | Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee (one-time) | $90 | $100 |
| Annual report fee | $300 / per year | $300 / per year |
| Processing time | 1–2 business days | 5–7 business days |
| State income tax | Yes | Yes |
| First-year total | $390 | $400 |
Delaware saves you $10 in year one compared to Maryland.
Delaware LLC Notes
Delaware is a top choice for startups due to business-friendly courts, though annual franchise taxes can be high.
Maryland LLC Notes
Maryland's annual report fee is among the highest in the country.
Which State Should You Actually Use?
For most small businesses, form your LLC where you actually do business — not where the filing fee is cheapest. If you operate in Delaware, form there. If you operate in Maryland, form there.
- Forming in your home state: Simpler compliance, no registered agent needed in another state, no foreign qualification fees.
- Forming in Wyoming or Delaware: Makes sense for investor-backed startups, multi-member LLCs with complex ownership structures, or businesses operating in multiple states.
- Key cost trap: If you form in Maryland but operate in Delaware, you'll pay both states' fees — eliminating any savings.
Compare More LLC Formation Costs
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