Thinking about starting a business in Maryland? Yeah, it can feel like you’re trying to solve a puzzle with a million little pieces.
You’ve got state registration over here county permits over there, and tax ID numbers somewhere in the middle.
It’s a lot to keep straight.
For a while now the state has been trying to make this whole thing easier. They put together a website to try and pull it all into one spot.
It’s called the Maryland Business Express or MBE. It’s supposed to be the go-to place for entrepreneurs in 2025.
But does it actually work like it’s supposed to? Let’s get into what it is, how you use it, and what you really need to know.
What in the World is the Maryland Business Express?
Okay so, the Maryland Business Express is basically a big website run by the state.
The main idea is to give you a single online place for all the major steps you have to take to get a business up and running legally.
Instead of bouncing between the Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT), the Comptroller, and other agencies, MBE tries to bring it all under one roof.
It is, at its core, a registration system. You go there to officially form your LLC or corporation.
But it also handles other things. You can get your Maryland tax accounts set up through the portal too.
It’s designed to be a sort of checklist to guide you from just an idea to an actual, registered Maryland company.
Getting Your Business Started with MBE in 2025
So you’re ready to make it official. The MBE portal is where you’re probably going to start. The process, it’s a series of steps you have to follow.
It’s not always super smooth but it gets the job done if you’re patient.
Step 1: The Pre-Game Planning
Before you even think about creating an account on the MBE website, you need to have your ducks in a row.
Seriously, don’t skip this part. It will save you a headache later on.
You need to know your business name. And you should check if that name is even available in Maryland.
Decide on your business structure. Are you going to be a sole proprietorship, an LLC, a corporation? This changes the forms you fill out.
Have your addresses figured out. This includes your main business address and the name and address of your resident agent.
Step 2: Actually Using the Portal to Register
Alright, this is the main event. You’ll go to the Maryland Business Express website and create an account. This part is pretty normal.
Once you’re in, you’ll start the registration process. It’s a guided workflow that asks you a bunch of questions.
You’ll pick your business type (LLC, etc.).
You’ll enter your chosen business name.
You provide all the addresses and agent info.
You’ll pay the state filing fees with a credit card.
The system will then walk you through setting up your tax accounts which is honestly pretty convenient. The thing is, you have to be careful with the information you enter, a typo can cause real problems.
Step 3: Licenses, Permits, and the Local Stuff
Just because you registered with the state doesn’t mean you’re ready to open your doors. This is a common mix-up.
MBE has a tool, a license and permit finder, that is supposed to help you figure out what else you need.
You answer questions about your industry and location, and it spits out a list of potential licenses.
But, and this is a big but, it’s not always complete. You still generally need to check with your specific county or city.
Places like Baltimore City or Montgomery County have their own rules that you have to follow, on top of the state stuff.
The Good, The Bad, and The Just Plain Weird
Let’s be real for a minute. The Maryland Business Express portal is a good idea. But the execution isn’t always perfect.
The good part is having one login. Not having to remember passwords for three different state agency websites is a definite win.
The checklist feature is also helpful for keeping track of where you are in the process. It sort of holds your hand.
Now, the not-so-good. The website can feel a little clunky. Sometimes the way things are worded is confusing, full of government-speak.
And it can sometimes feel slow. You might be waiting for pages to load, especially during busy times.
You also have to understand its limits. It’s a state-level tool. It won’t handle your federal EIN for you (you still need to go to the IRS for that), and it can’t file your specific local permits. It’s more of a starting point.
Pro Tips for a Smoother Ride
If you’re going to use the MBE portal, and you probably are, here are a few things to make it less painful.
Gather everything first. I mean everything. Your EIN from the IRS, all names and addresses, your credit card, everything.
Read every screen carefully. Don’t just click “Next” over and over. A wrong answer can lead you down a weird path.
Don’t be afraid to save your progress and come back later. If you get stuck or confused, just step away for a bit.
And remember that MBE is also for existing businesses. You’ll come back every year to file your Annual Report and pay your personal property tax return. So don’t forget your login info.
—
Frequently Asked Questions about Maryland Business Express
1. How much does it cost to register a business using Maryland Business Express?
The cost varies. There’s a state filing fee for forming an LLC or corporation (typically around $100-$150) plus a small service fee. Other licenses and permits will have their own separate costs.
2. How long does it take for my business to be approved?
Normally, if you file online through MBE, the approval can be pretty quick sometimes within a day or two. However, it can take longer depending on their workload. You’ll get an email notification when it’s all set.
3. Do I have to use the Maryland Business Express website?
For most new business registrations, yes, it’s the standard way to do it online. You can still file by mail, but it’s much, much slower. For things like annual reports, it’s pretty much the only practical way.
4. What if I make a mistake on my application?
If you make a mistake, you’ll likely have to file an “Articles of Amendment” form to correct it, which costs more money and time. This is why it’s so important to double-check everything before you hit submit.
5. Can I use MBE for things other than starting a business?
Yes, absolutely. Once your business is running, you’ll use MBE to file your annual reports, which are required every year to keep your business in good standing with the state. You can also use it to close a business.
—
Key Takeaways
The Maryland Business Express is the state’s main website for registering a new business and managing it.
It combines registration with state tax account setup, which saves a step.
Before you start, make sure you know your business name, structure, and have all your addresses ready.
The portal isn’t perfect; it can be a bit clunky and doesn’t handle all your local county or city permit needs.
You will use this site every year to file your Annual Report, so it’s not just a one-time thing.
Always double-check your information before submitting to avoid having to pay extra fees to fix mistakes.
