Your structure

What entity structure are you launching as?

If you completed the Entity Decision tool first, we've pre-filled this for you.

LLC

Limited Liability Company — the most common Maryland choice for small businesses.

S-Corp

S Corporation — typically formed as an LLC or Corp with a tax election.

C-Corp

C Corporation — for VC-backed startups and businesses planning institutional capital.

Sole Proprietorship

Operating under your own name (or a registered DBA) — no formal entity.

Your business

What industry are you in?

Pick the closest match. If your industry isn't listed, choose "Other" and type it.

Industry

Operating model

Will you have a physical location?

A storefront, office, restaurant, workshop, etc. (Not a home office — purely digital / home-based businesses count as "no.")

Yes

Storefront, office, or other physical premises customers or employees use.

Digital, home-based, or purely remote — no separate commercial premises.

People

Will you hire help in your first year?

This shapes whether you need to register for unemployment insurance and set up payroll.

No, just me

Solo for the first year — no contractors, no employees.

1099 contractors only

I'll hire freelancers / independent contractors as needed, but no W-2 employees.

W-2 employees planned

I plan to hire actual employees on payroll.

Sales tax

Will you sell physical goods?

Tangible products, retail items, or anything you ship — triggers Maryland sales tax registration. Pure services (consulting, design, etc.) usually don't.

Yes

Selling tangible products, food, or retail goods.

Services only (consulting, design, software-as-a-service, etc.).

Licensing

Is yours a regulated industry?

If you'll need a state license or special permit, name it here. Examples: food service, childcare, real estate, healthcare, contractors, cosmetology, alcohol. Type "no" or leave blank if you're not sure.

Regulated activity (or "no")

Timeline

When do you want to launch?

Best estimate is fine. We'll phase the checklist relative to this date.

Target launch date

Building your checklist…

Generating a phased Maryland-specific plan tailored to your entity, industry, and timeline. This usually takes 5–15 seconds.

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