By Jake Lawson, LLC Formation Expert
Just launched your Maryland LLC? Excellent choice—you’ve picked one of the most business-friendly states on the East Coast. But here’s what every Old Line State entrepreneur needs to know: getting your EIN (Employer Identification Number) is the next critical step, and it’s easier than most people think.
After helping dozens of Maryland business owners navigate the EIN process, I can tell you this: the IRS makes it straightforward and free, but there are specific Maryland considerations that can trip you up. Let me walk you through everything you need to know.
What Is an EIN and Why Your Maryland LLC Needs One
Think of an EIN as your business’s Social Security Number. It’s a unique 9-digit identifier (formatted XX-XXXXXXX) that the IRS uses to track your LLC for tax purposes.
Don’t be confused by “Employer” in the name—you don’t need employees to get an EIN.
Your Maryland LLC Needs an EIN to:
- Open business bank accounts (absolutely required)
- File federal and Maryland state tax returns
- Apply for business credit cards and loans
- Obtain Maryland business licenses and permits
- Set up payroll systems if you hire employees
- Separate your business identity from personal finances
- Build legitimate business credit history
Jake’s reality check: I’ve seen Maryland entrepreneurs try to operate using only their Social Security Number. Don’t do this. It creates tax complications, limits your banking options, and exposes you to identity theft risks.
Maryland EIN vs Maryland Tax ID: Critical Distinction
This confusion catches many new Maryland business owners:
Federal EIN (what we’re discussing):
- Issued by the IRS for federal tax purposes
- Used nationwide for business identification
- Required for banking and federal compliance
Maryland State Tax ID:
- Issued by Maryland Comptroller’s Office
- Required for Maryland state taxes and business licenses
- Separate from your federal EIN
You’ll likely need both if you’re doing business in Maryland. They serve different purposes and come from different agencies.
The Best News: EINs Are Always Free
Bottom line: The IRS never charges for EINs. Period. It’s a free government service, like getting a Social Security card.
Scam alert: Ignore any website charging $50-$500 for “EIN processing” or “expedited service.” These are middlemen selling you something the government provides free. I’ve seen Maryland entrepreneurs pay $400 for a 10-minute process that costs nothing.
Red flags to avoid:
- Websites that look like IRS.gov but aren’t
- “Guaranteed approval” promises
- Rush processing fees
- Any company asking for payment upfront
Perfect Timing for Your Maryland EIN Application
Golden rule: Wait until your Maryland LLC is officially approved before applying for an EIN.
Why timing matters:
- IRS requires your exact LLC name as approved by Maryland SDAT
- Early applications create complications if your LLC name gets modified
- Name mismatches trigger IRS reviews and potential delays
My recommended timeline:
- File your Maryland Articles of Organization with SDAT
- Wait for approval confirmation (typically 7-10 business days)
- Apply for EIN using the exact approved LLC name
- Use EIN immediately for banking and business setup
What if you jumped the gun? Don’t panic. If your LLC gets approved with the same name you used on your EIN application, you’re fine. Different name? You’ll need a new EIN.
Step-by-Step EIN Application Process
For US Citizens and Residents (SSN/ITIN Holders):
Apply online at IRS.gov—it’s the fastest and most reliable method.
Before You Begin, Gather:
- Your Maryland LLC approval documents
- Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- LLC formation date and state (Maryland)
- Principal business address in Maryland
- Responsible party information (usually you as the owner)
- Basic description of your business activities
The Online Application Process (15 minutes):
Step 1: Navigate to IRS.gov and search “Apply for EIN Online”
Step 2: Select “Limited Liability Company (LLC)” as your entity type
Step 3: Enter your LLC information exactly as it appears on Maryland documents
Step 4: Provide responsible party details (the person with authority to bind the LLC)
Step 5: Answer business activity questions (be accurate but don’t overthink)
Step 6: Review all information carefully and submit
Instant results: You’ll receive your EIN immediately and can download your official EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575).
For Non-US Residents (No SSN/ITIN):
You must apply by mail or fax using Form SS-4.
Required Documentation:
- Completed Form SS-4 (SS-4 Application for EIN)
- Copy of your Maryland LLC approval documents
- Copy of passport or government-issued identification
- US mailing address for correspondence
Processing Timeline:
- Mail submission: 4-6 weeks typical processing
- Fax submission: 4-5 business days to (855) 641-6935
Apply for an EIN (Non-US Residents)
If you’re a non-US resident (and don’t have an SSN or ITIN), you can still get an EIN for your Maryland LLC. However, you cannot apply for a Federal Tax EIN online.
Instead, you’ll need to complete and submit Form SS-4 to the IRS by mail or fax. The SS-4 is the EIN application form. Don’t worry—we have step-by-step instructions here:
[How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN]
Note: You may have read that you need to hire a third-party designee to obtain an EIN. This is not true. You can apply for and obtain your EIN yourself—no third party is required.
Jake’s tip for international entrepreneurs: Consider obtaining an ITIN first, which enables online EIN applications. It adds a step but significantly speeds up the overall process.
Common Maryland LLC EIN Mistakes
Mistake 1: Wrong Business Entity Selection
The error: Choosing “Corporation” instead of “Limited Liability Company”
The consequence: IRS processing delays and tax classification problems
The fix: Always select “Limited Liability Company” for all LLC applications
Mistake 2: Using DBA Names Instead of Legal Names
The error: Applying with your “doing business as” name rather than registered LLC name
The consequence: EIN gets associated with wrong entity
The fix: Use exactly the name on your Maryland Articles of Organization
Mistake 3: Premature EIN Applications
The error: Applying before Maryland SDAT approves your LLC
The consequence: Name mismatches and potential compliance issues
The fix: Exercise patience—wait for official Maryland approval
Mistake 4: Incorrect Responsible Party Information
The error: Listing someone without authority to bind the LLC
The consequence: Future IRS compliance complications
The fix: List an LLC member or manager with legal authority
Single-Member vs Multi-Member Maryland LLCs
Single-Member LLCs:
Federal tax treatment: Disregarded entity (taxed like sole proprietorship)
EIN requirement: Technically optional, but strongly recommended B
enefits of EIN: Banking access, identity protection, business credibility
Maryland considerations: Still need Maryland tax registrations
Multi-Member LLCs:
Federal tax treatment: Partnership taxation (unless you elect S-Corp status)
EIN requirement: Absolutely mandatory per IRS regulations
Tax obligations: Must file Form 1065 partnership return annually
Maryland requirements: Additional state partnership filings required
Married Couples in Maryland:
Important note: Maryland is NOT a community property state, so married couples have limited options:
- Standard approach: Multi-member LLC with partnership taxation
- Not available: Qualified Joint Venture election (only for community property states)
Your EIN Confirmation Letter: Guard It Carefully
After approval, you’ll receive an EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575)—one of your most important business documents.
Essential for:
- Opening all business bank accounts
- Applying for business credit cards and loans
- Filing federal and state tax returns
- Obtaining Maryland business licenses
- Setting up merchant accounts
- Establishing business relationships
If You Lose It:
You cannot get another CP 575. However, you can request an EIN Verification Letter (147C) from the IRS, which serves the same purpose for most business needs.
Backup strategy: Save digital copies in multiple locations and keep physical copies in your business records.
Opening Your Maryland LLC Bank Account
Next crucial step: Establish dedicated business banking using your new EIN.
Required Documentation:
- EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575)
- Maryland Articles of Organization
- Operating Agreement (recommended for multi-member LLCs)
- Personal identification for all signers
- Initial deposit (varies by bank)
Maryland Banking Landscape:
Regional leaders: M&T Bank, PNC Bank (strong Maryland presence)
National options: Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase (widespread branches)
Credit unions: Pentagon Federal, Navy Federal (competitive rates for eligible members)
Community banks: Often provide better service for small businesses
Jake’s banking tip: Call ahead to confirm specific requirements. Some Maryland banks have additional forms or procedures for LLCs.
Maryland-Specific EIN Considerations
State Tax Registration:
Your federal EIN doesn’t automatically register you for Maryland taxes. You’ll need separate registrations with:
- Maryland Comptroller’s Office (income tax)
- Local jurisdictions (property tax, business licenses)
Professional LLCs:
Maryland allows Professional LLCs (PLLCs) for licensed professionals. The EIN process is identical to regular LLCs.
Multiple Maryland Businesses:
Each LLC requires its own unique EIN. Don’t attempt to share EINs across different business entities.
Out-of-State LLCs Operating in Maryland:
If your LLC is formed elsewhere but conducts business in Maryland, you still need an EIN for federal purposes, plus Maryland foreign registration.
Troubleshooting Common EIN Issues
“Unable to Complete Application Online” Error
Common causes:
- SSN/ITIN verification issues
- Previous EIN applications under same SSN
- Technical problems with IRS systems
Solutions:
- Verify all personal information is correct
- Call IRS Business Line: (800) 829-4933
- Consider mail/fax application as backup
Business Name Already Taken Error
If IRS claims your name is unavailable:
- Double-check your Maryland LLC documents
- Ensure you’re using the exact approved name
- Contact IRS if you believe there’s a system error
Lost or Incorrect EIN Information
For lost EINs: Request EIN Verification Letter from IRS
For wrong information: File Form 8822-B for address changes, call IRS for name corrections
Professional Services vs DIY Approach
DIY Makes Perfect Sense When:
- You have valid SSN or ITIN
- Your LLC structure is straightforward
- You’re comfortable with online applications
- You want to save unnecessary service fees
Consider Professional Help When:
- You’re a non-US resident without ITIN
- You have complex multi-member structures
- You’ve made mistakes requiring corrections
- You prefer to delegate administrative tasks
Reality check on costs: Professional EIN services charge $150-$500 for something that’s free and takes 15 minutes. Only pay for this if your time is extremely valuable.
Post-EIN Essential Action Items
Immediate Priorities:
- Securely store your EIN documentation (digital and physical copies)
- Open business bank account using EIN confirmation
- Register for Maryland state taxes with Comptroller’s Office
- Apply for required Maryland business licenses
- Establish business credit cards to build credit history
Ongoing EIN Management:
- Consistent usage: Include EIN on all business documents
- Security practices: Never share EIN unnecessarily
- Record keeping: Maintain EIN documentation with business records
- Annual reviews: Ensure EIN information stays current
Maryland LLC Tax Landscape
Federal Tax Obligations:
Single-member LLCs: Report on Schedule C with personal Form 1040
Multi-member LLCs: File Form 1065 partnership return
Elected corporations: File corporate returns if S-Corp or C-Corp election made
Maryland State Requirements:
- Personal income tax: Maryland residents pay on LLC income
- Business income tax: Some LLCs may owe entity-level tax
- Sales tax: Register if selling taxable goods in Maryland
- Local taxes: Various city and county requirements
Your EIN connects all these tax obligations across jurisdictions.
The Jake Lawson Bottom Line
Getting an EIN for your Maryland LLC is straightforward, completely free, and absolutely essential for legitimate business operations. Don’t let scam services complicate something the government designed to be simple.
My proven approach:
- Wait for Maryland LLC approval before applying for EIN
- Apply online directly through IRS.gov if you have SSN/ITIN
- Use your exact legal LLC name from Maryland documents
- Save confirmation documentation immediately after approval
- Open business banking within days of receiving EIN
Key insight: Your EIN is the cornerstone of your business’s financial and legal identity. Handle this correctly from day one, and everything else becomes easier.
Reality check: This is among the simplest business compliance tasks you’ll face as a Maryland entrepreneur. Don’t overcomplicate it, don’t pay for it, and don’t delay getting it done.
Ready to get your Maryland LLC EIN? Go directly to IRS.gov and search “Apply for EIN Online.” Skip all the paid middlemen trying to charge you for a free government service.
Need more Maryland LLC guidance? Check out our comprehensive Maryland LLC formation guide or explore our Maryland business tax overview to understand your complete compliance obligations.
Questions about Maryland LLC EINs? Ask in the comments below—I personally respond to every legitimate business question.