Get an EIN for your Maryland business
A federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the IRS tax ID your Maryland business uses for banking, payroll, and tax filing. The IRS issues EINs free · application takes 10 minutes online with immediate issuance for US founders. International founders apply by fax or mail. After your EIN, you also need to register with the Comptroller of Maryland via the CRA · Combined Registration Application.
Maryland EIN + state tax accounts at a glance
| Federal EIN cost | $0 (IRS direct) |
|---|---|
| Issuance time | Immediate (online for US founders) |
| Maryland revenue agency | Comptroller of Maryland |
| State tax registration form | CRA · Combined Registration Application |
| Sales tax permit needed? | Yes · register for sales tax permit. |
| State withholding account? | Yes · register for state withholding account. |
| File.Business service fee | $0 |
How to get an EIN in Maryland: step by step
- Form your business entity first. Your Maryland LLC, corporation, or other entity must exist before applying for an EIN. Form an LLC in Maryland or form a corporation if needed.
- Pick your responsible party. The IRS requires one individual with substantial control over the entity (typically an owner with at least 25% interest) to be listed on Form SS-4.
- Apply online at irs.gov. US founders with a valid SSN or ITIN get the EIN immediately. The application is free and takes about 10 minutes.
- International founders: apply by fax or mail. Without an SSN or ITIN, the online system will not work. Fax Form SS-4 (typically 4 business days) or mail it (4 to 6 weeks). ITIN vs EIN explained.
- Register with the Comptroller of Maryland. Use the CRA · Combined Registration Application to get your state-level tax accounts in Maryland.
- Open a business bank account. Maryland banks commonly used include M&T, Truist, Chase, Sandy Spring.
Skip the paperwork · we get your Maryland EIN
We prepare Form SS-4, file with the IRS, and also handle your state-level registration with the Comptroller of Maryland. $0 service fee. International founders supported (we file by fax to get your EIN within a week, faster than mail).
Start my Maryland EINMaryland state tax accounts you also need
An IRS EIN is federal-only. To operate in Maryland, you typically also need:
- State tax ID: Register with Comptroller of Maryland using CRA · Combined Registration Application.
- Sales tax permit: Yes · register for sales tax permit. Sales tax registration overview.
- State withholding account: Yes · register for state withholding account.
- Unemployment insurance account: Required if you have employees in Maryland.
- Workers compensation insurance: Required if you have employees. Business insurance overview.
Maryland EIN FAQ
How much does an EIN cost in Maryland?
The IRS issues EINs free. Anyone charging you for the EIN itself is upselling. File.Business charges $0 service fee whether you have us file it or you do it yourself.
How long does the EIN take to receive?
US founders applying online: immediate. International founders applying by fax: typically 4 business days. By mail: 4 to 6 weeks.
Can I get an EIN without an SSN?
Yes. International founders apply with Form SS-4 by fax or mail. The IRS accepts foreign passport details as identification.
Do I need a separate Maryland state tax ID?
Yes, in most cases. The Comptroller of Maryland requires a state-level registration via CRA · Combined Registration Application for businesses operating in Maryland.
Can I use my EIN to open a Maryland business bank account?
Yes, your EIN is required for business banking. Maryland banks commonly used include M&T, Truist, Chase, Sandy Spring.
On the $129/yr Compliance Annual Filings plan, we cover state late fees.
When you autofile your annual report through the $129/yr plan and we miss the deadline, we pay the state's late fee. The guarantee applies to that specific plan and the filings it includes. Other File.Business services are billed at the prices on this page.