Starting a New Business in Maryland

To make it easier to start a new business in Maryland, the Comptroller's Office offers convenient online services to help you set up tax accounts, obtain the right business licenses, and learn about available tax credits.

The Taxpayer Registration Assistance Center (TRAC) offers you on-the-spot help to determine the tax registrations you need, complete the appropriate forms and understand basic Maryland tax requirements.

The online Combined Registration Application (CRA) makes it easy to apply for many of the business tax accounts that you need, including an employer withholding account, a sales and use tax license and many more. You can also download the application and fax or mail it to us.

Each of the Comptroller's taxpayer service offices offers personal assistance for new business owners. At any of our locations you can apply for licenses, set up tax accounts, and ask questions relevant to your business.

Our online Business Tax Tips brochures explain how to prepare a sales and use tax return, what business records you should keep and a host of other important topics for new business owners.

The State License Bureau is responsible for monitoring and enforcing the use of business licenses in Maryland and can help determine if you are required to register for a local business license.

Maryland's Business License Information System (BLIS) Web site has spared thousands of companies the aggravation of looking for business license information and services in dozens of different places. The BLIS site reflects the joint effort of several Maryland state agencies working to consolidate information for new business owners.