By the time you’re ready to launch your business, your research, marketing analysis, and a thorough business plan should be completed. The business must now comply with Federal, State and local registration and licensing.
Online processes are offered by the Federal and State agencies responsible for overseeing these operations. Additional assistance can always be obtained from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) or Hagerstown local chapter of SCORE.
To obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number for a business, visit the Federal Government website.
The next step—the state tax registration process—can begin by visiting the Comptroller of Maryland’s website. Once the business is registered with the State of Maryland taxation department, it is also entered into the tax systems of local jurisdictions; therefore, no additional paperwork is required during this step.
If the business structure is a Corporation, Limited Liability Company, Limited Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, visit the Maryland Department of Assessments & Taxation to register the business entity and obtain business personal property tax information. Sole Proprietorships or General Partners comply with local licensing and taxation, but require a different registration form found here.
To determine licensing and permitting requirements, visit Maryland’s Business License Information System (BLIS), which will reveal all the information necessary to open a business in Maryland. The website is organized to find licensing information by keyword search, industry category, or by county.
Most business licenses may be obtained from the Washington County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Contact the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office at (301) 790-7991 for more details.
For property located outside the limits of the City of Hagerstown, contact the Washington County Permitting Department, at 240-313-2460.
For property located inside the limits of the City of Hagerstown, contact CIty of Hagerstown Planning Department, at 301-739-8577 ext 138, or email at [email protected].
