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Free Maryland LLC Operating Agreement Template

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What is a Maryland LLC Operating Agreement?

Operating AgreementA Maryland LLC Operating Agreement is a document that shows who owns the LLC, and how much of the LLC each person owns.

Every Maryland LLC should have an Operating Agreement, but you don’t have to pay for one.

You can get one for free using our Operating Agreement Generator below.

Operating Agreement Generator

You can customize and download a Maryland Operating Agreement in minutes. No sign-up, no cost, no catch.

Just enter your information below to get started.

Note: Our Operating Agreements work for Single-Member LLCs, Multi-Member LLCs, real estate LLCs, business LLCs, holding companies, and more.

Operating Agreement Generator

Free Operating Agreement from LLC University

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Remember: All Members must sign the Operating Agreement.

Your Operating Agreement is an "internal" document, so you don't need to send it to the state or the IRS.
And you don't need to notarize this form, either.

Just print it, sign (physically sign or digitally sign), and keep a copy with your business records.

This is an editable template and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

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Everyone you list gets a copy as a PDF and a Word document.

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Your Operating Agreement is missing information:

    Is an Operating Agreement required for an LLC in Maryland?

    No, as per Section 4A-402 of the Maryland LLC Act, an Operating Agreement isn’t required for an LLC in Maryland.

    However, we strongly recommend having an Operating Agreement for your LLC.

    Why every LLC should have an Operating Agreement

    Every LLC, including Single-Member LLCs and Multi-Member LLCs, should have an Operating Agreement for the following reasons:

    • To override default state rules
    • To protect your personal liability
    • To define roles and prevent disputes
    • To control how money is distributed
    • To open an LLC Bank Account
    • To plan for ownership changes (ex: adding/removing Members)

    What to include in your Operating Agreement

    Note: If you use our Operating Agreement Generator, it includes all of the items listed below.

    It’s best practice to include the following in your LLC Operating Agreement:

    • LLC formation details: LLC name, LLC address, LLC business purpose, and Maryland Registered Agent information
    • Members and ownership percentages: Who owns the LLC and how much they own
    • How the LLC will be managed: Member-Managed vs. Manager-Managed LLC
    • Voting rights: How Members get to vote
    • Capital contributions: How much money each Member puts into the LLC
    • Profit distributions: How profits are distributed
    • Membership changes: Procedures for adding or removing Members
    • Dissolution: How to shut down the LLC, if necessary
    • Liability protection: Protecting Members/Managers from liability
    • Amendments: Stating how the Operating Agreement can be changed

    Ownership, money, and voting rights in your Operating Agreement

    When forming an LLC, each Member (owner) needs to put money into the LLC.

    In exchange, they get ownership % in the company.

    Both the amount they put into the LLC, and their ownership %, gets listed in the Operating Agreement.

    What does your ownership % give you?

    Ownership % gives you two main things:

    1. Profits

    • You receive profits proportionate to what you own.
    • For example, if you own 70% of the LLC, you get 70% of the profits.

    2. Voting rights

    • You receive voting rights proportionate to what you own.
    • For example, if you own 70% of the LLC, you get 70% of the votes.

    How ownership, money, and voting rights are documented in an Operating Agreement

    Single-Member LLC:

    In a Single-Member LLC, the single Member owns 100% of the LLC, and they can put in however much money they want.

    For example: You can put in $100, or $5,000, (or any amount), and you’ll own 100% of the business.

    And it would look like this in the Operating Agreement:

    LLC Operating Agreement Ownership Percentage Example with 1 owner

    Multi-Member LLCs:

    In a Multi-Member LLC, how much of the LLC each Member owns is proportionate to how much money they put into the LLC.

    For example:

    Let’s say Bob and Sally want to become 50/50 business partners. Since they each want to own half, then they each need to put in the same amount of money. If Bob puts in $500 and Sally also puts in $500, then they’d each own 50% of the LLC. And they each get 50% of the profits.

    That would look like this in the Operating Agreement:

    LLC Operating Agreement Ownership Percentage Example with 2 owners

    On the other hand, if Sally and Bob agree that Sally will own 80% and Bob will own 20%, then Sally can put in $800 and Bob can put in $200. This means Sally gets 80% of the profits, and Bob gets 20% of the profits.

    And the amount the Members put in can be as large or small as they want. For example, in an 80/20 split, they can put in $800/$200, $40,000/$10,000, $80,000/$20,000, etc. Again, the amount of money doesn’t matter, as long as the dollar amount is proportionate to the desired percentage of ownership.

    And it would look like this in the Operating Agreement:

    LLC Operating Agreement Ownership Percentage Example with 2 owners

    It also works this way for voting rights:

    If Bob and Sally are 50/50 business partners, then they each get a 50% vote on decisions for the LLC. Meaning, they both have to agree on a decision in order to make a change.

    On the other hand, if Sally owns 80% and Bob owns 20%, then Sally has the majority vote. And if both Members don’t agree on a decision, then whatever Sally decides is what is legally binding.

    Majority Voting Explained (51% wins)

    Note: The 51% majority doesn’t apply for Manager-managed LLCs, where the Manager(s) make the decisions.

    In most Member-managed Operating Agreements (and the ones we provide), a decision is made by a majority vote (51% or more) of the Members.

    Meaning, in order for an action to be taken (or not taken), 51% of the votes need to be in agreement.

    (Examples of actions to take could be changing the LLC name, changing ownership %, bringing on a new Member, changing the business model, etc.)

    Let’s look at some examples:

    1 Member LLC example

    In this example, there’s only one person for you to agree with: yourself. So whatever you decide is what happens.

    LLC Operating Agreement Pie Chart with 1 Owner

    2 Member LLC examples

    Member A owns 50% and Member B owns 50%

    In this example, both Members must always agree on everything in order for actions to be taken. This is because no Member alone has 51% of the votes.

    LLC Operating Agreement Pie Chart with 2 Owners

    Member A owns 70% and Member B owns 30%

    In this example, Member A basically runs the show. Anything they want to do, they can do, since they have the majority vote. Member B has no power (they just get 30% of the profits).

    LLC Operating Agreement Pie Chart with 2 Owners

    3 Member LLC examples

    All 3 Members own 33.33%

    In this example, only 2 Members must agree (or disagree) on an action.

    LLC Operating Agreement Pie Chart with 3 Owners

    Member A owns 50%, Member B owns 25%, and Member C owns 25%

    In this example, Member B and Member C don’t have enough power amongst themselves to make decisions. At least one of them will need to be in agreement with Member A in order for an action to be taken.

    LLC Operating Agreement Pie Chart with 3 Owners

    Member A owns 40%, Member B owns 30%, and Member C owns 30%

    In this example, only 2 Members must agree (or disagree) on an action.

    LLC Operating Agreement Pie Chart with 3 Owners

    Member A owns 60%, Member B owns 20%, and Member C owns 20%

    In this example, Member A has the power to run the show since they have the majority vote. Member B and Member C don’t have enough voting power themselves to take actions.

    LLC Operating Agreement Pie Chart with 3 Owners

    Does my LLC Operating Agreement need to be signed?

    Yes, all LLC Members (owners) need to sign the Operating Agreement to make it official and legally binding.

    And make sure that all Members have a copy of the Operating Agreement.

    Note: If you have a Manager-managed LLC, the Manager(s) will also sign the Operating Agreement.

    Does my LLC Operating Agreement need to be notarized?

    No, your Operating Agreement doesn’t need to be notarized.

    Each Member (and Manager, if applicable) just needs to sign it. That’s all.

    Do I have to send my Operating Agreement to the state?

    No, you don’t have to send your Operating Agreement to the state or any government agency.

    Maryland LLC Operating Agreements are “internal documents” for business entities. Meaning, the Members just need to keep a copy with their records.

    The Operating Agreement is a legally binding document because of the Members’ signatures. It doesn’t need a government stamp of approval.

    However, you may also need to show this document to:

    • financial institutions when you open a business bank account
    • financial institutions if you apply for a loan for the LLC
    • a title company if your LLC is buying real estate
    • a court if you were involved in a lawsuit

    Operating Agreement FAQs

    Does a Single-Member LLC in Maryland need an Operating Agreement?

    While not legally required in the state of Maryland, it’s strongly recommended that all Single-Member LLCs have an Operating Agreement.

    If you go to court, an Operating Agreement helps prove that your Single-Member LLC is being run as a separate legal entity. This helps confirm the company’s limited liability status, and that is what protects your personal assets.

    Does a Multi-Member LLC in Maryland need an Operating Agreement?

    While not legally required in Maryland, it’s strongly recommended that all Multi-Member LLCs have an Operating Agreement. The Operating Agreement spells out ownership percentages, profit distribution, operating procedures, and management responsibilities.

    And if you go to court, an Operating Agreement helps prove that your Multi-Member LLC is being run as a separate legal entity.

    Is an LLC Agreement the same as an Operating Agreement?

    Yes, an LLC Agreement is the same thing as an LLC Operating Agreement.

    Some states call an Operating Agreement an LLC Agreement or a Company Agreement. These all refer to the same thing. And most states use the term Operating Agreement.

    How much does an Operating Agreement cost?

    An Operating Agreement doesn’t have to cost anything. There are templates or Operating Agreement Generators online (like ours; see above) that you can use for free.

    Many LLC filing companies charge $99 or more for a basic, fill-in-the-blanks Operating Agreement. And you generally can’t edit these.

    If you hire a lawyer to draft an Operating Agreement, it can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $1,000.

    How to find my Operating Agreement for my LLC?

    Since the Operating Agreement isn’t on file with the state (or IRS), it’s your responsibility to keep a copy of it.

    Said another way, if you can’t find your Operating Agreement, there’s nowhere to go to get it. (Well, if you have a business partner, your partner may have a copy.)

    If not, you can make a new Operating Agreement (called Operating Agreement #2) and enter this language at the top:

    “This Operating Agreement #2, dated [date], overrides, replaces, and supersedes all prior Operating Agreements, written and/or oral for this LLC.”

    How to Amend an LLC Operating Agreement?

    If you’d like to amend your Operating Agreement (make changes), you have 3 options:

    Matt Horwitz, founder of LLC University®

    Pro Tip: Most people choose option 1 or 2, depending on the number/complexity of changes. For example, if you’re changing a small item – or a few – you can use option 1. If you’re changing a lot of things, you can use option 2.

    1. Cross out, change, and initial

    Cross out and write the new changes in the Operating Agreement, then have the Members (and Managers, if applicable) initial the changes.

    2. Create Operating Agreement #2

    Make a new Operating Agreement (give it a heading of “Operating Agreement #2”) to replace the original Operating Agreement. Just add the following clause at the top of Operating Agreement #2:

    “This Operating Agreement #2, dated [date], overrides, replaces, and supersedes all prior Operating Agreements, written and or oral for this LLC.”

    Note: You can also make Operating Agreement #3, #4, etc., if needed in the future.

    3. Create an Amendment (separate document)

    Create an Amendment to your Operating Agreement (a separate document). This lists out the changes that were made. And each Member (and Manager, if applicable) signs and agrees to the changes.

    How to add a Transfer on Death Provision to my Operating Agreement?

    Disclaimer: The Transfer on Death Provision, and related information below, are provided for general informational and educational purposes only, and the intent of the sample language is for the full interest and rights to go to the beneficiary. They are not intended to constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws governing LLCs and transferring LLC Membership Interest vary by state (ex: whether or not LLC Membership Interest can pass outside of probate), and enforceability depends on the specific facts and circumstances of each situation. We recommend consulting with an estate planning attorney before adopting, modifying, or relying upon any Operating Agreement and/or clause.

    What is a Transfer on Death Provision?

    A Transfer on Death (TOD) provision is a clause in your LLC Operating Agreement that designates who inherits your Membership Interest when you die. And it transfers your LLC Membership Interest to them automatically, without having to go through probate.

    If you’re using our Manager-Managed Operating Agreement template:

    • you’ll just need to add the language listed below.

    If you’re using our Member-Managed Operating Agreement template:

    • you’ll need to first look in Section VI (Dissolution Provisions) and remove 1(a).
    • then add the language listed below

    Transfer Upon Death of a Member

    Upon the death of a [Member 1], the deceased Member’s entire Membership Interest shall transfer to the beneficiary designated below, effective as of the date of death, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

    The designated beneficiary shall automatically be admitted as a substituted Member and shall receive all economic, voting, and management rights associated with the Membership Interest, without the need for further approval by any other Member.

    If no beneficiary is designated below, or if the designation is ineffective under applicable law, the Membership Interest shall transfer to the deceased Member’s estate, and the estate’s legal representative shall be admitted as a Member with full rights.

    Beneficiary Designation
    Member Name: ________________________
    Beneficiary’s Name: ______________________
    Beneficiary’s Address: ______________________________

    Matt Horwitz, founder of LLC University®

    Pro Tip: Another option is to first create a Revocable Living Trust and then create an LLC, and have the Trust be the owner (Member) of the LLC. Or if you already have an LLC, then you can assign the LLC Membership Interest to the Trust. In both of these cases, the LLC Member Interest will not go through probate when you die because the Trust – not you – owns the LLC.

    Matt Horwitz
    Matt Horwitz
    Matt Horwitz is the leading expert on LLC education, and has been teaching for 15 years. He founded LLC University in 2010 after realizing people needed simple and actionable instructions to start an LLC. He's cited by Entrepreneur Magazine, Yahoo Finance, and the US Chamber of Commerce, and was featured by CNBC and InventRight.
     
    Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.

    2 comments on “Free Maryland LLC Operating Agreement Template”

    Disclaimer: Nothing on this page shall be interpreted as legal or tax advice. Rules and regulations vary by location. They also change over time and are specific to your situation. Furthermore, this comment section is provided so people can share their thoughts and experience. Please consult a licensed professional if you have legal or tax questions.

    1. If I want the LLC to be taxed as a S-Corp, do I put this in the operating agreement or file separate forms with the IRS?

      Reply
      • Hi Eric, you can note that your LLC will be taxed as an S-Corp in the Operating Agreement, but this doesn’t cause it to happen. The S-Corp election takes place by filing with the IRS. We have that information here: LLC taxed as an S-Corporation. Hope that helps.

        Reply

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