
If you're a Maryland resident, you'll need to file a tax return if your gross income exceeds the filing threshold. This threshold is $12,000 for single filers and $24,000 for joint filers.
You'll also need to file a tax return if you have Maryland income, even if you don't have to file a federal tax return. This includes income from sources like rental properties, investments, or self-employment.
Some people may think they're exempt from filing a tax return, but that's not always the case. If you're required to file a federal tax return, you'll also need to file a Maryland tax return.
Business Types
Maryland requires LLCs and other PTEs to file Form 510 with the Comptroller of Maryland, and they must pay the nonresident members' shares of the LLC's income tax when they file the PTE income tax return.
There are several business types in Maryland, including LLCs, sole proprietorships, and corporations. LLCs are taxed as partnerships by default, but they can choose to be taxed as corporations by filing IRS Form 2553 with the IRS.
Sole proprietorships are the most common form of business organization and are owned and controlled entirely by one individual. They can operate any kind of business as long as it is a business and not an investment or hobby.
Sole Proprietorships
Sole proprietorships are the most common form of business organization, and they're easy to form. They're any unincorporated business owned and controlled by one individual.
As a sole proprietor, you're personally responsible for all financial obligations and debts of the business. This means you're on the hook for any business-related expenses or liabilities.
Sole proprietors can operate any kind of business, as long as it's a legitimate business and not an investment or hobby. This includes full-time or part-time operations.
To comply with federal and state tax laws, you're required to keep business records. This is a must for sole proprietors, so be sure to keep accurate and detailed records.
For tax information on sole proprietors, you can check the IRS website or look under the Individuals Income Tax section.
Pass-Through Entities
Pass-Through Entities are a type of business that can help you avoid double taxation. In Maryland, LLCs, S corporations, and other entities are considered pass-through entities, meaning the business itself doesn't pay taxes on its income.
These entities file Form 510 with the Comptroller of Maryland, reporting items of income, adjustments, gains, losses, and other required information. This information is then passed through to the partners, shareholders, or members, who are responsible for paying their share of taxes.
Pass-through entities can elect to be taxed at the entity level, which means the business pays taxes on behalf of all its members, regardless of their residency. This election must be made with the LLC's first estimated tax payment of the year.
Tax rates for pass-through entities vary depending on the type of member. For nonresident individuals and fiduciaries, the tax rate is 5.75% plus a special nonresident tax of 2.25% (for a total of 8.0%) of their distributive or pro-rata share of income allocable to Maryland.
Here are the types of pass-through entities recognized by the state of Maryland:
- Partnerships, as defined in § 761 of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Limited Liability Companies (LLC) classified as partnerships, as defined in § 761 of the Internal Revenue Code, and not taxed as a corporation or disregarded as an entity.
- S corporations, as defined in § 1361 AND 1362 of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Business trusts, as defined in Maryland Corporation and Associations Article, Section 12-101.
Employer and Sales
If your LLC will sell taxable goods or services to customers in Maryland, you'll need to collect and pay sales tax to the Maryland Comptroller. You can register to pay the state sales tax using the CRA.
You'll need to file a sales and use tax return with the Maryland Comptroller periodically, initially quarterly, but the frequency may change to monthly, bi-annual, or annual depending on the amount of sales tax paid.
Maryland Employer

As a Maryland employer, you're required to pay employer taxes to the federal and state governments. You'll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS to report and pay your payroll taxes.
To register your business, you can use the Maryland Combined Registration Application (CRA) to report and pay various taxes, including sales and use tax, income tax withholding, unemployment insurance, and other business tax and employer accounts.
If you have employees, you'll need to withhold and pay employee income taxes to the Maryland Comptroller. You'll need to file Form MW506 periodically, either monthly, quarterly, seasonally, or annually.
Some employers might have to make accelerated payments and pay withholding tax within three days of the employees' pay dates. You must also file Form MW508 every year to reconcile your tax withholdings.
You can register for a Maryland UI employer account either using the CRA or through Maryland's BEACON UI application. You must report employee wages and pay UI taxes every quarter.
Here's a summary of the taxes you'll need to pay as a Maryland employer:
- Sales and use tax
- Income tax withholding
- Unemployment insurance
- Other business tax and employer accounts
Remember to file your taxes on time and keep accurate records to avoid any penalties or fines.
Maryland Sales
If your business will sell taxable goods or services in Maryland, you'll need to collect and pay sales tax to the Maryland Comptroller. You can register to pay the state sales tax using the CRA, which will give you a sales and use tax license.
You'll need to file a sales and use tax return with the Maryland Comptroller periodically, starting with quarterly returns. Depending on how much sales tax you pay, your filing frequency might change to be monthly, bi-annual, or annual.
You can file and pay your taxes using bfile, making the process relatively straightforward.
Income and Regulations
If you're wondering whether you're required to file a Maryland tax return, let's break down some key points.
To file a Maryland income tax return, you'll need to meet certain requirements. You're required to file a return if you're a Maryland resident and have a taxable income above a certain threshold.
You can find more information on tax legislation and regulations in the State Regulations link, which includes the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) and Legislative Updates for Alcohol, Tobacco and Motor Fuel.
Here are some specific scenarios where you may need to file a Maryland tax return:
You can also find answers to frequently asked questions about income tax in the Income Tax FAQs section, which covers topics like filing electronically, tax breaks for two-income families, and more.
Regulations
Maryland has a complex tax system, but understanding the regulations can help you navigate it with ease. You'll need to file a pass-through entity income tax return, Form 510, if you're a pass-through entity formed or incorporated in Maryland, do business in Maryland, or have Maryland income.
To determine if you're a pass-through entity, check if you're a partnership, limited liability company (classified as a partnership), S corporation, or business trust. These entities are required to file Form 510 to report their income, adjustments, gains, losses, and other required information.
Pass-through entities are taxed at a rate of 5.75% for tax year 2019, plus a special nonresident tax of 2.25% (for a total of 8.0%) on nonresident individual and nonresident fiduciary members' distributive or pro rata shares of income allocable to Maryland. They're also required to pay a tax at the rate of 8.25% of income allocable to Maryland on behalf of all members' who are nonresident entities.
If you're a nonresident, you may need to file a nonresident tax return if you've earned money in a state other than the one in which you permanently reside. This could include working in Wilmington if you live in Maryland.
To stay up-to-date on tax regulations, check out the Comptroller of Maryland's website for information on tax legislation, Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR), and Legislative Updates. You can also find Tax Alerts and Technical and Administrative Releases on the site.
Here are some key tax regulations to keep in mind:
- Pass-through entities are required to file Form 510 to report their income, adjustments, gains, losses, and other required information.
- Pass-through entities are taxed at a rate of 5.75% for tax year 2019, plus a special nonresident tax of 2.25% (for a total of 8.0%) on nonresident individual and nonresident fiduciary members' distributive or pro rata shares of income allocable to Maryland.
- Nonresidents may need to file a nonresident tax return if they've earned money in a state other than the one in which they permanently reside.
- The Comptroller of Maryland's website provides information on tax legislation, COMAR, and Legislative Updates.
Corporation Income
In Maryland, corporation income tax applies to every corporation, even if it has no taxable income or is inactive. This means that all corporations must file Form 500, regardless of their financial situation.
The tax rate is 8.25% on Maryland taxable income, which is the corporation's federal taxable income adjusted by state modifications. This rate applies to all corporations subject to Maryland income tax law.
Corporations with multi-state operations must use an apportionment formula to allocate their Maryland modified income, which typically consists of receipts, property, and payroll factors. This helps ensure that the tax is only applied to income earned within the state.
Form 500 has replaced Form 500A, and corporations must now use it to calculate their corporation modified income. This includes accounting for any decoupling modifications, such as related party transactions or foreign source dividends.
Business tax credits may be claimed against the corporation income tax by electronically filing Form 500CR. This can be a great benefit for eligible corporations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do you have to make to file taxes in Maryland?
To file taxes in Maryland, you must have earned at least $12,200 in the tax year. This threshold applies to tax year 2019 and may be adjusted for subsequent years.
Sources
- https://www.marylandtaxes.gov/business/income/tax-information.php
- https://www.marylandtaxes.gov/faq/individual-tax.php
- https://mdtaxattorney.com/resources/nonresident-returns-frequently-asked-question/
- https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/filing-requirements-llcs-maryland.html
- https://www.cohnreznick.com/insights/maryland-comptroller-letter-on-pass-through-entity-tax-return-processing
Featured Images: pexels.com