You’ve done the hard work to open an LLC in Maryland: filing your Articles of Organization and drafting an Operating Agreement. Your business is up and running, and you’re ready to move past the initial paperwork. But your responsibilities don’t end there. Along with tax filings, Maryland requires you to file an annual report each year to keep your LLC in good standing.

This filing might not seem like a big deal, but the failure to submit could hold huge implications for your business. It’s simply not worth the risk, especially if you can get outside help.

Keep reading to learn why it’s so important to file your annual report properly, and how to streamline this obligation so you can continue to focus on the day-to-day challenges of running your business. 

What is an annual report?

The state of Maryland requires all legal entities to provide regular updates on business status, contact information, and more. These filings are officially known as annual reports.

In Maryland, multiple approaches to annual reporting are available. Legal business entities (including corporations, limited liability companies, and limited liability partnerships) are required to file Form 1 every year. Credit unions and other financial institutions (such as banks or trust companies) file alternate forms. 

Maryland LLC annual report requirements

Maryland’s version of the LLC annual report can be surprisingly easy to complete, although this varies from one business to the next. To be approved, this document should include these key details:

• LLC name and primary business address. First and foremost, your annual report should include the legal business name and official address for your Maryland LLC. If you already have a trade name obtained through the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, this should be added as well.
• Information about members or managers. What are the names of your LLC’s members or managers? What are their primary addresses? This information should be highlighted in detail in your annual report.
• The purpose and industry of your business. In a simple sentence or two, explain why your LLC exists and what it aims to accomplish. This concise description should include the main services or products your business provides.
• Registered agent contact information. In Maryland, the person or business that receives service of process on behalf of your LLC is known as a resident agentt . To qualify for this role, the desired resident agent must have a Maryland address (not a post office box) and should be generally available during business hours. Contact information for the resident agent must be included in the annual report.
• LLC EIN number. Your employer identification number (EIN) functions a lot like a Social Security number. This 9-digit essential should be included on your annual report for official identification purposes.
• LLC state reference number. In addition to your EIN, you’ll need to provide a numerical identifier provided by the SDAT. This will begin with a letter, which is followed by 8 digits. You will also use this number if you apply for a trade name or complete other filings through the SDAT.

Many of these entries will remain consistent from one year to the next. This makes what could otherwise feel like a huge hassle a bit less of a burden. That being said, you may need to amend the report if your resident agent or business address change. If you make any adjustments in a given year, you will need to check a box indicating that you will be submitting an amended report. 

How to file an annual report in Maryland

Filing your Maryland annual report may seem like a hassle at times, but the process is surprisingly straightforward. Below, we dive into all the essential details, including the due date, fees, and methods (online, in person, and by mail) for submitting Maryland annual reports.

Cost of filing

Maryland no longer charges a fee to file your LLC’s annual report online, thanks to legislation that took effect in 2022. Previously, LLCs were required to pay a $300 annual filing fee, often with added processing charges for electronic payments. Now, if you file online through Maryland Business Express, there is no state filing fee, making Maryland the first state to eliminate this cost for digital submissions. Keep in mind that paper filings and additional business tax filings may still involve fees.

Due dates

Early April may feel overwhelming due to the burdens of tax season, but unfortunately, Maryland’s annual report timeline adds yet another obligation to an already busy time of year. 

The official deadline for each Maryland annual report is April 15, unless that date falls on a weekend. If so, the annual report will be due the following Monday. If the annual report is postmarked by the close of business, you should be in the clear. 

It’s possible to file a 60-day extension free of charge. These requests should be made on—or prior to—the annual report due date. If you suspect that you may need to file your annual report late, it’s worth your while to seek an extension.

File online

Filing online is a convenient option available not only for annual reports, but also for many other documents that are required for opening or maintaining local LLCs. Visit the Maryland Business Express page and follow the prompts to create an account.

From there, the Maryland Business Express system will provide the guidance you need every step of the way. This process can be time-consuming but is otherwise straightforward. Keep in mind that if your annual report is submitted online, it will be posted the next day.

File by mail

Filing by mail can be an excellent alternative to filing your report online, but this solution isn’t available or ideal for all types of businesses. Several Maryland entities are currently barred from filing annual reports online. These include:

• General partnerships
• Government entities
• Financial institutions
• Cooperatives
• Cable companies
• Public utilities
• Rental companies from Worcester County

If your organization falls into any of these categories, you may need to file your annual report by mail. The Maryland Business Express website offers a file that you can easily download, print and complete on your own.

Depending on your situation, you may choose to file Form 1 exclusively as an annual report—or together with your personal property tax return.

When submitting by mail, be sure to include a check or money order to cover the filing fee. Address to:

Maryland Dept. of Assessments and Taxation Annual Report
P.O. Box 17052
Baltimore, MD 21297-1052

If you complete an amended report, you’ll need to send the print version to a different address:

Maryland Dept. of Assessments and Taxation Business Services
Unit 301 W. Preston St., Room 808
Baltimore, MD 21201-2395

File in person

Depending on where you live, it may be convenient to file your Maryland LLC annual report in person. You’re welcome to stop by the SDAT headquarters. The address for this location is:

State of Maryland – State Center
301 W. Preston St., Room 8
Baltimore, MD 21201

File with a compliance service

Whether you complete the process online, by mail, or in person, filing on your own can be complicated even under the best of circumstances. Thankfully, there’s no need to go it alone. A compliance service can streamline this process, so you can focus on other matters.

This is a great option if you prefer to focus on the day-to-day concerns of running your business—or if you struggle to keep up with varying requirements for a multistate entity. Either way, a compliance service should save you a lot of time and stress.

What happens if I fail to file my LLC’s annual report on time?

No matter how you file or who you turn to for help, it’s critical that you fulfill this obligation on time. Your failure to do so could result in your business being officially declared “not in good standing.” 

Not sure whether your business is currently in good standing with the state? Conduct a business entity search on the Maryland Business Express website. Check the General Information and Personal Property areas to determine whether your annual report has been received and accepted. 

Late fees and fines

Typically, SDAT has enforced annual report requirements by assessing fees for late submission. The total for these fees depends largely on how late these reports are filed. It’s not uncommon for businesses to pay hundreds of dollars if their reports are several weeks or months late. The maximum is always $500.

On the other end of the spectrum, the minimums are as follows:

• 1-15 days late: $30
• 16-30 days late: $40
• 31 or more days late: $50

In many situations, the base penalty will be calculated at 1/10 of 1% of the county’s assessment. Beyond this, interest will accrue at a rate of 2% of the original penalty level. This applies for every 30-day period. 

In some situations, penalties may be referred to the Central Collection Unit of Maryland. Once your case has reached this point, you will no longer be able to pay fines via the SDAT. 

Forfeiture

Easily the harshest consequence of failing to file, forfeiture is possible if you continue to ignore your obligations even after you’ve been contacted by the SDAT or the CCU. Forfeiture means that your LLC no longer has the right to conduct business in the state of Maryland, nor will you be allowed to use your entity’s selected name. 

It takes a lot for the state to proceed with forfeiture. Typically, this solution is only pursued after a business has remained classified as “not in good standing” for a long time, although the state doesn’t strictly define how long this period lasts.

Given the harsh realities of forfeiture, it’s in your best interest to avoid it at all costs. This is simple: File your annual report on time or get a service to take over—and if you realize you’re late, respond quickly with the proper documentation and assessed fees. 

Conclusion

The annual report is one of the most predictable and important parts of doing business in the state of Maryland. This document verifies the status of your LLC, including everything from your primary business address to the contact information for your resident agent.

If you’re thorough with your Maryland annual report and submit it on time, you shouldn’t run into trouble with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation. A little due diligence can go a long way but remember: Experts are happy to handle this process if you’re not up to the task. 

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