Maryland Annual Report Guide

In Maryland, all legal business entities that are formed, qualified, or registered to do business in the state are mandated to file an Annual Report. This requirement extends to a wide array of entity types, ensuring regulatory oversight and transparency across the business landscape.

Specifically, this includes both domestic and foreign corporations, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, business trusts, and real estate investment trusts. Even nonprofit organizations, which often have distinct regulatory frameworks, are subject to specific filing requirements in Maryland.

Annual Report Requirements
The primary purpose of these annual filings is to
maintain up-to-date records with the state, ensuring
that the Maryland Department of Assessments and
Taxation (SDAT) has accurate information regarding
active businesses.

This ongoing reporting mechanism helps the state
monitor compliance, facilitate public access to business information, and ensure that entities are operating in accordance with Maryland law. The necessity of filing
applies to all entities as of January 1st of each year, underscoring the continuous nature of this obligation.
Who Must File
All legal business entities that have been formed, qualified, or registered to conduct business within the state. This broad mandate ensures comprehensive oversight by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). The entities specifically required to file include:
  • Corporations: Both domestic (formed in Maryland) and foreign (formed outside Maryland but registered to do business in Maryland) corporations must submit an annual report.
  • Limited Liability Companies (LLCs): All LLCs, regardless of their management structure, are required to file.
  • Limited Partnerships (LPs): These entities, often used for specific investment purposes, are also subject to the annual filing requirement.
  • Business Trusts: Legal arrangements where trustees hold property for the benefit of beneficiaries, business trusts must also comply.
  • Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): Specialized entities that own or finance income-producing real estate are included in the filing mandate.
  • Nonprofits: Even though they operate on a not-for-profit basis, these organizations have specific annual filing requirements to maintain their status and compliance.
The requirement applies to all such business entities as of January 1st of each year. This means that if an entity was in existence and registered with the state on January 1st, it is obligated to file an annual report for that year, regardless of its activity level thereafter.
Required Information for Maryland Annual Report
The essential details typically required for the Maryland Annual Report include:
  • Business Name: The full legal name of the entity as registered with the state.
  • Principal Address: The primary physical address of the business. This is crucial for official communications and record-keeping.
  • Department ID Number: A unique identification number assigned to the business by the Maryland SDAT. This number helps in accurately identifying the entity within the state's system.
It is important to note that recent changes in Maryland law may affect reporting requirements for certain businesses. Specifically, businesses with less than $20,000 in business personal property may no longer be required to report personal property. However, some entities, such as Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), are still required to submit a personal property return in addition to their annual report.
Filing Deadlines & Due Dates
For the majority of business entities in Maryland, the annual report is due by April 15th of each year. This deadline is consistently applied to a wide range of entity types, including corporations, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and even sole proprietorships, if they have specific filing requirements.

Should April 15th fall on a weekend or a legal holiday, the due date is automatically extended to the next business day. Businesses that anticipate difficulty in meeting the April 15th deadline can request an extension of up to 60 days. This request must be submitted in advance of the original due date to be granted.
Maryland Annual Report: Fees and Costs
For most entities, including corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, business trusts, and real estate investment trusts, the standard filing fee for the Annual Report is $300. This fee is a fundamental component of maintaining active registration and good standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT).

However, there is a reduced fee for SDAT-certified family farms, which are required to pay $100. This lower fee is a specific provision designed to support agricultural businesses in the state.

In addition to the base filing fees, businesses should be aware of potential additional processing fees when making online payments. These fees are typically associated with the method of payment:
  • E-check payments may incur an additional fee of $3.
  • Credit card payments may incur a higher processing fee, typically around $9.

Step-by-Step Filing Process

Filing the Maryland Annual Report and Personal Property Tax Return can be a straightforward process,
especially when utilizing the state's online resources. Maryland offers several methods for submission,
but the online option is generally considered the most efficient and convenient.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help businesses navigate the filing process:
Option 1: Online Filing via Maryland Business
Express (Recommended)

Step 1

Log in to SilverFlume:
Access Nevada’s official
business portal.

Step 3

Review pre-filled data:
Check all information for
accuracy.

Step 5

Confirm filing:
Ensure all required
fields are complete.

Step 7

Submit electronically:
Receive immediate
confirmation.

Step 2

Locate your entity:
Use your business ID
to find records.

Step 4

Update changes:
Enter updated addresses, officers, or
members.

Step 6

Pay fees online:
$150 filing fee + $200 business license
fee (for LLCs).

Step 1

Log in to SilverFlume:
Access Nevada’s official
business portal.

Step 2

Locate your entity:
Use your business ID to find records.

Step 3

Review pre-filled data:
Check all information for
accuracy.

Step 4

Update changes:
Enter updated addresses, officers, or members.

Step 5

Confirm filing:
Ensure all required
fields are complete.

Step 6

Pay fees online:
$150 filing fee + $200 business license fee (for LLCs).

Step 7

Submit electronically:
Receive immediate
confirmation.

Wisconsin Annual Report Late Fees and Penalties
Failure to file the annual report in Wisconsin carries significant consequences for businesses. The Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) enforces strict compliance, and non-filing can lead to severe repercussions, ultimately impacting the legal standing and operational capabilities of the entity.
The general penalty for failing to file the annual report are:
  • Immediate $15 late fee if you miss the due date
  • Continued non-compliance: administrative dissolution (domestic) or revocation (foreign)
  • Loss of good standing and name protection
  • Banking and contracting obstacles
  • Administrative dissolution/revocation; reinstatement requires fees and all past-due reports
Professional Filing Services
Navigating the complexities of annual report filings, especially with varying state-specific requirements and deadlines, can be challenging for business owners.

While Wisconsin has simplified the process by requiring online submissions, ensuring accuracy and timely filing remains essential to avoid penalties. For businesses that prefer to outsource these compliance tasks, Palm can successfully manage the process by providing:
  • Deadline tracking and proactive reminders
  • Accurate, expert-prepared filings
  • Registered agent services
  • Multi-state portfolio management
  • Secure records and renewal continuity
With Palm, you stay compliant—without spending your time on forms.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding annual report
filings in Wisconsin

Is online filing mandatory for all entities in Wisconsin?

Yes, annual reports in Wisconsin must be filed online through the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) website. Paper filings are not accepted.

What happens if I miss my annual report filing deadline?

Missing your deadline can result in a $15 late fee. More significantly, domestic entities may face administrative dissolution, and foreign entities may have their registration revoked, leading to a loss of legal standing to conduct business in Wisconsin.

How do I determine my annual report due date?

Your annual report is due at the end of the calendar quarter in which your business was originally formed. For example, if formed in January, February, or March, your report is due by March 31st.

What information do I need to file my annual report?

You will generally need your entity's name, registered agent's name and address, the name and address of at least one officer/director/equivalent, and a brief statement of your business's nature.

Can I update my registered agent information on the annual report?

Yes, the annual report is the appropriate place to update your registered agent and registered office address, as well as other key business information.

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Wisconsin Annual Report?

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and full compliance support for businesses across Wisconsin.

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