Maryland LLC Annual Report: Requirements, Due Dates & Filing

1. Does Maryland Require an LLC Annual Report?

Yes—Maryland generally requires LLCs (and most other business entities) to file an Annual Report each year with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) . For many businesses, this is filed together with the Business Personal Property Return using Form 1. The report is generally based on information as of January 1 of the filing year.

2. What Maryland LLCs Must File Each Year

Maryland yearly compliance typically comes down to a simple checklist. The exact requirements depend on your LLC’s activity and whether you own Maryland personal property, but most LLCs should plan for these recurring items:

Annual compliance checklist

1. Annual Report + Business Personal Property Return (SDAT Form 1): primary annual filing for many entities
2. Pay the annual filing fee: LLCs commonly pay a yearly filing fee (often $300)
3. Registered Agent renewal (if using a service): keep a valid agent and address to receive official/legal notices
4. Federal tax return (IRS): depends on SMLLC vs partnership vs S-corp election
5. Bookkeeping + records: maintain clean records to avoid issues with banks, payments, and audits

3. The Main Filing: SDAT Form 1 (Annual Report + Personal Property)

Maryland’s annual compliance filing for many entities is Form 1: Annual Report and Business Personal Property Return . This is the standard yearly filing used to keep your entity in good standing and to report business information and (if applicable) Maryland business personal property.

What Form 1 typically covers

1. Annual report information for the entity (basic business details)
2. Business personal property reporting (if the business has Maryland property)
3. Annual filing fee payment for most entity types
4. Supports ongoing good standing status until you formally dissolve/withdraw
5. Creates a compliance record useful for banks and vendor verification

If you only remember one thing: Maryland LLCs usually must file an Annual Report—commonly through SDAT Form 1 (Annual Report + Business Personal Property Return).

4. Maryland LLC Due Dates (Common Scenarios)

For many businesses, the Maryland annual filing is commonly due by April 15 each year. If you obtain an approved extension for the personal property return, the extended deadline is commonly June 15. Your filing still needs to be submitted correctly to avoid penalties and good-standing issues.

5. Where to File + What You’ll Need

Maryland annual report compliance is typically filed with Maryland SDAT , and many businesses file online using Maryland Business Express . Before you file, prepare your basic business details so you can submit without errors.

What you should keep ready

1. Legal LLC name and your SDAT Department ID
2. FEIN (EIN), principal business code, and basic business details
3. Mailing address (and email address for reminders if used)
4. Personal property details (if you own Maryland business personal property)
5. Payment method for the annual filing fee (commonly $300 for LLCs)

Why founders use a compliance service

1. Avoid missed deadlines and late penalties
2. Reduce rejections due to incorrect information
3. Keep clean records for banking and payment processors

6. How to File Maryland Annual Report (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Find your SDAT Department ID

Your SDAT Department ID is used to identify your entity. If you don’t know it, you can look it up using Maryland’s business search , then use it for your filing.

Step 2: Confirm your business details (as of Jan 1)

Maryland annual reports typically reflect information as of January 1 of the filing year. Verify your business name, mailing address, and other details before submitting.

Step 3: File online (recommended) or by mail if needed

Many Maryland businesses file online through Maryland Business Express. Online filing is faster and helps you keep a clean record for compliance history.

Important: If you have Maryland business personal property, ensure you complete that portion accurately.

Step 4: Pay the filing fee and keep proof

LLCs commonly pay an annual filing fee (often $300). Save your confirmation/receipt and keep a copy of the filed report. This is helpful for audits, banking, and future compliance.

Step 5: If needed, request an extension early

If you can’t meet the standard deadline, you may be able to request an extension for the personal property return. Don’t assume you’re covered—make sure it’s actually approved and keep proof.

7. Tips to Stay Compliant

• Set reminders for the Maryland annual filing deadline (commonly April 15)
• Keep your SDAT Department ID, EIN, and business details in one place
• Maintain accurate records and store filing confirmations
• File early if you have business personal property or multiple locations

8. Fees, Penalties & Good Standing

• Annual report filing fee (LLC): Commonly $300
• Business personal property tax: Depends on your Maryland property assessment (if applicable)
• Registered Agent (if using a service): Typically $50/year
• Late filings: Can trigger penalties/interest and create good-standing issues
• Good standing impact: Compliance affects banking, payment platforms, and vendor onboarding

9. Federal Compliance That Impacts Maryland LLCs

1. Federal tax return ( IRS )

Your Maryland LLC’s federal tax filing depends on classification: single-member LLCs often report on the owner’s return, partnerships file an informational return, and S-corp elections follow S-corp filing rules.

2. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Many LLCs use an EIN to open bank accounts, hire employees, and work with payment processors. Keeping EIN-related records and IRS confirmations helps with compliance documentation.

3. BOI updates (Corporate Transparency)

If your ownership or key information changes, you may need to update federal beneficial ownership information (where applicable). This is separate from Maryland annual report compliance but often comes up during annual reviews.

4. Other recurring federal obligations

• Payroll tax filings if the LLC has employees
• Information returns (such as 1099 forms) when required
• Keeping clean bookkeeping for audits, banking, and compliance reviews

10. Conclusion

The biggest takeaway: Maryland LLCs typically must file an Annual Report with SDAT, often via Form 1 (Annual Report + Business Personal Property Return). Filing on time (commonly by April 15) helps you stay in good standing.

With FormLLC, you can stay compliant without confusion—our team helps you follow the right schedule, file the right forms, and keep your business in good standing.