The Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a popular type of business in Maryland because it offers flexibility and liability protection.
The LLC owner should remember to fulfill their federal and state tax obligations.
In this article, we will discuss the process of IRS tax return filing for Maryland LLC, focusing on classifying the taxes, reporting the taxes, deadlines, and other relevant details.
Federal Tax Requirements for Maryland LLCs
Single Member LLCs
The single-member LLC is regarded as a disregarded entity for federal taxation. This implies that the LLC isn’t required by the IRS to prepare its business tax return.
The owner of the LLC simply includes business activities in their tax return (Form 1040) along with a Schedule C.
These additional federal tax forms may also be necessary:
- Schedule SE Self Employment Tax: Only if the owner has more than $400 in net profit.
- Form 1040-ES Estimated Taxes: Only if the owner has to pay quarterly estimated taxes.
- Form 1099-NEC: If independent contractors are engaged by the LLC, and they are paid more than $600 a year.
Multi-Member LLCs
For tax purposes, multi-member LLCs are treated as a partnership by default. As a result, the LLC is responsible for filing:
Form 1065 (U.S. Return of Partnership Income): This form is filed to report the LLC’s income, deductions, and additional relevant financial data.
Schedule K-1 (Partner’s Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc.): Each member gets this form from the partnership which lists out their share of the income as well as losses from the business for use in their tax return (Form 1040).
LLCs Electing S-Corp or C-Corp Status
An LLC may elect to be treated as an S-Corporation or C-Corporation LLC by filing:
Form 2553 (Election by a Small Business Corporation): For S-Corp designation, which allows taking pass-through profits and losses to the owners and possibly lower self-employment taxes.
Form 1120 (U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return): For C-Corp designation, in this case, the LLC is taxed independently of its owners.
LLC’s Income Tax Responsibilities In Maryland State
Maryland Personal Income Tax
In the case of single-member LLCs and multi-member LLCs that are taxed as partnerships, the income is considered pass-through, and the owners must include it in their Maryland Individual Income Tax Return (Form 502).
Pass-Through Entity Tax for Maryland (PTET)
All LLCs treated as pass-through entities in Maryland are required to submit Form 510 (Maryland Pass-Through Entity Income Tax Return). Should the LLC elect to pay the pass-through entity tax on behalf of members, Form 510D (Declaration of Estimated Pass-Through Entity Tax) is filed by the LLC.
Maryland Corporate Tax
If the LLC elects to be treated as a C corporation, then it is required to submit Form 500 (Maryland Corporation Income Tax Return) and also pay the state’s corporate income tax.
Maryland Sales and Use Tax
LLCs that provide taxable products or services must obtain a license from the Maryland Comptroller and file regular returns to collect and pay Sales and Use Tax in Maryland.
Maryland Employer Taxes
If the LLC has employees, it must:
- Register for Maryland Employer Withholding Tax and file withholding returns.
- Pay Unemployment Insurance Tax from the Maryland Department of Labor.
Deadlines for Filing Maryland LLC Taxes
Federal tax returns for single-member and Multi-member LLCs (Form 1040) along with other partnerships (Form 1065) are due on April 15. S-Corporations have until April 15 to submit their returns, and March 15 is the deadline for C-Corporational Forms.
Maryland Corporations Tax Returns on April 15 (Form 502) and Form 500 are due individual and corporation taxes. Pass-through entities have until the 15th of March to file Form 510.
Estimated Taxes: The quarterly taxes are due with payments on April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year.
Penalty For Late Filing and Non-Compliance
Delays in tax payments can result in some hefty penalties, such as:
Federal Late Filing Penalty: Unpaid taxes 5% for every month owing, to a max of 25%.
Federal Late Payment Penalty: 0.5% per month on unpaid taxes.
Maryland State Late Filing Penalty: 25% of the tax due, alongside interest charged.
Failure to Pay Payroll or Sales Taxes: Harsh penalties that can lead to the suspension of the business.
Failure to File Form 1065 (Partnerships): For every partner, $220 per month for up to 12 months.
How to File Your IRS Tax Return for Maryland LLC
Ascertain the tax classification for your LLC (Single-member, Multi-member, S-Corp, or C-Corp).
Collect financial documents that contain incomes and expenditures.
Fill out the necessary federal tax forms (1040 Schedule C, Form 1065, Form 1120, Form 1120S).
If applicable, compute and settle any estimated taxes.
Submit state tax returns for Maryland Form 502, Form 510, and Form 500 where needed.
Follow the sales tax and payroll tax requirements where applicable.
Obey all federal and state tax filing deadlines to avoid punishment.
How EasyFiling Can Help File Taxes for Maryland LLC Owners
Like many states, Maryland has its own rules about taxes. In cooperation with the state, the federal government has rules, too. This is why EasyFiling is here to help with:
- Proficient Tax Preparation: Helping you choose the appropriate tax type and ensuring your returns are done accurately.
- Automated Bookkeeping: Recording all transactions so filing taxes will be trouble-free.
- Many Reminders and Compliance Checks: Help you avoid late fines while ensuring you submit everything on time.
- IRS and State Tax Filings: Doing all the necessary federal and Maryland tax documents for you.
Using EasyFiling allows business owners in Maryland to shift their focus from tax payment penalties and deadlines to business growth.
Conclusion
Taxes can be stressful but knowing the taxes allotted to you can make managing your Maryland LLC easy. A proficient tax advisor will optimize your tax strategies so you can file on time.
EasyFiling is here to make filing and bookkeeping taxes simpler for your business, all while saving time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which taxes must be filed by a Maryland LLC owner?
An owner of a Maryland LLC must file a Federal income tax return based on their LLC classification along with a state tax return which consists of personal income tax, pass-through entity taxes (if any), and sales tax if taxable goods or services are being provided.
2. Does a Maryland LLC have to pay annual fees?
Indeed, Maryland LLCs are required to pay an annual fee of $300 for the filing of an Annual Report (Form 1) with the state. The submission must be done on or before April 15.
3. Is it possible for an LLC in Maryland to elect S-corp taxation?
A Maryland LLC can elect S-Corp taxation after filling out Form 2553 to the IRS and also meeting the rest of Maryland state tax requirements.
4. What happens if I do not make my tax filing deadline?
Failing to complete taxes by the deadline can lead to undue fees, interest, and possible legal ramifications. The state of Maryland places a late filing fee of 25% of the unpaid tax.
5. How can EasyFiling assist in filing taxes for a Maryland LLC?
EasyFiling works to maintain your firm’s good standing by providing expert tax preparation, automated bookkeeping, compliance checks, and filing your taxes on time.