HomeFREE FilingPricingTax ProfessionalsBecome a Partner
Sign InSign Up
 
Exempt Organizations FormsExempt Org.
Forms

Maryland State Filing Requirements

Non-profits in Maryland must comply with specific state filing requirements to maintain their legal status and tax exemptions.

Start E-filing Now

Required Non-profit Forms

Non-profits in Maryland are required to complete several forms as part of their compliance obligations.

Formation and Tax FormsCharitable Registration FormsFederal Forms (Required for State Compliance)
  • Articles of Incorporation
  • Maryland sales and use tax exemption certificate
  • Personal Property Return (Form 1)
  • Form 1023 (Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code): For most charitable organizations
  • Form 1024 (Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(a) or Section 521 of the Internal Revenue Code): For other types of nonprofits.
  • Form 990 (Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax): Annual information return for tax-exempt organizations.

State Filing Requirements for Non-Profits

Nonprofit organizations in Maryland must meet several state and federal filing requirements.

Below are the key obligations:

  1. Incorporation – File Articles of Incorporation with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT).

  2. EIN – Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, even without employees.

  3. Charitable Solicitation Registration – Register with the Maryland Secretary of State if soliciting donations; renew annually under the Maryland Solicitations Act.

  4. Bylaws & Organizational Meeting – The board must adopt bylaws and hold an initial organizational meeting after incorporation approval.

  5. Federal Tax Exemption – Apply for 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (Form 1023 or 1023-EZ) to qualify for tax exemption and tax-deductible donations.

  6. Annual Reporting – File a Personal Property Return with SDAT each year. Noncompliance can lead to penalties or loss of charter.

State Filing Requirements for Non-Profits

Tax Exemption Requirements

To maintain tax-exempt status in Maryland, the organizations must:
  • Must have 501(c)(3) status from the IRS.
  • Apply for a Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate from the Comptroller of Maryland.
  • File Form 990/990EZ annually with the Secretary of State.
  • Apply for property tax exemption with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.
  • Exemption applies to tangible personal property purchases.

Filing Deadlines for Non-Profit Forms

Staying on top of filing deadlines is crucial to avoid penalties and maintain your organization's good standing.

Below are the key deadlines for non-profit filings in Maine:

Secretary of State Deadlines
Articles of IncorporationNo specific deadline; must be filed before beginning operations.
Annual Report & Personal Property ReturnDue April 15 each year.
Exempt Organization Fund-Raising NoticeMust be filed before any solicitation of charitable contributions
Charitable Solicitation Registration RenewalDue by the anniversary date of the initial registration.
Federal Deadlines
Form 990 SeriesDue on the 15th day of the 5th month after the organization's accounting period ends
Example: For calendar year organizations, Form 990 is due by May 15
Form 1023/1023-EZMust be filed within 27 months of incorporation to receive retroactive exemption to the date of incorporation
E-file Now with TaxZerone

Registration & Annual Filing (Non-Profits)

To operate legally as a non-profit in Maryland, the registration process involves several steps:

Initial Registration

Ensure your nonprofit’s name is unique and meets state requirements by checking its availability with the appropriate state agency.

1. File Articles of Incorporation

To establish a non-profit entity in Maryland; the initial crucial step is to file the Articles of Incorporation with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT).

2. Obtain an EIN

Apply for an EIN from the IRS. This can be done online through the IRS website.

3. Obtaining Federal Tax-Exempt Status from the IRS

While the formation of a non-profit occurs at the state level, recognition of tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code is granted exclusively by the federal government through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

4. Applying for Maryland State Income Tax Exemption

In addition to federal tax exemption, non-profit organizations in Maryland must also apply for exemption from Maryland state income tax.

5. Registering as a Charitable Organization

For non-profit organizations that intend to solicit charitable contributions from individuals, corporations, or other entities within Maryland, registration with the Secretary of State's Charitable Organizations Division is generally mandatory before any fundraising activities can commence.

Annual Filing Requirements

1. Filing the Annual Report with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (Form 1)

Every business entity registered with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT), which includes tax-exempt nonstock corporations, is obligated to file the Business Entity Annual Report (Form 1)

2. Annual Renewal of Charitable Organization Registration

Charitable organizations that are registered with the Maryland Secretary of State are required to renew their registration on an annual basis to continue their solicitation activities within the state.

3. Annual Update of Registration Form

Organizations that initially registered by filing Form COR-92 are required to use the Annual Update of Registration form for their annual renewal if their charitable contributions in the most recently completed fiscal year were $25,000 or more. This form is accessible online through the Maryland OneStop portal.

4. Keep Corporate Records

Maintain proper corporate records, meeting minutes, and financial records as required by Maryland nonprofit corporation law.

Simplify Your Filing Process with TaxZerone

TaxZerone is the reliable choice for employers looking for accurate, efficient,
and compliant tax and information return filing.

E-File Now!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Form COR-92?

Form COR-92 is the Registration Statement for Charitable Organizations, used by organizations that received $25,000 or more in charitable contributions in their most recently completed fiscal year for their initial registration with the Maryland Secretary of State.

2. Can a non-profit be exempt from sales tax in Maryland?

Nonprofit charitable, educational or religious organizations, volunteer fire or ambulance companies or volunteer rescue squads may also be eligible for sales and use tax exemptions. In Maryland, the Comptroller of the Treasury is responsible for granting this five-year renewable exemption.

3. What is the Exempt Organization Fund-Raising Notice?

The Exempt Organization Fund-Raising Notice is a simpler registration form used by organizations that received less than $25,000 in charitable contributions in their most recently completed fiscal year and do not use a professional solicitor. It is used for both initial and annual registration.

4. What happens if we don't file the Personal Property Return on time?

Failure to file the Personal Property Return on time can result in penalties, including late fees and interest. In some cases, the SDAT may revoke the organization's charter, which would prevent it from operating legally in Maryland.

5. How can I check if our organization is in good standing?

Visit the SDAT website and use the Business Entity Search feature to check your organization's status. You can also request a Certificate of Good Standing for official verification.